R
Retired Team Member1
Guest
Hi Everyone,
Years ago we posted an order scheduling guide for you. Most of this information remains exactly as it did in 2012, but we have updated it here.
Historically, we've received a high percentage of retail-sold orders March through August and rebuild dealer inventory throughout the fall and winter months. More recently, however, we build sold units year-round as the popularity of pontoons continues to grow. This means dealer showroom inventory is in high demand as well.
Without over-complicating, TB will try to explain the scheduling process for you (and this may explain why customers are quoted various lead times for a new boat order!) Here goes...
THE BIG PICTURE:
We have 6 regions in the U.S. and 2 regions in Canada. The number of production slots guaranteed on a weekly basis to each region is based on each region's percentage of sales as it relates to the entire company. Some regions are larger than others based on SALES volume, so they get more weekly production. If one region is up and another is down, regions can "Swap Slots"; however, this has not happened at all in the past two years as demand is up across the country.
ONE BOAT AT A TIME:
Our production schedule is "locked" or firm 6 weeks in advance. This gives our suppliers time to ship in the furniture and parts necessary to complete production. Imagine all of our floorplans, furniture configurations and color combinations, not to mention 8 different hull bottoms and 500 options!
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Although the schedule is locked 6 weeks in advance, spring order volume pushes the next "opening" much farther out; as much as 8-12 weeks, depending on the region. If your dealer has guaranteed you a production date, that's great. It means he has forecasted with the Regional Sales Manager and feels confident. We use Saturday production days throughout the year to help regions catch up or stay on track. Many dealers would rather suggest an approximate "delivery window"...say 8-10 weeks from order date.
OTHER THINGS AFFECTING DELIVERY:
Weather, split shipments, supplier issues we have no control over...
Hope this helps guide your expectations! One thing we firmly believe...YOUR NEW BENNINGTON IS WORTH THE WAIT! TB
Years ago we posted an order scheduling guide for you. Most of this information remains exactly as it did in 2012, but we have updated it here.
Historically, we've received a high percentage of retail-sold orders March through August and rebuild dealer inventory throughout the fall and winter months. More recently, however, we build sold units year-round as the popularity of pontoons continues to grow. This means dealer showroom inventory is in high demand as well.
Without over-complicating, TB will try to explain the scheduling process for you (and this may explain why customers are quoted various lead times for a new boat order!) Here goes...
THE BIG PICTURE:
We have 6 regions in the U.S. and 2 regions in Canada. The number of production slots guaranteed on a weekly basis to each region is based on each region's percentage of sales as it relates to the entire company. Some regions are larger than others based on SALES volume, so they get more weekly production. If one region is up and another is down, regions can "Swap Slots"; however, this has not happened at all in the past two years as demand is up across the country.
ONE BOAT AT A TIME:
Our production schedule is "locked" or firm 6 weeks in advance. This gives our suppliers time to ship in the furniture and parts necessary to complete production. Imagine all of our floorplans, furniture configurations and color combinations, not to mention 8 different hull bottoms and 500 options!
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Although the schedule is locked 6 weeks in advance, spring order volume pushes the next "opening" much farther out; as much as 8-12 weeks, depending on the region. If your dealer has guaranteed you a production date, that's great. It means he has forecasted with the Regional Sales Manager and feels confident. We use Saturday production days throughout the year to help regions catch up or stay on track. Many dealers would rather suggest an approximate "delivery window"...say 8-10 weeks from order date.
OTHER THINGS AFFECTING DELIVERY:
Weather, split shipments, supplier issues we have no control over...
Hope this helps guide your expectations! One thing we firmly believe...YOUR NEW BENNINGTON IS WORTH THE WAIT! TB
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