The Hard Part.
To begin with, Florida Yacht Brokers have worked as sales people a full 2 years, before a full Broker position can be reached. Each state is different. As a Broker you may own the company or simply work as an Employering Broker for a parent company. As an owner/Broker as I do with Paradise Yachts, operation of a yacht sales business enterprise includes merchandising, sales, marketing, accounting, banking, website design and building, search engine optimization, tax collecting, and bottle washing. So I have to allocate my time dependent upon what must be done to keep the business operating. But for the purpose of this article, we’ll just be assuming you wish to become a yacht sales person.
So to start, the principal thing is you have to like boats; no, you have to live boats and boating. But there is more. You must know yachts and yachts like the skin of your chin; it’s got to be your life. You will have to be able to talk boats in detail; your clients will certainly be able to do so.
Do you own a boat? Have you ever owned a boat? What is your background operating a yacht? Your customers will want to talk about how things function while underway, how to dock a twin screw boat, and how things aboard operate. Can you walk the talk? Have you ever done these things? Can you guide your clients based upon experience?
What’s your personality? Are you out going and able to reach out to customers? Most of the people you meet will be total strangers.
Do you view yourself a self-starter? Are you willing to make it happen; if you don’t go to work, no one will be there to remind you?
Do you understand sales? Are you a customer service type of person?
Can you endure without a pay day for 1, 2, 3 months? It does and will happen. We only get paid when we sale a yacht. Money management skills are critical.
Are you willing to work seven days a week, every day as well as holidays if required? I work every day, usually 12 hour days. Customers look at yachts everyday and you must be willing to take the telephone call or respond to the e-mail at any time.
Are you up on computers? Are you comfortable on a website? You’ll need to own a robust computer, printer, and digital scanner and have internet access to upload yacht listings online.
Are you an accomplished photographer? Can you use a digital photographic camera and use photographic software. You will needat least a 8 mega pixel digital camera. They are not cheap!
Can you survive a full background probe? If you want to work in Florida, it’s required to obtain a license. If you work in another State, you cannot even enter the State of Florida as a Broker if not licensed.
Are you prepared to shell out $600.00 every two years for the exclusive right of having that license?
Do you have a cell phone, and/or a Blackberry; they are indispensable.
Are you prepared to work in the hot sun, sometimes in the pouring rain to show boats to clients?
Can you deal with with irritating customers that often want something for nothing?
The Easy Part
Can you handle a six figure income? Yes, the money you make is up to you.
Do you wish to have fun? Yes, it’s a lot of fun seeing a new, happy boat owner. And yes, we do get to have our fair share of boat rides.
Do you like forming many new acquaintances? Every stranger I meet is just a friend I haven’t yet made.
Do you like being your own boss? In the yacht business, you get to call the shots.
Mike Dickens, the author, is a liveaboard boat owner and owner/Broker of Paradise Yachts in Florida USA.
Paradise Yachts offers used quality yachts to customers worldwide.
Visit the Paradise Yachts website to view our selection of Used Trawlers, Used Motor Yachts, and Used Sailboats for Sale
National and international sales. We ship Used Yachts and Used Boats worldwide. Located in Florida, USA. 904/556-9431
0 comments:
Post a Comment