Other A lot of new companies, what's up with the undercutting?

[steve-uk]

I would think that the dealer would keep inventory on parts that break down more often and are common parts between skis, like a starter solenoid, ebox rubber seal, starter, igintion coil, and other parts.

inventory is a Biatch, its never right, last year i did exactly what you have said there, i inventoried all the stuff that normally breaks on skis, here locally we had alot more skis on the water than off the water cos in the past we would be waiting weeks for parts to get through the border, so yeah, inventory of the right parts is a huge thing

i even had a guy who destroyed his boyseen rad intake system reeds, had him replacements in his hands within 48 hours

some people appreciate this added service and always come back... unfortunately others dont

 

[Buckwild12]

Agreed. I don't spend a whole lot these days but there is one place/seller I always ask first! I know he/she will give me a good deal if they have what I need. If not then I look for the fall back that might be higher prices and maybe a larger business but also has what i need in stock.

I do an awful lot of business with Jetmaniac also, and he is the epitome of someone whom I have built a relationship with. He is my first call 100 percent of the time. His prices are great, he has it in stock and gets it out same day 99% of the time. I bought one motor from him, and considered his big bore kit seriously. But when posed with my fiancée putting her foot down and saying this is really the last motor I could buy for the next 3-4 years and it has to last, I had to go with a bigger displacement motor than the 780 he offers. Because I knew I would want more HP within that time frame. My fiancée is an accountant and she regularly updates me with how much my ski has cost. Personally I don't care, but I also have to live with her. I purchased a fantastic looking motor which I have every confidence that it w assembled with the parts I was told were in it, it is a work of Art, sadly it's too cold here to fire it up to see what it has, but I'm still waiting for my new hood to get here from Tem. I have purchased something in my 4 years or so of riding freeride, and 17+ years of riding couches from every company that supplies parts. My motor was purchased from a somewhat new engine builder on the boards. However he has been building motors for a long time, has built many motors for other members locally to hi. I looked over his credentials before putting down any $. I got a great price for what I got comparatively. I have developed a relationship with him and I have no doubt he would be there for me if I called him on a weekend (if he wasn't out on the waters himself). I have also purchased a lot form other people who have one of a kind products. People like Rhaas, cold fusion, thrust, etc.. Some are bigger than others as far a size but an hope you get where I am going. I have dealt with a lot of dealers, a lot of personal sellers, a lot of people within our community, and I can truly say that I don't feel as if I have ever been done wrong. I get where you are coming from however and I agree that everyone should play by the rules that are in place to keep things a level playing field.

 

[imabadfish]

inventory is a Biatch, its never right, last year i did exactly what you have said there, i inventoried all the stuff that normally breaks on skis, here locally we had alot more skis on the water than off the water cos in the past we would be waiting weeks for parts to get through the border, so yeah, inventory of the right parts is a huge thing

i even had a guy who destroyed his boyseen rad intake system reeds, had him replacements in his hands within 48 hours

some people appreciate this added service and always come back... unfortunately others dont

That's awesome and think its great when people have a local "go to guy" for good parts. Most of the people on here can probably build their skis from the ground up in a night, so waiting for parts can be so frustrating and not having a local parts source may keep you off the water for a weekend. I finally broke down and decided to buy a couple cheap vxr pros to always have parts handy. This is probably another reason for the amount of new sellers out there, more people like me with a garage full of parts. They make themselves the "go to guy" for parts instead.

 

[Buckwild12]

On a separate note, I do feel more people should attempt to patronize companies that sponsor the various freerides that we all look forward to, they in general all do come to the events with hopes of showing their wares and ultimately selling parts for profit. That's what businesses do, no one is in it for charity. I have always made an effort to support those who support us as a whole. Especially those who help sponsor the fun times we all look forward to. I recently purchased a thrust trim this past week, and I only did it because I saw Brian's ski at Wavedaze last year. (an event I look forward to every single year that he helps sponsor) I do wish people would be more supportive of the companies that support us. I plan on spending some with Optima racing this upcoming year, I wouldn't have really every heard of him if he hadn't brought his truck to that event. So my word to those companies: if you provide a quality product, timely, with good customer service every time, you will have more loyal support. It that way with every other business in the world. If people are happy dealing with you, there is no real need to stray. Ok I'll now exit the soapbox.

 

[FlightPlanDan]

I do an awful lot of business with Jetmaniac also, and he is the epitome of someone whom I have built a relationship with. He is my first call 100 percent of the time. His prices are great, he has it in stock and gets it out same day 99% of the time. I bought one motor from him, and considered his big bore kit seriously. But when posed with my fiancée putting her foot down and saying this is really the last motor I could buy for the next 3-4 years and it has to last, I had to go with a bigger displacement motor than the 780 he offers. Because I knew I would want more HP within that time frame. My fiancée is an accountant and she regularly updates me with how much my ski has cost. Personally I don't care, but I also have to live with her. I purchased a fantastic looking motor which I have every confidence that it w assembled with the parts I was told were in it, it is a work of Art, sadly it's too cold here to fire it up to see what it has, but I'm still waiting for my new hood to get here from Tem. I have purchased something in my 4 years or so of riding freeride, and 17+ years of riding couches from every company that supplies parts. My motor was purchased from a somewhat new engine builder on the boards. However he has been building motors for a long time, has built many motors for other members locally to hi. I looked over his credentials before putting down any $. I got a great price for what I got comparatively. I have developed a relationship with him and I have no doubt he would be there for me if I called him on a weekend (if he wasn't out on the waters himself). I have also purchased a lot form other people who have one of a kind products. People like Rhaas, cold fusion, thrust, etc.. Some are bigger than others as far a size but an hope you get where I am going. I have dealt with a lot of dealers, a lot of personal sellers, a lot of people within our community, and I can truly say that I don't feel as if I have ever been done wrong. I get where you are coming from however and I agree that everyone should play by the rules that are in place to keep things a level playing field.

Sounds Like you've never had a problem with a seller!


you are blessed!

With regard to the gal that is "not yet your wife" scrutinizing your spending............ I dunno man.

 

[DAG]

I'm not taking a shot at you zeski, your a chill dood, push the sport, great rider, and work with a great co. to push and give back to our little sport. But this whole pity party is about resale company's advertizing below the M"S"RP. OP does not care what the part actually sells for, he just wants it to be under the counter....

Im not a dealer or ever taken a business admin class, but whats the difference between selling someone a part over the phone at the same price someone else listing it on the internet? Its called the grey market and its the same thing.

 

[Buckwild12]

Yeah I get that a lot Dan, and that is one of the reasons she isn't a wife yet. i try and give her the benefit of the doubt because she is an acountant. But personal life aside, I do feel quite fortunate to have had almost all good experiences with purchases on the site. I do an awful lot of investigating and research both on the parts and the sellers prior to money exchanging.

 

[N3vrSat1sfied]

I do an awful lot of business with Jetmaniac also

I wasn't gonna mention any names, But ya I always hit up Chris first. That's not to disrespect any other sellers cause I am sure there are many on here that do just as good work. I have rode with Jetmaniac and talked to him a few times and since then like mentioned earlier you establish a relationship with your dealer.

P.S. My fiancee' is an C.P.A. as well (did we just become best friends?). Anyway, I know how the money thing goes! In all honesty it has made me spend/save a lot more carefully in a good way!!!!

 

[FlightPlanDan]

Yeah I get that a lot Dan, and that is one of the reasons she isn't a wife yet. i try and give her the benefit of the doubt because she is an acountant. But personal life aside, I do feel quite fortunate to have had almost all good experiences with purchases on the site. I do an awful lot of investigating and research both on the parts and the sellers prior to money exchanging.

Yea, I guess I gave you a cheap poke...lol. But you opened the door for it.

Bottom line: Sellers that sell under, or at cost, won't be there in 6 months when you need something else. Sure, you might find a deal and make out great every now and then....but, if you have a relationship with your seller, then he will tell you, "hey man, I can get it to you...but it ain't gonna happen by Friday". May not be what you wanna hear, but it will be the truth.

 

[Matt_E]

On a separate note, I do feel more people should attempt to patronize companies that sponsor the various freerides that we all look forward to, they in general all do come to the events with hopes of showing their wares and ultimately selling parts for profit. That's what businesses do, no one is in it for charity. I have always made an effort to support those who support us as a whole. Especially those who help sponsor the fun times we all look forward to. I recently purchased a thrust trim this past week, and I only did it because I saw Brian's ski at Wavedaze last year. (an event I look forward to every single year that he helps sponsor) I do wish people would be more supportive of the companies that support us. I plan on spending some with Optima racing this upcoming year, I wouldn't have really every heard of him if he hadn't brought his truck to that event. So my word to those companies: if you provide a quality product, timely, with good customer service every time, you will have more loyal support. It that way with every other business in the world. If people are happy dealing with you, there is no real need to stray. Ok I'll now exit the soapbox.

Exactly right, thank you. My money goes to those that I have a relationship with and that support they sport at events and such.
After a couple of years of piecing together my setups from the cheapest sources available and much frustration, I finally learned years ago to spend the money where it counts. I don't have to worry about the reliability of my ski, my tuning is spot-on, the power is much better than other setups out there, and my vendors support the local events I help to organize.
There is much more to value than the price you pay for a product.

 

[McDog]

Under promise and over deliver.

 

[Waveblaster785]

Man this is a really tough thread because you have a whole bunch of opinions flying around and I don't really disagree with either side. I have never bought an engine from anyone but Marine Power Sports. He is my local jet ski guy and also a tenant. So him paying the bills means I get a paycheck, so I certainly understand that side of the argument. There are also the intangibles, he's available when I pick up the phone and often gives me advice that I don't find on the boards. I feel like I've had some really rock solid motor setups in the many years I've been riding and attribute that to his knowledge. That being said I've built a relationship and he offers advice on anything I buy, whether I buy from him or not. If I need to try a prop he gives me one, if I need a coil he hands me one, if I need just about anything it's in my hand, often before I've even paid. I walk in his shop and walk out with a case of oil and we settle up whenever. So to say I don't understand what's involved in that side of the argument would be short sighted.

That being said if I'm buying parts online, I'm buying them at the cheapest price I can find. It's up to manufacturers to decide who sells their products and for what price. If their competition feels they are undercutting sales then they should take it up with the manufacturers of the products. Quite frankly I can't say that I've ever paid MSRP for ANYTHING in my entire life. Nor do I check someones sale price against their dealer agreement. Sorry, but I'm just a guy who works his butt off for his money and tries to save whenever I can to be able to put more money into what I love, this sport. I don't know about the rest of you, I am willing to pay a little more for great service but conversely I often find myself questioning pricing. I find it very hard to believe that there isn't a significant markup on SO many of the products that we all want/buy in this sport.

$800 trim kits, and $1,000 poles, and the list goes on.... For comparison sake I can buy a full running LS1 with electronics for what I can get an aftermarket shortblock for....now if only I could fit it in my freak....

A little competition may not be a bad thing.

 

[Matt_E]

I'm not taking a shot at you zeski, your a chill dood, push the sport, great rider, and work with a great co. to push and give back to our little sport. But this whole pity party is about resale company's advertizing below the M"S"RP. OP does not care what the part actually sells for, he just wants it to be under the counter....

Im not a dealer or ever taken a business admin class, but whats the difference between selling someone a part over the phone at the same price someone else listing it on the internet? Its called the grey market and its the same thing.

Legit businesses have years and years of experience in both their setups and customer service. They have overhead for a reason. I don't mind paying for that, because in the end I get a much better value.
I think what Zeski is driving at is this: Those businesses have a lot to contribute, knowledge, proven setups, and support to events. Everyone is free to take their business where they want to spend their money. It's hard earned and sparse in a lot of cases.
But ultimately, thinking ONLY with your wallet and not being able to see past your accounting glasses has a lot of potential to drive those businesses with legit overhead out of the sport. And then what are you left with?
"There must be some wriggle room" is really not fair when comparing a business with years and years of experience and overhead costs to those that don't have that.
Why is Blowsion selling Tubbies for almost $300 when some guy making sponsons in their garage can sell them for $150? Well, take a look at their facilities.

But I will also say this: I believe that ultimately, the business with the best product and customer service will do well and survive.

Ultimately, people will vote with their wallets. Everyone harps on "Made in China", yet Walmart is making billions. The proof is in the pudding. Where do you spend your money?

 

[Buckwild12]

Now if only I could get in a cheap poke in heropworm:. Ok seriously I'm derailing the thread with my issues.

 

[Buckwild12]

Man this is a really tough thread because you have a whole bunch of opinions flying around and I don't really disagree with either side. I have never bought an engine from anyone but Marine Power Sports. He is my local jet ski guy and also a tenant. So him paying the bills means I get a paycheck, so I certainly understand that side of the argument. There are also the intangibles, he's available when I pick up the phone and often gives me advice that I don't find on the boards. I feel like I've had some really rock solid motor setups in the many years I've been riding and attribute that to his knowledge. That being said I've built a relationship and he offers advice on anything I buy, whether I buy from him or not. If I need to try a prop he gives me one, if I need a coil he hands me one, if I need just about anything it's in my hand, often before I've even paid. I walk in his shop and walk out with a case of oil and we settle up whenever. So to say I don't understand what's involved in that side of the argument would be short sighted.

That being said if I'm buying parts online, I'm buying them at the cheapest price I can find. It's up to manufacturers to decide who sells their products and for what price. If their competition feels they are undercutting sales then they should take it up with the manufacturers of the products. Quite frankly I can't say that I've ever paid MSRP for ANYTHING in my entire life. Nor do I check someones sale price against their dealer agreement. Sorry, but I'm just a guy who works his butt off for his money and tries to save whenever I can to be able to put more money into what I love, this sport. I don't know about the rest of you, I am willing to pay a little more for great service but conversely I often find myself questioning pricing. I find it very hard to believe that there isn't a significant markup on SO many of the products that we all want/buy in this sport.

$800 trim kits, and $1,000 poles, and the list goes on.... For comparison sake I can buy a full running LS1 with electronics for what I can get an aftermarket shortblock for....now if only I could fit it in my freak....

A little competition may not be a bad thing.

ive got a sawsall, we can make it fit! Nothing like V8 power! No seriously, again all of these are good points.

 

[Twinturbostang]

On a separate note, I do feel more people should attempt to patronize companies that sponsor the various freerides that we all look forward to, they in general all do come to the events with hopes of showing their wares and ultimately selling parts for profit. That's what businesses do, no one is in it for charity. I have always made an effort to support those who support us as a whole. Especially those who help sponsor the fun times we all look forward to. I recently purchased a thrust trim this past week, and I only did it because I saw Brian's ski at Wavedaze last year. (an event I look forward to every single year that he helps sponsor) I do wish people would be more supportive of the companies that support us. I plan on spending some with Optima racing this upcoming year, I wouldn't have really every heard of him if he hadn't brought his truck to that event. So my word to those companies: if you provide a quality product, timely, with good customer service every time, you will have more loyal support. It that way with every other business in the world. If people are happy dealing with you, there is no real need to stray. Ok I'll now exit the soapbox.

So true!!!
support the events!!

 

[superjet0587]

To the OP what would be your strategy to marketing your new business? Would your slogan be we charge full price msrp all the way( but if I like you I'll hook u up.).

There are lowballers in all types of businesses... Most learn from the mistakes they make or go broke.

 

[Cannibal]

I effin hate Walmart with a passion. I just never really put that perspective into the ski world. I don't buy a lot of new stuff, but I'm going to make sure I spend my money with more than the bottom line in mind from now on.

 

[kraqus]

I needed an MSD enhancer so I started to look for one.
ALL your "Known" Jetski companies were selling them for over $350

I found this site:
http://www.streetsideauto.com/p/msd-4253/

$282 and FREE Shipping? What?

And it gets better, here you have a 10% OFF your order:
http://www.cheaperseeker.com/sem/St...side +coupon&gclid=CL7frpOQs64CFQ1chwodsFjVSg

That's $254 out the door and delivered to my my house....
Guess what? I GOT 2 of them at that price! Boyaah!

Can you blame me for wanting to save moola?
What kind of deal MSD gave this business that he can "afford" to sell them so cheap?
Is that Fair to the other "known" watercraft businesses?

MSD, ARE YOU LISTENING?





Benny

 

[Waveblaster785]

I needed an MSD enhancer so I started to look for one.
ALL your "Known" Jetski companies were selling them for over $350

I found this site:
http://www.streetsideauto.com/p/msd-4253/

$282 and FREE Shipping? What?

And it gets better, here you have a 10% OFF your order:
http://www.cheaperseeker.com/sem/St...side +coupon&gclid=CL7frpOQs64CFQ1chwodsFjVSg

That's $254 out the door and delivered to my my house....
Guess what? I GOT 2 of them at that price! Boyaah!

Can you blame me for wanting to save moola?
What kind of deal MSD gave this business that he can "afford" to sell them so cheap?
Is that Fair to the other "known" watercraft businesses?

MSD, ARE YOU LISTENING?





Benny

My last enhancer lasted 45 minutes, so you're good for at least one tank of riding if you bought two! Score!

Thankfully I bought it from Riva and they took it back and refunded my money. So I had that goin for me, which was nice.