hard question

[in need of help]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

You are a tournament angler, maybe professional maybe not. You did just order a brand new boat from a local dealer on a level that affiliates you with the manufacturer, pro team if you will.

You have another boat that you used to be affiliated with but now need to sell before your new boat comes in. You get your buyer lined up but just before you deliver, there's a mechanical problem with the engine.

Is the dealer that you signed up with for the new boat obligated to drop everything and get the other boat fixed? The other boat was bought at another dealership, not that the current dealership wasn't willing to fix it, just as soon as the mechanics could get to it.

This is just an opinion question to see what some of your thoughts are, if you've had this type of experience or whatever?

[sevenmmm]

Well.., that is a difficult decision for your New dealer. Me thinks he doesn't really know much about you and need not be so helpful. Reads like you need to take him to lunch.


Otherwise, your old dealer should step up to the plate.

[perchjerker]

Well, put yourself in someone elses shoes. Say you have a brand new boat you picked up last week, and it has a problem and you cant use it until it gets fixed.

Then you get put off until this guy who has a problem you describe can get his boat fixed that he didnt even buy from the place.

How would you feel?

[dutchboy]

Is this a warranty issue on the motor?
If not reach in your pocket and pay to get it fixed, sounds like more than one "deal" depends on getting this taken care of a.s.a.p.

[SUPERTROLLER]

Take it to the dealer you bought it from unless he knows you're jumping ship. If that is the case, then wait your turn at the new dealer and tell the buyer what's going on. I'm sure he'd rather have it fixed by a dealer that's trying to keep you happy instead of one that has no stake in the situation anymore.

[Jet Deck]

If your new dealer is going to benefit from the fact that you bought the new boat there (other than just the sale) because of the fact that you are affiliated with a new boat company, the new dealer should fix your old motor to help you get the boat sold. This, of course, is assuming the new dealer is qualified to work on the old motor. Just my opinion since it sounds like you are networking with the new dealer. By the way are your initials L.W.?

[T-Mac]

The whole idea of a Pro-boat deal is to get more buyers into a dealer's store, and for the dealer to sell more product as a result of the "Pro's" affiliation with his store.

You are placing your "new" dealer is in a position that has arisen through no fault of his, with a product the dealer did not sell, and by a person whom thus far, is of only questionable value to the "new" dealership....Why???...So (you)this person can sell a boat that has nothing to do with dealer.

The new dealer said he'd fix it as soon as they could get the time. That is an honest answer.

I sponsor a number of Pros, but they are friends whom I have known for years and were already customers. They are loyal to us and send us business. They are extensions of our dealership. We take care of them and they take care of us and it works out well. We have good relationships with all of them. They are an asset to my dealership and to my personal life, as well.

This is a sticky situation for you.

There is no *obligation* for the "new" dealer to drop everything and work on your old boat, when he has existing customers waiting in-line (whom pay the bills) for their boats to be worked on. Please understand, you need the dealer more than he needs you.

Sadly, it appears you and your dealer have no personal relationship, and as a result, you may lack understanding for the dealer's side of the situation. Good, honest, straight forward communications, upfront, are very important. The roles and responsibilities of the people on both sides need to be plainly understood before embarking on a promotional venture.

[tj1n-]

too funny.....L.W. is the first person i thought of as well......

If it is or isn't regardless, I understand your concerns....but remember beyond any dollars or frustrations there are obviously strong relationships that were/are real and everything always comes full circle...so treat the situation with respect of all parties involved.

Complicated matter to say the least.....

wishin i had these problems,
tj

[Jet Deck]

I must retract my statement somewhat. I did not notice that you asked if the dealer should "drop everything" to work on the motor. I don't think the dealer should drop everything, but should make an effort to get you through the deal quickly. Again, this is assuming that your new dealer has a stake in your new boat purchase to help him or her sell more boats based upon your choice. Good luck.