The days of the “order taker” are over. No longer can a retailer continue doing business the same way as in the past. Look for opportunities, experiment, try something new and monitor the results. (Read More…)

As we endure the worst economic/market conditions in the boat industry since the early 90s, I would like to take this opportunity to comment on what I am observing from some of our manufacturer/ partners. 

I have been presented dealer contracts that are designed to give the dealer less rights and the manufacturers a guarantee of success at the dealer’s expense. The business world can and should be a mutually profitable two-way street. The bottom line is, if I can’t understand the language in a contract as a layman due to excessive “legalese,” I WONT SIGN IT! (Read More…)

Brunswick has been meeting with dealers throughout the country, selling the benefits of its Dealer Advantage program. The question, now, is: Are dealers warming up to this package? (Read More…)

For most boat builders, they can make a great product, but it’s crucial to have the right dealer network in place to properly market and sell that product to the public. (Read More…)

In the last two years dealers have made great strides in bringing the consumers back into the independent marine dealers’ stores and  marinas.  (Read More…)

I have strong feelings about the lack of participation by marine dealers in the Marine Retailers Association of America.   (Read More…)