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Originally Posted by Andreas Toy
Great thread Vinnie. I feel that at the end of the day the consumer has many options. Due to a variety reasons they choose what charter/party boat option is best for them. Andreas Toy has been around for 12 years averaging 100 charters per year with repeat customers. As far as Andreas Toy is concerned we are not the lowest fare on the block for charters and do not offer open boat inshore trips. However, we make it up on longer days, mixed bag variety and commitment to our customers. I do truly believe that the end of the day the cream always rises. Those captains that choose to offer lower a lower fare have their reasons, and yes could be considered price gouging because they do not know better, but it will be a tough situation over time for them having to deal with challenges detailed below. I Wish them luck moving forward.
1.Kick ass Capts with a long history that usually find fish.
2.Fast or comfortable boats depending on your desires.
3.Network of reputable Capts that are always on the bite.
4.Rising Insurance fees,slips costs,boat maintenance, and high-end equipment
5.Regulation fish retainment limits that make no sense.
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With all due respect, price gouging has nothing to do with being the lowest price in the market. An example of price gouging would be charging $15 a gallon for gas after Sandy.
Others that mentioned competiting businesses sitting down and setting prices would be an example of collusion.
It is a tough life with long hours. You choose to be a captain for a living you have to deal with intense competition, changing regs, weather, no benefits etc, etc. One of the best captains I know is in his 30's and still lives with his parents. Sad, but true. I do not think another few hundred a day will solve the problem.
