Jackson's Marine, Joins Bargain Boat Bits

by Jacqui Oakes on 22 Oct 2008 Bargain Boat Bits has appointed Jackson’s Marine in Geraldton, Western Australia, as its new representative.

Servicing the Midwest of Western Australia and surrounding areas for over 27 years, Jackson’s Marine has gone from strength to strength, buoyed by the support and custom of the community.

The Jacksons believe in returning that support, and repay it with involvement in local projects including the Volunteer Sea Rescue and work experience programs through local senior schools.

Jackson’s Marine offer a complete boating service, including new and used boats, trailers and motors, new and used parts and accessories for all makes and models, along with service facilities, finance and insurance.

After a move to new purpose built premises early in 2008 the Jacksons started looking for a way to grow their chandlery business and after careful consideration approached Bargain Boat Bits.

Kathy Jackson, owner explained- 'We needed an avenue to grow our business and feel very positively that by joining Bargain Boat Bits we will be able to achieve the growth we desire'.

Andrew Oakes, General Manager of Bargain Boat Bits commented-'We are delighted to be represented by a dealer of Jackson’s Marine standing in the community. We always look for the stores that are forward thinkers'.

Trevor Jackson owner and Dealer Principal added' I very happy to be working with a group of like minded business owners at such an exciting stage in Bargain Boat Bits development.

National chandlery buying group Bargain Boat Bits (BBB) has after nearly 17 years in operation has emerged as Australia’s leading boating accessory group.

Initially starting life as a buying group producing a centralised catalogue, BBB today delivers its members some serious buying power, comprehensive marketing resources and support, and some genuine networking ability between members.

With 40 members nationally, including some of Australia’s most respected marine retailers, it’s no wonder that the group gets so many requests from prospective new members to join.

'BBB started life as a buying group, and there’s no question that members enjoy some of the best buying power in the country through our network,' explains BBB General Manager Andrew Oakes.

'We combine bulk ordering from some of Australia’s largest and most respected manufacturers and importers, with an indent program where we import full container-loads for the group, thus increasing their retail margin.'

Members are encouraged to deal through the group, which in turn gives Bargain Boat Bits greater buying power and strengthens our market position.'

In addition to highly competitive pricing, excellent profit margins and the BBB rewards program, one of the real advantages to members is the access to proven, best selling brands.

Popular national and international brands sold through the BBB network include Fusion, Piranha, ICOM, Humminbird, Garmin, GME Electrophone, Century Batteries, Minn Kota, Rule and Johnson pumps, Bermuda, Lalizas, Ultra, Pains Wessex, etc, etc, the list goes on!

High quality, full colour multi-page publications are produced for store distribution at varying times throughout the year. With design, printing and distribution organised through the group, members simply determine when they’re ready to hit the market.

In addition to catalogues, a full range of POS materials, posters, header cards, uniforms and merchandising materials are all available to members, turning the chandlery section of their business into a high impact sales area.

The BBB website (update due October 2008) http://www.bargainboatbits.com.au delivers an ever expanding comprehensive online catalogue, with photographs and retail pricing for many of the products sold through the group. The web presence is growing steadily, both in size and in popularity, with thousands of visitors to the site monthly as new users realise the 24/7 convenience of online shopping.

A sales powerhouse for progressive wholesalers and manufacturers, group research proves the retailing might of the BBB network, controlling some $250 million worth of the marine retailing market.

With chandlery comprising some 25% of member’s annual turnover, the group continues to be a fast way for wholesalers and manufacturers to instantly access a significant slice of a lucrative industry.

'Wholesalers are able to make contact with 38 of the country’s best marine retailers, offering them a possible path to dramatically increase their annual sales,' Mr. Oakes said.

Bargain Boat Bits Operation Manager Jacqui Oakes said Bargain Boat Bits members were able to enjoy lower purchase prices on products due to their volume buying power.

'Bargain Boat Bits members enjoy many add-on opportunities from being part of the Bargain Boat Bits group,' she said.

'In addition to the lower prices, we also help to get the stores names, out to the customers by providing promotional assistance. BBB members also have the luxury of being one of the first people to be advised of the latest industry developments and new products.'

Franchises and buying groups have grown enormously in popularity over the past 20 years as operators realise the power and value of collective dealings.

Options that are beyond the reach of single operators can easily be accessed with a group approach.

Professional web designers, specialist retail marketers and a team of individual specialists are all on call for BBB members.

Sessions with corporate psychologists, marketing strategists, accountants, key suppliers and successful retailers help ensure the skills of every BBB owner / operator are kept at peak level, and active networking is encouraged between members.

While part of the strongest buying group in the country, each BBB member still operates independently, and has the ability to determine their own destiny.

Without the restrictions of a franchise, the group’s structure and focus allows individual operators to compete equally against bigger retailers and mail order houses.

As part of the sharing process, BBB members meet at least once a year for a weekend conference in different venues around Australia.

Sessions are planned to introduce new products and suppliers, share ideas and discuss relevant group issues. Professional development time is also allocated for industry professionals and marketing strategists with these conferences becoming one of the key activities on the BBB annual calendar.

'From day one, the member’s objective has been to form a group that provided a way forward for professional minded operators looking to increase their profitability and skills base, it’s awesome to see the group as it now stands.

'Ideally, I would like to add more of Australia’s best marine retailers into our network, while continuing to focus on serving the members more fully.'

Select geographical vacancies are available for members keen to profit from a long-term association with the BBB group.

For further information on Bargain Boat Bits, please call 03 9589 2773 or email Andrew Oakes- andrew@bargainboatbits.com.au