Now that it has taken over the Boat US Stores it seems that West Marine is aggressively driving up prices. Here are some examples from its 2005 catalog and from other sources: 14 oz Marine Tex: West $29.99 - Defender 23.79 3 oz 5200 slow cure: West $10.99 - Walmart 5.98 Jabsco 29 series toilet kit: West $59.99 - Defender 35.99 Fortress FX 11 anchor: West $144.99 - Sailnet 115.95 1-1/2 Marelon thru-hull: West $19.99 - Defender 15.99. Fram 3593A oil filter: West $9.99 - AutoZone 2.98 Origo 300 stove: West $329.99 - Defender 274.95, and on and on. These items I happened to have priced for my own use, but I invite you to take any item in, say, the Defender or Sailnet catalog and compare with the West price. You'll be astounded. I think we should let West know that its efforts have not gone unnoticed, and equally aggressively use their price matching guarantee if we have to trade with them. Gunter Meyer
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Also depends on local competition
I've noticed that prices at West where it is the only marine store tend to be higher than where there is competition. Also, always price Boater's World. Although their sail stuff is limited, in reg ole boat stuff, they are generally cheaper than West. OTOH, when you're in a town where West is there, it's really nice to be able to get your hand on a need part/piece they happen to have in stock. Guess we're paying for that luxury.
I've noticed that prices at West where it is the only marine store tend to be higher than where there is competition. Also, always price Boater's World. Although their sail stuff is limited, in reg ole boat stuff, they are generally cheaper than West. OTOH, when you're in a town where West is there, it's really nice to be able to get your hand on a need part/piece they happen to have in stock. Guess we're paying for that luxury.
some stuff cheaper
I just bought harnesses/tethers for my kids and some lifeline netting from West and they were the lowest price I could find. I think their selection semi justifies the cost on some items. I agree that we pay for convenience.
I just bought harnesses/tethers for my kids and some lifeline netting from West and they were the lowest price I could find. I think their selection semi justifies the cost on some items. I agree that we pay for convenience.
I noticed the same higher pricing right away
I agree with the original poster. WM is outrageous on most prices. They are my LAST resort when I need something. Defender is about the best pricing and Boater's World is typically 10-15% less than WM. Vote with your pocketbook. Avoid WM whenever possible. Any identical item that is available in a store that is not 'MARINE' will be much less expensive. I always look for these places first. Many on-line stores will do much better than WM even after the postage too.
I agree with the original poster. WM is outrageous on most prices. They are my LAST resort when I need something. Defender is about the best pricing and Boater's World is typically 10-15% less than WM. Vote with your pocketbook. Avoid WM whenever possible. Any identical item that is available in a store that is not 'MARINE' will be much less expensive. I always look for these places first. Many on-line stores will do much better than WM even after the postage too.
WM Pricing
Yes, they can be beat on many products. What you pay for is stocking, inventory, and convenience. I am old enough to remember when there were only small independent chandleries. Now, those were really expensive! And, most of the time you had to order parts anyway, which is how I found out about Defender. Many of them bought from them. When you compare WM prices, you have to factor in shipping vs. store pricing. And, if it is ordered from a WM store, there is no delivery charge. I still try to order parts through my local independent chandlery when speed/price isn't a great concern. Most of the small guys have evolved to niche markets, and that's great. And, don't forget the chandlery right here. Rick D.
Yes, they can be beat on many products. What you pay for is stocking, inventory, and convenience. I am old enough to remember when there were only small independent chandleries. Now, those were really expensive! And, most of the time you had to order parts anyway, which is how I found out about Defender. Many of them bought from them. When you compare WM prices, you have to factor in shipping vs. store pricing. And, if it is ordered from a WM store, there is no delivery charge. I still try to order parts through my local independent chandlery when speed/price isn't a great concern. Most of the small guys have evolved to niche markets, and that's great. And, don't forget the chandlery right here. Rick D.
They will match
I have found that they will match anyone's price if you can bring in documentation from another source. EG: An ad or a print out of a competitor's web site price, etc..
I have found that they will match anyone's price if you can bring in documentation from another source. EG: An ad or a print out of a competitor's web site price, etc..
You said it!
West marine is the biggest rip off! Defender is significantly less even with shipping. I just purchased two 12" dock wheels and found the best price on Amazon.com. Of course I would like to be able to drive down to west marine and have what I need immediately, but every time I give in to that urge I realize what is worse than their product markup--their service! We have two west marine stores w/in a 30 minute drive and the customer service has been absolutely horrible at both. Someone on this board turned me on to Defender and I have enjoyed great prices AND great service ever since. And must put a plug in for Hunterowners.com. Purchased my sailcover here and the SERVICE was OUTSTANDING. my two cents (all I have left!) Chris
West marine is the biggest rip off! Defender is significantly less even with shipping. I just purchased two 12" dock wheels and found the best price on Amazon.com. Of course I would like to be able to drive down to west marine and have what I need immediately, but every time I give in to that urge I realize what is worse than their product markup--their service! We have two west marine stores w/in a 30 minute drive and the customer service has been absolutely horrible at both. Someone on this board turned me on to Defender and I have enjoyed great prices AND great service ever since. And must put a plug in for Hunterowners.com. Purchased my sailcover here and the SERVICE was OUTSTANDING. my two cents (all I have left!) Chris
But you get $10 certificates.....
I was a sucker who really enjoyed shopping at West Marine; got their $10 certificates for so-many-purchases et cetera. Took my $10 certificate in to buy some bottom paint; but gee, $10 off of $179, when the same can is available down the street at one of those local small independent chandleries (Hamilton Marine in Maine) for $149! Some deal! All done with WM.
I was a sucker who really enjoyed shopping at West Marine; got their $10 certificates for so-many-purchases et cetera. Took my $10 certificate in to buy some bottom paint; but gee, $10 off of $179, when the same can is available down the street at one of those local small independent chandleries (Hamilton Marine in Maine) for $149! Some deal! All done with WM.
price match policy
I have tried to use the price match policy at our local WM and found that they didn't know the policy. After they searched for a copy and much discussion they came out of the back room with a price for me to pay which was the price from the competitor plus shipping cost if I had ordered it and had it shipped to me. It came to very nearly their original price. I had wasted so much time already that I paid the price they stated. After cooling down (it seems that WM has a bad effect on my blood pressure), I checked further and found that the shipping cost was more than the competitor would have charged me, and in fact more than they would have charged me So, it appears, they just made up a shipping cost to add on to the price match to bring the price up to nearly their regular price. Am I a regular customer? Do I do without until I can find what I need someplace other than WM? Do I check out products at their store and then buy else where if it is what I need? No,yes, and yes.
I have tried to use the price match policy at our local WM and found that they didn't know the policy. After they searched for a copy and much discussion they came out of the back room with a price for me to pay which was the price from the competitor plus shipping cost if I had ordered it and had it shipped to me. It came to very nearly their original price. I had wasted so much time already that I paid the price they stated. After cooling down (it seems that WM has a bad effect on my blood pressure), I checked further and found that the shipping cost was more than the competitor would have charged me, and in fact more than they would have charged me So, it appears, they just made up a shipping cost to add on to the price match to bring the price up to nearly their regular price. Am I a regular customer? Do I do without until I can find what I need someplace other than WM? Do I check out products at their store and then buy else where if it is what I need? No,yes, and yes.
Sailnet is looking better
Just got the new Sailnet catalog. The price difference between WM and Sailnet in BIG!. If you can wait a few days, it is much cheaper including shipping to go sailnet.But, if you need it now, WM.
Just got the new Sailnet catalog. The price difference between WM and Sailnet in BIG!. If you can wait a few days, it is much cheaper including shipping to go sailnet.But, if you need it now, WM.
Boatersworld.com
Don't forget "Boaters World" They have as much as WM/Boatus, and their prices are on par with "Defender/Sailnet/Hunterowners. OH YEAH! I forgot to add FREE SHIPPING, for orders over $100. You don't get that from WM.
Don't forget "Boaters World" They have as much as WM/Boatus, and their prices are on par with "Defender/Sailnet/Hunterowners. OH YEAH! I forgot to add FREE SHIPPING, for orders over $100. You don't get that from WM.
Don't forget Lowes, Home Depot
Save where you can! I've noticed that Home Depot/Lowes/Walmart and Menards are now carrying more boat crossover items the closer you get to water. I stopped going to WM or Boat Useless for stainless and plumbing items when you can save a fortune at Lowes (regretably it all comes from China anyway!) You can also get great deals on plumbing items such as ball lock-seacock fixtures, hoses, carpet
Save where you can! I've noticed that Home Depot/Lowes/Walmart and Menards are now carrying more boat crossover items the closer you get to water. I stopped going to WM or Boat Useless for stainless and plumbing items when you can save a fortune at Lowes (regretably it all comes from China anyway!) You can also get great deals on plumbing items such as ball lock-seacock fixtures, hoses, carpet
West Marine prie gouging
I have yet to find West Marine cheaper on any given item. Everyone is right, Sailnet (especially when they are having a sale), Defender are always 25 - 30% cheaper. If you have a little time you can do even better, like at Broken Leg Dave's and Star Marine Depot. We have just about replaced everything in our Hunter 30 and I have kept track of the Suggested Retail price (West Marine) and what we paid, and I have saved at least $3500.00 by some smart shopping. I think everyone ought to send West a message, "Don't bite the hand that feeds you". Its a matter of convenience, I understand that, but they are taking advantage of each and everyone of us.
I have yet to find West Marine cheaper on any given item. Everyone is right, Sailnet (especially when they are having a sale), Defender are always 25 - 30% cheaper. If you have a little time you can do even better, like at Broken Leg Dave's and Star Marine Depot. We have just about replaced everything in our Hunter 30 and I have kept track of the Suggested Retail price (West Marine) and what we paid, and I have saved at least $3500.00 by some smart shopping. I think everyone ought to send West a message, "Don't bite the hand that feeds you". Its a matter of convenience, I understand that, but they are taking advantage of each and everyone of us.
One More....
5 amp circuit breaker West Marine Pensacola, FL / $27 +change Blue Water Marine Gulf Shores, AL / $12 +change No exageration here. WM has seen the last of me
5 amp circuit breaker West Marine Pensacola, FL / $27 +change Blue Water Marine Gulf Shores, AL / $12 +change No exageration here. WM has seen the last of me
price matching
There has been mention of price matching by west marine etc. I personaly don't feel anyone should have to ask for (and then go thru all there hoops)I did it once and was made to feel like I was cheating them. Just as easy to buy it from the lower price store anyway then to deal with the BS to get the price matched.This reply is more to west and the other big stores then at other boaters but maybe west or some other stores will see this and make a note of how there customers feel (or past customers as the case may be)they are overpriced/outpriced themselves on lots and lots of items.
There has been mention of price matching by west marine etc. I personaly don't feel anyone should have to ask for (and then go thru all there hoops)I did it once and was made to feel like I was cheating them. Just as easy to buy it from the lower price store anyway then to deal with the BS to get the price matched.This reply is more to west and the other big stores then at other boaters but maybe west or some other stores will see this and make a note of how there customers feel (or past customers as the case may be)they are overpriced/outpriced themselves on lots and lots of items.
Price matching??
I agree, why should we have to go to the trouble of finding a better price, and then convincing West Marine we are right, when most other vendors guarantee they have the lowest price, and many even give you an additional discount when you find something cheaper elsewhere. The better companies check thier prices all the time and adjust them when they find lower prices. I bought one item from Broken Leg Daves, and when I got the invoice it was actually cheaper than when I made the purchase, he adjusts is price everytime he finds someone lower, the action word being "He" finds the lower price. I think thats called competitive pricing. Ok West Marine/Boat US the ball is in your court. I'm sending them a letter today. The manufacturers are just as bad, its one price for the boating world, and another price for the rest of the world for the same item with a different label. Maybe another Boston tea party is in order.
I agree, why should we have to go to the trouble of finding a better price, and then convincing West Marine we are right, when most other vendors guarantee they have the lowest price, and many even give you an additional discount when you find something cheaper elsewhere. The better companies check thier prices all the time and adjust them when they find lower prices. I bought one item from Broken Leg Daves, and when I got the invoice it was actually cheaper than when I made the purchase, he adjusts is price everytime he finds someone lower, the action word being "He" finds the lower price. I think thats called competitive pricing. Ok West Marine/Boat US the ball is in your court. I'm sending them a letter today. The manufacturers are just as bad, its one price for the boating world, and another price for the rest of the world for the same item with a different label. Maybe another Boston tea party is in order.
More fodder for the canon
Blue Seas 25 amp breaker $18.99 West Marine, Defender Marine $10.34, Sailnet $11.95, Broken Leg Daves $12.98. If Sailnet, Broken Leg Dave and Defender can be that close, West is in outer space.
Blue Seas 25 amp breaker $18.99 West Marine, Defender Marine $10.34, Sailnet $11.95, Broken Leg Daves $12.98. If Sailnet, Broken Leg Dave and Defender can be that close, West is in outer space.
Fellow skippers, this is a great thread...
providing price comparisons between different retailers. I hope we can keep it going. Maybe we can lighten up a bit on the WM bashing. They, like any other retailer, can price their products as they see fit, and we can shop where we get the best value. Terry P.S. No, I'm not an employee, nor do I have any affiliation with WM other than being an infrequent buyer member.
providing price comparisons between different retailers. I hope we can keep it going. Maybe we can lighten up a bit on the WM bashing. They, like any other retailer, can price their products as they see fit, and we can shop where we get the best value. Terry P.S. No, I'm not an employee, nor do I have any affiliation with WM other than being an infrequent buyer member.
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