Costco Sea Ray Programmer
Sea Ray Boats and the Costco Auto Program to Reach 40 Million Customers with Expanded Alliance
Knoxville, Tenn. – Feb. 12, 2010 – Sea Ray Boats announced today that effective immediately it will expand its strategic alliance with the Costco Auto Program in key metropolitan areas throughout the U.S. This exclusive agreement will give Costco members in major boating markets special pricing on select Sea Ray Sport Boat and Sport Cruiser models, plus up to $3,000 in rebates from Sea Ray.
The original program launched on the West Coast in April 2009 and has resulted in attracting buyers who are not only new to Sea Ray, but new to boating as well, according to data supplied by the Costco Auto Program. “We are very pleased with the program results thus far, especially taking into account that nearly 70 percent of the buyers are new entrants into the sport,” said Mike Burke, vice president of sales and marketing for Sea Ray. “These incremental sales are a result of Sea Ray’s award-winning dealer network. Their hard work and intense customer focus continue to satisfy the most discerning customers.”
The expanded program will be offered through out the US (except Alaska) and Puerto Rico. Costco members who wish to take advantage of the special pricing available to them can get information from the Costco Auto Program via costcoauto.com or by calling 1-800-816-5177 1-800-816-5177 , which will put the member in touch with the nearest participating Sea Ray dealer. To assist with the transaction, these dealers will have their dedicated Costco Member Contacts work closely with each and every Costco member to ensure the experience exceeds their expectations.
“This alliance between Sea Ray and the Costco Auto Program differs from those that some other boat brands have with other retailers. Specifically, in this arrangement, the dealer is an integral part of the process, not a service-only afterthought, so buyers get the full sales and service treatment of Sea Ray’s industry-leading dealer network,” said Burke. Sea Ray has won more National Marine Manufacturers Association CSI awards for customer satisfaction than any other boat builder, and has been recognized by J.D. Power & Associates five out of the last eight years in the Sport Boat and Sport Cruiser segments.
Likewise, Costco leads its retail segment in superior quality and customer service. “Taking care of our members is at the core of who we are as a company,” said Jon Zweig, senior director of business and financial services for Costco Wholesale. “This alliance with Sea Ray is a natural extension of that. Both companies share similar values, and when we can expand the offering and provide members amazing savings and service on an exceptional product like Sea Ray Boats, it’s an opportunity we couldn’t pass up.”
Along with its annual AquaPalooza® celebration, which is free and open to the public, the expanded alliance with the Costco Auto Program demonstrates how Sea Ray continues to invest in future growth. “Quite simply, our goal is to develop the most unique and effective marketing programs in the industry, touching current customers and boaters, and pulling new people into the sport,” said Burke. “With the Costco Auto Program, that means offering Costco members exclusive benefits and the chance to enjoy their leisure time with the world’s number one choice in pleasure boats – Sea Ray.”
Costco Sea Ray Programmers
Ok now I have seen it all. I stopped by Costco in Oakdale to pick up a few things and saw that they are now selling boats. In the parking lot they had a couple of Sea Rays on display and some other smaller boats, bow riders and a center console.
It was announced earlier today that Boston Whaler has cut a deal with Costco that will offer buyers an opportunity to save up to $2000 toward the purchase of one of Boston Whaler's small boat models.
You won't actually find the boat sitting on the floor at a Costco store. The company will be working with nearby dealers as a part of this promotional effort and will offer cash certificates that can be turned into the savings as I understand it.
This is not the first boat company to team up with Costco. Sea Ray has had a program in place with them for some time.
The Whaler deal is being run on a trial basis through this September so if you're interested in one of Boston Whaler's great small boats, get to a Costco and check it out.