Increase Your Boat’s Value Through Marketing

by John Howard on November 27, 2009

Evaluating a boat that you plan to sell is important, but there is also a lot that you can do to improve its value during the sales process. Specifically, if you are good at advertising the boat, you will have more interested buyers and can therefore afford to be less flexible about the price.

Also, by managing to get a good amount of interested buyers thanks to good boat marketing, you will be able to avoid having to sell the boat via a dealer, therefore avoiding to waste money on hefty commission payments on your vessel.

One of the most important elements of boat marketing and sales is the presentation. You need to do something that will make your vessel stand out amongst all the boats and yachts that are advertised for sale. Pointing out the unique points that your boat has is one of the best methods.

Making some good quality photographs will be essential as a picture is worth a thousand words. Use a digital camera so that you can take lots of shots and choose the best ones, and make sure that the boat is tidy and uncluttered when you photograph.

Do also make up your mind upon what kind of online advert you would like. If it is a paid advert, you also need to make your mind up as to and what duration you wish to opt for. Two months is a good recommended timeframe.

Use the Internet classified ad as a basis for another ad that you are going to put up in yacht marinas and boating clubs in your area. If you can find local potential buyers for your boat, it will make the sales process much easier.

Remember to include all of those characteristics that will help set your vessel apart from the others when you write the ad text. Justify your sales price underlining the value for money to attract more potential buyers. Don’t forget to make sure that the contact details are accurate. Providing both a phone number and an email address is a good idea.

You should then have a way to deal with any queries that may arise from initial contact from people interested in buying your boat. Have a more detailed information folder ready, with all the technical specs as well as with more pictures. This can be useful both before, and during a boat visit.

As for the negotiation of the actual sale, be aware that most buyers will try to negotiate the price down. The best counter-strategy is to anticipate their objections and have answers ready. Still, you would always assume that you will have to concede a discount of 10% or so over the price you originally listed.

If you are well prepared and friendly but businesslike, you will make a good impression on the potential buyers of your boat, and you will quickly find a taker. Be sure to know what makes your boat uniquely attractive and valuable, and you are guaranteed to get a price for your boat that will satisfy you.

BoatValueWorld.com is the premier resource for boat prices on the Net, with guides on matters such as how to handle boat transactions, as well as on boat sale negotiation, value-for-money refurbishments, yacht prices – click the links above to find out more!

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