Am I the only person that has had bad experiences with them or is it a common problem? I am not trying to bad-talk the company, I am just interested to see what others have to say. Thanks...
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LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners
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Walt
Catalina Direct
I had similar experiences as LaDonna. I am still very appreciative of Catalina Direct. They had parts I could not buy anywhere else, i.e. Mast truck, Mast base, Spreader sockets, Goosenecks. I am hesitant to add for fear of escalation but I must say the prices are cheap. A new caste aluminum mast truck was about $50. The mast base (out of stock) was about $25. A gooseneck for my boom was about $35. Catalina Direct provided upgrades that were otherwise not available. Yes their customer service could be more responsive (like returning calls, informing customers about late shipments) but when I talked to anyone on the phone they were very courteous and knowledgeable. I am very grateful for the product they provide.
I had similar experiences as LaDonna. I am still very appreciative of Catalina Direct. They had parts I could not buy anywhere else, i.e. Mast truck, Mast base, Spreader sockets, Goosenecks. I am hesitant to add for fear of escalation but I must say the prices are cheap. A new caste aluminum mast truck was about $50. The mast base (out of stock) was about $25. A gooseneck for my boom was about $35. Catalina Direct provided upgrades that were otherwise not available. Yes their customer service could be more responsive (like returning calls, informing customers about late shipments) but when I talked to anyone on the phone they were very courteous and knowledgeable. I am very grateful for the product they provide.
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Matt
I agree with both of you, and LaDonna, you made
a good point. I guess we are "spoiled" the sense that we want things now. Also, you are absolutely correct that they have parts that nobody else would have (I need a cabin table and plan to order soon from them). I ordered a forward hatch in April and it didn't come until August, but I didn't complain. It was either take the hatch that CD offered for $190 or cut the deck and add a $400 Bowmar. The reason I was disappointed with them is that one of the CSRs was pretty rude and did not seem to know what he was talking about. I ordered a standing rigging kit and he made me buy a through-bolted spreader bracket kit as well. I had already made that upgrade and tried to explain that to him, but he would not sell the standing rigging kit without the bracket kit. So I bought the bracket kit (to keep just in case) and it turned out to be the wrong one. He sent the round mast version and I have the flat mast. I called back to see if they would swap it for the right one and he was rude again. I ended up keeping that part. Tried to ebay it but the winning bidder also had a flat mast. If anybody needs one, let me know... Now, when I call CD, I clinch my teeth when they answer the phone in fear that it will be that rude guy again (and I am not intimidated very easily). I like the girl that is a Customer Service Rep. She is friendly and knows the difference between a swing keel and a fin keel. So, that is all my post was about. Like I said, I wasn't intending on trashing Catalina Direct. I don't know what I'd do without them. Just wanted to know if anyone had similar experiences.
a good point. I guess we are "spoiled" the sense that we want things now. Also, you are absolutely correct that they have parts that nobody else would have (I need a cabin table and plan to order soon from them). I ordered a forward hatch in April and it didn't come until August, but I didn't complain. It was either take the hatch that CD offered for $190 or cut the deck and add a $400 Bowmar. The reason I was disappointed with them is that one of the CSRs was pretty rude and did not seem to know what he was talking about. I ordered a standing rigging kit and he made me buy a through-bolted spreader bracket kit as well. I had already made that upgrade and tried to explain that to him, but he would not sell the standing rigging kit without the bracket kit. So I bought the bracket kit (to keep just in case) and it turned out to be the wrong one. He sent the round mast version and I have the flat mast. I called back to see if they would swap it for the right one and he was rude again. I ended up keeping that part. Tried to ebay it but the winning bidder also had a flat mast. If anybody needs one, let me know... Now, when I call CD, I clinch my teeth when they answer the phone in fear that it will be that rude guy again (and I am not intimidated very easily). I like the girl that is a Customer Service Rep. She is friendly and knows the difference between a swing keel and a fin keel. So, that is all my post was about. Like I said, I wasn't intending on trashing Catalina Direct. I don't know what I'd do without them. Just wanted to know if anyone had similar experiences.
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LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners
I've always had the gal
And she's been very nice. Next time you talk to her, maybe you should mention how rude the guy is. Even if he's a manager, if they get enough complaints about him, he'll settle down. LaDonna
And she's been very nice. Next time you talk to her, maybe you should mention how rude the guy is. Even if he's a manager, if they get enough complaints about him, he'll settle down. LaDonna
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Bob Camarena
I'm Spoiled
I'm spoiled, since the place I work is only a couple a miles away from their office. I've ordered parts through them for a C-27 and a Coronado 15 with good results. I only use them for Catalina specific parts and choose to go direct to Garhauer and other suppliers whenever possible. I've seen postings that mention ordering Garhauer rigid vangs and such from Catalina Direct. I'd rather deal directly with the manufacturer whenever I can.
I'm spoiled, since the place I work is only a couple a miles away from their office. I've ordered parts through them for a C-27 and a Coronado 15 with good results. I only use them for Catalina specific parts and choose to go direct to Garhauer and other suppliers whenever possible. I've seen postings that mention ordering Garhauer rigid vangs and such from Catalina Direct. I'd rather deal directly with the manufacturer whenever I can.
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Garry @ S/V TASHTEGO
Catalina Direct
I've had good service from them for the most part. I spoke to the gentleman form tech support when I ordered my new halyard sheaves and he was very nice and talked me into buying the halyards from him too. I was disappointed when I bought the new bow fitting with rollers to find that it couldn't be installed without removing the rubrail and mounts. I modified it myself but they should have told me. All in all my impressions have been positive.
I've had good service from them for the most part. I spoke to the gentleman form tech support when I ordered my new halyard sheaves and he was very nice and talked me into buying the halyards from him too. I was disappointed when I bought the new bow fitting with rollers to find that it couldn't be installed without removing the rubrail and mounts. I modified it myself but they should have told me. All in all my impressions have been positive.
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