A new boat-listing platform
Yachts-Trader has launched as a new British online marketplace for buying and selling boats. The platform covers motor yachts, sailing yachts and other craft with search filters for price, length, year, manufacturer and location.
Founder Alexander Robinson says the service was created as a simpler and more affordable alternative to established advertising platforms. The business is targeting professional brokers and dealers as well as buyers searching for their next boat.
Tools aimed at brokers
Broker features include direct buyer enquiries, automatic XML listing feeds and manual or spreadsheet uploads. The platform also provides statistics covering views, clicks and enquiries so sellers can see how listings are performing.
Dedicated broker profile pages and published monthly pricing are intended to make the service easier to evaluate. Selected packages allow unlimited listings without setup fees or long-term contracts.
Keeping listings current
Compatible XML feeds can update prices, specifications, images and availability when a broker changes information in its existing system. That reduces duplicated administration and lowers the risk of stale listings remaining visible to buyers.
Accurate availability is particularly important in brokerage because buyers can lose confidence quickly when advertised boats have already sold. Automated feeds can therefore improve the experience on both sides of an enquiry.
A crowded digital market
The platform is entering a competitive sector where several established marketplaces already have large international audiences. Yachts-Trader will need to build both inventory and buyer traffic if its lower-cost proposition is to gain momentum.
Its launch nevertheless gives leisure-boat brokers another route to market and buyers another search tool. A 12-month free advertising offer for new brokers is designed to accelerate that initial build-up of listings.