Why is finding/buying a boat so hard? What to do about it?

[paulg222]

Originally Posted by Shrew

...

The points you raise are easily surmountable and can be done while maintaining anonymity for those that want it.

But I don't really want to debate point by point. If you are happy with the existing state, then that is good for you. I'd like to see things improve and I think there is a way to do that, not sure if I will be the one to make it happen or not, and I certainly could be wrong.

I mean heck, I buy a new iPhone and the earbuds never fit my ears, but maybe for you they fit fine, so you think I'm crazy when I complain about it. Just the way of the world.

[Q Xopa]

Originally Posted by Shrew

The survey is 'owned' by the person that pays for it (prospective buyer). The surveyor has no right to give, for free, to 3rd parties what I've paid for. The owner doesn't get a copy, the broker doesn't get a copy. The surveyor provides a copy to the person who cuts the check.

The prospective buyer will share sections of the survey which may need to be addressed, with the sellor/broker.



These sites provide anonity for a reason. The service is paid for by the sellor/broker. They decide whether they want you showing up at their doorstep or not



These sites aren't in the business of managing the schedule of the sellor/broker. That is what the Contact Sellor/Broker feature is for.



These sites aren't in the 'Legal' department. Contracts are up to the parties involved. You don't see contracts on 'realtor.com' or 'Zillow' either.



These ads are paid for buy the sellor or broker. There is no way they are going to let users randomly submit ratings and comments. That would be suicide.

Honestly, I'm sorry this is frustrating, but the expectations are unrealistic.

Hmmm

You sound like a broker?
In my experience when I was looking to buy a few years ago I had the same experience. Brokers flat out not responding.
In the end I bought my current boat through word of mouth dealing directly with the seller.
It all just reaks of shear laziness, incompetance or I dont know what their excuse is.
If I were the sellers paying these brokers, for atleast advertising costs I think they should be rather upset.
Unrealistic expectations? Sheeesh!
Unfortunately I have lost my sympathy for most brokers.

[nightowle]

Originally Posted by paulg222

My emails and texts usually go like “I’m interested in seeing your Pearson 34, let me know if she is available and if I could see her this weekend “

Let me know how a buyer would phrase it.

Expand that a bit by saying: "I have paper currency from multiple central banks, gold bullion, and bearer bonds. I'm ready to transact."

[john61ct]

For an expensive boat, engaging a **good** buyer's broker may help take some of the frustration out of the process.

Actually trying to improve that process for the world would IMO be tilting at windmills, but then it does need doing so if you feel inspired, have at it.

[Chotu]

I’ve been on the other side of this. As a seller. I had about $100,000 boat that I sold once a while back. I listed it with a broker. With the stipulation that I could sell it myself also. He agreed. And he didn’t do a damn thing. Weeks went by it not even a bite. One single showing. After a few weeks I decided to put a few ads out on the Internet. I did that. And sold the boat within a couple days.

I never could fathom how the broker could just leave money on the table like that. That’s $10,000 he doesn’t even care about. He wasn’t making that much. I think he just likes futzing around with boats.

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by Chotu

I listed it with a broker. With the stipulation that I could sell it myself also. He agreed.

That must be vanishingly rare, to find one willing to agree that.

Yes must not care about it as his main source of income.

Maybe money laundering has started to pollute the market as with RE and the art world?