When making a big purchase ( car or boat) How do I not get taken advantage of because I'm a woman?

Question

I want to buy my Husband a boat for Christmas, but when I go I know that salesmen will try to make me spend more than what I need to and probably try to give me a higher intrest rate too. How do I avoid that without being a pain. I'm doing research now on what brand of boat to buy so I won't be ignorant when I go, but still I'm worried that won't be enough.

Answer 1

take your dad,brother, or a male friend with you, don't go alone, all salesmen assume that women don't know what their talking about. and you can both negotiate better

Answer 2

As someone who sold cars for a living, no matter who you are they will try to get you to spend more than you need to and to give you a higher interest rate. The best defense (and weapon) you have is to be informed. That means informed about the product, informed about the pricing, informed about what your credit is and what you can buy. And, also, don't be afraid to step back and shop around, no matter how much they pressure you. That will give you a better perspective and the ability to make a more objective decision. Despite what they say, the car/boat will probably still be there when you return, and if not there will be one just like it. Don't make an emotional purchase! Don't allow them to wear you down or pay more just to avoid confrontation. And finally, you don't have to be mean to get a better deal (I actually worked harder to make sure that the jerks got screwed). You just have to be direct about what you want and how much you want to pay for it. Be firm, but friendly. Negotiating means respecting the other person and expecting respect from them in return.

Answer 3

do some research on the vehicle ( kelly blue . com) thatll tell you the actual value, and ask friends family about what you going to buy, but most of all be confident if not intimidating, if they think you know what your talking about they wont. dont worry about being a pain, you are doing THEM a favor. your hubby  is lucky.

Answer 4

Take a male friend with you! Or take the male friend and his wife!

Answer 5

I don't know the exact law, but you should get a loan equal to your credit.  It is illegal to give you a less attractive loan because you are a woman.  The other part is really something you have to do yourself.  It's not the fact you are a woman, it is the fact the salesman is assuming you know less about the product than a man.  And it sounds like you think the same thing.  Start visiting boat sites and learn something about what you are purchasing.    http://www.boats.com/ might a good place to start to get price ideas.  http://www.onlineboatsales.com/ has a message board where you can ask current owners questions.  I am sure you can find more.  Get on line like you did right now, but ask a different question.  What kind of boat should i get?  You might want to support this with things you believe your husband would use it for and where.  A fisherman in the bayous of Louisiana is going to have much different requirements than a sailor on the east coast.  Lastly, go to several places that sell boats and ask questions, take notes, buy nothing no matter what (the baot will be there tomorrow) and compare what was said afterwards.

Answer 6

I just keep saying i have a few more places to check. I don't know hmmm let me think about it. Never make your mind up there on the first trip. Get the info tell them someone else gave you a better deal on another boat. Make them explain why there's is better. Tell them even you got a better deal & go way down....& see if they say no way or say let me see what I can do. If they say we can't do it for that but this you could always say yours is in better condition maybe I'll go with yours if you give me a lower interest rate too....

Answer 7

The fact that you are doing your research is good, and like the others have said act confident.  Also if they still try to take advantage of you because you're a woman don't be afraid to walk away.  The sales person may not like that, but if the sales person tries to cheat you, you shouldn't worry about what he likes.

Answer 8

first off do not worry about being a pain to the salesman.........the customer is always right and if they do not like it take your money somewhere else.

remember that almost all car and boat salesmen are on commission, that means unless they sell a car or boat they do not get paid.

tell the salesman your concerns and let him sell himself to you... if he can't or doesn't then go somewhere else.

do not buy on the spot!!!!!!!!!!!!!! go home and look the boat you want up on the internet.

do not use their financing!!!!!!!!!!!!use your bank or the peolpe who carry your house mortgage.

IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!if you want your husband to love his boat or car.............then make sure you know what he wants..........if not the brand..then the style and do know what he plans to use it for the most when you present yourself to the salesman.do not get what you want if it is for him.......

Answer 9

Look everything up on the internet.  Be sure to educate yourself.  Know what you want and know your price range.  Be assertive and remember knowledge is power.

Remember to look the person in the eye when you speak with them.  Don't look around - it makes you seem unsure of yourself.

Answer 10

Figure out what you should really be paying for the paticular boat your looking for... Never pay sticker or asking price !!  Like others said dress nicely act confidnet when dealing with the salesperson so they know your not a pushover and you will do well....

Answer 11

Make sure you do your research before you go - not just on the type of boat you want but also all the accessories you need/ want (and what they do) so that you don't get talked into buying extras that you don't need or use or that may already be covered by something already installed on the item.  Be confident but at the same time open to suggestions - not all salespeople want to rip you off.  Re interest rates, shop around before you get there - check rates AND repayments at the banks, your accountant etc.  Interest rate is not the only thing to be concerned about, repayments may vary wildly due to fees and charges associated with the loan.  If you take dealership finance, read the contract carefully, check and recheck the details match what was quoted and make sure you leave the yard with a signed copy of the contract.  

Finally and sadly, being a woman who has worked in car dealership, i can say that on some occassions presentation will get you everywhere.  Look great but MEAN BUSINESS.

Good luck!

Answer 12

You smart to research.

First; you paying cash or credit?

If, you going credit get with your bank and see what they loan you and after your research get this all straight with your bank. Tell the bank you want to make a cash deal for the boat and pay with a cashiers/certified check drawn on the loan. Work the details so you know where you stand to make a cash offer.

Find a boat that you think is nice. There many on-line places and some people already mentioned to see what that boat sell for used!!!!! I give links later. Once you find or know what available in your area go to the on-line links and search that boat. Look for two year old and one year old models that similar to what you want. Then you offer the two year old average first, say your ready to write a certified check and let the salesman think and ho-hum around. Then let him offer the one year average. If, he not come down to the one year old average of what the boat sell for then counter offer the one year old average price. Then if he not go for that, walk away and go somewhere else.

http://www.boats.com/

http://www.iboats.com/

http://www.usedboats.com/

Answer 13

First of all, do your homework.  Research and find out the specifics of the product you want to buy.  The Internet and manufacturer info will educate you.  Learn about prices, so that you are in a position to bargain, especially on big ticket items.  I always insist on getting something extra thrown in.

Second, look and act profession.  Be friendly, but serious in your negotiations.  Ask questions and specifics (if you have done your homework, they won't be frivolous).

Third, make sure all details are brought up and settled before you sign anything and/or pay.  I once walked away from a Taurus when a dealer tried to charge me at the last minute for wheels he had switched from another vehicle, but hadn't included on the sticker price.  Same thing  applies to payment arrangements.  I usually credit card charge when I buy a new car...it drives dealers nuts, but it gives you another month before you have to pay.  Good luck!

Answer 14

Let your husband pick out his own boat.  With your plan, you're either going to blow a bunch of savings or saddle him with debt.  Nice Xmas present.  Either way it wouldn't be the style boat he wanted.  Can't you get more creative than to buy something new and pay top dollar?  There's about a million used boats that people thought they wanted, used a couple times and now wish they could get rid of.  If you really want to help, go clean out an area to park the thing because that's where it's going to be 99.9% of the time.  After that you could research how to get fish stink out of everything.

Answer 15

try to be an actor

Answer 16

Research, Research, Research.  In ANY negotiation, the party with the most knowledge and patience wins.  If you know more about the value of the item than the salesperson, and are willing to walk away, you will get a better deal.  If you don't, you will be taken advantage of regardless of your gender.  Salesmen may assume you are less informed at the start, but they won't after you SHOW your knowledge.

Answer 17

Remember, they need you... Not the other way around. You hold all the power and can negotiate. If you go into a dealership and appear to be a pushover, they will take advantage of you because they know that you will allow it. Be firm and confident.  As long as you don't forget that you have the upper hand and act like it, you'll get the right price.  Don't be afraid to walk away and go to another boat dealer.

I went into a dealership alone (young, single and female) when I made my car purchase. I had a figure in mind and stood firm. When the salesperson refused to back down, I looked him in the eye and said, "You're not the only dealership around. I will be driving a new car home by the end of today, so you can sell me the car I want for this price or another dealership can." This worked (after 3 different dealerships) and I got a great deal. I even got him to throw in extra car accessories for free. I didn't even have to put any money down or trade in my current car. I sold it privately and got blue book for it, more for it than what I could have for a trade-in.

It helps to know figures and how much the boat you want is worth, what they paid for and and how bad they want to sell it (has it been sitting in the lot for 10 months?).  Though I didn't buya boat, these tips can be tranferred when purchasing your boat.

As for the interest rate, go to your bank and ask them what you qualify for and what the interest rate is before you go look at boats.  Remember, shopping for a loan is just as important as shopping for the boat itself.  When you got your mortgage, didn't you call different banks for the best interest rate?  It's the same thing with a boat.  Only go with the dealer's financing if it is a lower interest rate than what the other banks and credit unions will charge you.  Your interest rate is largely based upon your credit score so the better your FICO score, the better rate you will get and vice versa.

Happy boat shopping!

Answer 18

Act very professional. Talk clearly and project your voice. Dress classy and do not fidgit. The more confident you act the better.

Answer 19

Pre qualify for the loan at a Credit Union or bank. As for the rest . 'Pick His Brain"

Answer 20

Do some research and know boat lingo. If they see that you can talk the ling like a man, they'll know they can't pull a fast one on you. Works for me about cars & car repairs. Know all the parts of the boat and how they work or what they are for. They'll say "this lady knows what she's talking about, we can't fool her!".

Answer 21

Take a brother, boyfriend, husband, father or a friend that is of the male gender with you.  As a woman, I know we get taken advantage of  a lot.  I go to get my muffler replaced, $210.  My brother gets the exact same thing done, $115.  Life isn't fair.

Answer 22

Take a man with you, there is a reason for this ... men are generally better as these things why do you think us women are taken advantage of? I know this sounds sexist but it's the truth especially if you are inexperienced. Whenever a female friend of mine goes to buy a car or even my mom or I go to purchase a car my father or a guy friend comes along to make sure we don't get Jewed. Good luck and I totally agree, it also helps to do some research.

Answer 23

Doing your homework ahead of time is the right thing to do. It will help you narrow your options on which boat, price range, and options for the boat. Since boats are a luxury item, the salesman already knows this is essentially "play money" for you and hubby. Just remmber that it's YOUR play money, and make sure that you shop. Talk to a few different dealers that have comparable boats, and if it feels like they're being unbending in negotiating a price, be prepared to walk out.

Don't fall in love with one particular boat. Shopping for big-ticket items should not be a emotional adventure.

Consumer reports, the Internet, or networking with someone is a good way to protect yourself from being taken advantage of.

Answer 24

depending on where you live , right now is a good time to buy a boat. the new year is gonna be coming so they are gonna want to get the old stock (being new) out of there and the new ones in..in illinois where i use to work at the boat marina we did boat shows were they would set up at civic centers and have sales on them. find out what your wanting to buy and email me. [e-mail] and i can help u out.. i dont work there anymore so im not a salesman trying to lure you in lol

Answer 25

Comparative price shop.  Know what the competition is charging for the same product, and don't be afraid to ask them to meet the same price.  Know what the boat is worth, and what you should pay for it.  Be prepared to walk out of the showroom if the deal isn't right.  Also, know the product--boat, car, etc.  You've got to know what you're buying to avoid getting taken advantage of.  When the salesman starts talking horsepower, rpms, and all that other stuff, you better know what he's talking about.  As far as financing, if you've got good credit, check with your bank first--frequently I get a much better interest rate from my bank than I would from GMAC, or the dealer.  

Or, do what I do, tell hubby to pick out the boat he wants, and arrange the financing yourself.  Yeah, you lose the element of surprize, but he gets exactly what he wants.  Good luck!

Answer 26

You cant pretend youre a boat person, for they would tell instantly, but you can show youre a businesswoman and businesswomen buy and sell whatever, because they know well what they are doing, they know how much its worth and hw much they'll pay for it. So first you got to know exactly what you want, and it isnt simple. How many feet should the boat have, its the first thing to know, for thats what differ boats mainly.  Would it be aluminum or fiberglass? What engine would you need, which brand (mainly yamaha, mercury and johnson i guess), how many hp (depends on size of boat and use)? 2 stroke or 4 stroke? you could ask it here. The engine isnt a part of the boat, its  thing you can buy separated from many more dealers than the boat itself, just as the trailer (you will need to transport it), so if you buy them separated it could mean a better deal, not to mention that if you show up intending to buy a complete boat they set for you, it will seem you dont know what you re doing. I think the thing to control the engine (check the name) is something sold separately also, but will have to be assembled tgether with the engine. So you could say youre after xx feet boat, without the outboard engine (which theyll try to sell you upfront, but dont get interested in it, until youre satisfied with the boat deal) and if you buy it there and the engine that youre buiyng somewhere else, you want them to fix it for you (in fact if you can get a fair deal, you may prefer to buy it all from one place, but dont show it!). Check prices and learn names and expressions, to sound like someone who knows it, in foruns in a website above mentioned by Mr. T. You could even prctice out loud. Study mainly the engine, for theres too many variables, check yamaha-motor.com website, in marine, and the other engine makers too for specifications, so that you know exactly which engine you need, as the engine is the most technical part where you could easily show ignorance. When looking at the boat, check for metal parts, mainly iron that could get rusty, probably it isnt an issue nowadays, but will look like youre worried about it. Dont say youre buying it for your husband, why youre buying it is your business, it could be to dump a body somewhere. But you could say if its for salt water or things strictly related to de boat, not yourself. When you show up, theyll try asking you questions to know why a woman is buying a boat. Be rude and ask straight business related questions, dont mind aswering, its about doing business, not socializing. DONT SMILE EVER, not saying hi, not saying goodbye, and not because of the funny joke.       Why do dealers take advantage over women? Maybe because they think they dont know what they are doing, but mostly because you are too nice! Businessmen take other businessmen to strip clubs not because they think theyll forget what they know about the deal  to be done, but because they want them to get nice just like you women are naturaly so nice. It could be offensive for a man to be offered a too high price, he could walk away angry, he could yell, curse. But a woman would never do it, she would smile and say something sweet like: "That much, oh you crazy!" smiling. It makes it too easy at least to try. Dont let it. If offered a too high price, say it looking mad, "and now youre joking right?" and intend to leave, stand tough. Dont be gentle, be serious. Doing business is a serious thing. AND NEVER EVER give away your deadline. If they know when you need it, they can push you into paying more. Dont say its for christmas, dont look like its for christmas, make it look like its for when you get a good deal.  Good luck!

Answer 27

Research research research. Also, when you go to make your purchase, stand your ground. I have found when buying cars, if they say no to what I want, I say thanks & get up & leave. No one wants to lose a sale, so they will probably work with you. Just make sure you know what you are talking about, so Research research research!!!

Sometimes its hard to be a woman!!

Good Luck!

Answer 28

Great question!

I'lll look forward to + ck back for even more insightful answers!

Thanks!  :-)

Answer 29

Once you have decided what model of boat (and motor, I am assuming) to by your husband, call around to local companies who sell it and ask them what their retail price is on it.  Tell them up front, "I am shopping around and want to know if you would like to compete for my business."  That will take the game right out if it.  Take a pen and paper with you and write down the make, model, features and benefits for the boat they want to sell you.  Be open and listen but do not react to anything they say.  If they get you to react, they know how to sell you.  

Check with your local bank about boat loans to see what rates they are offering.  Check your credit on line to know what your score is and if it is above 720, do not take a rate that sound too high!  If you local bank says boat loans go between 5 to 11% do not take the first offer of 9%.

Answer 30

act pofesanal, sound like you know what your talking about(even if ya don't) stand up tall and learn more bout bying bouats

Answer 31

First of all don't worry about being a pain.  I sold cars for a number of years and can tell you that research is the best weapon.  Go to nada.com, edmonds.com or kellybluebook.com and look up the private, and retail sale prices of any vehicle, boat, motorcycle, etc.  Then if you have a printer, print off the info. and take it with you to the place you plan to look.  You should never pay sticker for anything of this sort.  Enlightening yourself can be very empowering as a woman in a man's world.    Let me know how things turn out.  Good luck and Blessings.  Wendy