How do you and your team inspire prospects and customers to trust you?
“Lasting trust is accomplished over time. If you view your walk ins and leads like “just a number” you are going in the wrong direction. Helping a client find what truly fits their needs and not trying to cram them into your oldest non-current is a good start. My take on trust comes down to this, ‘if you wouldn’t treat your mother that way, don’t treat your client that way.’” – Greg Harvey, Tobler Marina
“At the risk of using some overused expressions, we are basically honest to a fault. We believe in complete transparency and treat customers with the utmost integrity. We under-promise but over-deliver. Procedurally, our sales process is pain free – from sea trials to closing to service after the sale – our customer are made to feel at ease and treated like friends. We’re always accessible, we carry reliable products, and we maintain consistency throughout our six locations.” – Frank Ferraro, Nautical Ventures Group
“By assimilating my life and experiences to theirs. By demonstrating that I am a professional boat dealer and I give them answers that are correct and make sense to them. I ask questions and use their answers to “fit” the boat to their needs in a transparent and entertaining way.” – Jim Sabia, Top Notch Marine
“We have always taken the approach that we are to guide and educate them on the journey to boat ownership- not sell them.” – David deAndrade, White Lake Marina
“Tell the customer the truth […] and you will earn the respect and a good customer. I have been doing this for the past 57 years.” – Anthony Cavallo, Hi-Tide Boat Sales & Service
“Review reputation with Google and Facebook. Prior customers provides that first line advantage.” – David Nichols, Eric’s Outboard Marine Sevice, Inc.
“Become an advocate / educator for your customers. Work hard to communicate with your customers on a regular basis. For example, email / post tips and articles for your customers and prospects to see. Offer to take existing customers on test runs of new models as they arrive at dealership. Both of you will experience a new model together with no expectation to purchase. You never know where the experience will lead to! Hopefully an upgrade and trade of their existing boat or potentially a referral to a friend looking for a similar boat!” – Kim Sweers, FB Marine Group
“At the conference this year I heard the statement that sales sell the first boat at a dealership and service sells the rest. We fully believe in that statement. Many of our customers do business with us because of the service they received from us before the made any purchases from us. Those same customers are our best promoters. It always seems to come back to quality service in a timely manner. Customers for life or even customers for generations.” – Jeff Sanborn, Handberg’s Marine
“Integrity and backing of the product you sell, strong follow through, open communication which includes “listening” to the customer. What tops the list for me is reassurance of how we will take care of them “after” the sale.” – Shauna Reetz, Tracker Marine Boat Center – Sidney, Nebraska
“Attitude, kindness, and holding ourselves to a higher standard, use our mistakes as wisdom and correct our shortcomings and successes, and use examples to others in our communications to teach, inspire, and build truth into the relationship. Lead by example.” – Ed Brailsford, Charlotte Ski Boats
“We get told over and over again from prospective customers, recent new customers and ones who are on their 4th+ round with Rinker’s; why they not only chose us but keep coming back … and it’s not a surprise if sometimes they pop-in to say “Hi” and/or for a visit to catch-up. It’s simple … we are genuine in showing we really do care! Our always friendly atmosphere, personalized service and amazing, timely follow-ups makes all of our customers feel special and like they have become an extension of our family, not just a ’one-and-done’ experience/relationship just to get another boat out the door. At Rinker’s Boat World we strive to provide the most comprehensive and enjoyable experience overall for the customer as our major, #1 objective. We listen to what their needs are, develop great communication with them and show empathy. Empathy matters in sales, leading with empathy can mean the difference between a good salesperson and a great salesperson. When you’re able to connect with a customer on a higher emotional level, the more likely they are to trust and believe in your ability to help. When salespeople understand and feel what the customer feels, they gain deeper insight into the emotional foundations of the customer’s needs. This enables them in turn to define and articulate the best solution in terms that resonate with the customer.” – Carrie Ranney, Rinker’s Boat World
What do you and your team do to inspire trust? Tell us below in the comment section.
