Selling More Sidewinders???

[pav225]

Maybe we can take a more positive approach to this...

With the push to sell Sidewinder motors and support their efforts, what can be done to help sell more motors into classes that they are already Approved in? How do we get more people into these classes or get current participants to buy additional motors?

I'll start off with:
1) Develop a "standard" boat that is available for sale at races. Sell a new boat/motor/prop as a complete rig. Maybe APBA could fund some of this effort???

I hope this will be a productive thread so input is encouraged.

- Mike

[Kev43V]

mike i think this is a GREAT idea....
I would be MORE than happy to haul 1 or 2 around with the booth next year
I have been going to ask if a boat builder would put 1 on the trailer as a consignment kinda thing. then see about a motor to put on it (obviously I have the J motor to put on a J boat.)

[drbyrne55]

Maybe we can take a more positive approach to this...

With the push to sell Sidewinder motors and support their efforts, what can be done to help sell more motors into classes that they are already Approved in? How do we get more people into these classes or get current participants to buy additional motors?

I'll start off with:
1) Develop a "standard" boat that is available for sale at races. Sell a new boat/motor/prop as a complete rig. Maybe APBA could fund some of this effort???

I hope this will be a productive thread so input is encouraged.

- Mike

Speaking for Byrne Bros Racing and entering our 3rd year, here is my view point.
1. We really like running our 302 restricted in 20SSH and it easily allows CSH entry.
2. The top end is good but the Y80 really out punches the 302.
3. A good restricted 302 is VERY prop sensitive to the DEPTH you run, much more so than a CSH. Lowering 1/4" would really mess our props up.

So, for our team, we would look seriously at a new motor that supposedly has the punch of a Y80. Yes, a lot of testing will be necessary and maybe boat and prop development too. Not really, interested in buying a new SD if it is NOT legal though.

[jswain3]

new boats

Jesse and I share Mike's opinion. He is currently working on a mold for A/15/B runabouts as we speak. The first boat out of the mold will be ready by Ocoee. Package deals would definitely encourage the sales of the new motors. Updates as the project progresses.

[johnsonm50]

Maybe we can take a more positive approach to this...

With the push to sell Sidewinder motors and support their efforts, what can be done to help sell more motors into classes that they are already Approved in? How do we get more people into these classes or get current participants to buy additional motors?

I'll start off with:
1) Develop a "standard" boat that is available for sale at races. Sell a new boat/motor/prop as a complete rig. Maybe APBA could fund some of this effort???

I hope this will be a productive thread so input is encouraged.

- Mike

I agree that on site equipment for sale besides what usually is if you ask around could bring some participant interest. From a newbie outlook tho getting used safety equipment took longer to locate than motors & boats that were then available. If there was any way to sweet-n the deal by getting a buyer suited up & in the boat..? It would be an expensive day if someone were to buy all that and join or get a 1-event membership.
Maybe out of the question but if a complete rig & equipment were available for 'serious applicants' to try for the cost of a 1-event + or - you might need to furnish a 'new' rigs 4 sale often. If I were racing a class Sidewinders were used in Id want one. [actually, I want one anyway]

[Racers Edge]

In 1989 Race Craft had offered a complete package (boat, motor, new Dewald propeller and maybe a small trailer to go with it) It would be a good idea to find out at what level of success this had 20+ years ago. No matter what I seems like a great idea.
They even had a commercial that ran during the national championship Tv coverage.

[Dave M]

Idea

While I think it is a great idea, I doubt anyone would purcahse a complete rig at a race. That is a lot of cash to hand over. It would be well over 10K I imagine. I doubt you would want to accept a personal check at a race site from somone you never met, in a town you visit maybe once a year. Credit card machine would be helpfull, but who has a credit card with a credit limit that high ?

I talked to Pops about the package deal he did, he told me it had some promise. But then, it was a lot cheaper 5 years ago, or 10 years ago to do this.

I simply think a package deal set up at the race site for viewing is enough, and provide all the contact information to purchase everything, I mean everything. I just don't see many people forking over that kind of money at a race site spur of the moment. It is a decision that needs to be thought through, kind of like buying a new car. it is expensive enough, you want to test drive several, and find the best financing deal.

[DiGia54D]

Maybe they can do a package deal with boat Kit. Sorenson/B&H/RunneCraft, sidewinder and prop . Just a idea, definitly would be cheaper then a complete boat.

[mike ross]

What would be real cool is to have say 5 rigs set up and able to run. Draw names from registered drivers and have them go run these 5 rigs. Kind of like the Mec Cub days. They would definitly workout any bugs if there were any. Then maybe these rigs could be the ones sold at a discount. Mikey

[Wild Bill 96D]

How many guy's buy all brand new stuff to get started? Most people buy used stuff to see if they are going to like it. How about trying to put together a used combo at the race in hopes of selling it to a newcomer.

[pav225]

In 1989 Race Craft had offered a complete package (boat, motor, new Dewald propeller and maybe a small trailer to go with it) It would be a good idea to find out at what level of success this had 20+ years ago. No matter what I seems like a great idea.
They even had a commercial that ran during the national championship Tv coverage.

John,
I like the idea! I know APBA is currently working with the OPC Category to develop a "spec" rig. Why couldn't we do the same for Stock?

- Mike

[reed28n]

Pop Trolian

Bob Trolian was great at making deals for boats. He would trade guys into boats that weren't even at the races. He spent hours connecting buyer and seller.

He was also working on the package idea again this time around with the sidewinder.

I would curious to know just how many people he got started in the A class helping drivers get packages.

He will be missed.

[Terry Kerr]

not to toot my horn but long before Sharon.it was Pop and one of those
packages.
Look at me know..
i raced for 7 years before i got my"POP Package".

first pack(1997) was a new boat,old motor,good prop.-4000.00(not to bad)

SIde Winder was told about 4500.00 alone......ouch...

how about new motor,fair boat,good prop...just a thought...

[Dave M]

Trends

Can anyone tell me what the largest retail chain in the world is ?

Sams Club and Walmart. These are stores that offer lower pricing. The chain grew fast with the lower prices to what it is today, the largest chain in the world. If you sell something, and Walmart is your customer, they are your largest customer, period.

Does the represent the U.S. population ? How many of you shop at these stores to save money ? How many of you skip paying higher prices at local stores to save money ? Considering the success this chain has I would say the trend to the U.S. is lower prices. We should follow these trends. Just my opinion. You have something priced at even $7500.00 for a package and no financing available, only can be used a couple weekends a month, travel expenses as well.... it seems rather easy to walk in to a marina sign and drive away with a new Wave Runner that can be used everyday on nearly every lake........ And if they want to race it they can in APBA, and then go play the next day with the same machine........ hmmmm. Something to think about.

[Kev43V]

not to toot my horn but long before Sharon.it was Pop and one of those
packages.
Look at me know..
i raced for 7 years before i got my"POP Package".

first pack(1997) was a new boat,old motor,good prop.-4000.00(not to bad)

SIde Winder was told about 4500.00 alone......ouch...

how about new motor,fair boat,good prop...just a thought...

and how much was just a new boat 13 years ago? I really want to know, I was not racing then and have no idea. Props while we are at it? Also, what were used motors going for then?