Once a POP a Time

It was just over a decade ago that POP was born in a small, but lively town, of Sarasota, FL. POP was raised with a simple philosophy: to ethically, efficiently, and intelligently market vessels for sale.

POP spent all her time on the Internet (at a time when buying boats online was unheard of) while the other brokers were busy playing at the marinas, pounding the docks, handing out business cards in search of listings.

The other brokers laughed, said that POP was doing it all wrong. "You'll never amount to much!", they said. But POP stayed the course, and wasn't afraid to be different.

And then POP started to grow...steadily expanding throughout Florida, and then up the East Coast, and then headed West, and then on to the North!

What started off as 100 or so listings, became 500, then 1,000, then 2,500, then 5,000. And POP refuses to stop growing!

But do you know what the best part of this story is? The best part of this story is that this is still just the beginning.

2019 Sales Facts

The Position

These are the tasks a POP boat or RV broker is expected to perform. The common threads are relationship-building and doing what you said you were going to do when you said you were going to do it.

Scheduling photo/video appointments with sellers on each new listing. Almost all new listing agreements are procured by the company directly, freeing up your time to focus on selling.

Meeting the seller at the unit (boat or RV) to take 100+ photos, shoot a quick video walk-through and take down an inventory of features and electronics.

Building the online advertisement, including writing a unique description that guides potential buyers through the unit.

Responding to phone calls, texts and web inquiries (leads) from potential buyers.

Communicating with the thousands of existing buyers in our database who may be interested in any of our listings and who are unaffiliated with a salesperson.

Obtaining a signed Purchase & Sale Agreement (offer) from potential buyers.

Communicating counter-offers to buyers as necessary.

Meeting potential buyers at a unit for showing and/or inspections.

Meeting buyers at the completion of sale for pickup of their new boat or RV!

Common Questions for an Uncommon Position

We know you are excited (or at least curious) to know more! Here are some short answers to common questions.

1. I'm interested! How do I apply? Show answer

First order of business is to view the introductory video, which can be found here. During the video, you will be given a code to access the online application.

2. Is this a salaried position? Show answer

This is a Paid on Performance position and is commission-based. The compensation plan is reviewed in detail during the introduction video.

3. I have more questions! Can I call you? Show answer

To speak with someone after you view the introductory video, please email Bruce Maddox at bruce@popsells.com.

4. Do I need to be licensed as a salesperson? Show answer

You won't need an individual license to sell RVs. To sell boats, you only need a license if you are located in either Florida, California, or Virginia.

If you are located in either of these states, you will need to acquire a license from your state to sell boats. The approx. cost of the required bond and licensing (paid to the state and other agencies) is $150 (CA), $15 (VA), and $590 (FL).

5. How long does it take to get licensed? Show answer

If you are physically located in Florida, California, or Virginia, you can usually obtain a temporary provisional license in less than 3 weeks. You can start training prior to obtaining your license in Florida. However, if you live in California or Virginia, you must obtain a license in your home state before training begins.

If you don't live in Florida, California, or Virginia, you do not need a license.

6. Should I get my license in Florida, California, or Virginia even though I live elsewhere? Show answer

If you wanted to do so, getting licensed in one of these states is technically an option for anyone, regardless of where you live. However, because of the expense of time and energy to get a license, you probably should wait for at least a few months before proceeding with that option.

Because many of our reps do choose to pursue a FL or CA license after some time with the company, POP Yachts has the most actively licensed sales reps in both Florida and California.

Unless you live in or near VA, it is not helpful to have a VA license.

7. Will I be able to get my own listings? Show answer

The company will supply almost all of your listings through our fully-staffed Listings Department which can produce more than 800 new listings per month across the country during peak season.

However, our most successful representatives do also choose to obtain their own listings from time to time, when the opportunity presents itself.

8. What if there is already a sales rep in my area? Show answer

There are many regions of the country that can support more than one rep. In fact, there are some regions that can support five reps. That being said, we do not take the decision to bring a new rep into an area lightly and evaluate multiple factors to ensure that there is enough opportunity for all.

9. Can I miss any training classes? Show answer

The information provided in the class is very important and a key to your future success. From time to time, an absence may be unavoidable, however multiple absences can lead to dismissal from training.

10. Can I do this job in addition to my current job? Show answer

A career at POP allows a lot of flexibility. As long as our customers are taken care of quickly and inline with our standards, what you do with the rest of your other time is up to you.

With your current job, if you are unavailable for several hours at a time, this job is not a good fit. However, if your current job is as a realtor, this job is the perfect complement. In both of these jobs you need to be available throughout the day at any time to respond quickly to a buyer or seller. However, there is rarely a time with either job where you would be unavailable for more than an hour at a time.

That said, if you are expecting this single job to fully support you, you will need to put in a full time effort.

11. I live part of the year in one city and part of the year from another city. Can I do this from both locations? Show answer

These situations would be examined on a case-by-case basis. Ultimately, the question remains, are you able to promptly service your Buyers and Sellers?

12. What is the schedule for initial training? Show answer

Training runs for 10 sessions. Generally, M-F 12:00-5:00 Eastern Time. After the course has been completed, you will have access to topic-specific presentations that can be attended optionally.

13. I enjoy being out in the field, but would like to bring on someone to handle the administrative end (or vice versa). Is that allowed? Show answer

We do have people that like to bring in a partner and work as a team. Both of you will need to turn in hiring documents, and if you are located in either FL, CA, or VA, both will need to be licensed.

14. Will the training cost money? Show answer

There are no training fees. What we do require is your investment of time, a sincere effort, and proactive communication.

Restrictions and Fees

POP doesn't ever charge any fees to sales associates. That means no fees for training, no marketing fees, no monthly fees, and no fees per sale, ever. However, some states do have rules, fees, and restrictions and this should be understood in advance.

The sale of boats is actually regulated in only three states: Florida, California, and Virginia. This means that, if you live in either of these states, you'll need to apply with your state for a license and pay the license fee and pay to have a bond kept with the state in your name. The total fees for this range from $15 - $590 and are payable to the state and a bond agency. The licensing process usually takes from 2 - 4 weeks. If you live in any other state, you won't need to pay for any licensing.

Additionally, we're not able to sell RVs in every state. If you're interested in selling RVs too, check the map below to see if you live in one of the states where RV sales are restricted. If, for example, you live in Louisiana or Florida, you are able to sell boats and RVs. If you live in Utah or South Carolina, it's boats only. Check the map below for your state.

If you are located in Wisconsin, or in Canada, local regulations require that independent contractors are hired as a business entity. Once you receive your hiring paperwork, please fill them out in the name of that entity and include the EIN where requested.