Just got my new West Marine catalogue. This necessitated an actual trip to the store, since when you go online there is that awful signing-up rigamarole to go through. As it is they got my phone number and EMail address anyway and even though I always tick that little box 'Do not send me other promotional stuff' I'm still not sure what good it will do ME. The store in Marlton NJ has a big sign out front, 'Under new management.' I asked what that meant and one guy told me, 'We have a new manager.' Okay. Then a salesman in the store comes up to me and says, 'West Marine just bought Boat US; this is my first day in this store too.' (He had a Boat US shirt on.) So, based on what I have heard of West Marine here I (arrogantly?) presumed to give him some suggestions: 1. Have people in the store who can answer more detailed questions about hardware. 2. Have more sailboat people there. This new guy said they now have three. Wow. 3. Have a better selection of sailboat hardware, not just Ronstan because it's cheap for them to buy wholesale. 4. Lower all the prices. Give discounts. Do ANYTHING to reduce costs to the suffering West Marine customer! Examples from the catalogue: -- Tempo gas tank I just bought from Boater's World store (came in after 4 days): 89.99. West Marine lists the same exact item for 149.99. -- Cheesy little Sea Dog 6-gang switch panel, all wired with lighted rocker switches, in the store at Boater's World: 27.99. West Marine catalogue lists the same thing but with 'West Marine' name on it (as though that were valuable to me) for 36.99. -- West Marine prices for stuff like galleyware and so forth are blindingly exhorbitant. Target has nice acrylic wine glasses for like 4.00 each. We bought our very cute colorful plastic dishes, mugs, bowls, glasses for 1.79 per piece at K-Mart. (They're not unbreakable but who cares?) -- Skipper's Varnish (best there is), in West Marine catalogue for 27.99, a dollar more than everyone else sells it for. As a former buyer of materials for boatbuilders, I get a very clear signal from this one-dollar thing. It tells me that the seller believes he can get away with hiking up prices some nominal amount because he knows you'll fall for it (PT Barnum rule there). Any intelligent customer should be offended and insulted. If I discern a just-enough-to-pee-you-off price hike across the board it's enough to get me back into the car for another 20 minutes' drive. It's the whole principle of the thing. All the 'West Marine Advisor' columns in the catalogue are very helpful but they might justify charging 4.00 for the catalogue-- they are NOT worth paying more for the products all the time. In reality I have observed NO prices in the new West Marine catalogue that are cheaper than anywhere else. Most are way more than competition (and oh yes, WM do have competition out there). Of course being fair I will tell the people 'under new management' this. In the meantime I am telling you: plan ahead and know what you want. Have the store order in the right thing or order it yourself by phone or online. (My dad used to say it was 'better than Christmas' when the UPS guy brought boxes of stuff a week later-- but that tells you a lot about him too.) Here are the people I am using: -- Defender Marine, catalogue. Very comprehensive. -- Boater's World, store (Moorestown NJ) and catalogue. Tend to be cheaper than Defender but have less sailboat stuff. -- Rigging Only, catalogue. Best prices for serious sailboat stuff. -- Bosun Supplies Inc., catalogue. Very good deals on stainless-steel hardware; entertaining and helpful catalogue. I would love to hear from other people about who else is out there. And as always, get the manufacturers' catalogues first. They are all online. Determine what you want, then tell the retailers to get it for you. Life is not a multiple-choice question, like you have to pick from what they have right now. It's a fill-in-the-blank question. Know what you should have first and then find who can give it to you. JC
Alternatives to West Marine
- Thread starter jcherubini
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another perspective
Like any national chain, each store is somewhat unique. It's often how you deal with people that determines your level of satisfaction. Like others, I've often bought off the internet sites but I've invariably found WM staff to be very flexible, helpful and cooperative and usually gave me discounts at least equivalent if not cheaper than I've found elsewhere. That's not to say Sailnet or Defender offer competetive prices - as a customer, it's your responsibility if you want to shop prices. Don
Like any national chain, each store is somewhat unique. It's often how you deal with people that determines your level of satisfaction. Like others, I've often bought off the internet sites but I've invariably found WM staff to be very flexible, helpful and cooperative and usually gave me discounts at least equivalent if not cheaper than I've found elsewhere. That's not to say Sailnet or Defender offer competetive prices - as a customer, it's your responsibility if you want to shop prices. Don
My experience
I have found my local West Marine to have friendly staff who are always eager to help and do whatever they can to help, including ordering items from other stores or their warehouse for me. Unfortunately when I do have a question it is soon apparent that I know more than them. When they have ordered items they either do not come (they never followed up with me as to why) or they came in twice the time they promised. If I can't find what I need on their shelves I look else where. I don't even bother to ask for help anymore. Yes, they are friendly. They, however, are of no actual help. If they gave a self service discount I would shop there more often.
I have found my local West Marine to have friendly staff who are always eager to help and do whatever they can to help, including ordering items from other stores or their warehouse for me. Unfortunately when I do have a question it is soon apparent that I know more than them. When they have ordered items they either do not come (they never followed up with me as to why) or they came in twice the time they promised. If I can't find what I need on their shelves I look else where. I don't even bother to ask for help anymore. Yes, they are friendly. They, however, are of no actual help. If they gave a self service discount I would shop there more often.
Not satisfled
We purchased our "used" boat this January...the boat is a 1985 and had sat for some time. needless to say it needed alot of" stuff"....This is the typlical off the shelf experience we just went through. We have been supporting a west marine store (I wont mention the location)...and pretty much have seen and delt with all the workers there.....they have seen us...and hopefully have noticed the acumulating $10,000. and more,, worth of equipment we have purchased from them this calender year.......I dont know how each store is run?? profit sharing..end of year bonuses??..etc..but you would think we would get REAL good service........On a recent trip in, I purchased a clipper gas lantern........I took it home added fuel and it started to leak .it leaked all over.good thing I tested in my garrage......then I brought it back said I wanted to exchange..first they wanted to scavange an old lamp .I said no thanks Ill take a new one......finally got it.......Then took that one home.....using the correct "lamp fuel"..I tried again..leaks and then completly torched...fire everywhere...has to be a design flaw...take it back ..said I want to exchange...they said.....NO....I didnt have a recipte...well that was it...I said I just brought this and exchanged...they said yes you look familiar.....But cant do it because you dont have a recipt........I said well you know that dingy,,,motor,,,radar, GPS,, hardware,,life jackets,,binnoculars,,,anchor,,,ect..ect..etc.. .that I have just bought over the last few months!!!.....well I have all the recipts for them,,,and I will be happy to return all of them and take my cash and go somewhere else!!!..needless to say...I got my money back on that lantern!!...it just infuriates me that service has declined so far in the United Sates!......Even the dingy..bought brand new from them..they tried to give us the floor model..(with no discount)..the bag had a tear in it...found out they had 3 brand new ones in the box in the back.....you would think they would have given us one of them!..... .I will say one thing..if you become a member you will consistantly get the discount $10 coupons in the mail. BIG DEAL!
We purchased our "used" boat this January...the boat is a 1985 and had sat for some time. needless to say it needed alot of" stuff"....This is the typlical off the shelf experience we just went through. We have been supporting a west marine store (I wont mention the location)...and pretty much have seen and delt with all the workers there.....they have seen us...and hopefully have noticed the acumulating $10,000. and more,, worth of equipment we have purchased from them this calender year.......I dont know how each store is run?? profit sharing..end of year bonuses??..etc..but you would think we would get REAL good service........On a recent trip in, I purchased a clipper gas lantern........I took it home added fuel and it started to leak .it leaked all over.good thing I tested in my garrage......then I brought it back said I wanted to exchange..first they wanted to scavange an old lamp .I said no thanks Ill take a new one......finally got it.......Then took that one home.....using the correct "lamp fuel"..I tried again..leaks and then completly torched...fire everywhere...has to be a design flaw...take it back ..said I want to exchange...they said.....NO....I didnt have a recipte...well that was it...I said I just brought this and exchanged...they said yes you look familiar.....But cant do it because you dont have a recipt........I said well you know that dingy,,,motor,,,radar, GPS,, hardware,,life jackets,,binnoculars,,,anchor,,,ect..ect..etc.. .that I have just bought over the last few months!!!.....well I have all the recipts for them,,,and I will be happy to return all of them and take my cash and go somewhere else!!!..needless to say...I got my money back on that lantern!!...it just infuriates me that service has declined so far in the United Sates!......Even the dingy..bought brand new from them..they tried to give us the floor model..(with no discount)..the bag had a tear in it...found out they had 3 brand new ones in the box in the back.....you would think they would have given us one of them!..... .I will say one thing..if you become a member you will consistantly get the discount $10 coupons in the mail. BIG DEAL!
I Had Started a List a While Back
1. http://shop.hunterowners.com/ 2. http://Sailnet.com 3. http://defenderus.com 4. http://www.shipstore.com/ 5. www.marine-parts-online.com 6. www.starmarinedepot.com 7. http://bosunsupplies.com/ 8. http://www.mikesmarine.com/ 9. http://www.freeportmarine.com/ 10. http://championtrailers.com/
1. http://shop.hunterowners.com/ 2. http://Sailnet.com 3. http://defenderus.com 4. http://www.shipstore.com/ 5. www.marine-parts-online.com 6. www.starmarinedepot.com 7. http://bosunsupplies.com/ 8. http://www.mikesmarine.com/ 9. http://www.freeportmarine.com/ 10. http://championtrailers.com/
Prices are high....
We have a Boat US and a West Marine----right across the street from each other. Boat US has always had better prices. We don't like the merger. Unless we can't wait and need something in a hurry, we go elsewhere. For instance, we love SailNet.com You can't beat the service, or the prices----no tax and no shipping. We also love the Hunter Chandlery. Most helpful. Good service. As far as knowledgeable sales people are concerned, they both need help. Unfortunately, when we want to be out on our boats, so do they. It's probably hard to find knowledgeable people who want to work the right hours---another reason we like SailNet.com Just email them with questions and they get right back to you.
We have a Boat US and a West Marine----right across the street from each other. Boat US has always had better prices. We don't like the merger. Unless we can't wait and need something in a hurry, we go elsewhere. For instance, we love SailNet.com You can't beat the service, or the prices----no tax and no shipping. We also love the Hunter Chandlery. Most helpful. Good service. As far as knowledgeable sales people are concerned, they both need help. Unfortunately, when we want to be out on our boats, so do they. It's probably hard to find knowledgeable people who want to work the right hours---another reason we like SailNet.com Just email them with questions and they get right back to you.
On the other hand!
When I almost can't wait, I will check the web sites for the best price for an item, print it. Walk into the WM store and ask them to match the price. They will gasp but I get it. I just bought 30ft of 1/0 type 3 cable for $3/ft where WM sells it for $6.59/ft. Also got a Freedom 20 inverter for $950 where they list for $1299.99. They will lower their prices if you ask and are ready to walk if they don't. Like your list Rick, that will be added to mine. Jim S/V Java
When I almost can't wait, I will check the web sites for the best price for an item, print it. Walk into the WM store and ask them to match the price. They will gasp but I get it. I just bought 30ft of 1/0 type 3 cable for $3/ft where WM sells it for $6.59/ft. Also got a Freedom 20 inverter for $950 where they list for $1299.99. They will lower their prices if you ask and are ready to walk if they don't. Like your list Rick, that will be added to mine. Jim S/V Java
List of sites / companies
Here is a list of some site / companies I have compiled. Hardware P-Yacht online store http://www.pyacht.com/ Great site of Rigging www.riggingonly.com Defender online store http://www.defender.com Online Store http://www.defender.com/welcome.html Gas Grill Products www.magmaproducts.com West Marine www.westmarine.com Sailnet Store http://www.sailnet.com/store Hareware and boat listings www.onlinemarine.com http://shop.hunterowners.com/ www.marine-parts-online.com www.starmarinedepot.com http://bosunsupplies.com/ http://www.mikesmarine.com/ http://www.freeportmarine.com/ http://championtrailers.com/ www.shipstore.com www.marinesupermart.com Tolet Stuff www.sealandtechnology.com www.apsltd.com/ Binnacle online cattalog http://us.binnacle.com/ Stainless Steel Fabrications www.topsinquality.com Online catilog www.pompanette.com Boat are Us http://www.boatus.com/ http://www.onlinemarine.com Portal windows www.newfoundmetals.com Ports www.beckson.com www.traderdicks.com www.amarket.com www.eddiemarine.com www.pyacht.com www.boatowners.com/ Hatch Covers / Portals / Surplus www.thriftymariner.com Windows --- Mark Plastics (909) 735-7705. They are located in Souther California. T Raritan Sea Era - Best buy for an electric tolet Parts for Riffing http://www.rigrite.com/isomat/Isomat_Booms/NB26_oldstyl_gsnk_assem.html
Here is a list of some site / companies I have compiled. Hardware P-Yacht online store http://www.pyacht.com/ Great site of Rigging www.riggingonly.com Defender online store http://www.defender.com Online Store http://www.defender.com/welcome.html Gas Grill Products www.magmaproducts.com West Marine www.westmarine.com Sailnet Store http://www.sailnet.com/store Hareware and boat listings www.onlinemarine.com http://shop.hunterowners.com/ www.marine-parts-online.com www.starmarinedepot.com http://bosunsupplies.com/ http://www.mikesmarine.com/ http://www.freeportmarine.com/ http://championtrailers.com/ www.shipstore.com www.marinesupermart.com Tolet Stuff www.sealandtechnology.com www.apsltd.com/ Binnacle online cattalog http://us.binnacle.com/ Stainless Steel Fabrications www.topsinquality.com Online catilog www.pompanette.com Boat are Us http://www.boatus.com/ http://www.onlinemarine.com Portal windows www.newfoundmetals.com Ports www.beckson.com www.traderdicks.com www.amarket.com www.eddiemarine.com www.pyacht.com www.boatowners.com/ Hatch Covers / Portals / Surplus www.thriftymariner.com Windows --- Mark Plastics (909) 735-7705. They are located in Souther California. T Raritan Sea Era - Best buy for an electric tolet Parts for Riffing http://www.rigrite.com/isomat/Isomat_Booms/NB26_oldstyl_gsnk_assem.html
West is west...
OH, East is East and West is West, and never the twain shall meet, Till Earth and Sky stand presently at God's great Judgement Seat; But there is neither East nor West, Border, nor Breed, nor Birth, When two strong men stand face to face, tho' they come from the ends of the earth! ...and that's all there is to it - no sense in getting mad, or disliking them. Just understand the business model and the transaction model. If you need it in your hand right now, and they have it, great! The price for anything in West Marine is negotiable, in my experience. I always get the Defender price. The clerks at my West Marine have a Defender catalog at the counter. Of course I pay sales tax, but no shipping; and I get 4% back on my West Advantage account. When I refitted my boat, and planne don spending near $10,000, I gave the manager my list and asked him to quote it - which he did, at super prices - and I got an additional 10% with the opening of a West charge account, interest-free financing for 6 months, AND an additional 4% back in coupons. Tough for anyone to beat.
OH, East is East and West is West, and never the twain shall meet, Till Earth and Sky stand presently at God's great Judgement Seat; But there is neither East nor West, Border, nor Breed, nor Birth, When two strong men stand face to face, tho' they come from the ends of the earth! ...and that's all there is to it - no sense in getting mad, or disliking them. Just understand the business model and the transaction model. If you need it in your hand right now, and they have it, great! The price for anything in West Marine is negotiable, in my experience. I always get the Defender price. The clerks at my West Marine have a Defender catalog at the counter. Of course I pay sales tax, but no shipping; and I get 4% back on my West Advantage account. When I refitted my boat, and planne don spending near $10,000, I gave the manager my list and asked him to quote it - which he did, at super prices - and I got an additional 10% with the opening of a West charge account, interest-free financing for 6 months, AND an additional 4% back in coupons. Tough for anyone to beat.
Barter/Negoitate
Put yourself in WM shoes. They are in the business of selling for a profit...right! Whatever they think is fair price; is the ASKING price for an item...the others are right:if you saw it elsewhere, say so and ask for a match...or walk....They'll get the idea. You are entilted to what you can negoitate for something....nothing else.... Terry
Put yourself in WM shoes. They are in the business of selling for a profit...right! Whatever they think is fair price; is the ASKING price for an item...the others are right:if you saw it elsewhere, say so and ask for a match...or walk....They'll get the idea. You are entilted to what you can negoitate for something....nothing else.... Terry
West is not so bad here
The people in the Portland, ME store are awesome. Very knowledgable and friendly. I have a bad experience EVERY time I go to Boaters World. The same people have worked at WM for years and BW seems to hire dumb college kids who have no manners. WM will also match any price I find at a competitor. Just recently they discounted all their GPS/Radar/fishfinders 10%. That means you can get a Garmin 182c for $900. Try to beat that on the internet. Their reward program is also nice. I do shop other places here like Hamilton which is a Maine business that I like to support but the knowledge of our local WM people really can't be beat and I don't mind paying a little extra if I get value for it. Just my .02 and no I do not have any personal interest in WM. I just hope buying BoatUS doesn't change my local store. Tim
The people in the Portland, ME store are awesome. Very knowledgable and friendly. I have a bad experience EVERY time I go to Boaters World. The same people have worked at WM for years and BW seems to hire dumb college kids who have no manners. WM will also match any price I find at a competitor. Just recently they discounted all their GPS/Radar/fishfinders 10%. That means you can get a Garmin 182c for $900. Try to beat that on the internet. Their reward program is also nice. I do shop other places here like Hamilton which is a Maine business that I like to support but the knowledge of our local WM people really can't be beat and I don't mind paying a little extra if I get value for it. Just my .02 and no I do not have any personal interest in WM. I just hope buying BoatUS doesn't change my local store. Tim
Good Experience
I use the West Marine in Baton Rouge. They are more geared toward powerboats, but I have almost always been able to find what I need. Their sticker prices are higher than most, but I have found them to be flexible. The staff is knowledgable, including two who just completed a circumnavigation a couple of years ago. I haven't been able to stump those two yet. Plus, my $10 discount certificates always show up in the mail. I use those a lot.
I use the West Marine in Baton Rouge. They are more geared toward powerboats, but I have almost always been able to find what I need. Their sticker prices are higher than most, but I have found them to be flexible. The staff is knowledgable, including two who just completed a circumnavigation a couple of years ago. I haven't been able to stump those two yet. Plus, my $10 discount certificates always show up in the mail. I use those a lot.
The Marine store,
in Forked River, NJ, will beat the prices of West, a store near you may be able to do that too! He also gives a small discount if you are a slipholder in the nearby marina, run by the State! As a result I try to buy as much as I can from him.
in Forked River, NJ, will beat the prices of West, a store near you may be able to do that too! He also gives a small discount if you are a slipholder in the nearby marina, run by the State! As a result I try to buy as much as I can from him.
Price Matches
The West Marine store I frequent adds the cost of shipping to the price. Is that a common practice among the others? I have not tried the same thing at the othere three stores in town.
The West Marine store I frequent adds the cost of shipping to the price. Is that a common practice among the others? I have not tried the same thing at the othere three stores in town.
Thanks guys!
I know this started as a thread about West Marine, but its nice to see the sailboatowners.com chandlery listed on the sites people use. Thank you for supporting us! We appreciate your business. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
I know this started as a thread about West Marine, but its nice to see the sailboatowners.com chandlery listed on the sites people use. Thank you for supporting us! We appreciate your business. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
Hey Tim!
- as a former member of the Portland, ME West Marine crew, its nice to hear our efforts are appreciated! If you don't mind I'll pass your comments on to the guys still there. It'll make their day. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
- as a former member of the Portland, ME West Marine crew, its nice to hear our efforts are appreciated! If you don't mind I'll pass your comments on to the guys still there. It'll make their day. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
Wait a minute - you're not TIM are you?
Off topic - sorry - Tim, you're not Tim of Mainely Frames, are you? Justin - O'day Owners' Web
Off topic - sorry - Tim, you're not Tim of Mainely Frames, are you? Justin - O'day Owners' Web
Price comparison
I recently compared prices for 25 items I was in the market for in the BoatUS/West Marine catalog with Boaters World catalog. Boaters World beat every item I checked by at least 10 to 15%. West Marine needs to get more competitive and keep a better supply of items in their stores. The first two items I wanted to purchase were not in stock.
I recently compared prices for 25 items I was in the market for in the BoatUS/West Marine catalog with Boaters World catalog. Boaters World beat every item I checked by at least 10 to 15%. West Marine needs to get more competitive and keep a better supply of items in their stores. The first two items I wanted to purchase were not in stock.
West Marine - big brother...
Two comments: What irritates me most about west marine is those earphones they wear while they walk around in the store. I have been having someone help me and right in the middle he starts talking to some one on his walkie talkie. Some of the guys know alot.... some don't.... some don't care..... some do. 2. I agree that prices are negotialble.... But the gist of the complaint is that WM is always.....always.... the higher price. It's that you are finding a lower price (just about anywhere) and going to WM for the privilige of buying it there. So if you don't want to do a lot of researching and negotiating you will get gouged by West Marine.
Two comments: What irritates me most about west marine is those earphones they wear while they walk around in the store. I have been having someone help me and right in the middle he starts talking to some one on his walkie talkie. Some of the guys know alot.... some don't.... some don't care..... some do. 2. I agree that prices are negotialble.... But the gist of the complaint is that WM is always.....always.... the higher price. It's that you are finding a lower price (just about anywhere) and going to WM for the privilige of buying it there. So if you don't want to do a lot of researching and negotiating you will get gouged by West Marine.
Agree on the Portland, ME store...
Drew, Dan, Ron, Emilie and the rest of the crew are great. I still split my purchases between Hamilton and West as Hamilton also has great knowlegeable employees. Justin was also a great WM employee who was always helpful unfortunatly I hear he is a "Lawyer" now! Just kidding Justin!!!! -Rodd C.
Drew, Dan, Ron, Emilie and the rest of the crew are great. I still split my purchases between Hamilton and West as Hamilton also has great knowlegeable employees. Justin was also a great WM employee who was always helpful unfortunatly I hear he is a "Lawyer" now! Just kidding Justin!!!! -Rodd C.
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