"NOYB" wrote in message
ink.net...

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...

"NOYB" wrote in message
news

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
Here, West Marine's 15 minutes away from Boat US, and the difference
in
knowledge level is like night & day. I suspect it's because the West
Marine
is directly across the street from 5 marinas and a ritzy yacht club.


...and has the ritzy prices to match.




Fortunately, my small boat doesn't need much, so paying higher prices
occasionally doesn't dent the annual budget. I don't care HOW much
better
the prices are at Boat US. I assume the manager makes some sort of bonus
based on the store's performance, and I'm not about to reward him and
his
crew for lousy service.


I just installed two Rule Fully Automatic 1100gph bilge pumps on my boat
last weekend. West Marine had 'em for $95. Boater's World had 'em for
$79
and change (regulare non-sale price). I don't care if the manager serves
me
latte and polishes my shoes, I'm not paying 20% more because the salesman
behind the counter paid more attention to me.




I price shop, but also look at the selection of stuff WM carries. There is
value in going somewhere that carries the parts you need, and not driving an
extra $5 and an hour of time to get it.