Whether you’re purchasing your first boat or upgrading to a new one, you deserve to feel confident in your investment. Finding a marine dealer you can trust is the first step toward making a sensible purchase. Unfortunately, not all boat sellers are equally honest and reliable, and carefully vetting your dealer ahead of time can help you avoid scams and other bad experiences. To that end, boat buyers should ask dealers the following questions:
Why Should I Buy From You?
This simple, direct question will show the dealer that you mean business – and a reliable dealer should have a simple, direct answer. Maybe the dealership has won multiple industry awards over the years, established partnerships with trusted organizations, or earned numerous positive customer reviews. Whatever the case, always be prepared to verify these claims with an online search or by talking to members of the local boating community.
How Long Have You Been in Business?
Longevity is a sure sign that a dealership is trustworthy and legitimate. While there is something to be said for supporting a brand-new local business, you can feel at ease when working with a dealership that has stood the test of time. A business that persevered over several decades of economic ups and downs must be doing something right!
How Long Have You Been Selling This Brand?
Of course, there is nothing wrong with a dealership selling a new brand, but the answer to this question will help you determine the depth of their product knowledge. If they are new to the brand, you may need to research the make and model more thoroughly to make up for any gaps in their knowledge. Meanwhile, a dealership that has been working with the brand for decades will be prepared to answer all your questions and help you make an informed choice.
Are Your Technicians Certified?
Another aspect of a marine dealership to consider is its service department. Boating technology gets more sophisticated with each new generation of models, and certified marine technicians are expected to keep up with these new developments. A dealership that employs certified technicians can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date services and repairs.
If a dealer is hesitant or unable to answer these questions directly, you should consider looking elsewhere for your next boat purchase. For those in the Jacksonville area, North Florida Yacht Sales is a local marine dealer you can trust. We strive to support our customers through each step of the process, from choosing the right boat for their needs to keeping it maintained over the years. We proudly serve boaters from Palm Coast and Lakeside, FL. Come shop with us today, and find out why North Florida Yacht Sales has earned a loyal customer base!