We just got our quote from SailCare yesterday. On it is an $80 charge for sewing numbers and insignia on. I called and spoke to a lady who said their process can loosen them up or totally remove them if they aren't sewn down. I kind of feel "had." Maybe I missed it, but I didn't see this requirement on their website. If I'd known that, we could've sewn them down for a lot less than $80! But now they have our sail and there's not a lot I can do about it other than fork over the extra demanded or have them damage the sail and send it back that way because I didn't. I've read a lot of kudos here for SailCare. Am I the first to experience this? Is it really required? If so, I guess we'll do it, but I sure wish it was disclosed up front!
SailCare - Sewing Required?
- Thread starter Moe16696
- Start date
- Status
Sign a waiver...
...of responsibility. See if they offer that and sign it. When you get it back, sew it yourself. I had used SailCare few years ago, but my numbers were already sewn.
...of responsibility. See if they offer that and sign it. When you get it back, sew it yourself. I had used SailCare few years ago, but my numbers were already sewn.
No Charge
Had mine done last year by Sail Care. They came back with numbers and logo sewn on. There was never any mention of charge.
Had mine done last year by Sail Care. They came back with numbers and logo sewn on. There was never any mention of charge.
Not any more...
She said they used to do it free, but because they do so many sails now, they have to charge for it. Law of Supply and Demand I guess.
She said they used to do it free, but because they do so many sails now, they have to charge for it. Law of Supply and Demand I guess.
I sent my sails
about a week ago. I received the same type of estimate. I, however, requested a quote to replace the insignia. $80 to replace. I called to authorize those repairs I wanted and asked that they not replace the insignia. There didn't seem to be a problem. I figured that as long as the needed repairs were accomplished and the sails are clean and crisp, I wasn't going to worry about the insignia.
about a week ago. I received the same type of estimate. I, however, requested a quote to replace the insignia. $80 to replace. I called to authorize those repairs I wanted and asked that they not replace the insignia. There didn't seem to be a problem. I figured that as long as the needed repairs were accomplished and the sails are clean and crisp, I wasn't going to worry about the insignia.
Hey guys, these are nice people...
My sailing club took the manager and employees sailing this summer. We had a great time. Moe, I would suggest to them that when reviewing sails they should give you an evaluation. ( They did mention in our conversation that it is hard when they try to contact people that don't respond, did they try to contact you?)They evaluate every sail anyway. They lay them out and look over the whole sail. Let them know that you did not acknowledge anything other than cleaning. I bet they will atleast meet you half way. Call them and ask to talk to Jerry. He is managing the facility. If you are reasonable he will be also. Let him know that you found out about SailCare on the Sailboatowners website. I talked to him about this site this summer. Yes, they are busy but they are not in the market to generate a bad reputation. r.w.landau
My sailing club took the manager and employees sailing this summer. We had a great time. Moe, I would suggest to them that when reviewing sails they should give you an evaluation. ( They did mention in our conversation that it is hard when they try to contact people that don't respond, did they try to contact you?)They evaluate every sail anyway. They lay them out and look over the whole sail. Let them know that you did not acknowledge anything other than cleaning. I bet they will atleast meet you half way. Call them and ask to talk to Jerry. He is managing the facility. If you are reasonable he will be also. Let him know that you found out about SailCare on the Sailboatowners website. I talked to him about this site this summer. Yes, they are busy but they are not in the market to generate a bad reputation. r.w.landau
Sail Care
I met Jerry at the Annapolis Boat Show. He was very helpful with all my needs. He invited me to tour their loft if I were near Ford City,PA. Well as luck would have it I was in Butler for three days and had some time. I went to Sail Care and Jerry was very happy to show me around. He introduced me to every employee and explained what each did. I was impressed with their operation. It is small compared to many Lofts but it sure get a lot of sails in every day. He spent much more time with me than most General Managers would have. They have earned my business and trust. I ordered a Roller Furling and had them alter my head sail and clean the main. Great outfit. Wish we had more business to deal with like them.
I met Jerry at the Annapolis Boat Show. He was very helpful with all my needs. He invited me to tour their loft if I were near Ford City,PA. Well as luck would have it I was in Butler for three days and had some time. I went to Sail Care and Jerry was very happy to show me around. He introduced me to every employee and explained what each did. I was impressed with their operation. It is small compared to many Lofts but it sure get a lot of sails in every day. He spent much more time with me than most General Managers would have. They have earned my business and trust. I ordered a Roller Furling and had them alter my head sail and clean the main. Great outfit. Wish we had more business to deal with like them.
I think the real issue is..
..that they would charge $80 for a five minute service they used to provide for free. I'd understand them raising their prices a ten or twenty dollars to cover the extra expense... but eighty bucks!!!1 Mounting a new insignia is a lot more time consuming that simply running one that is already mounted through the sewing machine while they have the sail laid out for inspection. If the refurbishing process damages the adhesive then it should be disclosed, to give the customer an option before sending in the sail..... Hey, I'm sure they are nice people, but it's still eighty bucks, man.
..that they would charge $80 for a five minute service they used to provide for free. I'd understand them raising their prices a ten or twenty dollars to cover the extra expense... but eighty bucks!!!1 Mounting a new insignia is a lot more time consuming that simply running one that is already mounted through the sewing machine while they have the sail laid out for inspection. If the refurbishing process damages the adhesive then it should be disclosed, to give the customer an option before sending in the sail..... Hey, I'm sure they are nice people, but it's still eighty bucks, man.
Reef Point
I just got a quote back for my mainsail, however when I emailed them I asked for prices on adding a reef point and the response didn't mention it. They do offer other services besides cleaning, don't they?
I just got a quote back for my mainsail, however when I emailed them I asked for prices on adding a reef point and the response didn't mention it. They do offer other services besides cleaning, don't they?
Attaching Insignia and Numbers
Most insignia and numbers can be applied using adhesive backed "insignia cloth" - no sewing needed. Numbers can be obtained - "already cut" but insignia usually have to be cut from sheet stock (if you are handy with scissors). The downside with adhesive only number etc application is that they will eventually over years shrink leaving the 'glue' showing at the margins - the easy cure for that is a product called "goo gone" which will easily remove the exposed adhesive. You can obtain the die cut numbers and the sheet "insignia cloth' from sources such as Sailrite (sailrite.com).
Most insignia and numbers can be applied using adhesive backed "insignia cloth" - no sewing needed. Numbers can be obtained - "already cut" but insignia usually have to be cut from sheet stock (if you are handy with scissors). The downside with adhesive only number etc application is that they will eventually over years shrink leaving the 'glue' showing at the margins - the easy cure for that is a product called "goo gone" which will easily remove the exposed adhesive. You can obtain the die cut numbers and the sheet "insignia cloth' from sources such as Sailrite (sailrite.com).
Order Form
Look at their Order Form. It is disclosed that "it may be nessary to swe around items such as numbers,insignias,drafts stripesect. prior to processing if it is determined hey may come off and leave a glue residue. You will be advised of all charges prior to service." Think that sums up the whole story.
Look at their Order Form. It is disclosed that "it may be nessary to swe around items such as numbers,insignias,drafts stripesect. prior to processing if it is determined hey may come off and leave a glue residue. You will be advised of all charges prior to service." Think that sums up the whole story.
Not exactly...
A reasonable person reading that, inspecting their insignia and numbers to find no sign of edges lifting, etc. would not expect to be charged for that. If the policy is going to be it has to be sewn because our process can damage it if it isn't sewn, the order should state that. In this case, the $80 more than doubled the cleaning cost of our small mainsail. Due to responses on TSBB (link below) from two customers who had trouble getting their sails returned without work, including the owner allegedly "yelling" at one, I opted not to piss off the guy who has my sail and just pay the money. I hope it's worth it.
A reasonable person reading that, inspecting their insignia and numbers to find no sign of edges lifting, etc. would not expect to be charged for that. If the policy is going to be it has to be sewn because our process can damage it if it isn't sewn, the order should state that. In this case, the $80 more than doubled the cleaning cost of our small mainsail. Due to responses on TSBB (link below) from two customers who had trouble getting their sails returned without work, including the owner allegedly "yelling" at one, I opted not to piss off the guy who has my sail and just pay the money. I hope it's worth it.
Moe, you are wrong. The owner is not on site.
Did you call Jerry? If not you are not listening to advice. Moe, we live in a world that just because someone complains it doesn't mean their complaint is worthy of action. But yet it can be global in seconds. It is like I told my kids. Hey, if you have problems in your marrage, call me. I will be THERE to discuss it with both of you. I told them that I will not hear one side of a problem. They could have a knock down drag out fight and call me. I could get really upset at the spouse. The kids have makeup sex but I didn't hear about it so I am still upset with the spouse. That is exactly how I explained it to them. So, you got problems with SailCare, you have advise. Follow through the advice or quit slandering the business. For all I know you will be ecstatic about your sails and never say anything. The damage you do to a business with your negative attitude can destroy a business. If SailCare won't deal with you, I will split the differance to keep a business that helps many from being maligned. By the way, what do you do for a living? No hard feelings, let's just sail! r.w.landau
Did you call Jerry? If not you are not listening to advice. Moe, we live in a world that just because someone complains it doesn't mean their complaint is worthy of action. But yet it can be global in seconds. It is like I told my kids. Hey, if you have problems in your marrage, call me. I will be THERE to discuss it with both of you. I told them that I will not hear one side of a problem. They could have a knock down drag out fight and call me. I could get really upset at the spouse. The kids have makeup sex but I didn't hear about it so I am still upset with the spouse. That is exactly how I explained it to them. So, you got problems with SailCare, you have advise. Follow through the advice or quit slandering the business. For all I know you will be ecstatic about your sails and never say anything. The damage you do to a business with your negative attitude can destroy a business. If SailCare won't deal with you, I will split the differance to keep a business that helps many from being maligned. By the way, what do you do for a living? No hard feelings, let's just sail! r.w.landau
One of the nice things that some
publications do, like Latitude 38 out here, is to try to avoid publishing just one side of a story. Occasionally they get it wrong, but they do admit it. rwl has some good advice. I sent our mainsail to SC a few years ago, didn't hear back from them for awhile, and called in. They said they were busy, I said, "Good, consider the alternative, but could you please find my sail?" "OK, what's your order #?" I gave it to them, but knew they'd mis-heard me. When they came back on the phone and told me they had no mainsail like mine, instead of getting angry, I just said, "Perhaps you misheard my order #, let's try this again." Bingo, found sail, fixed it, and I am pleased with their work. Many times it's OUR OWN attitudes that can spoil a good day at the other end. And sensitivity IS due before spreading negative comments about anything, as we've all learned and always could use some reminding of. (Bad sentence structure, sorry...)
publications do, like Latitude 38 out here, is to try to avoid publishing just one side of a story. Occasionally they get it wrong, but they do admit it. rwl has some good advice. I sent our mainsail to SC a few years ago, didn't hear back from them for awhile, and called in. They said they were busy, I said, "Good, consider the alternative, but could you please find my sail?" "OK, what's your order #?" I gave it to them, but knew they'd mis-heard me. When they came back on the phone and told me they had no mainsail like mine, instead of getting angry, I just said, "Perhaps you misheard my order #, let's try this again." Bingo, found sail, fixed it, and I am pleased with their work. Many times it's OUR OWN attitudes that can spoil a good day at the other end. And sensitivity IS due before spreading negative comments about anything, as we've all learned and always could use some reminding of. (Bad sentence structure, sorry...)
just curious
Why didn't you fill out the online estimate BEFORE you sent the sail? I've had worked done by them in the past and always used the online estimate form first, their price? VERY CLOSE to the estimate without any surprises. Would I use them again? You bet in a heart beat, I found Jerry to be a honest businessman. Its too bad your having problems, but as RW ask have you called and discussed your problems with Jerry?
Why didn't you fill out the online estimate BEFORE you sent the sail? I've had worked done by them in the past and always used the online estimate form first, their price? VERY CLOSE to the estimate without any surprises. Would I use them again? You bet in a heart beat, I found Jerry to be a honest businessman. Its too bad your having problems, but as RW ask have you called and discussed your problems with Jerry?
Read my post before you say I'm wrong, r.w.
*I* didn't say the owner was on-site... I said one of the responses on TSBB *alleged* the owner yelled at the customer. So *I* am not wrong. Yes, I talked to Jerry, but decided not to challenge his quote after how others reported their treatment. That's my call. I'm not slandering SailCare. I came on here and TSBB asking a question, and as you'd expect got a wide range of responses, including your knee-jerk r.w. And yes, Stu, I considered the attitude of the responders. Ken, I DID use the on-line estimate. The bottom line is that if they do a good job on my sail, I'll report that. But I'll also warn others that if they have glued on items, to get the sewing estimate up front before they send the sail, or it could cost them twice as much as they expect. A reasonable recommendation.
*I* didn't say the owner was on-site... I said one of the responses on TSBB *alleged* the owner yelled at the customer. So *I* am not wrong. Yes, I talked to Jerry, but decided not to challenge his quote after how others reported their treatment. That's my call. I'm not slandering SailCare. I came on here and TSBB asking a question, and as you'd expect got a wide range of responses, including your knee-jerk r.w. And yes, Stu, I considered the attitude of the responders. Ken, I DID use the on-line estimate. The bottom line is that if they do a good job on my sail, I'll report that. But I'll also warn others that if they have glued on items, to get the sewing estimate up front before they send the sail, or it could cost them twice as much as they expect. A reasonable recommendation.
Moe, I accept that it was someone else that said
said the owner yelled. That is what I am talking about. The spread of bad info because an unknown person wants to make a point. It affected how you dealt with the company. Moe, I am telling you that if you call Jerry and reason your point (show him this thread) he would split the difference. Don't be sheepish and whine, confront him with a good debate. My guess is that the billing person saw "sew on insignia" and it was billed @ $80 thinking that they supplied the insignia. I do think Jerry owes you. I just don't think you should advertize against them. My guess is one hour to do the evaluation and sewing of your insignia. $40/ hour. If it were thier insignia, $40 labor $40 for the insignia . That is cheap for a business of such specialization. My plumbing contractor bills me $60/hour and I am the General Contractor. His retail work goes for $80+/hour. Hey, remember that the minimun wage is going to be increased the first of the year which will give us all a pay cut. When businesses have to pay more, they have to charge more. If they don't they will be out of business. Five years ago they told me that the acrylic lettering will not take the process. It didn't, I redid it. When contact is limited, I would rather a business do a better job than not to do it. I just picked up my trailer that I had work do on. The estimate would have been about $600. Well the hubs and bearing races were bad on one axle and the surge brake assembly was rusted and weak. My bill was $1012. Did it hurt? Yes. Am I glad they did the work? yes. I now have a safe trailer. Are they a bad company? No. I would recommend them. They do good work. r.w.landau
said the owner yelled. That is what I am talking about. The spread of bad info because an unknown person wants to make a point. It affected how you dealt with the company. Moe, I am telling you that if you call Jerry and reason your point (show him this thread) he would split the difference. Don't be sheepish and whine, confront him with a good debate. My guess is that the billing person saw "sew on insignia" and it was billed @ $80 thinking that they supplied the insignia. I do think Jerry owes you. I just don't think you should advertize against them. My guess is one hour to do the evaluation and sewing of your insignia. $40/ hour. If it were thier insignia, $40 labor $40 for the insignia . That is cheap for a business of such specialization. My plumbing contractor bills me $60/hour and I am the General Contractor. His retail work goes for $80+/hour. Hey, remember that the minimun wage is going to be increased the first of the year which will give us all a pay cut. When businesses have to pay more, they have to charge more. If they don't they will be out of business. Five years ago they told me that the acrylic lettering will not take the process. It didn't, I redid it. When contact is limited, I would rather a business do a better job than not to do it. I just picked up my trailer that I had work do on. The estimate would have been about $600. Well the hubs and bearing races were bad on one axle and the surge brake assembly was rusted and weak. My bill was $1012. Did it hurt? Yes. Am I glad they did the work? yes. I now have a safe trailer. Are they a bad company? No. I would recommend them. They do good work. r.w.landau
Poor analogy, rw.
If my numbers and insignia were in the same condition as your bearings, races, and coupler, your analogy would make sense, as would doing the repair. But they aren't... they're just fine. Using your trailer, it would be like being told, "one of our mechanics might screw your trailer up by over or under torquing fasteners, so we're charging you $700 extra (a bit more than the original estimate) to weld it all together." r.w., I'll take a shot based on your faith in Jerry, and call him about it Monday. If he doesn't back off it, I'm not going to push it. I'll either be back here thanking you or collecting half the difference and I hope for both of us it isn't the latter.
If my numbers and insignia were in the same condition as your bearings, races, and coupler, your analogy would make sense, as would doing the repair. But they aren't... they're just fine. Using your trailer, it would be like being told, "one of our mechanics might screw your trailer up by over or under torquing fasteners, so we're charging you $700 extra (a bit more than the original estimate) to weld it all together." r.w., I'll take a shot based on your faith in Jerry, and call him about it Monday. If he doesn't back off it, I'm not going to push it. I'll either be back here thanking you or collecting half the difference and I hope for both of us it isn't the latter.
- Status