Bartering is the key.. Use the web to find the best price you can, and ask them to match it. They normally do. The discount tokens still come (additional reduction), and you can get most items from the one source. Whilst the regsitration process might be regarded as cumbersome, you only ever have to do it once. Placing new orders is a snap, and recalling old orders for repeats (cleaning supplies and rigging, etc) is a breeze. I would hate to register at all of the other websites provided in Pitman's impressive list - but I will certainly add them to my list of bartering resources - thanks! If you work the West Marine beast I think you will come to find them flexible in price, accomodating when they make a shipping mishap, and easy to deal with when it comes to returns. I guess you get what you negotiate, and you pay your money and make your choice, but on the whole, I have been pretty impressed.
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Steve, I agree 100%
San Antonio,Tx would not be deemed to be a large sailing center. However, the WM store there and in Austin have the nicest and most helpful people I have found at any marine store. Also I agree that they "Meet Comp" on any ad from a recognized source. They even meet the catalog price when in some situations you would have to pay freight. If the product does not work they gladly refund or exchange. I just received my monthly $15+ Advantage Program refund. If they don't have the item they order and in four days it is at the store no freight in and no freight for return. I personally give them high marks.
San Antonio,Tx would not be deemed to be a large sailing center. However, the WM store there and in Austin have the nicest and most helpful people I have found at any marine store. Also I agree that they "Meet Comp" on any ad from a recognized source. They even meet the catalog price when in some situations you would have to pay freight. If the product does not work they gladly refund or exchange. I just received my monthly $15+ Advantage Program refund. If they don't have the item they order and in four days it is at the store no freight in and no freight for return. I personally give them high marks.
Not the case always
I have purchased many things from Sailnet, and they blow WestMarine & Boat US out of the water for the most items, plus no shipping costs. Neither store will match an Internet site for price.
I have purchased many things from Sailnet, and they blow WestMarine & Boat US out of the water for the most items, plus no shipping costs. Neither store will match an Internet site for price.
Sailnet is a mixed bag
I've ordred from Sailnet several times and frankly find them to be a mixed bag. They've sent me the wrong things, not met their own deadlines for delviery to me and even out of the blue sent me a title for a motor that was not mine and about which I knew nothing(I returned it to them). Believe me I woud like to work with a sailing specialty store, especially one located here in the Carolinas, but I've found them to be uneven. I will give them a little credit -- at least they've started manning their phones with live voices -- for the longest time you could call and never get anyone to speak with. Nonetheless, buyer beware.
I've ordred from Sailnet several times and frankly find them to be a mixed bag. They've sent me the wrong things, not met their own deadlines for delviery to me and even out of the blue sent me a title for a motor that was not mine and about which I knew nothing(I returned it to them). Believe me I woud like to work with a sailing specialty store, especially one located here in the Carolinas, but I've found them to be uneven. I will give them a little credit -- at least they've started manning their phones with live voices -- for the longest time you could call and never get anyone to speak with. Nonetheless, buyer beware.
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