New Boat

[Guest]

Hello everyone. I am new to this site and this is my first time posting in a forum. I realize this is not the correct forum for this but I have also posted in the Open Water Forum. I am wondering where a person would get a better deal on a new boat. At the Boat Show this week in the Minneapolis Convention Center or at the Nortwest Sportshow in late March. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[DUCKJ]

JUST DONT BUY FROM CRYSTAL/PIERZ MARINE, THEY HAVE BEEN NOTHING BUT A HEADACHE. THEY DONT LIKE TO TAKE CARE OF THERE CUSTOMERS AND ACT LIKE YOUR WAISTING THERE TIME.
GOOD LUCK
DUCK

[Guest]

I don't know about up there, but the last shows I went to here in Los Angeles, their show specials were regular price. Check First.

[Dave]

Check out the prices before the show. And, make 'em work for the sale!

[Guest]

A good deal has nothing to do with price...you are investing in peace of mind...many years of hassle free service (SERVICE being the key word).

Buy from a LOCAL, reputable dealer.

Hint, hint -- the customers who grind on the price very seldom get the best service.

Enjoy your new boat!

FLB

[Johnny B]

Blue Pike,
Welcome to the Forum!

Just a few years ago I purchased my boat from the Mpls Boat Show. They all offer "packages" and "show" pricing and I found out it was the best price available all year. I knew exactly what I wanted, so I shopped each dealer at the show. Like Dave mentioned: make them work for the sale. However, be direct with each salesperson, tell them that you plan to visit other booths so they are forced to put together the best deal possible.

Initially, I worked on a price that was comfortable for my budget. Then found who was willing to throw in the extras: boat cover, tie downs, spare tire with mounting bracket, free electronic installation, all are examples of what I received after the original price quote! It took me two trips to the Boat Show and several hours with each dealer before I got a deal I could not pass up.

The salespeople seemed to respond fairly well to this approach. Maybe because they knew I was serious about making a purchase or because I was having fun with the whole process. For many people this would seem a bit excessive or stressful, but boat & motors are not cheap so you might as well get as much as you can!

Remember, you are the customer: make them kiss your butt! Have fun haggling the price and don't be afraid to walk away.

I ended up buying from Nelson Marine. I had a great experience and would buy from them again. I have needed to return for service twice (my fault, not theirs) and was treated very well.

Good Luck!
<)))><

[Scott]

Blue Pike, I also had a bad experience with Pierz. Be careful if you deal with them, and don't expect good service after the sale.

[Dave]

Johnny, I've also heard very good words about Nelson Marine.

[Guest]

Should buy a boat in late fall to get the best deal. Boats don't move when everyone's excited for first ice, so they'll deal alot more flexably on a new boat when everyone else is looking at augers.
PCG

[Johnny B]

One more thing. As an incentive to purchase at the shows, manufacturers may offer free promotional items. Check with the dealer. It's generally nothing too big, but just another freebee!