Haggling With A Dealer

[LadyGT]

So we decided to go new 2015 Bentley 220 Cruiser. Our local dealer has the best price on the boat and 115 motor, but high on the options. I have gotten another itemized quote on the same model but the prices on the options on some items are considerably lower. For example local shop wants $695 for captains chair and competitor about $399. This tells me dealers can adjust prices. I have never haggled for a new boat so can I go in with what I want to pay using another dealer's prices on the options? I realize markups is how dealers make their money, but I do not want to pay outrageous amounts either.

I think we will have to special order the boat because I do not think what we want is on her lot. If we order, are we going to pay more because it is not already on the lot or are dealers more flexible with prices because it is not part of their inventory? Their money is not tied up. Any tips you can share with negotiations would be appreciated. I do not want to be unrealistic and tick off the local dealer. I am getting quotes from around the state to see who has the best prices. Maybe I should consider going out of state as well?

If boat is not purchased locally, will the local shop honor the manufacturer's warranty?

Edit: I typed this up on my ipod and think this is in the wrong location. Should be in general discussion. Can this be moved?

[HandymanHerb]

Moved it for you to general pontoon

[Bamby]

Here's a dealer I encountered off the search engine when I went to take a gander of the boat you're considering. As you can see this dealer splits the difference on the two quotes you've already received. I'll go ahead and post the link to the site simply because a) it's a pretty nice site and b) they posts their prices online for everyone to see and compare.

KY-Boats.net

Adds:

1. Mooring cover ...................................................$269
2. Front couch insert .............................................$395
3. Factory snap-on playpen cover - installed .............$795
4. Ski tow - installed ............................................ .$450
5. Upgraded reclining captains chair w/exchange .......$495

[Ddancers]

Sweetwater Purchase 2015 Model
Interesting to see upgrades really add up.
If it helps two captains chairs upgrade and extra table w/base $848 - (State CT)
Ski Tow Bar & Underwater Lights $410
If you like any additional examples let me know

[RcgTexas]

All I can say is make sure you are getting his/her best deal. do your homework and be prepared to walk out.
Watch a little pawn stars and see how Rick works a deal. If its not right for you walk away, there are more boat places. IMHO

[dodger]

We also made sure with our latest purchase that we went with a dealer that was better with service after the sale than our pervious purchase. We were willing to spend a bit more to get that. We have not been disappointed we did either. We did let the dealers we were dealing with what our expectations were when negotiating. So please take that into consideration. Service after the sale is worth a few extra bucks. This dealer is willing to go to the lift on the lake we keep the boat at for service so we don't have to pull it out to take it to him. We haven't had to do this yet, but it is nice to know we have that as a back up.

[LadyGT]

Many mention good service after the sale. There is no way to determine that until you purchase the boat. All I know is the dealer I am working with sells and ships out a lot of boats. I have never taken in my speedboat there for service.

Went to the lot last night and there were 2 tall stacks of boat trailers and at least 20-30 pontoons shrink wrapped waiting to be either sold or serviced. Definitely a busy place.

[Ray Jr.]

Some times if they wont negotiate with you on price, you can get them to sweeten the deal with extras, throw in life vests, anchor, fenders, tube, boat hook, or other accessories you might want/need

[LadyGT]

I am starting to feel nervous about going to the place where I want to purchase the boat. If negotiations are not successful, I will have to drive 2-3 hours away to try again. Ughh!

[justfishing]

It is boat show time. A good time to scout a few dealers are boat shows and see how they compare.

[LadyGT]

Boat shows are great if they are held in your town and advertise. By the time I thought of boat shows, I was a month too late. Atlanta held theirs in mid January and we are 90 miles away. The next closest one is Savannah this weekend which is 3 hours away. No advertising here in our area. I had to Google boat shows to see what was happening. Even if there are shows, not all marine dealers offer special show prices. Mine didn't.

I learned to get price quotes in writing from a bunch of dealers and work with the numbers used by all of them. This was definitely a learning experience. Glad it is over. One thing more. Learn about the various motors available in the horsepower you want. We did not know there were options with them as well.