Should dealers focus on “buy” or “use” these days?
Today’s consumers are looking more at the overall experience, not just the purchase.
Dealer Outlook
What could go wrong this time?
A replica of the Titanic is reportedly under construction in China. Will it ever set sail, and can it do so without a black cloud hanging over it?
Lake Erie boating interests demand officials get tough on algae blooms
An executive order to designate eight watersheds as distressed by phosphorous pollution goes to vote today. Will a pattern of delays continue?
It’s time for … Christmas?
Take advantage of this year’s robust consumer spending by offering holiday specials and promotions.
Start adding video to your digital marketing mix
A study shows that most people would rather watch a video about a product than read about it.
Don’t be an old dog; learn a new trick
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas offers a wide range of educational opportunities for dealers, and its annual conference includes additional programming.
Facebook advertisers ripped off; Algae bloom legislation needed
You might be entitled to refunds if you were victimized by fake Facebook metrics. Also, it’s time to tell our politicians that we need action to prevent harmful algal blooms.
Have we lost the ethanol battle?
The Trump Administration proposed allowing the year-round sale of E15. We must tell Congress to stop this directive
Do new underground storage tank regulations apply to you?
New EPA requirements go into effect this Saturday, and the penalties for non-compliance are steep.
Lessons from the two-wheel electric world: Part 2
With motorcycle sales flat, Harley-Davidson is expanding to electric models. The boating industry should embrace this emerging propulsion technology.
Lessons from the two-wheel electric world
The boating business can take a cue from the electric motorcycle industry as it looks toward the future.
Good news to report on three fronts
Consumer confidence, dredging funds and new tax legislation are cause for optimism.
The swipe-fees war: It ain’t over!
Retailers are rejecting a proposed $6.2 billion class action settlement unless it includes changes to rules and business practices concerning credit-card acceptance and payments.
Ohio, Michigan MTAs blast windmill proposal
A demonstration project could lead to the construction of 1,000 or more wind turbines in the Great Lakes.
Three actions dealers can take today
Dealers will see results for the industry and their businesses.
Dealing with hurricane damage
As Florence approaches the Carolinas, here are some tips for what to do once the storm passes.
On-demand fueling is growing
UBER eats, DoorDash and Grubhub are fueling our propensity for convenience. Now suppliers will deliver fuel to your boat.
Expressing gratitude can mean more business
A good sales person in a dealership makes a habit of expressing gratitude for a prospect’s visit as well as a customer’s purchase. Saying thank you begins to build a relationship and future business is all about relationships. But in practice it can take more than just the ol’ thank you note or some canned email to build that relationship.
Better know what women want
Kicking back over the Labor Day weekend, we tuned in some old movies, including Mel Gibson’s “What Women Want.” The comedy reminded me of something more serious – the results of a recent study by Nielsen, the data analytics company, that examined that very question. The results should give us pause to consider how our dealerships, sales presentations and customer service are aimed at women ... or not.
IBEX is for dealers, too
The name really is misleading. Sure, when the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference began 28 years ago, it was just a small trade event for builders.
It’s time to legislate school starts
The trend towards earlier school starts is killing family boating summers. It may be time to push back.
Let the boat shows begin again
The North American Demo Boat Show starts today with 325 new boats on Lake Erie.