>I could use some ideas on marketing to try to expand our
>sales. We are a high end boat dealer in a small niche market
>in Upstate New York. We sell high end in board tow boats and
>runabouts if you are un familiar with the brand. Our problem
>is getting people in the door. There is definitly a market for
>these boats here as most homes on the lake are very expensive
>and most everyone in this are owns a boat. We are trying to
>shoot more for the family aspect as most people see these
>boats as only watersports oriented and they are not. Most
>people go with I/os here but in reality inboards are a much
>better choice for a boat. They just see the i/o as what
>everyones been doing and continue to follow. We have not had
>one person ever go back to an i/o after owning an inboard and
>most people as soon as they drive one buy it just because they
>are so impressed with every aspect of it as compared to the
>traditional i/o. Looking for any kind of information on how to
>market and marketing ideas to get people in our boats so they
>can see the difference themselves. any ideas woul be great
>incentives, ideas on where to advertise, slogans anything at
>all would be greatly appreciated thanks in advance.

Never mind what you are selling... WHO are you selling to? You need to get your product in front of them.

I assume you are doing all the local boat shows? Are you at all the regattas, are you at all of the fishing rallies??? Offer free test rides. Set up a table in front of your slip and schedule potential buyers to go for a spin... I wouldn't recommend doing it at the local free access pier though, you would miss your target market.

The most difficult thing about being in a niche market is that your customers buy within that niche... So, if you aren't where your niche customers are, then you'd best get there.

T

Tina Brooks, VP Marketing
Brooks Pepperfire Foods, Inc.
Makers of Peppermaster Hot Sauces
http://www.peppermaster.com

Eat more peppers!