By Robert Grant, Associate Director of OEM Business Development, Lightspeed In the marine industry, dealerships are like the old Transformers cartoons — “there’s more than meets the eye” when it comes to running them. While selling boats is a foundational piece of the puzzle, having successful F&I operations is a key piece to the overall […]
Author: MRAA Partner Contributions
Fueling Profit & Trust: The Power of a Strong Marine F&I Department
The Challenge: Navigating the Marine F&I Landscape Marine dealers today face increasing challenges in Finance & Insurance (F&I), from stricter lending laws and regulations to customers hesitant about financing options. According to a recent survey by the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), 39% of dealers reported lacking a dedicated F&I Manager or Department, […]
5 Fraud Prevention Tools for Your Dealership
By Julie Douglas, President, Dealer Pay Your dealership is a prime target for fraud because you process high-ticket transactions and maintain sensitive customer data. Fortunately, advancements in technology have provided a wealth of tools to combat fraudulent activities. Here are 5 fraud prevention tools that can help protect your dealership and your customers. Enhance Your […]
Lender Mix is Key to Your F&I Success
By Jared Zimlin, Director of Business Development, Elite Recreational Finance, an MRAA Education Champion You’ve likely faced some tough challenges in F&I that directly dampen your sales potential. These hurdles, from limited lender options and higher interest rates to tightening guidelines and aged inventory being devalued, are difficult to navigate alone. Let’s take a closer […]
Critical Menhaden Science Funding Falls Short Again in Virginia
• Recreational angling, boating and conservation community disappointed that state legislative efforts to fund menhaden science in the Chesapeake Bay failed in session (RICHMOND, Va.)— During the 2025 legislative session, Virginia lawmakers again failed to approve multiple efforts from both sides of the aisle to provide funding for the Virginia Institute of Marine Science to […]
Protect Consumer Information with a Digital Deal Jacket
• Advanced tools help your dealership reduce leaks and safeguard vital data By Ken Hill, Managing Director, 700Credit, an MRAA Platinum Partner In today’s digital age, dealerships have embraced many technological advancements to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. Among these, the digitalization of Deal Jackets — the comprehensive records that encapsulate every aspect of […]
How to Identify and Mitigate Cybersecurity Risks at Your Dealership
Partner Contribution by IDS, an MRAA Education Champion According to Cybersecurity Ventures, by 2025, cybercrime is expected to cost the world $10.5 trillion. But financial loss is not the only significant damage that cybercrime and cybersecurity risks can cause individuals and organizations. A cyber-attack on a dealership can have severe consequences, such as disruptions to business […]
Cybersecurity Knowledge – Protecting Your Business
Partner blog by Global Marine Insurance, an MRAA Education Champion Every business is affected by cybersecurity is some way shape or form. For marine dealerships, which come in varying sizes, complexities, private and public ownership and can offer vastly different products and services, cybersecurity efforts and the protection of their client data and internal systems […]
Priority One Financial Services Announces Rollick Partnership
St. Petersburg, FL (December 4, 2024) – Priority One Financial Services, a full-service finance company for marine, RV, trailer and equipment dealers, recently announced a partnership with Rollick, the recreation industry’s leading customer engagement technology provider. The integration simplifies the customer’s path to purchase by connecting Rollick’s digital retailing technology with Priority One’s financing services. When a dealer works with […]
6 Tips to Elevate Your Online Marketing Strategy: The Power of Exposure
By Courtney Chalmers, VP of Marketing, Boats Group, an MRAA Strategic Partner With longer boat sales cycles and more buyers making purchase decisions online – and likely before they meet a seller in person – you need to adapt your marketing strategies. Achieving maximum visibility across digital channels throughout the sales journey is essential for […]
