Good CRM (Customer Relationship Management) in many dealerships is a desirable objective, but it’s often a hard reality. I find many dealers think CRM is something for big corporations that can spend big bucks on it. But good CRM is adaptable to small businesses willing to make the effort. (Read More…)

When Christmas is upon us, can the winter boat shows be far behind? In just a couple of weeks the New York Boat Show will kick off the myriad of winter boat shows around the country that are still a mainstay of our industry’s annual retail sales efforts. (Read More…)

This is the season to be jolly, and I am! I have come to really enjoy doing this blog. But, the truth is it’s the information that comes from YOU that makes “Dealer Outlook” fun for me. In virtually every case, it’s your comments back that contribute the most knowledge and insight on any given topic. (Read More…)

I find it fascinating that there’s a quiet revolution taking place in batteries, and if my mind runs away with that knowledge I begin to imagine hybrid boats and even more pure electric boats in our near future! (Read More…)

Should boater education be federalized?  Does it belong to the states? Should it be mandatory? How far should requirements go? Confused about boater education? You’re not alone. (Read More…)

Congress, more specifically the House of Representatives, will likely be voting on an Energy Bill today as you read this blog. Included in the bill will be new, higher CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) requirements. And, unfortunately, they’re not as favorable to trailer boating as we have tried to steer them. (Read More…)

Last week’s MRAA Convention fell short. I don’t mean in content, subject matter and quality speakers. I’m talking about attendance that fell short. (Read More…)

Warning! If you’re one of the many dealers reportedly still concerned about the elimination of the model year by some outboards builders, do not read on – the following may keep you up nights.

How about eliminating the model year for boats?  Now wait a minute — I’m not saying it’s about to happen but, interestingly, I can’t say it never will, either. (Read More…)

The current issue of Small Craft Advisory, a publication of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), raises an interesting issue concerning women and boating education. It suggests many women are not prepared to operate the boat without their spouse or partner, primarily because it’s customary that the male does the captaining. (Read More…)

It’s more intrusive than an unexpected house guest and more irritating than a car alarm that won’t shut off! I’m talking about internet spam… you know, all those unwanted messages from someone in Nigeria, begging you for money or the myriad of offers guaranteeing to enlarge. . . well, you know! (Read More…)