With most things in life, having the ‘right connection’ can make things much easier. The same way you want to have a ‘go-to’ hairdresser or electrician, having a ‘go-to’ dealer will make your outboard ownership experience much more enjoyable.
When it comes to buying an outboard we all love getting stuck into crucial details such as engine, colour, features and accessories. It’s easy to forget the human element though – you might be buying a specific brand, but you are also buying from a specific person or dealer. This client/dealer relationship can often make or break a sale and those customers who maintain a good relationship with their dealer will quickly list a host of reasons why this makes their lives easier. Here are a few examples.
- Not just a number
We all hate being treated as ‘just another client’ and we connect with a brand when we connect with the people who represent a specific brand. This cuts both ways: by building a connection with your dealer you are, in a way, letting them get to know your own ‘personal brand’. This makes a difference in many ways, from having the dealer know when you would be interested in specific products to helping you choose the right product and accessories to suit your lifestyle.
According to Alan DuPlessis, Dealer Principal at South Sea Suzuki in Strand, “The fact is that people buy boats from people and not computers, so we endeavour to give every customer that walks through our doors, or phones or sends an email, the best possible customer service. If a customer ends up feeling like a family member, you are sure to retain his future business and get business from their friends and family. Customer excellence starts from building a strong bond with our customers.”
From a customer’s point of view, a good relationship with your dealer will always mean you get better service – simply because they know what you want.
- First in line
If you’re the type of customer who wants first dibs when a new model is released, a good relationship with your dealer will get you on the shortlist. We’re not saying you have to walk in there every day with a box of doughnuts (although very few dealers would complain..), but a basic human connection will keep you top of mind.
Think of it this way: let’s say you are selling shoes and someone contacts you to explain why they love those shoes and to please put them on the list for the new shipment. You go on to have a lovely conversation. When the new batch comes in, that person is going to come to mind first. It’s the same with outboards – if your dealer knows what you like they will think of you first when they spot an outboard that’s perfect for you.
- Peace of mind
One of the key reasons customers keep going back to dealers with whom they have a relationship is simple: trust. If you have a good relationship with your dealer you know that they are trustworthy (otherwise it wouldn’t be a good relationship), and this gives you peace of mind knowing that your asset is in good hands.
For most of us, a boat or outboard is a serious expense and you want to be assured that it’s going to be looked after with the utmost care. If you know your dealer, then you know that this assurance makes your ownership experience much more enjoyable.
- Future plans
By building a good relationship with your dealer, you also know that you have someone on your side, no matter what your future plans are with your outboard or boat. Whether you’re waiting for a new model, planning a trade-in, or wanting to keep your current set-up for as long as possible, a good relationship with your dealer means you have access to the best possible advice.
- Part of the family
And, of course, when it comes to Suzuki – you want to be part of the family. No matter what Suzuki you drive, you know you are part of a very special motoring family, and a good relationship with your dealer is an easy way to stay in the loop with all things Suzuki.
