Distinct digital displays offer dealers new solutions
I’ve been impressed by the digital signs created by Distinct for a couple years now — even before there was a Distinct for that matter
Distinct founder Jani Gyllenberg was a 2013 MDCE Best Idea of the Year finalist for the signs when he was the marketing director at Top 100 dealer Marine Connection. The company had created the digital signs to act as a replacement for typical boat show and showroom signs. (You can read more on that in the Best Ideas White Paper.)
And earlier this year, we included the Distinct Touchscreen Digital Displays in our 2015 Top Products.
From a recent conversation with Jani, it appears the technology is catching on with others in the industry as well.
More than 20 companies are now using the displays, including MarineMax, which has added them to eight locations so far.
“Utilizing technologies like Distinct’s digital displays at our dealerships and events have been a welcomed addition,” said Kelley Barry, multimedia specialist for MarineMax. “In these content-driven times, providing the customer an interactive experience where they can browse makes and models at their leisure or with a sales consultant is a very powerful sales and marketing tool. Distinct is on to something big with their interactive displays.”
Distinct recently added a 27-inch display to its offerings, joining the existing 21.5 and 23-inch models.
The biggest challenge for many dealers — especially those without indoor showrooms — has been the investment in a product they may not use except at boat shows. With that in mind, Distinct is now offering a boat show rental program, kicking off at the Fort Lauderdale show, something Jani expects will get the technology in front of more dealers.
The company is also working with several boat builders on co-op programs for the displays, including Maverick, Nautic Global Group and Chaparral.
Distinct also offers other marketing services, and Jani says we can expect to see some new products at this year’s Marine Dealer Conference & Expo.
