Should a buyer use a broker?

[ludadave]

With the plethora of information available on products and lifestyles these days what are the advantages of using a broker when buying?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[knotflying]

IMO, buying using a broker had no downside for the buyer, but may affect the sellers willingness to lower their price since that have to pay a broker fee. Sometimes brokers have good information on inventory available and if reputable will do a first screening of the boat they are brokering.

 

[Bobby P.]

We bought our pre owned R-31 CB from Edgewater/modern tugs in Pensacola Florida. They are a ranger dealer. The only thing that I can say on this topic is that the service they gave pre-, during, and post sale was exceptional. They even took care of a few things that I found after the purchase. I can’t speak for brokers in general, but these guys brokered the boat and there is no way that I can see that a private sale or an independent broker could do what they did. This is a family owned company they want to keep their reputation even if it cost them a couple bucks. They are located in Pensacola Florida. I am in Baltimore Maryland. It was worth several flights to purchase the boat from them. They even gave me their personal cell phone numbers including the cell phone number of their number one service guru. They encouraged me to give them a call if I need anything. The couple times I did they were extremely helpful.
Bobby

 

[Toki]

We went through a broker to buy our R27, first time I've used a broker. I don't see that he provided a lot of value in the showing, negotiation, survey/sea trial etc. However, there were some sticky issues during the negotiations, and while I never met the seller in person I got the feeling he was a bit of a hot head. The same can probably be said of me. Without the broker playing middle man, the deal would likely have fallen apart.

Of course, the flip side of that is in some cases perhaps the deal should fall apart but the broker keeps it going to make the sale!