Boatshed Partnership Focus: "With Listings, Sales Will Come"

At Boatshed, our operational philosophy has always been: secure listings first, and sales will naturally follow. This approach is the cornerstone of our business model and differentiates us in the yacht brokerage industry. Here’s how this philosophy is implemented and what it entails for our partners:

1. Core Strategy: Prioritise Listings
The primary focus for Boatshed and its partners is on obtaining listings. Our business model thrives on the quantity and quality of listings. We believe that with a robust portfolio of listings, the sales process becomes more streamlined and effective, as evidenced by our high average sell-through rate of 72%.

2. Initial Evaluation Period
The first three months are crucial in assessing a new partner's ability to adapt to Boatshed's unique culture. This period focuses on evaluating your capability to secure listings, which is the most significant predictor of potential sales success.

Key activities during this period include:
-Securing Listings: Demonstrating your ability to persuade boat owners to list their boats with Boatshed.
-Maximising Tool Usage: Effectively using our technological resources and marketing strategies to enhance the visibility and appeal of listings.
-Building Community Relationships: Actively engaging with the boating community to expand your network and listing opportunities.

During this time, we will monitor your use of specific tools such as Referaboat.com and Friends of Boatshed, which are integral to our networking and referral strategies.

3. Comprehensive Support
To assist our partners in focusing on listings, Boatshed provides extensive support through:
-Targeted Training: Focused sessions on strategies for securing and managing listings effectively.
-Promotional Advantage: Utilisation of Boatshed’s superior web traffic and promotional tools to boost listings’ exposure.
-Access to Expertise: Connecting partners with our vast network of marine industry professionals and resources.

4. Performance-Based Continuation
Your continuation with Boatshed beyond the initial three months depends on your success in listing boats. Robust listing activity is considered the most reliable predictor of future sales success and overall performance within our network.

5. Ideal Partner Traits
Boatshed seeks partners who:
-Grasp the Importance of Listings: Understand that securing listings is the precursor to sales success.
-Exhibit Passion for Boating: Show genuine enthusiasm and knowledge about boating.
-Display Honesty and Approachability: Can relate to and gain the trust of boat owners.

By joining Boatshed, you commit to a proven strategy where "with listings, sales will come." This model emphasises the importance of building a solid foundation of listings, which in turn facilitates sales. We invite partners who are prepared to adopt this approach, emphasising that securing listings is not just part of the process—it’s the critical driver of our collective success.

"The lifeblood of both individual franchisees and the overarching Boatshed platform is the quantity and quality of boat listings." Neil Chapman Founder.

This motto not only underscores the critical importance of listings for sales success but also highlights the symbiotic relationship between local licensees and the central Boatshed brand. Here’s a deeper dive into this principle and its implications:

1. Listing as the Foundation of Business
Impact on Sales
Listings are the first touchpoint for potential buyers. The more listings a franchise has, the higher the probability of making sales. Each listing increases the digital footprint, attracting more visitors, which translates directly into higher sales opportunities.
Visibility and Market Presence
Regular listings ensure that both the local licensees and Boatshed’s brand remain visible and relevant in the competitive yacht brokerage market. Each new listing helps to capture the attention of boat buyers and sellers, keeping the brand top of mind.

2. Mutual Dependency
Local Licensee Success Affects the Whole
The success of local franchises through robust listing activity directly impacts the overall health and viability of the Boatshed brand. Conversely, underperformance in listings by one licensee can affect brand perception and, by extension, other licensees.
Platform Strength
The Boatshed platform’s strength is derived from its collective listings. Each additional listing enhances the platform’s value by providing more choices for buyers and more data to refine marketing and sales strategies.

3. Quality of Listings
Detailed and Attractive Listings
The quality of listings involves more than just quantity. High-quality, detailed listings with excellent photographs and complete information make it easier to attract serious buyers and convert listings into sales faster.
Regular Updates and Engagement
Keeping listings updated and engaging with potential buyers through the listing page is crucial. This not only aids in maintaining the integrity of the Boatshed brand but also ensures that listings are competitive and attractive.

4. Training and Support
Equipping Franchises
Recognizing the importance of listings, Boatshed provides extensive training and support to licensees to ensure they can effectively secure and manage high-quality listings. This includes training on photography, listing details, and customer interaction.
Technological Tools
Boatshed equips its partners with advanced tools to manage listings efficiently, track performance, and engage with customers. The use of these tools is crucial for maintaining an active and attractive portfolio of listings.

5. Continuous Improvement
Feedback and Adaptation
Boatshed maintains a feedback loop with licensees to continually adapt and improve the listing process. Insights from sales data and customer feedback are crucial for refining strategies and improving the effectiveness of listings.
Innovation in Listing Practices
Encouraging innovation within licensees in how they manage and promote listings ensures that Boatshed stays ahead of market trends and meets buyer expectations.

Conclusions
The Boatshed principle of "if you don't list, you don't survive, and nor do we!" serves as a stark reminder of the foundational role listings play in the success of both individual licensees and the Boatshed brand as a whole. It fosters a culture of proactive engagement and continuous improvement, ensuring that the network remains dynamic and competitive in the yacht brokerage industry. This principle is not just a guideline; it's a strategic imperative that drives the operational ethos at Boatshed.