Twin Vee PowerCats, a Florida-based manufacturer, distributor, and marketer of power sport boats, has revealed details of its new Pro-Direct Platform, a digital boat buying platform based on concepts used in the automotive industry. The firm says it expects the Pro-Direct Platform to change how its products are sold, aiming to improve customer satisfaction and expand its global market reach.

“I entered the marine industry nearly ten years ago, and from that first day, I have personally struggled with how a majority of boat buyers experience a less than efficient consumer experience while purchasing a new boat,” says Joseph Visconti, chairman and CEO of Twin Vee PowerCats. “If you compare it to the automotive industry over the last decade, most of the buying process can be completed online on the manufacturers’ websites, including build and price functionality, searching current inventory based on geographical location, ordering, and even applying for a loan. Some manufacturers will even deliver the car to your house, offering a truly frictionless consumer experience.”

Visconti argues that similar online platforms in the automotive industry have enhanced the customer-dealer relationship. “I don’t know too many people that actually enjoy walking into physical automotive dealerships and dealing with car salespeople,” he says. “I feel strongly that most consumers are willing to pay set prices, if the prices are the same for all buyers, creating a fair and balanced playing field between the manufacturer, dealer, and customer.

“While the marine industry does not have the unit volume the automotive space has, boats cost two to ten times more than cars,” he continues. “Knowing that some boats can cost as much as people’s homes, in my opinion, the boat-buying consumer experience should be elevated to an even higher level of consumer-centric, customer-first experience. [With Pro-Direct], our aim is to revolutionise the entire boat shopping, buying, and delivery experience.”

Twin Vee’s Pro-Direct Platform offers a range of new web-based tools. The platform will include a user-friendly website featuring the Twin Vee and AquaSport brands, where potential buyers can begin the purchasing process. The website will also provide resources for boat owners and allow users to track orders, manage purchases, and save boat configurations through a personalised account portal.

The platform will feature a “Build and Price” tool that allows customers to configure boats to their specifications and receive real-time pricing. Visconti highlights that the system will also include an integrated financing and insurance application system designed to simplify the entire purchasing process.

“When our Pro-Direct Platform launches, we intend to implement a streamlined online ordering system, making the process as easy as possible for customers. We’re also working on integrating a financing and insurance application system that is both secure and fast, allowing customers to handle financing and insurance options from the same platform. We’re making the entire process as seamless an experience for our customers as possible.”

In addition, Twin Vee plans to incorporate real-time product inventory from its dealer network into the platform, allowing prospective buyers to view available boats based on their location. This will help ensure that customers can access up-to-date information when making purchasing decisions.

Visconti says he believes that the Pro-Direct Platform could improve customer service within the recreational marine industry by setting new standards for sales and engagement. “We’re developing the Pro-Direct Platform to completely transform Twin Vee and AquaSport sales and customer engagement processes, giving us a competitive edge over other brands that have not adapted to the shifting of the modern sales landscape. We’ll have more to share soon.”

The post Twin Vee PowerCats develops new digital boat-buying platform appeared first on Marine Industry News.