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West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
Yesterday afternoon I stopped at a West Marine Store .. have you been to one
of these stores lately? The help ( wait,, I just typed "help" ,, there want no "help" ) walk around with ear plugs, talking into a mike as if they were police at a crime scene. And what do they say to each other? "John, do we carry anchors"? ... "John, what is a GPS"? ..... "John, there is a guy here looking for a piece of hardware, what is hardware"? I kid you not. It is laugh a minute nuts. But the best part is the check-out lady. She carries on a conversation with herself as she tries to figure out how to ring up sales. "Come on computer, I know this is right, it didn't do this yesterday, what am I doing wrong ,,, please swipe your card again and again and again ,, where did you find that thing ,,, I hope they turn off the GPS that is talking to me ,,, oh well, do you have cash". I asked one clerk to show me a GPS handheld unit. He was busy talking into the secret microphone. Then he looked up and said "I don't know anything about these things, and John is busy trying to turn off the security alarm so it might be awhile before you get any help". HELP? West Marine ,,, pass at your own risk |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
Why do you need to go into a marine supply store?
The West Marine Portland is quite good but there is a better and cheaper store called Hamilton Marine down on the waterfront. Locally owned and more oriented to commercial vessels but good selection of sailboat stuff. I only go to WM when I can't find what I need at Hamilton. The store you were in does sound weird though. Which one is it so we can avoid it? Oops, I forgot, revealing which city you are in might open you up to identity theft and abduction by aliens:) -- Roger Long "Thomas Wentworth" wrote in message news:%cykg.13$XJ4.7@trndny02... Yesterday afternoon I stopped at a West Marine Store .. have you been to one of these stores lately? The help ( wait,, I just typed "help" ,, there want no "help" ) walk around with ear plugs, talking into a mike as if they were police at a crime scene. And what do they say to each other? "John, do we carry anchors"? ... "John, what is a GPS"? ..... "John, there is a guy here looking for a piece of hardware, what is hardware"? I kid you not. It is laugh a minute nuts. But the best part is the check-out lady. She carries on a conversation with herself as she tries to figure out how to ring up sales. "Come on computer, I know this is right, it didn't do this yesterday, what am I doing wrong ,,, please swipe your card again and again and again ,, where did you find that thing ,,, I hope they turn off the GPS that is talking to me ,,, oh well, do you have cash". I asked one clerk to show me a GPS handheld unit. He was busy talking into the secret microphone. Then he looked up and said "I don't know anything about these things, and John is busy trying to turn off the security alarm so it might be awhile before you get any help". HELP? West Marine ,,, pass at your own risk |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
On 16 Jun 2006 09:35:01 -0500, Dave wrote:
It varies a lot from store to store. Very true, and also from day to day depending on who is on duty. Our local store is pretty good for the most part with a lot of serious boaters on the staff, with good solid cruising and/or fishing experience. Prices are not the best but convenience and service are first rate. |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
On Fri, 16 Jun 2006 13:31:57 GMT, "Roger Long"
wrote: The store you were in does sound weird though. Which one is it so we can avoid it? Oops, I forgot, revealing which city you are in might open you up to identity theft and abduction by aliens:) The aliens are headed for Manchester as we speak... |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
"Thomas Wentworth" wrote in message news:%cykg.13$XJ4.7@trndny02... Yesterday afternoon I stopped at a West Marine Store .. have you been to one of these stores lately? The help ( wait,, I just typed "help" ,, there want no "help" ) walk around with ear plugs, talking into a mike as if they were police at a crime scene. And what do they say to each other? "John, do we carry anchors"? ... "John, what is a GPS"? ..... "John, there is a guy here looking for a piece of hardware, what is hardware"? I kid you not. It is laugh a minute nuts. But the best part is the check-out lady. She carries on a conversation with herself as she tries to figure out how to ring up sales. "Come on computer, I know this is right, it didn't do this yesterday, what am I doing wrong ,,, please swipe your card again and again and again ,, where did you find that thing ,,, I hope they turn off the GPS that is talking to me ,,, oh well, do you have cash". I asked one clerk to show me a GPS handheld unit. He was busy talking into the secret microphone. Then he looked up and said "I don't know anything about these things, and John is busy trying to turn off the security alarm so it might be awhile before you get any help". HELP? West Marine ,,, pass at your own risk Its been said that the majority of people who respond to online talk shows are people who have something to complain about. Happy people just sit back and relax. So here is a good news story about West Marine. A few years ago I purchased a Xantrex 20 amp charger from them (it was Statpower in those days). I used it one season. Next summer it works for 1 month and quits. I take it back to them and they say they will get it checked out. Well it took a couple of weeks but they gave me a brand new charger, an updated version. |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
we have 6 stores in broward county and WOW do they differ from store to
store. We have some AMAZING tallent in some stores... sailors who work 9 mos and sail for 3 (+-) There are also the summer students who can't spell BOTE.... Gordon Wedman wrote: "Thomas Wentworth" wrote in message news:%cykg.13$XJ4.7@trndny02... Yesterday afternoon I stopped at a West Marine Store .. have you been to one of these stores lately? The help ( wait,, I just typed "help" ,, there want no "help" ) walk around with ear plugs, talking into a mike as if they were police at a crime scene. And what do they say to each other? "John, do we carry anchors"? ... "John, what is a GPS"? ..... "John, there is a guy here looking for a piece of hardware, what is hardware"? I kid you not. It is laugh a minute nuts. But the best part is the check-out lady. She carries on a conversation with herself as she tries to figure out how to ring up sales. "Come on computer, I know this is right, it didn't do this yesterday, what am I doing wrong ,,, please swipe your card again and again and again ,, where did you find that thing ,,, I hope they turn off the GPS that is talking to me ,,, oh well, do you have cash". I asked one clerk to show me a GPS handheld unit. He was busy talking into the secret microphone. Then he looked up and said "I don't know anything about these things, and John is busy trying to turn off the security alarm so it might be awhile before you get any help". HELP? West Marine ,,, pass at your own risk Its been said that the majority of people who respond to online talk shows are people who have something to complain about. Happy people just sit back and relax. So here is a good news story about West Marine. A few years ago I purchased a Xantrex 20 amp charger from them (it was Statpower in those days). I used it one season. Next summer it works for 1 month and quits. I take it back to them and they say they will get it checked out. Well it took a couple of weeks but they gave me a brand new charger, an updated version. |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
Cool. If I see an imaginary boat in the harbor, I'll be able to say,
"I know who owns that one!". Oh, no I won't because you won't tell us your real name. I know, I'll pretend I know who owns it:) -- Roger Long |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
"Dave" wrote in message
... On Fri, 16 Jun 2006 13:18:51 GMT, "Thomas Wentworth" said: Yesterday afternoon I stopped at a West Marine Store .. have you been to one of these stores lately? It varies a lot from store to store. I've found that generally those that still have some of the old BoatUS people around tend to be better. There are a couple around here that are pretty good, with knowledgeable people. Others I've been in have been terribly uninformed. The staff per store varies quite a bit also. -- "j" ganz @@ www.sailnow.com |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
I had an experience like that with a GPS. I had it for several years.
Finally, a friend drowned it. I brought it back to the WM (not the one I bought it from, with no receipt). I told them that since this one drowned, I was in the market for a new one and what did he recommend. He said, "it drowned?" And, then he gave me a brand new one, the latest model (those days) for no charge. He didn't even want the dead one. -- "j" ganz @@ www.sailnow.com "Gordon Wedman" wrote in message news:yhAkg.65875$JX1.65714@edtnps82... "Thomas Wentworth" wrote in message news:%cykg.13$XJ4.7@trndny02... Yesterday afternoon I stopped at a West Marine Store .. have you been to one of these stores lately? The help ( wait,, I just typed "help" ,, there want no "help" ) walk around with ear plugs, talking into a mike as if they were police at a crime scene. And what do they say to each other? "John, do we carry anchors"? ... "John, what is a GPS"? ..... "John, there is a guy here looking for a piece of hardware, what is hardware"? I kid you not. It is laugh a minute nuts. But the best part is the check-out lady. She carries on a conversation with herself as she tries to figure out how to ring up sales. "Come on computer, I know this is right, it didn't do this yesterday, what am I doing wrong ,,, please swipe your card again and again and again ,, where did you find that thing ,,, I hope they turn off the GPS that is talking to me ,,, oh well, do you have cash". I asked one clerk to show me a GPS handheld unit. He was busy talking into the secret microphone. Then he looked up and said "I don't know anything about these things, and John is busy trying to turn off the security alarm so it might be awhile before you get any help". HELP? West Marine ,,, pass at your own risk Its been said that the majority of people who respond to online talk shows are people who have something to complain about. Happy people just sit back and relax. So here is a good news story about West Marine. A few years ago I purchased a Xantrex 20 amp charger from them (it was Statpower in those days). I used it one season. Next summer it works for 1 month and quits. I take it back to them and they say they will get it checked out. Well it took a couple of weeks but they gave me a brand new charger, an updated version. |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
Roger ,,, an imaginary boat? This could be serious. You need to call
someone. ======== "Roger Long" wrote in message ... Cool. If I see an imaginary boat in the harbor, I'll be able to say, "I know who owns that one!". Oh, no I won't because you won't tell us your real name. I know, I'll pretend I know who owns it:) -- Roger Long |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
Roger Long wrote: Oops, I forgot, revealing which city you are in might open you up to identity theft and abduction by aliens:) -- Roger Long That's what you make a tin-foil hat for. Don't leave home without it! http://www.ericisgreat.com/tinfoilhats/ |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
Capt. JG wrote: I had an experience like that with a GPS. I had it for several years. Finally, a friend drowned it. I brought it back to the WM (not the one I bought it from, with no receipt). I told them that since this one drowned, I was in the market for a new one and what did he recommend. He said, "it drowned?" And, then he gave me a brand new one, the latest model (those days) for no charge. He didn't even want the dead one. -- Happened to my friend, are you reading around here Mark?, with a fritzed out Garmin at a West Marine (I think) in Key West when four of us arrived there having ridden from Ft. Lauderdale on pwc's for four days.....anyway they replaced his dead GPS with no paperwork and no questions asked...I don't think you could get that kind of friendly service from any of the WM's up here in Long Island though. richforman "j" ganz @@ www.sailnow.com "Gordon Wedman" wrote in message news:yhAkg.65875$JX1.65714@edtnps82... "Thomas Wentworth" wrote in message news:%cykg.13$XJ4.7@trndny02... Yesterday afternoon I stopped at a West Marine Store .. have you been to one of these stores lately? The help ( wait,, I just typed "help" ,, there want no "help" ) walk around with ear plugs, talking into a mike as if they were police at a crime scene. And what do they say to each other? "John, do we carry anchors"? ... "John, what is a GPS"? ..... "John, there is a guy here looking for a piece of hardware, what is hardware"? I kid you not. It is laugh a minute nuts. But the best part is the check-out lady. She carries on a conversation with herself as she tries to figure out how to ring up sales. "Come on computer, I know this is right, it didn't do this yesterday, what am I doing wrong ,,, please swipe your card again and again and again ,, where did you find that thing ,,, I hope they turn off the GPS that is talking to me ,,, oh well, do you have cash". I asked one clerk to show me a GPS handheld unit. He was busy talking into the secret microphone. Then he looked up and said "I don't know anything about these things, and John is busy trying to turn off the security alarm so it might be awhile before you get any help". HELP? West Marine ,,, pass at your own risk Its been said that the majority of people who respond to online talk shows are people who have something to complain about. Happy people just sit back and relax. So here is a good news story about West Marine. A few years ago I purchased a Xantrex 20 amp charger from them (it was Statpower in those days). I used it one season. Next summer it works for 1 month and quits. I take it back to them and they say they will get it checked out. Well it took a couple of weeks but they gave me a brand new charger, an updated version. |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
"Thomas Wentworth" wrote in
news:%cykg.13$XJ4.7@trndny02: Then he looked up and said "I don't know anything about these things, and John is busy trying to turn off the security alarm so it might be awhile before you get any help". Have some more fun..... "Is this new Garmin AIS compatible?" "How do I hook my AIS to this unit?" It's a riot!....(c; |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
"Thomas Wentworth" wrote in news:s2zkg.9$AC6.8
@trndny08: Captain type. They're all "captain types". It says so on most of 'em, on a little sign, somewhere..... Captain Larry says so on my cap! The guy that gave it to me I sail with often. I told him he was just looking for a scapegoat in case the CG cops stop us. |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
My gripe against West Marine is their generally higher prices, say compared to
what I can find online. It's almost unbelievable that they have no competition around the lower part of Lake Michigan. There is a Boater's World way West of Chicago, and hard to get to. I live in a north suburban Chicago area, and can use one West north of me, or the one in Racine Wisconsin where I keep my boat. These stores are not that bad, but as a consumer, I would like to see some competition come in to this area. If for no other reason, it would give me a larger inventory to select from. I have been able to get some great buys through the internet from places like Cabelas, which is a general sporting goods outfit with a large boating inventory. However, things like sail hardware are harder to find. Years ago, we had more stores in Chicago, like Land's End that had a nice selection of hardware. The big conglomerates like West Marine seems to have forced out all the competition. Sherwin D. Thomas Wentworth wrote: Yesterday afternoon I stopped at a West Marine Store .. have you been to one of these stores lately? The help ( wait,, I just typed "help" ,, there want no "help" ) walk around with ear plugs, talking into a mike as if they were police at a crime scene. And what do they say to each other? "John, do we carry anchors"? ... "John, what is a GPS"? ..... "John, there is a guy here looking for a piece of hardware, what is hardware"? I kid you not. It is laugh a minute nuts. But the best part is the check-out lady. She carries on a conversation with herself as she tries to figure out how to ring up sales. "Come on computer, I know this is right, it didn't do this yesterday, what am I doing wrong ,,, please swipe your card again and again and again ,, where did you find that thing ,,, I hope they turn off the GPS that is talking to me ,,, oh well, do you have cash". I asked one clerk to show me a GPS handheld unit. He was busy talking into the secret microphone. Then he looked up and said "I don't know anything about these things, and John is busy trying to turn off the security alarm so it might be awhile before you get any help". HELP? West Marine ,,, pass at your own risk |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
Thomas,
I think your experience with West Marine is not typical of their stores overall. I do agree that there are some employees that have little sailing experience or may not have been well trained, but I've found that on the whole many of their employees were very knowledgeable and offered good advice. I believe they also have a very good policy regarding returns, and that they stand behind the products they sell. I would also point out that the employees who work there do so for a few pennies above minimum wage. Most are there not for a "McJob" but because the employee discount makes it worth their while to do so, which means they usually have a boat, which greatly increases the odds that they do, in fact, know something about the boating world and the products they sell. Others in this thread have also pointed out the very high cost compared to website vendors. While I've no doubt what so ever that you can find many better deals by shopping the web, I would point out that the reason you should use their store is primarily customer service. If you are unsatisfied with it then let the manager know, and/or contact West Marine corporate directly. I too have encountered folks at West Marine who didn't know anything about the obscure bottom paint question I had, but I've also found that simply asking the manager directly will get the job done. And if you still can't get an answer to your boating questions, they also have an 800 number (see their website) where you can ask for technical support from qualified employees. Cheers, Robb Thomas Wentworth wrote: Yesterday afternoon I stopped at a West Marine Store .. have you been to one of these stores lately? The help ( wait,, I just typed "help" ,, there want no "help" ) walk around with ear plugs, talking into a mike as if they were police at a crime scene. And what do they say to each other? "John, do we carry anchors"? ... "John, what is a GPS"? ..... "John, there is a guy here looking for a piece of hardware, what is hardware"? I kid you not. It is laugh a minute nuts. But the best part is the check-out lady. She carries on a conversation with herself as she tries to figure out how to ring up sales. "Come on computer, I know this is right, it didn't do this yesterday, what am I doing wrong ,,, please swipe your card again and again and again ,, where did you find that thing ,,, I hope they turn off the GPS that is talking to me ,,, oh well, do you have cash". I asked one clerk to show me a GPS handheld unit. He was busy talking into the secret microphone. Then he looked up and said "I don't know anything about these things, and John is busy trying to turn off the security alarm so it might be awhile before you get any help". HELP? West Marine ,,, pass at your own risk |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
You want local chandleries but expect them to compete against online
pricing? My gripe against West Marine is their generally higher prices, say compared to what I can find online. Take the time to print it out and they'll often price match. The big conglomerates like West Marine seems to have forced out all the competition. Is it the conglomerates or unrealistic shopper expectations? -Bill Kearney |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
yeah, yeah, yeah
"Thomas Wentworth" wrote in message news:s2zkg.9$AC6.8@trndny08... I will be going to the Hamilton store in Portland in one week... look for a tall, handsome, urbane, Captain type. ========= "Roger Long" wrote in message ... Why do you need to go into a marine supply store? The West Marine Portland is quite good but there is a better and cheaper store called Hamilton Marine down on the waterfront. Locally owned and more oriented to commercial vessels but good selection of sailboat stuff. I only go to WM when I can't find what I need at Hamilton. The store you were in does sound weird though. Which one is it so we can avoid it? Oops, I forgot, revealing which city you are in might open you up to identity theft and abduction by aliens:) -- Roger Long "Thomas Wentworth" wrote in message news:%cykg.13$XJ4.7@trndny02... Yesterday afternoon I stopped at a West Marine Store .. have you been to one of these stores lately? The help ( wait,, I just typed "help" ,, there want no "help" ) walk around with ear plugs, talking into a mike as if they were police at a crime scene. And what do they say to each other? "John, do we carry anchors"? ... "John, what is a GPS"? ..... "John, there is a guy here looking for a piece of hardware, what is hardware"? I kid you not. It is laugh a minute nuts. But the best part is the check-out lady. She carries on a conversation with herself as she tries to figure out how to ring up sales. "Come on computer, I know this is right, it didn't do this yesterday, what am I doing wrong ,,, please swipe your card again and again and again ,, where did you find that thing ,,, I hope they turn off the GPS that is talking to me ,,, oh well, do you have cash". I asked one clerk to show me a GPS handheld unit. He was busy talking into the secret microphone. Then he looked up and said "I don't know anything about these things, and John is busy trying to turn off the security alarm so it might be awhile before you get any help". HELP? West Marine ,,, pass at your own risk |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
Thomas Wentworth wrote:
I will be going to the Hamilton store in Portland in one week... look for a tall, handsome, urbane, Captain type. And you'll be the little troll dragging his knuckles behind him? ;-} |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
Dave wrote: On Sat, 17 Jun 2006 01:26:42 -0500, sherwindu said: big conglomerates like West Marine What other businesses is this "conglomerate" in? Big conglomerates, like Guitar Center. sounds like West Marine and Guitar Center are cut fromt he same mould. one sells Boating Supplies. One sells Guitar's otherwise, they both fit this thread...... |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
Back in the old days West Marine had great prices. Maybe not the lowest but
a good price and available now. Over the last 5 years their prices have skyrocketed and I am a little hard pressed buying from them. Its my understanding that contractor prices are 50% or more off (except electronics). I have also heard that employees get good discounts also. |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
wrote in message ups.com... snip sounds like West Marine and Guitar Center are cut fromt he same mould. Gross! |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
On Mon, 19 Jun 2006 18:30:39 -0500, "Rick"
wrote: Its my understanding that contractor prices are 50% or more off (except electronics). Here in SWFL the contractor discount is about 35%. I have also heard that employees get good discounts also. Not sure about the employee discount but it is probably comparable to the contractor's %. Several employees have told me they work there primarily for the benefits package. |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
when did "conglomerate" become a buzz-word?
Dave wrote: On 19 Jun 2006 15:50:07 -0700, said: Big conglomerates, like Guitar Center. sounds like West Marine and Guitar Center are cut from the same mould. one sells Boating Supplies. One sells Guitar's otherwise, they both fit this thread...... As I suspected--a classic example of empty-headed blathering of buzzwords with no knowledge of that the words mean. I'd suggest a quick search of the term "conglomerate." |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
OK Dave. You get the nit picker award of the year. Anything to deviate from
the real issues to impress us with your command of the English language. Sherwin D. Dave wrote: On 19 Jun 2006 15:50:07 -0700, said: Big conglomerates, like Guitar Center. sounds like West Marine and Guitar Center are cut fromt he same mould. one sells Boating Supplies. One sells Guitar's otherwise, they both fit this thread...... As I suspected--a classic example of empty-headed blathering of buzzwords with no knowledge of that the words mean. I'd suggest a quick search of the term "conglomerate." |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
Well. seeing that West Marien owns (or is owned by) Port Supply, and bought out E&B Marine (which is still functional) and lord knows who else is involved. I'd say that West Marine is a "conglomerate" if not part of one.... Dave wrote: As I suspected--a classic example of empty-headed blathering of buzzwords with no knowledge of that the words mean. I'd suggest a quick search of the term "conglomerate." |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
Bill Kearney wrote: You want local chandleries but expect them to compete against online pricing? My gripe against West Marine is their generally higher prices, say compared to what I can find online. Take the time to print it out and they'll often price match. The big conglomerates like West Marine seems to have forced out all the competition. Is it the conglomerates or unrealistic shopper expectations? No, it's the lack of competition allowing them to charge whatever they want. Why should I have to bargain with them by showing ads for items at lower prices. I prefer buying in a store where I can see the merchandise. My expectations are that there should be a reasonable mark up on merchandise. Also, although West has a pretty good selection of boating products, there are things which they don't carry. When you are stuck at your slip in need of a part, you don't want to wait several days for a shipment. There is no guarantee that having other stores around would help you find those items, but it increases the probability that you will. How would you feel if there was only one chain of auto supply stores in your state? There would be a big outcry, because we need our cars more than we do our boats. Sherwin D. -Bill Kearney |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
Wayne.B writes:
Here in SWFL the contractor discount is about 35%. What qualifies you as a "contractor" for this discount? Volume? Resale certificate? Storefront? Fictitious name? Just ask? |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
... or unrealistic shopper expectations?
No, it's the lack of competition allowing them to charge whatever they want. Lack of competition due to whose fault? Why should I have to bargain with them by showing ads for items at lower prices. As the sayings go; Nothing for nothing, and If you don't ask you don't get. I prefer buying in a store where I can see the merchandise. My expectations are that there should be a reasonable mark up on merchandise. On a boat? Reasonable? Surely you're kidding. |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
wrote in message ups.com... Well. seeing that West Marien owns (or is owned by) Port Supply, and bought out E&B Marine (which is still functional) and lord knows who else is involved. I'd say that West Marine is a "conglomerate" if not part of one.... These are all part of the same field, and so I don't think the word "conglomerate" would apply. --AG |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
1st- having shopped at West Marine and other chandleries in
different parts of the country, in my experience the level of help & knowledge at the stores ranges from none (or even negative) to very very good. 2nd- Dave is right (although not very tactful), West Marine is only in one business and therefor not a conglomerate even if they have bought out other retailers. Bill Kearney wrote: You want local chandleries but expect them to compete against online pricing? Well sure. If complaining about it could make that happen, why not? ;) My gripe against West Marine is their generally higher prices, say compared to what I can find online. Take the time to print it out and they'll often price match. Correct... often they will add the cost of shipping to their price match, which is only reasonable IMHO. The big conglomerates like West Marine seems to have forced out all the competition. Is it the conglomerates or unrealistic shopper expectations? I think expecting a brick-and-mortar store to match on line prices every day is pretty much a textbook definition of "unrealistic expectation." It's also a good recipe for making sure that you won't have a local retailer, if enough people share your expectation. Consumer taste for the cheapest possible goods is also the reason why the U.S. manufacturing sector (having finally got the message about quality control) is in the dumper. sherwindu wrote: No, it's the lack of competition allowing them to charge whatever they want. Why should I have to bargain with them by showing ads for items at lower prices. Why indeed. Just don't buy it. That's far easier and cheaper and you don't have to drive anywhere. I prefer buying in a store where I can see the merchandise. I do too. .... My expectations are that there should be a reasonable mark up on merchandise. Well, that's their expectation too ;) You just disagree on the definition of "reasonable." Another problem is the bargaining thing. Why do you exepct to not have to bargain? In many places in the world, *all* markets are barter-only. Haggling over prices is probably the most universal human pastime; here in the U.S. we have gotten away from it because of the tremendous amount of money spent on advertising to convince us that we shouldn't. And guess what, the price of the products we buy covers the expensive advertising and we think we're getting a good deal... anybody else see the humor in this? DSK |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
Exactly, I won't deny it. Your idea of a conglomerate and mine are
different. I'll say no more on the subject. Dave wrote: On 19 Jun 2006 23:01:48 -0700, said: I'd say that West Marine is a "conglomerate" if not part of one.... But of course your saying it would not make it true. |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
Dave wrote:
I was tactful the first time around, simply asking what other business West was in. Some people have trouble taking a hint. heh heh well I'm not the one to be taking lessons on tact from, but at least I can take a hint! [snip] I think expecting a brick-and-mortar store to match on line prices every day is pretty much a textbook definition of "unrealistic expectation." It's also a good recipe for making sure that you won't have a local retailer, if enough people share your expectation. This is an issue that goes back long before the internet. Sure. ... My grandparents ran a retail store in a small Midwestern town, and I remember their complaining about people who would drive 30 miles to get a lower price from a chain located in a larger town, making it more difficult for the small town merchant to make a profit. At least, they were probably smart enough to avoid a price war. One of the rules of the "new economy" seems to be that every market is always in a constant state of price war. It's a race to the bottom. And guess what, the price of the products we buy covers the expensive advertising and we think we're getting a good deal... anybody else see the humor in this? I think there's more to it than that. It derives not from advertising but from a Protestant ethic that has a fallout in many areas. We tend to emphasize Christ's preaching about where a man's treasure is there will his heart be also, and driving the money changers from the temple, leading to a general feeling that haggling is unseemly, because it shows an obsession with treasure on earth. To take my grandmother's pithy description of those she complained about, "they know the price of everything and the value of nothing." Sure, there is certainly that element... another element IMHO is the aspect of conspicuous consumption. If you just buy a thing without worrying about the price, then obviously you make the impression on others of being rich enough to not worry about money... "Price is no object." Shucks, nowadays there are grocery stores that don't even have the prices of goods marked on the shelf, much less on the item. People just put it on their credit card and find out whether they can afford it or not at the end of the month... if then! DSK |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
You are a most pedantic fellow. You also have an annoying habit of straying
from the true subject line. Not impressed by you Lincoln quotations. Sherwin D. Dave wrote: On 20 Jun 2006 10:47:38 -0700, said: Your idea of a conglomerate and mine are different. How many legs does a sheep have if you call its tail a leg? [Attributed to A. Lincoln] |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
sherwindu wrote:
You are a most pedantic fellow. You also have an annoying habit of straying from the true subject line. Not impressed by you Lincoln quotations. Sherwin D. Dave wrote: On 20 Jun 2006 10:47:38 -0700, said: Your idea of a conglomerate and mine are different. How many legs does a sheep have if you call its tail a leg? [Attributed to A. Lincoln] You all seem to be an annoying fellows who can't integrate data no matter how many times and in how many different ways it is presented, hoping that you will 'get it'.. Since it seems beyond you - what he was doing was pointing out that the definition of conglomerate is "A corporation made up of a number of different companies that operate in diversified fields." Just having a very large company does not make it a conglomerate. Your idea of a conglomerate is wrong - it is the same as calling the sheep's tail a leg. |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
I'm really sorry that so many of you have had bad experiences with west
marine. I'm probably going to get my lashes by mentioning this, but I'm going to. I work for west marine. It upsets me when I walk into a west marine store that I don't work at and don't get any help or lack of information. It upsets me when their are those working there just for a job and don't own or know anything about boating. A lot of people know more about their own type of boating. Diversity is the answer in that. The company does try to teach us different aspects of boating, but if you aren't self motivated to do it, then it doesn't help. A little clairification on west marine. West Marine is the main retail company with more than 400 stores. Port Supply is the wholesale division of west marine. I am unaware of the specific qualifications of becoming a wholesale account. I do not work in that division of the company. The discount varies from item to item. The Boat U.S. stores are now all called West Marine. The stores switched names this year. They were still called Boat U.S. even though they have been part of the company for a few years. E&B was before my time with the company so I am unsure about the acquiring of them. A few policies that may help the boaters out. There is a price match policy. Bring in a written quote (ie. print out from internet) that includes any possible shipping. It must be the same exact item and be for a new item. If it is more than what it cost for West Marine to purchase, it will be priced matched. I have seen some items be priced matched even though it fell below West Marines cost. There is a satisfaction guarantee policy. All returns are usually at the managers discretion, but for the most part just about anything will be taken back; especially if you have the receipt. There is a product performance guarantee that can be purchased with the majority of the items sold in the store. This is a very good program and basically guarantees that if anything goes wrong, then it will be repaired or replaced with no charge. Usually, it is just replaced. For all the cruisers in here. The program also offers free shipping to and from anywhere in the world. Not sure of the turn around time, but it is nice knowing you can get the item you need when you need it free of charge. Hopefully, this will help some of you. Again, I'm sorry that so many of you have had bad experiences with the stores. When you do please let us know so that we may fix our mistakes. If we don't know, we won't change. To end: I would please ask you not chastise me too much for working for the "man". |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
boomerswims wrote: I'm really sorry that so many of you have had bad experiences with west marine. I'm probably going to get my lashes by mentioning this, but I'm going to. I work for west marine. It upsets me when I walk into a west marine store that I don't work at and don't get any help or lack of information. It upsets me when their are those working there just for a job and don't own or know anything about boating. A lot of people know more about their own type of boating. Diversity is the answer in that. The company does try to teach us different aspects of boating, but if you aren't self motivated to do it, then it doesn't help. ..... Again, I'm sorry that so many of you have had bad experiences with the stores. When you do please let us know so that we may fix our mistakes. If we don't know, we won't change. To end: I would please ask you not chastise me too much for working for the "man". Bill, thanks for the clarification. You are an asset to "the man" It's a shame all employees for West Marine (or Guitar Center ;) ) don't have your atitude. |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
"Rosalie B." wrote: sherwindu wrote: You are a most pedantic fellow. You also have an annoying habit of straying from the true subject line. Not impressed by you Lincoln quotations. Sherwin D. Dave wrote: On 20 Jun 2006 10:47:38 -0700, said: Your idea of a conglomerate and mine are different. How many legs does a sheep have if you call its tail a leg? [Attributed to A. Lincoln] You all seem to be an annoying fellows who can't integrate data no matter how many times and in how many different ways it is presented, hoping that you will 'get it'.. Since it seems beyond you - what he was doing was pointing out that the definition of conglomerate is "A corporation made up of a number of different companies that operate in diversified fields." Just having a very large company does not make it a conglomerate. Your idea of a conglomerate is wrong - it is the same as calling the sheep's tail a leg. Yes, but who really cares when that was not the original essence of the original message. It's called going off the subject. If I wanted my english corrected, I would go to rec.betterenglish. It bugs me that when a question or issue is raised, people go off on a tangent and the real issue never gets addressed. |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
I have no complaints about the service at West Marine or their pricing policies,
except that they tend to be higher than what I have paid for these items in the past, even taking into account the cost of living, the fuel crisis, etc., etc. Mergers are usually not good for the consumer. When two of the biggest marine store companies, Boat US and West Marine merged, that was one of the worst. I don't like to feel I am living on the plantation, and have to buy all my things at the company store. Yes, we do have the internet as a backup, but as stated before, I like to see what I am buying, whenever possible. Because West Marine can only deal with a limited number of vendors, the chances of not finding what you are looking for has increased with their domination of the market. It's part of this modern age we live in that we all have to accept, but I still regret the 'good old days' where I could choose from several stores in my vicinity to shop at. Sherwin D. |
West Marine ,, is that the worst store or what
In article . com,
"boomerswims" wrote: I'm really sorry that so many of you have had bad experiences with west marine. I'm probably going to get my lashes by mentioning this, but I'm going to. I work for west marine. What I complain about is of no fault of yours. My complaints mostly center around dramatically increased prices for things that they stock, and far fewer stocked items than in past years. I used to be able to get my Maxprop zincs at the Delaware BOAT/U.S. No longer. Last year, the West Marine stores had Spade anchors. This year (when I went to get one) NOT. I probably would have ordered from Glenn anyway, but I checked in case there was a price differential. So many times, things that had been in the stores are missing now. Independent marine stores will match West's prices and usually beat them. Repeat customers get an even better deal. When they don't have an item, they'll dig around in the manufacturers' catalogs and order directly. West can't or won't do that. West seems to think they've created a monopoly and increased prices accordingly, but that ain't true in my area. My marina's store gives me better prices and service. -- Jere Lull Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD) Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/ |
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