Hiring a Yacht Broker — Sellers Guide

Have you decided to list your yacht for sale? If so, your next step is to hire a yacht broker who can help you every step of the way. Hiring a certified sales professional has many benefits; like a realtor, they offer the expertise, experience, and data to list your yacht at the right price for a fast and smooth sale. Learn more about the benefits of hiring a yacht broker.

Hiring a Yacht Broker

When looking for a yacht broker to work with it’s a good idea to treat it like a job interview. Get to know the broker, ask questions, and determine whether or not they would be a valuable asset when it comes to listing your yacht on the market. Here are a few considerations and questions to ask when you are interviewing a yachting professional.

Certifications & Brand Specializations

One of the first questions to ask when interviewing a yacht broker is if they are certified. Two prestigious designation programs include the International Yacht Brokers Association (IYBA) and CPYB. Each of these programs highlights a high standard of education, code of ethics, and professionalism. These programs also indicate that their level of knowledge and its application has been tested, measured and verified to the highest business standards and protocols. Read more about the IYBA and CPYB accreditation.

Another high-priority interview question should reference their specializations. Do they specialize in the brand/model that you are selling? Finding a broker who understands and knows how to operate your vessel is crucial when selling. You’ll want to seek out someone who will be able to explain every aspect of your boat to potential buyers. If they know nothing about your boat, chances are they won’t be able to make a quick and easy sale. Conversationally ask if they have had any experience listing similar yachts. If so, ask for some feedback about the sale/s.

Experience & Product Knowledge

Another good question to ask when interviewing a yacht broker is how long they’ve been involved with yacht sales? It’s always a smart idea to either choose someone who has been a yacht broker for some time or has ample experience with the industry; with an honest and good reputation. Another good conversational piece to add is to ask whether or not this is a full-time job for them. Often, yacht brokers only conduct yacht sales part-time, much like realtors. Sometimes this can reflect negatively because the attention and focus are lacking versus working with someone who does it full time. It’s important to make sure they are knowledgeable in the whole listing process. Ask for a listing presentation when interviewing a yacht broker to get an idea of how they will market your yacht.

Resources Offered

Furthermore, find out if they offer additional resources and how the selling process will work. Are they backed by a team of professionals to assist during the process of selling your yacht? It’s valuable information to know whether or not they they have a professional marketing team to ensure your listing is getting the maximum exposure. Or, if there is an accounting/finance team to ensure all forms of funds will be received safely and securely. In other words, find a company that will offer you peace of mind.

Relationship & Trust

Above all, when hiring a yacht broker, you need to be able to trust them and know that they will have your back throughout the process. Trust plays a huge role in the sales relationship; you need to know that your broker will orchestrate the best deal with your best interest in mind, to set you up for success.

Additional Questions

A few additional conversational pieces to ask when interviewing a yacht broker are;
-How many boats they have sold this past year, and what kind?
-Can they run the vessel, and if not, can they partner with someone who does?
-Are they involved with the latest marketing & advertising trends?

Experience the Galati Difference

At Galati Yacht Sales, when you work with one of our certified yacht brokers, you are not just getting one person’s help with the sales process, you are gaining access to the broker’s entire network of contacts and referrals and a team of yachting specialists who can assist you throughout the whole life cycle of selling or owning a boat. Our 50+ years of industry experience not only helps price your yacht competitively, but we also assist with the survey process, negotiations, and other situations that may arise while your yacht is on the market. Our product knowledge and experience are unparalleled in the yachting industry and we have been committed to exceeding the expectations of our customers since 1970. Contact us today to get started with the process of selling your yacht.