18 and need some help getting into the industry

T

TheWrapMD

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Hey Guys,
I am very new to the marine industry and I need some help. I am 18 years old and just started a company doing boat protection. I am the youngest Avery Dennison Certified Installer so my knowledge and ability to complete the work to a high standard is not an issue. But I am struggling to find my clients.

Where are boat owners hanging out?
How is best to approach?

If you could give me some insight it would mean a lot

Mason F.
 
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TheWrapMD said:
Hey Guys,
I am very new to the marine industry and I need some help. I am 18 years old and just started a company doing boat protection. I am the youngest Aver Dennison Certified Installer so my knowledge and ability to complete the work to a high standard is not an issue. But I am struggling to find my clients.

Where are boat owners hanging out?
How is best to approach?

If you could give me some insight it would mean a lot

Mason F.
Click to expand...
Are you looking for clients who want a wrap?
 
speedo said:
Are you looking for clients who want a wrap?
Click to expand...
Not exactly, we are using Marine Defense. It is a clear protective film (Also comes in colored) that will protect the gel coat and the hull from the marine environment. Especially with dark colored boats, it will prevent fading and the need to wax every few months.
It also has a built in ceramic coating and scratch resistant top coat, so easy maintenance and no damage when it comes to dock rash and surface level abrasions.

So all in all, very different from a wrap. But can still provide customization if wanted. So yes? Clients that are looking for the customization of a wrap, but also to protect their investment.

I want to emphasize I'm not trying to sell on here, just trying to get advice.
 
Boat owners hang out at marinas. :)

But truly for someone new, referrals are your best bet. I’ll also give you a secret and old friend of mine did. He started a carpet cleaning business in high school. His older uncle would do the sales so the customer didn’t realize it was just some kid behind the curtain.
 
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Where do they hang out? Facebook boat groups? Forums like this and "The Hull Truth"? BTW don't leave sailboats out of the mix.
 
Golfman25 said:
Boat owners hang out at marinas. :)

But truly for someone new, referrals are your best bet. I’ll also give you a secret and old friend of mine did. He started a carpet cleaning business in high school. His older uncle would do the sales so the customer didn’t realize it was just some kid behind the curtain.
Click to expand...
I appreciate the feedback! My age is definitely a plus and a minus, I am working on getting someone to help sell.

As a boat owner when you are at a marina, would you be bothered if you were approached?
 
TheWrapMD said:
I appreciate the feedback! My age is definitely a plus and a minus, I am working on getting someone to help sell.

As a boat owner when you are at a marina, would you be bothered if you were approached?
Click to expand...
Our docks are locked and not public access, so yes a little bit. However, the launch ramps are fair game as people are preparing or cleaning their boat — a quick card and 10 second elevator pitch would be fine. Just be respectful. The other thing if you have a van or work truck with signage can work too. I have several pictures of vendors in my phone. So if you’re not busy on a Sunday afternoon, park the truck and go for a walk. Just make sure the marina is a closed marina and requires everything run thru them.
 
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