Dickering On A Used Boat

[Wildbillb]

I still in the market for a used bass boat. Local boat dealer has one that I am interested in that they just took in on a trade. How much wiggle room do they have in a price. They are asking 18,000. What can I offer without looking like a dip? Can you dicker on used boats like used cars? I know dumb question.

[Bill16]

I believe you can dickor on a boat the same as a car. Also I believe used boats have a bigger markup . So they should have plenty of negotiating room. But I could be wrong.

[Marty]

I've read consumer advice that says you can dicker on just about anything, so boats would be included.

What can I offer without looking like a dip?

I know nothing about boat pricing, but I personally wouldn't be concerned about looking like a dip. Do your research and make a fair offer that you're willing to pay. If they refuse, just walk away toward the door, and like a car salesman, they'll say "hey, wait a minute" if you're in their negotiating range.

[slonezp]

If they won't go down to your liking try negociating add ons or up grades. Check the NADA value of the boat and motor. It' will give you some idea of the boats value.

[royal0014]

Sure you can dicker, don't mean they will.

Research prices in your area. What sells for 18k there may not bring but 10k elsewhere. Boat prices are funny that way....

I've mentioned this here before: head over to iboats.com. It is a retail site, sure, but they have a fantastic discussion forum for all things boat related, including brand-specific areas. It'll be worth your time.

Good Luck!

[Michael DiNardo]

Use the NADA value and say that you cannot get a boat loan for over this price. When using the NADA value, be careful some boats are priced to include the motor and some boats do not include the motor in the price. Also consider the electronics and trolling motor when figuring your price.

Mike

[BassHunter954]

Money talks to dealers... If you offer a farewell price they will consider an if you pull out cash its evwn better cause they will drool like coyotes staring at a moose grilling on a stick cause every salesman gets a comission or bonus on a cash sale or a sale. In general. There asking 18k bring 12k cash an work from there the faster they can move on tgere market the.more money they can make instead of the product sitting for a month or so.

[Deadeye-1]

I'm not so sure the "cash" offer works as good as it used to. I knew a guy that used to be a new/used car salesman. He told me if you wanted the highest price possible, then tell him that you were paying cash. As it turns out they not only make commission on the sale, they also make a commission/bonus based on the loan they get you to sign up for.

If they knew they were going to miss out on the extra money earned via the loan they would not work with you to get a lower price. He said that IF you are going to pay cash, DO NOT tell them until the deal is done.

Anyway that is what he told me.

NADA is a good choice, so are sites like boattrader.com to see what dealers in your area are selling boats for. Another one is boats.oodle.com. I looking at buying next year as well. I'm looking now to see what they are going for AND to be able to know if they have been setting on it for awhile.

[Jig Man]

There is always room for a price negotiation. However, there is not set amount or percentage profit margin on a used boat as all boat deals are different and how much they allowed for the boat on trade is relative to the unit that was being bought. I used to be in the business and we sometimes would give near the retail value if we had a particular boat that needed to be moved for one reason or another.

Cash is not what dealerships really want. Don't get me wrong, cash is good but dealerships get comissions on financing, extended warranties, etc. If I were serious about that unit, I'd look everything over very well and have a compression test done. I'd let them know that I was serious and make an offer of $14,400 and plan to have to give maybe up to $16,500.

You will have to be a firm serious buyer sitting in the sales manager's office to get this deal done right. You should also have a deal breaker in mind that you can toss in at the appropriate time in the negotiation.