Sunday, January 17, 2010

New for 2010!

New for 2010 to celebrate my past success!..... I want to beat ANYONE's published / quoted pricing by 10% for an EXACT duplicate platform (shape, style, color, options. Materials and method of manufacturing may vary)). I'm doing this because I want to get even more aggresive this year about going after the platform market. I'm VERY confident that I make the best platform available and definitely the most value.


I'm adding the following FAQ's on my web site:

Q: How do I know that I'm going to get exactly the platform that I have pictured in my mind?

A: I send you pictures pretty much every day at the end of the day showing you the progress that we've made. In this way you:
1) See the quality that goes into the construction, 2) feel comfortable in the progress and conformance to schedule and 3) Ensure that I am making the platform to your specifications. You get to see the platform finished before it is shipped so that there are no surprises when it arrives at your door.

Q: Is there a "best" time to order?

A: YES, the best time to order is the off season (Jan, June, July, Dec). The lead times are much better.

Q: Does the platform ever drag in the water from being too big?

A: We primarily make "full size" platforms. Many people ask this question as they are concerned, especially when getting up on plane, that the big platform will drag. We actually went out this summer and did a professional photo shoot on my boats to photograph and video the platform from rest to on plane. At no time did the platform drag in the water. I've NEVER had a customer come back and relay concerns about this so I'm saying No, it won't be a problem.

Q: What about "vents" .... are they necessary for water drainage or air pressure relief?

A: Again, a lot of customers ask this question. When we first started making these platforms over ten years ago, we thought they needed vents. However, through first hand experience and customer feedback and comments from other maufacture's, I am convinced that they are not necessary. Some customers like the look of them or use them for hand grabs so we offer them as an add on, but functionally they are not necessary.

Q: What about installation hardware? How does yours compare to your competitions?

A: If you do a good job of research, you will find that my installation package is unsurpassed. While they smash the ends of their SS support rods and drill holes in them, I give you specially designed brackets that hold the SS rods. This gives you more flexibility in the installation and is a significantly stronger application. Also, for most of their platforms they offer two support rods. The minimum number (except on platforms less than 16 sq ft) of support rods I provide is four! It is over engineered sure, but I like my customers to feel no flex at all while standing on the platform.

Q: Shipping? State that it depends on when you order your platform.... If you order during peak season (Feb through May and Sept through Nov) it could be up to 4 weeks. If you order during off season expect two weeks. Ordering a SeaDek pad can add as much as 4 weeks.

Finally, I have a new testimonial that I'm very proud to receive. John has been a customer since he got his first boat about five years ago. He and his wife have been loyal customers and a truly great people. I LOVE my customers! :

From John Newman: Scott: Just a note to personnaly thank you for all you have done for me and my ski boat. I know when I first met you 5 years ago that I didn't know anything about boats. That first year ended up being pretty costly after the prop repair, etc... But from listening to your advice regarding driving lessons and recommended care and maintenance, I think I did pretty good these past two years, huh? We've thoroughly enjoyed taking friends and family out on the river. It has become one of our favorite activities.

I don't know anybody else that meets their customers at the ramp at the end of the year to assist in pull out and delivers the boat to the ramp in the spring. Your generosity is appreciated and I understand why when I come to your shop you are buried in boats!

I've heard others talk about your customer-first attitude and skills as a boat maintainer. I want you to know I echo their comments. And we love your mechanic Frank. You guys are honest and fair. You've been wonderful and Jeanne and I thank you.

See you in the spring!

John and Jeanne Newman
Spokane Valley, WA

For those of you planning on coming to the boat show to see the Safe Step Swim Platforms for yourself, I'll see you there!

Scott

Sunday, January 10, 2010

I have two new significant developments to share. The first is that I have joined the Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA). It was a requirement for getting into the Seattle Boat Show. But it turns out that I'm glad I'm involved. They have some good publications and I should get some exposure on the West side. I am also taking advantage of a Boat Show Special for advertizing in a West Side magazine- Nor'Westing. The editor has already decided to write an article about my company in addition to the advertizing.

The second development is that the air pollution control authority in Spokane has recognized my business- Contemporary Fiberglass, as a top (gold level) achiever in performance with regards to improving air quality. I have always believed that I could run my business effectively, profitably and still abide by all relevant regulations. And to be honest, as I grow older I am even more convinced that I want to help leave this planet in good shape for my children and grandchildren.

I have been getting ready for the Boat Shows at the end of the month. The phone has been ringing with potential customers wanting information on my Safe Step Swim Platforms. I believe that 2010 will be another record breaker. I'm so confident that a custom extended swim platform adds so much safety and functionality to your boating experience that more and more people will be ordering them.

Cheers. I hope to hear from you if you are interested.