Consumers today have been trained by leading eCommerce and tech companies that anything can be delivered to them in an instant.  When shopping on Amazon, buyers can point, click, and have items shipped within a couple of days, and in some cases the same day. Ask Alexa where the nearest boat dealer is located, and she immediately provides the distance to get there, directions, and will even call the dealership for you. Information is endless and easily accessible to make informed purchase decisions. However, when examining today’s retail experience in the recreation industry, the buying experience is counter to what consumers expect, especially when purchasing a big-ticket item, such as a boat.  

Warranty registrations. Words that might bring about a long sigh and an eye roll for OEMs and dealers in the recreation industry. Warranties can be a great consumer benefit: they are a huge selling point and can make a one-time buyer into a lifelong customer. Submitting Registrations, on the other hand, is an extra step in the sales process and typically the last thing dealers want to think about after making a sale. However, the secret we all know is that registrations play a huge role in warranty claim management, continued customer satisfaction, and a healthy marketing ecosystem between OEMs and dealers.

While the pandemic has created some uncertainty in the world, it has also created a selling opportunity for OEMs and dealers selling outdoor recreational vehicles and boats. As we enter the summer months, we are seeing a shift from summer vacations and travel expenditures to more investment in local, outdoor lifestyle activities where social distancing can be easily monitored.