I tried again to give WM a chance...

[MikeP]

They say an informal definition of "crazy" is "doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results." So along with the verbal description in the dictionary, they can put a picture of me there.

Yesterday I went to WM because I really am WANTING them to be satisfactory...

I needed some 5" rudder zincs and several quarts of Interlux Brightside. WM's zincs are now all made in China (big "Made in China" label on each zinc). I don't know if Chinese zincs are good or bad but they were 28 bucks each - cheaper than they were a few years ago at WM but a long way from 18 bucks for Camp Zincs (made in USA/meet MilSpec) at the hardware store. The Interlux was 48 bucks/QT at WM vs 35 at the hardware store.

I tried to get WM to do price matching but the lady there told me I needed a paper circular or ad from the hardware store showing their price. I asked if the web page showing on my iPhone was good enough and she said no. She further advised that for price matching a manager would have to approve the price reduction and there were no managers in the store at the time. Since I had no paper ad or circular, I guess a manger couldn't have done it anyway.

It's just hopeless...

 

[JLR]

Mike - as much as I hate to see it happen, the days of the brick and mortar stores are dwindling. I would say that fully 90% of the time that I go into WM, the response to me is "I can order it." My response is always, I too can order it and get it for a lot less online from another store. For me, price match exercises are like spending time on the return line at a store. I'd rather face an angry Judge (which I do for a living), that a high school kid playing the just say no game.

 

[thoward]

I just picked up a handheld vhf from WM for $80. They have good deals here and there but there are times you have to pay for the convenience factor. I had a bad GFI and chose to pay $27 for the outlet at WM for the convenience of completing the repair quickly. While their prices are steep on most things it is nice they are there when you have an immediate need.

 

[Angela]

The Interlux was 48 bucks/QT at WM vs 35 at the hardware store.

You need to have a kid or family member who works there, and your Interlux Brightsides would be $24/qt.

 

[fissioneng]

Last time I tried, they said there had to be a store within 50 miles. Of course I live inland and there are no boating stores except WM.

I am always puzzled at why BoatUS sold all the stores to WM. I guess it's a tough business. I remember E&B which used to be all over until BoatUS bought them. Boater's World crashed too. We used to have all 3 in town.

I'm going out to buy some electrical supplies tonight. Some crimp lugs are less than $1 from my favorite online place, WM charges $4 each.

 

[Boatsb]

I think WM is secretly a part of WM.

next there will be a retired ( really old) sailor greeting you at the door between and helpingvyou get your cart. he wont have the mental capacity to help either but you will fell better about being screwed because they hired him.

Its all based on the minimum effort and knowledge per sale.

 

[SeaEric]

Lately I have been going to Amazon to look for marine stuff. It's amazing what they have. Free shipping with Amazon Prime - stuff generally shows up at my door in a day or two. Excellent deal for me.

 

[MikeP]

Yeah - I ended up buying Camp zincs on line for even less than the hardware store and free shipping. But couldn't find the paint any cheaper than the local hardware store.

As Angela noted, I guess the paint would have been cheaper if I had a kid working at WM but I don't. OTOH, if I did, I wouldn't want to admit it to anyone; it would as bad as having a lawyer in the family.

OK, OK, I admit that's unfair to West Marine.

 

[q240z]

If it wasn't for the Port Supply discount, I'd never buy from WM. They've got deck shoes and clothing in all shapes and sizes, but their hardware and paint supplies are lacking.

 

[jim rosenthal]

WM has a lot of competition here in Annapolis. They also have about four or five local stores, which means they are paying way too much for space and passing that cost on to the consumer.

Our local boating store, Fawcett's, also has a division called Chesapeake Marine Fasteners, which sells (better) stainless stuff at far lower prices than WM. AND they keep it organized.

Predictably, once WM was done eating up their competition (E&B, BoatUS, etc) their quality plummeted and their prices rose. I know it's any port in a storm, but it has to be REALLY stormy for me to buy anything with them. I go out of my way not to.

"Order it" indeed. What a load of nonsense.

 

[krush]

I'm confused. Best prices found at local hardware store. Items not purchased from local hardware store. Instead, trip to worst marine is taken. Oh wait, it makes sense....after a few drinks an bong hits?!?

 

[MikeP]

The hardware store didn't have everything I needed, WM does. I was hoping I could get the prices of the HW store because, as I said, I WANT to like WM - they are extremely convenient. Hey, where else can you find a gallon of boat soap for 80, that's right, EIGHTY, bucks. I can't recall the brand but when I asked the clerk if the price was right, he assured me it was.

Of course, the best prices for anything are on the internet but I often get fired up to do a particular project and I want to do it NOW so I want the parts NOW. I'm not sure how much longer "real" stores can last for the majority of products...

 

[thoward]

Hey, where else can you find a gallon of boat soap for 80, that's right, EIGHTY, bucks. I can't recall the brand ...

Orpine wash and wax, we have used it for years. A little goes a long way but, pricy no matter where you get it.