BOAT SALES - Attending Viewings

At Boatshed.com we accompany all viewings, but we need to consider even before the viewing happens its really important to pre-qualify each customer to see if the boat they want to view is suitable.

At Boatshed we get an average of 2.2 viewings per boat before the boat is sold, due to pre-qualifying the customer, boat and customer must be suitable.

The negotiating broker will have arranged the viewing with the owner and purchaser and confirmed where to meet.

As Boatshed is an international company there are times when purchasers will be travelling a good distance to view a boat and may need transporting from airports/stations to the marina. This will all be pre-arranged. If meeting them at the airport ensure you arrive at least 30 mins before they are due to land and ensure you are wearing your Boatshed Branded clothing. It would also be useful to have a printed sign with their name on so it is easy for them to find you.

You never get a second chance to make a positive first impression so go the extra mile!

Arrive in your branded vehicle at the marina/yard where the boat is stored and park in a prominent place (this could lead to further listings!)
You should aim to arrive at least 30 mins before the purchaser
Ensure you are wearing your branded clothing so you are easy to find
Announce yourself to the marina/yard to let them know you are meeting the purchaser on the boat and collect the keys (if they are kept at the marina). You may also need to provide a copy of your public liability insurance.
Find out costs of berthing for the marina as this may be a question the customer asks.
Go down to the boat and check it is in the position it should be.
Open the boat to check everything is in order - sometimes locks/doors can be fiddly so always best to test opening them before purchaser arrives. Take note of where everything is on the boat as it must be left as it was found
It’s always better to meet the purchaser at the marina office - this is easy for them to find and saves them wandering around trying to find the boat (marinas do not like people just wondering around)
Lock the boat back up and go and wait for the purchasers
When they arrive - make a fuss of them! Ask if they want to go for a coffee before visiting the boat. They may have travelled a long distance and need some refreshments. You can talk over the process whilst having a drink and also explain a little more about the boat.
Head down to the boat
When on board explain the basics of where everything is and highlight any specific areas of interest, then give your purchasers time to look over the boat themselves - if they are down below stay in the cockpit so they can talk about the boat between themselves. Every so often just ask if they need anything or have any queries
Once they have had a good luck round then you can ask if they are considering making an offer, you can take the details if they want to make an offer there and then and these can be forwarded to the broker who is negotiating the deal. If they want to have a think make sure they have the negotiating brokers details.
Ensure the boat is left how you found and it and make sure it is locked up.
Escort the purchasers back the marina office and wish them a safe journey.
Return the keys to the marina office and confirm you have finished your viewing
Provide feedback to the negotiating broker so they can contact the purchasers