What should be the expectations of the dealer?

[jwhposon]

I tried to find a similar link but was not able to.

I stereotype the general nautique owner to be in that you know, six figure salary range. I don't like to stereotype but that has been my experience, having said that - I am not the general owner, I am more of the "lucky" type person's that for some reason the stars were aligned and the loan was approved.

So this leads me to my question - is it too high of expectations to expect your dealer of which you just bought a boat, to call via phone and ask four questions: Regarding perfect pass because it didn't work and then after him discovering the reset procedure it did. Asked about the stereo output jacks, the tranny and v-drive oil levels. All of which I felt should be answered without a service call. Now, I have offered to bring it in for service, but the scheduling and the "I am not sure when I can get to it" attitude makes me not want to give it up for a week during the three months of acceptable weather we have in Oregon. So, don't hesitate to rip me apart (I know you won't), but I understand the $$ involved with service, what's billable - are these too high?

I noticed several times with the 220 they mentioned innovations to make it easier for the service technician --- TO LOWER SERVICE COSTS.... so that makes me wonder a little,

Your opinions....?

[bkhallpass]

RE: What should be the expectations of the dealer?

My $.02

Stereotypes will get you into trouble - always. There are a lot of Nautique
owners under six figs working hard to pay for and enjoy their boats.

There have been other discussions on this board about the dissatisfaction
with at least one dealership in Oregon. One owner even said that he
trailers down to West Coast CC rather than use his dealer.

No it is not unreasonable for you to call your dealer and ask about the PP, Stereo, and fluid levels. It should be your expectation to get an answer.

I assume your boat was new and is within the warranty periods.
PP and stereo should be warranty and or courtesy services if you need to take in. Fluid levels should be warranty if there is a leak.

BKH

[surroundsound64]

Re: RE: What should be the expectations of the dealer?

Stereotypes will get you into trouble - always. There are a lot of Nautique
owners under six figs working hard to pay for and enjoy their boats.

BKH

*waves hand* hehe.

I don't think those are unrealistic expectations.

[DRAGON88]

Re: RE: What should be the expectations of the dealer?

There have been other discussions on this board about the dissatisfaction
with at least one dealership in Oregon. One owner even said that he
trailers down to West Coast CC rather than use his dealer.

Me as well, my family refuses to have anything to do with the Portland dealership, if the boat needs something (that we can't fix.) up it goes to Seattle, WA.

[NCH2oSki]

What should be the expectations of the dealer?

I find you can always get questions answered in person easier then on the phone. If its not to far to drive spend a few minutes at the dealership, even ask if you can talk to the shop forman, most dealers are willing to give you more attention in person then on the phone. Your phone call may be taking time away from someone in person, doing the exact same thing. Just my .02$

[jwhposon]

RE: What should be the expectations of the dealer?

NCH2oski,
I appreciate your comments and agree, the funny thing is - he doesn't like people in his dealership - its him, a kid (sometimes) and maybe a service person. Its in a warehouse, just boats, shady looking retail counter in front of a wall and that's it. If your up there in person, then he must be at your side, he truly uses the excuse of call before you come, because I may be demo'ing a boat. Ugh... I can't believe CC puts up with this.

[ag4ever]

RE: What should be the expectations of the dealer?

Why would you buy a boat from such a place?

If the service sucks before the sale, it will really suck after.

[surroundsound64]

Write CC a letter. I did and I'm getting some decent results, so far anyway.

[TylerO]

IMO your expectation should be lower than a car dealership but better than the DMV. I know that's quite a spectrum but compared to what a new boat owner might expect given the cash outlay you have to lower your expectations.

My 211 was my second boat. Compared to the first boat the service was stellar. Compared to where I think it should be it's average. My big thing is communication of which my local dealership could really use help with. The people there are great, it just seems like their either too busy or have more important things to do.

Hope that helps.

[Findley]

Come to Seattle and Suffer No More

I have a 1990 SN that I didn't buy from Pacific Nautiques and anytime I go down there he treats me like I own the place and will even show me things that reduce what service I get from him (winterization, fixing speedos, etc.). I'm sorry your dealer is poor, but if you can make the drive, Seattle is well worth the trip.

F

[DRAGON88]

Re: Come to Seattle and Suffer No More

I have a 1990 SN that I didn't buy from Pacific Nautiques and anytime I go down there he treats me like I own the place and will even show me things that reduce what service I get from him (winterization, fixing speedos, etc.). I'm sorry your dealer is poor, but if you can make the drive, Seattle is well worth the trip.

F

Seconded!

[jwhposon]

RE: Re: Come to Seattle and Suffer No More

Age4Ever,
I would generally never return to do business in such a place, but I was met with major obstacles when I found other Nautique dealerships. The one dealership did say they would not only meet the price, but beat it and sell to me even though I was not in their territory - they mentioned they dislike Bruce a lot. But when we were closer to closing the deal, I think they got cold feet. I wouldn't have wanted to register in different city, etc. But it shows what others are willing to go through.

[bkhallpass]

RE: Re: Come to Seattle and Suffer No More

CC tries to establish territories so that it's dealers can feel secure that they can do sufficient business to stay in business. However, ultimately, it is the customer's choice. Nautique doesn't want it's dealers soliciting outside its own territory, and all the dealers are asked to let you know there is a dealer closer to you. However, if you choose to go to a dealer outside your territory, there is absolutely nothing your local dealer can do about it.
You approached a second dealer so I'm not really sure why they would back out.

BKH

[talbertini]

RE: Re: Come to Seattle and Suffer No More

I bought my 05 ski 206 from Bruce and haven't had any problems with him at all. In fact he's gone out of his way to make sure I'm completely satisfied. I got a very good price on my boat and when my fuel pump went out on a Fri. he came down(2 hr drive)picked up the boat and had it back to me Sat. afternoon. I'm not sure what you other guys from Oregon are dealing with?! Bruce is a helluva nice guy and well respected among the waterski community in Oregon(he runs 38 off like it's 15)maybe he has something against wakeboarders. Yellow_Flash_Colorz:

[ag4ever]

RE: Re: Come to Seattle and Suffer No More

talbertini,

when i started reading your post, I asked myself if there was a difference in service between a wake boat and a tourney boat. Then at the end you eluded to that same question. I know that wakeboarders and skiers don't exactly see eye to eye, but heck I would hope that a business man would see that there should be equal service for both parties. From the various posts i have seen here and on other forums, i would think you are getting abnormal service if he is willing to pick up your boat 2 hours away. (Is he charging for the pickup and delivery service?)

I know my dealer is owned by a skier, but that does not prevent him from giving 100% service to the boarders also.