Full Service Retailer Markups?

[sblunden]

I don't want to put anyone in an uncomfortable position with this question, but knowledgeable answers would be appreciated I just bought a new 2004 SabreLine 36 FBS, fully loaded and I set aside $20K total for electronics assuming I take the Furuno current rebates. I'm talking to a local, very reputable full function shop in CT who can job the whole thing in my marina over the winter. His discounted hardware total is about $16,800 plus tax and a not to exceed number of installation hours (I'm ok with taxes and hours, too). We're about $1500 off on the hardware number to make my budget. He's offering to start this week, so I know he has people sitting on the bench since it's pretty slow around here right now.

I'm ready to walk away over the $1500, since I really don't have the money available to exceed my budget number, which I gave him outright (I've never done that before!).

Somebody here probably knows the markups on Furuno Navnet Radar/GPS's (3 total, 2 GPS, 1 radar), Simrad AP w/RPU160 drive, ICOM M502 VHF etc. Just would like to know, am I being unreasonable in walking away from this offer? What's a reasonable discount off list to expect on a job like this?

I'm walking away in any event if he doesn't make it under $20K, just wondering if I'm being a jerk.

I can source the hardware at dealer cost (part of my purchase contract on the boat) and job out the sensor/radar installations and do this myself over the winter, but I guess that years of subscribing to Marine Electronics Journal has me convinced that a CMET qualified organization is the way I want to go, and as a business person I acknowledge that he deserves a reasonable profit so he can sustain his shop.

Opinions....?

[jtburf]

Simply tell him your top dollar to spend if he cannot do it he will tell you and then you find another shop
or get the phone number to his installers and let them do it on the side I'm sure they have before and will again ...


John

[Sleeper]

I am with jt. Just lay it on the line that you may need to hold off on the whole deal due to a strict, planned budget. You could go to a discount web site like my favorite and price the stuff to see where he is with his price;

http://www.brokenlegdave.com/

Add up your exact equipment and understand that internet seller is still making a profit.
At this time of the year in New England, I suspect the phones are not ringing off the hook for electronic installs. I respect your understanding that the installer is entitled to a profit. I also have a gut feeling he is making too much at the current quoted price on the hardware. I suspect you will still be able to give him the job, just for less profit.

[Think Tweiss]

Southern ct is tough...and if you're in Fairfield county it's almost impossible to get work done reasonably. I agree with the others.....tell him your price and if he won't meet it, look elsewhere or do it yourself.

If you hire someone to do the work, make sure the agreement includes (in writing) a completion date....and write on the the agreement "time is of the essence"....and have him initial it. This sounds like overkill, but next August when you are still waiting for him to complete the job, you'll appreciate having these in your agreement. Obviously, don't pay in full until the job is done.

[sblunden]

Think Tweiss - 10/20/2004 12:17 PM

Southern ct is tough...and if you're in Fairfield county it's almost impossible to get work done reasonably. I agree with the others.....tell him your price and if he won't meet it, look elsewhere or do it yourself.

If you hire someone to do the work, make sure the agreement includes (in writing) a completion date....and write on the the agreement "time is of the essence"....and have him initial it. This sounds like overkill, but next August when you are still waiting for him to complete the job, you'll appreciate having these in your agreement. Obviously, don't pay in full until the job is done.

Thanks. I guess that was my mistake up front. I was having a bunch of warranty work done yesterday and happened to mention the unwillingness to move on the quoted price to my service manager. His response was, "not surprising". I guess the first outfit is known for this. I have the numbers of two other reputable outfits within 25 miles and will be better prepared when I go to them. Cheers!