Dealership

[David-Rock]

Why can t we keep a dealership in NE Ohio ? For any of you in OH, you know what I m talking about.

[CHassmann]

RE: Dealership

Because when you boil it down to hours spent on the job and money made, it probably comes out to less than minimum wage! You have to diversify and do A LOT of repairs/maintenance and pro shop business to keep afloat. Why do you think Ron Overberger was also a used car salesman even with the number of boats he sold?

[AirNautique211]

RE: Dealership

Is there really money in a Pro Shop? I am not sure, but I would think with all of the online opportunities to purchase that it would be tough to make enough money with a proshop in a majority of the country. It would seem that the main thing that would sell would have to be specialty items or "need today" items - both of which require bulk purchases for maximum profit and the carrying of inventory. Like I said, I do not know, but I bet it is tough to make good money with a pro shop.

I have always thought it would be nice to own a marina/dealership, but then again I would hate to screw up the only time of the year I can be on the water by running a water based business in Indiana. It would be more fun than selling machines - even if I were broke.

So, what are the pros and cons to owning a dealership - anybody know?

[skinautique]

RE: Dealership

Pros -- Not sure unless you are making money

You better be 200% devoted to your product(s) and business and customers.

Cons -- Super long hours. You basically need to be there for your customer 12 hours out of the day. Even if your store isn't open all of those hours, you run into your customers on the water or some of them have your cell phone number.

Stocking boats and hoping they sell.

Running the actual business (accounting, sales, service, etc)

Customer complaints

I could make the list go on and on but I think you see where it is going.

[bkhallpass]

Re: Dealership

Why can t we keep a dealership in NE Ohio ? For any of you in OH, you know what I m talking about.

Hmmmm. . . . didn't NE Ohio lose it's football team once as well :mrgreen:

BKH

[Labatt911]

NE Ohio Dealer

I hear ya, Now I think the closed Nautique dealer to NE Ohio is The Navigation Company in Conneaut Lake, PA. I may have to really do some debating for my next boat purchase over possibly crossing over to the dark side and into a MC just to keep dealing with Mid-Ohio. In my opinion you can't get better service than those guys.

[CHassmann]

Re: RE: Dealership

Is there really money in a Pro Shop?

If you sell the higher end stuff that you can't buy from the mail order places, like HO, Hyperlite, etc.

If you don't want to give up your summers on the water, you definitely don't want to operate a marina, boat dealership, pro shop etc. Don't make you hobby your business.

[skinautique]

Re: NE Ohio Dealer

I hear ya, Now I think the closed Nautique dealer to NE Ohio is The Navigation Company in Conneaut Lake, PA. I may have to really do some debating for my next boat purchase over possibly crossing over to the dark side and into a MC just to keep dealing with Mid-Ohio. In my opinion you can't get better service than those guys.

My point exactly. If you go over and look at the "lack of customer service" thread from Mid Ohio, you will see where I said that the customer is more than likely buying a boat from a dealer because of the dealer and not the boat.

Labatt911 is a perfect example of this......

[97sport]

NE Ohio Dealer

I bought my nautique from Ron's when he was in Mantua, and yes he did sell cars also. He sold alot of boats in his day to. But I think the problem was much deeper then that. Ron's had and still has a good reputation even though they sell Mastercrafts. Chris who was with ron is an outstanding guy. But sorry Chris I can't buy a Mastercraft (won't settle for 2nd best). But you can get high end boards and eqiupment from their pro shop. Also I think you can get Nautiques thru Ron's in Syreetsbough. I may be wrong.

[CHassmann]

RE: NE Ohio Dealer

Just in case you didn't know, Ron's Marine is owned by Mid-Ohio Watersports.

[SprintCar39]

RE: NE Ohio Dealer

So, what are the pros and cons to owning a dealership - anybody know?

I KNOW..... It is a very deep subject and can not be answered easily here. Not enough bandwidth...LOL

We tried the pro shop route and it is hard to compete with the big mail order stores and internet. I like to go and see what I am buying and to take it home that day "gotta have it NOW". We even allowed demo's to help make sure you get what works for you.

Thanks to all of our customers fo all of your support. From everyone at Mid Ohio Watersports: Eric, Danette, James, Kellie, Chris, Kevin, Floyd, Paul, Dan, Kim, Serena and Joyce.

[David-Rock]

I have since talked to a Mike Vanderveer in Akron and its seems as though we have a new local Nautique dealership here in NE Ohio. Among other things, he owns a private ski lake for shows and demo runs. Seems like a stand up guy. For those of us in this area, I Suggest we as owners give him a try and get this part of the state back to where it belongs,NAUTIQUES ONLY!