Another of those West Marine "discussions."

[MikeP]

This morning I made one of my very rare vista to WM. I almost never buy anything there but needed a zinc guppy and the local hardware store that carries the usual zincs I use, does not carry those.

So at the register the manager asked me if I had a WM advantage card and, when I said no, suggested I get one. I replied that WM was a last resort shopping experience for me - only if I needed something right now that wasn't available elsewhere. He asked me why and I explained that there prices were higher than everybody's, regardless of the product - from zincs to fuel additives, to electrical parts - you name it.

He responded that they would price match anybody within 60 miles. I said that I had had this same conversation previously and I thought the onus should be on THEM to match prices by appropriately marking them, not on the customer to go searching and then turn up at WM with the proof of a lower price at the Ace Hdware store. I added that it seemed to me that WM was basically hoping that customers would not realize prices were cheaper elsewhere and, therefore, pay the higher WM price.

It was a friendly conversation all the way around and nobody raised their voices. He commented that he "wished" they could just mark the prices competitively but that was not the company policy. IMO it just confirms the belief that they figure the odds are that many/most customers will just pay the marked price without knowing the difference exists. Last year a 40 dollar WM zinc was marked at Ace HDwre for $19. I will admit that WM is a better this year - the difference i that zinc price is much less - $26/$20.

They do have a nice clothing/shoe selection though!

 

[gbharrington]

It seems that at all of the new stores there is a lot more emphasis on, and space devoted to clothing and other "style" items. Probably greater margins and less competition.

 

[sgharford]

It's funny you mention "Ace Hardware" Mike. In the strip mall in my town where West Marine is located, there is also the Ace Hardware store, which by the way is currently having there $2.99/gallon pink antifreeze sale. So 2 or so years ago I was in West and asked them to match the price on a gallon of pink antifreeze to Ace as I was going to buy 25 gallons (Ace did not have enough in stock that day). He pondered for about 30 seconds, then said that because it wasn't the same brand he couldn't match the price. Mind you West Marine brands their own pink antifreeze, with the same "-50" rating. Classic BS. Now I just use automotive windshield wiper fluid

 

[TROUBLE]

Now I just use automotive windshield wiper fluid
Interesting,
Your up here in the cold with me. How long have you been doing that and do you use it in your detroits also.

thanks
Art

 

[sgharford]

I'm just joshing about windshield washer fluid, thought it would get a stir. Apparently it can, and is, done in our neck of the woods as per another HOF member on same island. It would have been more fun to post it as separate thread and let it go hay wire. But then again, you could do it, that is use windshield fluid as antifreeze in non-drinking water systems...

 

[SeaEric]

It works until the alcohol evaporates out of it then whats left freezes.

 

[TROUBLE]

To me its one of the cheapest "pieces of mind" I can buy no matter how much I use and how much I pay for it. Even at $5.00 a gallon and even if I used 30 gallons for a total of $150.00 it makes me sleep better all winter. Priceless



ART

 

[drburke]

Mike,

I don't bother with the Advantage program, but you can use your BoatUS card (which I belong to for towing) to log purchases and every year or so I cash in the $10 coupons.

Like you, I am rarely in there. I justify the occasional emergency trip by recognizing that West Marine sells convenience, not parts, which comes at a price. I buy boat parts online or support a local marine hardware business as a rule.

DAN

 

[MikeP]

" Even at $5.00 a gallon "

That is the current price (4.99), which I noticed at WM this morning. Ace Hardware has a box of six one gal containers for $17.94 which is basically 3 bucks a gallon. As noted, WM won't match the price because "it's not the same thing."

Well, of course, it IS the same thing but it's a different brand of -50 pink. I suspect that any of the "pink" you buy anywhere/any brand is exactly the same stuff and all of it comes from the same antifreeze-maker with whatever private label attached at some point.

 

[Avenger]

It works until the alcohol evaporates out of it then whats left freezes.

I know! That happens to my car at least once a year.

 

[Avenger]

It seems that at all of the new stores there is a lot more emphasis on, and space devoted to clothing and other "style" items. Probably greater margins and less competition.

Even better, I just got an email from them offering SCUBA gear.

 

[dottieshusband]

Bought the female end of 3 stainless barrel bolts there yesterday...3/16. Wait for it....$2.99 a piece! $1.05 online at bolt depot.com. And they haven't sent flowers or called me yet.....I feel used!

 

[jrs1958]

The only way West Marine works is if you get a port supply account - otherwise their prices are ridiculous!