Stepping over a dollar to get a dime...

[440 Jim]

I'm a fisherman my whole life. One of the things that attracted me to my current marina was that it was non metered-flat slip fee, and I was allowed to put one of my CC's in an empty slip when I was down, so I wouldn't have to drop and pick everyday at the ramp next door. I generally bring the 19 flats or 23 bay with me so I can take a fishing break from work, or vis a vis. There is always 4-6 slips empty on the pay docks, seperate docks for the barn folks and they can leave thiers in anytime.
Then they recently started charging for power (flat fee based on service size30,30) and raised price per ft charges. Wound up to be a 13.2% increase. Now it appears they want me to pay ~$50/night to keep the boat in an already empty slip for a customer that spends ~15K/yr with them. I saw a note on the whiteboard, they have not approached me yet....I bought $125 of gas week before that for my 23 bay. Last one was a $1100 top off for The Office in Nov. So, I'm not buying anymore fuel from them ( not even a $2 bag of ice) and looking for another home for The Office, further south with a better atmosphere. Contacted a couple today.

At the rate I bring a boat down they will make $100-$150/month if I accept thier offer, which I won't. I'll drop and pick everyday for the principle of it. Wouldn't surprise me if they start charging to park my boat on a trailer in the parkimg lot.

So for ~1500/yr they lost $4-5K of fuel business. The CSR gets commission on the pay slips, go figure.

End of rant-thank you

 

[Halfhitch]

Sounds like maybe a "new broom" just took charge and he's gonna show everyone how you run a marina. His education may cause them to stumble if they get too cocky. A lot of people, me included, feel just like you do about what's fair /smart business. Anyone else getting antsy over the new attitude?

 

[Golfman25]

I'm a fisherman my whole life. One of the things that attracted me to my current marina was that it was non metered-flat slip fee, and I was allowed to put one of my CC's in an empty slip when I was down, so I wouldn't have to drop and pick everyday at the ramp next door. I generally bring the 19 flats or 23 bay with me so I can take a fishing break from work, or vis a vis. There is always 4-6 slips empty on the pay docks, seperate docks for the barn folks and they can leave thiers in anytime.
Then they recently started charging for power (flat fee based on service size30,30) and raised price per ft charges. Wound up to be a 13.2% increase. Now it appears they want me to pay ~$50/night to keep the boat in an already empty slip for a customer that spends ~15K/yr with them. I saw a note on the whiteboard, they have not approached me yet....I bought $125 of gas week before that for my 23 bay. Last one was a $1100 top off for The Office in Nov. So, I'm not buying anymore fuel from them ( not even a $2 bag of ice) and looking for another home for The Office, further south with a better atmosphere. Contacted a couple today.

At the rate I bring a boat down they will make $100-$150/month if I accept thier offer, which I won't. I'll drop and pick everyday for the principle of it. Wouldn't surprise me if they start charging to park my boat on a trailer in the parkimg lot.

So for ~1500/yr they lost $4-5K of fuel business. The CSR gets commission on the pay slips, go figure.

End of rant-thank you

I 100% get your point. Nickle and diming gets old really quick. However, at what point does an owner stop giving away stuff? I mean, I give a lot of stuff away for free as a customer service. Sometimes it's noticed and sometimes it's not. In your case, I would probably be too lazy to collect the money and account for it -- PIA central. But I might ask for a beer or two while you clean your catch.

Also another thought as I tie this up. I wouldn't do anything until they approach you with it. Maybe it's some minion spit balling ideas. Maybe someone "higher up" might step in and put the kabash on the idea.

 

[bobeast]

It's happening all over. My former marina. promised free wifi for years. Then when they installed it they decided they would charge for it. They used to let me keep my dinghy behind my boat. Then they decided I should rent a small slip for it. This is why they are my 'former' marina. The best you can do is vote with your wallet.

 

[copb8tx]

For 15 years our marina allowed tenants of a boathouse to purchase their own hydroports and attach to the end of the dock. It was one of the sales pitches I got when I signed my lease. Along came safe harbor and they wanted $50 a month for each of the spots. Many left and the others now have the same bad taste as you and no longer buy fuel or supplies there. I kind of wonder what the real net/net was on this decision.

 

[Wanderer 290]

SOP when new owners come in. Incremental revenue generation, aka price increase with using “price increase”

 

[bbwhitejr]

We are on what is likely the nicest dock on Lake Lanier-60’ slip, very wide dock, and 12’x20’ patio. Not a Safe Harbor marina, but….the first of March, we got a nice “Dear Tenant” letter describing the need for them to increase rates by 15%….we all have a choice. We will stay and pay for now…

Bennett

 

[paulswagelock]

Our rates have increased 60% since the new owners took over. As a result, we no longer frequent the gas dock, bar or restaurant, we buy all our supplies next door at the other marina, use the other marina for mechanical work, etc.

 

[bobeast]

Another thing that happens is when a marina is about to go up for sale, the owners will attempt to bump up revenue to make the numbers look good. They could care less about future attrition. I think this happens a lot, here on the Delta.