November 1, 2012

Expand How Much

We live in a period where it is all about creating the impact to the media, and with this coming the justified press release with all the lights, bells and whistles.  Boat building although being a small medium sized business for the most part does not escape this syndrome. 
So following the important fall boat show season which ended with Fort Lauderdale a couple days ago, this year had to be one of the most where I have seen expanded models of a novelty presented a year, two or even four years ago.  This is not entirely bad.  I have seen it in the past and am sure will see it in the future, that a change in a model being it a larger bathing platform, new layout, or interior furnishings modification sets a course for higher sales figures.
But my question comes?  With all the experience that some builders have, how is it that sometimes a model which is like one or two years in the making needs a modification to become a success.  Especially if this model is replacing a best seller.  Cannot the feedback usually coming from the clients and the competition create the perfect model.  Or is this change coming from less to expected sales.  Are boat builders sometimes caught in the fact that they can re-change the wheel in the area. 
My personal data is that a longevity of a model also creates a following for the fact that this also keeps a better residual, and sometimes also clientele appreciation that they have the right model. Ideally a model should stay minimum four to five years produced as it is, and if it is a success ten years can also be reached.  Difficult for sure, but good things are never easy!

2 comments:

  1. A good point well made. Though I can't really see this changing and I do understand why this happens. If you go to one of the boat shows, there are so many gleaming, shining boats offering different things, different designs, slight modifications etc.

    By offering new, unique tweaks, the chances are you will have more interest, more press releases etc - or so they believe!

    Getting the balance is key though, as too much of this does lead to inconsistencies and less client appreciation that they've got the right model, as you say.

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