Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

While my Bennington was stored, I apparently spilled a bottle of bug spray on the vinyl and it made a gummy spot. Went to the dealer to check on the price of a new cushion. He was surprised (as was I) when he quoted me $125. I ordered the cushion about 3 weeks ago. Today he called with "good news and bad news". Good news: The seat is in. Bad news: The actual cost was $275. Not sure I want to pay $275 and might just throw a towel over the gummy spot. Disappointed that Bennington would initially say $125 when the actual cost was over twice that. Any input??

On average, I would assume the actual cost to Bennington (not the dealer) is around the original price quoted. $125 and they sell it to the dealer for around $195 and the dealer sells it for $275.

Retail price of $275 - $82.50 (dealer profit is around a 30% margin) = $192.50

If you are willing to spend $195 then tell the dealer that while not happy, you will pay that so he does not lose money. Othewise, put a towel over it.

Is this one of the really large cushions, smaller cushion or corner cushion? If its one of the really long ones, maybe that price, smaller not so much. But since I have not bought a cushion I am no expert on the cost.

Its about 4 ft long. Just forward of the changing room. They actually took pics and sent them to Bennington. I'm liking the idea of offering him what he paid. I think that would be fair since he won't be losing any money.

Mobilegroomer wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 30, 2019 3:36 pm

Its about 4 ft long. Just forward of the changing room. They actually took pics and sent them to Bennington. I'm liking the idea of offering him what he paid. I think that would be fair since he won't be losing any money.

I hate to say it, but....
You made the mistake...
Dealer did not and is entitled to make a profit. Its a business.
Bennington did not and is also entitled to make a profit.
Hopefully the dealer will want to do a customer a favor and maybe cut you a deal, maybe reduce his profit?? That would be a win-win.
Good luck, self inflicted pain is just painful.....we have all been there. I think I might be the poster child for stupid mistakes. cheers.

well my opinion is you are only "obligated" to the price you were quoted.. however in fairness, I think it would be a good compromise to pay the dealer whatever his cost is. That way your dealer doesn't get burned and you don't take too much of an added hit on the cost... that's the resolution I would shoot for.

First, I didn't think you could buy anything for a boat for only $125! LOL. Add the word "boat" or "marine" to anything and it seems like the price doubles or triples!

I agree, see if you can settle for the dealers cost, but also remember that a good relationship with a good dealer has value. I'm sure the extra $150 (or whatever you end up paying) isn't really going to be that big a deal in the grand scheme of things.

Riplipper, Yes, I made the mistake. The problem is, had I known it was going to be 275 to begin with, I would have opted to throw a towel over that cushion.

riplipper wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 30, 2019 7:16 pm

I hate to say it, but....

......You made the mistake.

......Good luck, self inflicted pain is just painful.

Maybe I'm missing something or don't know how to read. How did the original poster make a "self-inflicted painful mistake"? From what I read, he was quoted a price and based on that price, made a decision to replace a cushion he admittedly spilled stuff on. He didn't ask it to be replaced under warranty. He didn't originally ask it to be sold at cost. His decision to order/purchase was based on a quoted price. Now that the product is here and it was revealed the new price is over twice the quoted price then he is having second thoughts.

I was referring to the spill.
I screwed up one of my cushions too. I got lucky, just a little whole in the side, but still painful

BobL wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 31, 2019 3:35 am

riplipper wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 30, 2019 7:16 pm

I hate to say it, but....

......You made the mistake.

......Good luck, self inflicted pain is just painful.

Maybe I'm missing something or don't know how to read. How did the original poster make a "self-inflicted painful mistake"? From what I read, he was quoted a price and based on that price, made a decision to replace a cushion he admittedly spilled stuff on. He didn't ask it to be replaced under warranty. He didn't originally ask it to be sold at cost. His decision to order/purchase was based on a quoted price. Now that the product is here and it was revealed the new price is over twice the quoted price then he is having second thoughts.

I agree 100% if you brought cushion in or provided dimensions...it is on dealer for giving list price or ?

If this is a dealer that has been good to you in the past or youneed him, talk with him

You didn't do anything wrong UNLESS you gave wrong dimensions or location of cushion

Good luck

Riplipper, I was confused too at first ("I made the mistake") but realized you were referring to the spill.
Bansil, I took the cusion in and they took photos to send to Bennington.

I'm going in now and discuss selling it to me at cost. Will let you know...

Good luck, hopefully the dealer will give you a break. Let us know.
FYI, buying mine new, the dealer made a few quote mistakes and I ended up better off.
Better trailer and a few extras on the boat. They ate it.
But I am sure they had plenty of built in padding.

MSRP was something like $325. Initially offered to sell it to me for $275 since the original quote was $125. I asked him if he would sell it for cost. He came down to $225 (which he said was close to his cost). I accepted realizing that if, in the future, I decided to replace the cushion, we'd be back up to the $325 number!!

Sounds fair. Next time you need him he will most likely treat you fairly rather than seeking revenge.
My wife has a small construction company, she is pretty good a recognizing assholes right off the bat, so their initial quote will always have extra padding built in before the job ever starts.