Re: Negotiating with boat dealers...
jajones,<br /><br />Even though I agree that it is boat buying season, if you look at the past three years, boat sales have been steadily declining. Although, this year is expected to see an increase, sales are still down. I just purchased a new boat here in NC and the dealer came down almost 17% off the sticker price (sticker was around $27,500). I thought that was a pretty good deal, plus they upgraded the stereo system for free, as well as upgrading the paint job. You may be able to get a good deal right now. A few tips (these apply to cars as well):<br /><br />1. Make sure not to buy on your first visit (no matter how many times they say that the price may go up, or the model may not be available on your next visit. Trust me, that will not be the case). The more time they have invested in you, the more they need to make the sale, or they will have wasted their time.<br /><br />2. Try and visit at a time when the dealer is not very busy if you can (i.e. weekday mornings or afternoons, when most people are working). The salesman will be much more eager to make a deal if you're the only one he can sell to at the time.<br /><br />3. Make sure to research some brands/models you are interested in before you go. Take notes on all of the features he says will be standard or "included." Hold him to his word. If something he says conflicts what you already know, make him explain it to you.<br /><br />4. If you have a trade in, don't mention it until the very end. Set a price first, then negotiate the trade value. Letting him know of the trade in first will make him less likely to come down on the sticker.<br /><br />5. Finally, when you make him an offer (at least 25% to 30% below sticker for starters) don't talk until he comes back with his offer. Once you start the hard negotiations, say as little as possible, and let him talk his way down to your price. If you give him long enough, he'll work his own way down.<br /><br />Interest rates are exceptional right now as well (even on Rec. Vehicle loans) so if you have a good credit rating take advantage of it.<br /><br />Hope this helps.<br /><br />CP