Boat Buying Agent service ideas - help.

[tmh]

OK, I've been on this and other sites for 3 years now and have been involved in countless discussions on "which boat to buy", etc. I spend way too much time doing this because it's my hobby. Whether others agree or not, i now feel confident I know more than the average boat buyer about what to look for and avoid. I'm not talking about a detailed inspection/survey, just what boat's fit certain needs and wants as well as general build quality, ride, etc. of many boat brands. A top expert!?!?!? No. Able to help people make the decisions, yeah ...... I think so.

So, for a while I have put an ad on Craigslist offering to help folks sort through the mess of options. brands, new/used, power needed, open/cuddy/small cruiser/ski boats, etc. negotiating price as well. I've had a surprising amount of response and am helping some folks now - for a nominal fee - just wanted to try it for now.

What I'm wondering is what ideas folks have to advertise such a service. I have no intentions of anything but very part time and more for fun than income - although I like to make money having fun! Hanging out at marinas in the summer looking at boats is my idea of a great day - getting PAID to do this is a PERFECT day! I know there are countless boat brokers out there - but they work on behalf of the seller, I want to work for the buyer - sort of a "buyer's agent" type thing which is growing in real estate.

Some things I'm doing or will try: Craigslist, Web Site (soon), flyer posted at marina(s) if they let me (ones that don't broker boats i guess). Let's hear the smart ideas from you folks! Thanks.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Boat Buying Agent service ideas - help.

Sounds like a great idea. I'd be interested to hear your success stories.

I'd do this myself but all anyone would end up buying was aluminum boats with outboards. This forum has made me pretty much terrified of anything fiberglass that's more than about 3 years old :0

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Boat Buying Agent service ideas - help.

i've been doing this. cursory inspection, go on the test ride. check the compression, spark, lower unit, soft spots, transom. then give my opinion.

 

[jacknbella]

Re: Boat Buying Agent service ideas - help.

Create a good website and make sure Google and Yahoo search engines are part of your strategy. Also, if you need "negotiating" advice, I've got plenty of experience with autmotive (only new cars though) which I applied with my recent boat purchase. I come from a long line of bull-sh@# artists and argumentive family members so we all have no problem beating on someone for a better deal. No really, I've got some good advice for buying large items over the internet (do's and don'ts). Best of luck!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Boat Buying Agent service ideas - help.

i do not enter into the price negotiations. that is there business. they get my opinion on what they are buying.

 

[tmh]

Re: Boat Buying Agent service ideas - help.

Thanks so far. I have to work on getting a web site and presence I guess. Should be good learning - actually, I'll have my kids do it.

Anyhow, unlike Tash, I do not have the expertise to really inspect the mechanics or structural intergity. I find folks need help just like here - finding out what sort of boat to buy and knowing the opportunities from the traps. I also no where to ask if i don't know!!

I charge a flat fee to educate them on what would fit their needs - lots of emails and some calls - links to certain types of boats, then more discussion. THEN we get down to finding one like what they wanted and need. I help with that also. The price negotiation is a huge burden to most people - but i find it fun. First off, look around enough and you'll pretty much know what a boat should go for. I advocate paying up for excellent kept used boats but within reason.

So there are three steps in the process for me and they can select which they want assistance with - except the educating on what types of boats to look for for them, that's an initial flat fee.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Boat Buying Agent service ideas - help.

Anyhow, unlike Tash, I do not have the expertise to really inspect the mechanics or structural intergity. I find folks need help just like here - finding out what sort of boat to buy and knowing the opportunities from the traps. I also no where to ask if i don't know!!

I charge a flat fee to educate them on what would fit their needs - lots of emails and some calls - links to certain types of boats, then more discussion. THEN we get down to finding one like what they wanted and need. I help with that also. The price negotiation is a huge burden to most people - but i find it fun. First off, look around enough and you'll pretty much know what a boat should go for. I advocate paying up for excellent kept used boats but within reason.

So there are three steps in the process for me and they can select which they want assistance with - except the educating on what types of boats to look for for them, that's an initial flat fee.

I would be really leery of doing this without checking liability possibilities with a lawyer first....especially if you have been involved in the financial side!
Call me an alarmist, but up here in Canada litigation has become almost a spectator sport.... , maybe you folks down there aren't so quick to sue.

You might need some insurance to mitigate your exposure, or at least a reasonably constructed release/disclaimer that you can have clients (and that's what they are) sign.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Boat Buying Agent service ideas - help.

It sounds like a fun idea, but I doubt there is much of a market for the service. As you pointed out, so many people spend countless hours researching products on the internet. So someone that may find your services on craigslist or a website is already on their computer researching their next boat. Why pay you to do the same?

And as another poster said, you need to be careful with liability. You'll need to have them sign a waiver that says anything you advise them on is purely opinion and should not be considered fact. And then they are wondering why they paid you at all.

The best thing you can do is become a surveyor. You're one step off, but that's what you're really talking about. Just my opinion, good luck in whatever you decide.

 

[tmh]

Re: Boat Buying Agent service ideas - help.

It sounds like a fun idea, but I doubt there is much of a market for the service. As you pointed out, so many people spend countless hours researching products on the internet. So someone that may find your services on craigslist or a website is already on their computer researching their next boat. Why pay you to do the same?

well, I don't really agree with this observation - that would dismiss legal advise, financial advice, real estate advice, etc. if found on the web. Many people start there and find out it's too much for them and want help. Heck, they could all sell their boats via the web, yet there are hundreds of boat brokers - on the web. So I don't worry about that much.

However, non-web, advertising, word of mouth, etc. may be better - but in addition to, not instead of .......

 

[mthieme]

Re: Boat Buying Agent service ideas - help.

Sounds similar to a "finder fee" kinda thing. (?)
I find it ironic you want to charge for your advise but come here to get some for free.

 

[tmh]

Re: Boat Buying Agent service ideas - help.

I find it ironic you want to charge for your advise but come here to get some for free.

OK, to be fair, mthieme, I'll pay you your fair share for this advice ......

You're all in for a cut of the huge payoff - or maybe just a story or two of how things go - can't decide which. Maybe I'll charge you all to know more about this service .......nah .... Just mthieme. No more free info for you.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Boat Buying Agent service ideas - help.

LOL
Actually, I think you could be on to something. Maybe not enough to pay the mortgage (?), but just like the couple from Balto. that just posted - newbies, first boat, etc. BTW, I'm thinking Fountain for them! We need to find out their price range.
Yeah, you can search the internet til your heart's content. But when it comes down to brass tacks, you have to go, look and kick the tires. This can be very time consuming. Like a lot of others here with MBS, we're constantly looking.
Out of curiosity, how do you charge? if you care to divulge...by the hour, foot, boat, percentage?

 

[tmh]

Re: Boat Buying Agent service ideas - help.

Well, any other marketing ideas? I may link in some other services once my web site is functional - surveyor, boat hauling co., who knows.

I charge a flat rate for the consulting stuff - helping think through what they really want, price range help, engine needs, any questions, etc. The they can choose other services: Finding them aboat, negotiating price.

Now, the liability part.... I need ot get a handle on that. i do have an agreement signed that states i am NOT a surveyor or mechanic and do NOT vouch for the intergity of the vessel. Lots of "buyer is solely responsible" language, etc. Truth is, i have no idea if that covers me enough. I will get a legal opinion soon.

More requests coming in every few days. So far I'm really enjoying it. My kids are making me a website.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Boat Buying Agent service ideas - help.

tmh,

I sent you a PM the other day. I'm interested to see your reply.

Where are you located? How does your ad on craigslist currently read?

 

[tmh]

Re: Boat Buying Agent service ideas - help.

RR, check PM. (I think I check that once a year or so).