Understanding The Role Of A Yacht Sales Consultant
The journey into yacht ownership is exciting, with endless opportunities for experiences and exploration. However, the process can be complex whether you are a veteran yacht owner or a first-time buyer. To help navigate the ownership landscape, there are plenty of things to consider, which is where our expert sales consultants step in, helping you secure the perfect yacht.
Working behind the scenes, our sales consultants are industry experts who act as guides and negotiators, handling all the intricacies so you can focus on the ownership experience without worry. As industry professionals, they can bring a wealth of extensive knowledge coupled with valuable industry networks and nuanced market knowledge.
Here we discuss the role of a sales consultant and how they can help you in the yacht ownership process:
Narrowing Down Options
The fundamental role of a consultant is for them to understand what you are looking for, your lifestyle, and your goals for the yacht. Whether you are looking for a new or pre-owned yacht, you will be using it to travel the world extensively, or just for weekend trips, these details are important.
The consultant will consider factors such as preferred cruising routes and specific amenities onboard that will align with how you might look to use a yacht. This understanding leads to a consultant targeting yachts matching your criteria, saving valuable time. They leverage industry connections to access listings and potential off-market opportunities, navigating the market and narrowing down options to arrange viewings of yachts that will help you secure the right yacht at the right price.
Handling Research & Due Diligence
Purchasing a superyacht is a major decision as well as an investment; consultants are there to ensure you make informed decisions. A consultant will provide detailed technical evaluations of all onboard systems and arrange a documentation review from build specifications to maintenance records while coordinating surveys and sea trials.
While assessing the yacht’s condition, if any issues arise, the consultant will help investigate further, ensuring that any repairs, modifications, or negotiations are addressed prior to the purchase. They review all documentation, from build records to compliance certificates, guaranteeing everything is in order. This approach means your investment is safe and eliminates the risk of hidden costs, complications, or overlooked details.
Managing Negotiation & Paperwork
A consultant will have access to market data and recent comparable sales to help you establish a strong negotiating position when you are ready to make an offer. Throughout the buying process, they will ensure you always have the best information, get you the best deal, and protect your interests in general. Negotiating a yacht purchase isn’t just about the price; it involves managing the contracts, VAT, flagging, registration, and compliance with the regulations.
Your consultant will help guide you through these intricacies, helping you choose the best jurisdiction based on your intended use and tax considerations. Having these administrative details handled by a professional means there is no concern about unexpected complications.
The After-Sales Process
Once all the terms are agreed upon, a consultant oversees the critical closing process. They coordinate with legal teams, authorities, and financial institutions to ensure a seamless transition to owning the purchased yacht. The after-sales process is just as necessary, with them able to introduce you to a range of providers and services to make your yachting journey as smooth as can be.
Our IYC consultants introduce you to a range of further services that our yacht management teams can help you with, from crew recruitment and charter management to refit services; these valuable resources from our global offices will help you continue your journey.
Ongoing Support
The relationship with your consultant extends beyond the sale; they can remain a valuable resource, offering guidance and connecting you with the right providers throughout your ownership to help you maximize the enjoyment of your investment while minimizing any challenges.
If and when it comes time that you are ready to move on to a different type of yacht or size, your consultant will then be able to effectively help you sell the yacht, helping you price and market the yacht drawing on their connections and expertise. Whether buying or selling, a yacht sale should always be handled by a professional consultant to ensure that the process runs as smoothly as possible.
If you are looking to buy or sell a yacht this year, contact our expert consultants in one of our global offices to begin your journey.