Kidd Wrote: "Any comments from anyone about the boats I've mentioned or any
help in how far I might be able to haggle some of these prices down?"

Two ways to get that price down, but you need to be ready to buy now! There
are BIG markup in boats and outboards. First is to go to your local marina
carrying the boat you want. Look up their pro staff members and talk to
them about buying their boat. Usually you get a huge discount.

Method two: Pure art of negotiation. Know the boat you want, and know its
competition (both the marina's and another boat brand). In negotiations, the
one who is asking the questions, is the one in control. Know pricing, going
interest rates, and terms. Know the boat's features so when the salesman
goes to demonstrate them, you rattle them off and explain the advantages and
disadvantages (to the boat you are look at and it competition). Keep that
salesman off balance, so that he or she is off their game. Be very direct
(matter of fact). Never let them see you smile, Never say you like a
feature or that it is important.

When you sit down, lean into them. They are trained to lean into you to
keep pressure on you and to stay in control. If you lean into them, you
will throw them off guard and they are likely to lean back in their chair or
away from you. If they do, you are in control. Begin to ask them for their
best price. They will tell you a price and wait for your objection.
Leaning into them even further, "John, you or your manager can do better
than that. I'm buying a boat TODAY, either from you or Marina X. You have
1 minute to convince me, and I don't want to hear about the features, or
your marina. I want to hear a price that going to make me stay here.
Because once I get up, I'm gone." If it was me, I would smile at you, and
say something like: "Ok, Mr. Kidd, what price would it take to make you stay
and buy that boat now, knowing I'm selling it for X?" My attempt to gain
control again, because if you give me a price, I'm going to write it down
with a statement like: "I will buy product X at X price today!" and then ask
you to sign it. Your price may not be what I want to hear, but it may be
better than the best price I or my GM could give you. Then I would ask you
to complete a credit application, and take whatever money I can get out of
you as your down payment. Then I would walk it into my GM to talk. The GM
may accept the offer or counter. But I have your money, your signature and
most people at that point believe they are committed. (You lose)

Instead, say: "John, I suggest you go sit with your manager and the two of
you come up with your best price. This will not be a back and forth
process. The two of you have one shot to convince me. I'm buying a boat
today, is it going to be with you or with Marina X?" If they even try to
say or do anything but head for their manager, get up and start walking for
the manager's desk. The salesman will go to their manager, and they will
shoot you a price. If it is acceptable, GREAT, if not, get up, shake their
hand and tell them: "Gentlemen, it was nice talking with you. But I have
to see a man at Marina X about buying a boat Today! You have my cell
number, if you have a better offer, you have 5 minutes. After that, I will
be too far away for me to turn around. Nice meeting you, Have a good day.",
then walk and drive away.

They may shoot you another price, or give you a walking speech. "Love to
have your business Mr. Kidd, if you change your mind or find Marina X to be
less than you expected, I would love to earn your business." If they give
you the speech, they may be at their best price, or you gave them a strong
indication you prefer their product. I don't let somebody walk unless one
of the above is true.

--
Craig Baugher