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Author Topic:   West Marine Price Match

jimh posted 05-09-2013 01:05 AM ET (US)
This afternoon at the local West Marine store in Troy, I was informed that the policy of West Marine for price matching has changed. They now only match prices of other brick-and-mortar stores that are in a 50-mile radius.
Hilinercc posted 05-09-2013 08:34 AM ET (US)
I'm not surprised, they probably changed, because they were getting their behinds undersold left and right.
I have a West Marine "Express" store near the office and they were always selling me stuff at lower Jamestown Distributor prices because I always brought the JD flyer in with me when I bought something.
West Marine are bandits
Brian7son posted 05-09-2013 08:35 AM ET (US)
Jim:
Sorry to hear about that. I have always taken full advantage of their price matching policy. It was great on expensive items. I'd go on line, find the best price on the item that I wanted to purchase, print the page and take it with me. I'd always save 30% or more on most of what I bought there. I wouldnt do it on a $10 bottle of boat soap, just the more expensive items. I never had a problem. It saved me about $400 on an EPIRB 6 years ago.
If they stick with that new policy, I'll just start buying the more expensive items on line.
Brian
Binkster posted 05-09-2013 09:10 AM ET (US)
An article in my local yesterday stated that stores are complaining that they for the most part are only showrooms anymore. People come into the store to check out an item and buy it at a reduced price online. They don't even have to pay state sales tax. that may change soon, at least the sales tax part.
ITS ONLY FREE ENTERPRISE AT WORK.
rich
EJO posted 05-09-2013 10:14 AM ET (US)
Rich a true statement all around but it is still worth the little extra money to get it NOW and don't have to worry if it will really get to you [before] Friday like they said on the internet. It is all time related and time is money. Try to order something cheap on the internet today (Thursday) and have it so you can work on and with it this Saturday, without overnight shipping (which makes it more expensive. That isn't possible)
andygere posted 05-09-2013 11:43 AM ET (US)

quote:
They now only match prices of other brick-and-mortar stores that are in a 50-mile radius.
This is an easy policy for West Marine, because in many cases, there is no brick-and-mortar marine supply store within 50 miles.
We have a West Marine store near my harbor, and the headquarters of the company is in my county. This makes them a local business for me, and I like to support my local business, primarily to keep my sales tax dollars in the area where I live. That said, I find it harder and harder to buy anything at my local West Marine store. Their prices are so out of touch with the rest of the marine supplies marketplace, I'm amazed that anybody shops there anymore. Here's an example: I was refurbishing my boat trailer this year, and needed some monel staples to fasten the carpet to the new bunk boards. I forgot to order the staples from the vendor where I purchased all of the trailer hardware. (Side note: buying the trailer hardware from Championtrailers.com an easy decision by the way, after seeing West's dismal inventory and outrageous prices on that stuff.) I knew I'd pay something of a premium, but figured "how much can they charge for a box of staples?" Thirty bucks, that's how much. I nearly walked them back to the shelf when the clerk rang up the purchase, but I wanted to finish the project so I swallowed hard and gave him my Visa card. I went to Home Depot to pick up some other items I needed around the house, and stopped by the hardware department on the off chance that they carried monel staples. They did, and the same box of Arrow brand monel T-50 staples was $9.99. I returned the original box to West Marine for a refund, and told the store manager who handled the transaction that he needs to complain to his folks at corporate about pricing. He just shrugged his shoulders and processed my refund.
Chuck Tribolet posted 05-09-2013 01:37 PM ET (US)
The feds are working on leveling the playing field as far as sales tax goes. It's passed the Senate, but may face a fight
in the house.
Chuck
Peter posted 05-09-2013 03:57 PM ET (US)
"Their prices are so out of touch with the rest of the marine supplies marketplace, I'm amazed that anybody shops there anymore."
Likewise, there used to be a West Marine in my town, about two miles from the marina and I used to be a frequent customer buying a considerable amount of merchandice every year and didn't mind paying a reasonable premium for the convenience. But they closed the store just short of two years ago and now the closest one is about half-hour away. Knowing that most of their pricing is increasingly outrageous (16-ounce bottle of Collinite wax $24 at WM, $16 elsewhere, gallon of Interlux Micron CSC paint $229, elsewhere $179), I have no incentive to go visit the closest store. I buy just about everything I know I need for every season at an annual sale held early in the Spring at another distributor. I will only go to WM now if I absolutely need something right away, otherwise, I buy it online for much less.
I think their pricing and price matching policy is driving their customers to their competitors. While this is probably just short of a fantasy, maybe the pricing policy will attract new marine bricks and mortar retail competition?
EJO posted 05-09-2013 04:01 PM ET (US)
Andy like you show it is not the sales tax difference it is a lot more. I don't even have a WM store withing a 50 mile radius and during the off season months (when I work on my marine projects) it is still nice to know that you can get a marine related part when in a pinch and WM is about 20% less than several "local" chandeliers in my area with no inventory.
pcrussell50 posted 05-09-2013 04:05 PM ET (US)
And we'll all pay the price. And I'm not talking about the tax we would have paid had we bought local. ALL PRE_TAX prices from every online vendor will go up if they are forced to keep abreast of, and then charge what may be hundreds of different state's sales taxes. CA alone has dozens of different sales tax rates, often within the same county. The cost of compliance with that (extra accountants, expensive software), will be added to what we pay, over and above the sales tax itself. Yay.
Of all the things government does that it has no business being involved in, the one that it is supposed to do is collect taxes. Yet probably 99% of the taxes it collects are done by getting someone else to do it for them: employer witholding. We all pay more for things we buy, AND get a smaller paycheck from our employer, because he has to have a staff of accountants, (or pay for outside accounting), to collect taxes YOU owe, that government should be collecting themselves.
-Peter
EJO posted 05-09-2013 04:18 PM ET (US)
sorry about the misplacement of the R & L (chandleries)
contender posted 05-09-2013 05:23 PM ET (US)
I never use West Marine unless it is necessary, Tube of 3M 5200, $23.00 one block away in a hardware store $11.00, their stainless is 2-3 times as much as other stores, oil is always more expensive, tackle and everything else, sorry I just can not go there.
pcrussell50 posted 05-09-2013 06:53 PM ET (US)
Interesting Rich. I've never seen 5200 in Home Depot/Lowe's and I still look when I'm there for other reasons. I should look in the little, but well stocked local hardware store near the lake house in Boulder City, NV. At least Boulder City is a "boating community" due to its proximity to Lake Mead.
I just picked up a 1oz tube of 5200FC for $11.99 from West Marine. :gag: Interestingly, for smallish stuff they end up being cheaper than some of the dirt cheap online sources. I just picked up a Teleflex connector for OMC throttle/shift cables from WM for $18.99 plus tax. It was $14.50 plus $10.95 for shipping from the cheapest online source I could find.
-Peter
Ridge Runner posted 05-09-2013 08:22 PM ET (US)
3M5200 White 10oz List Price $29.75:
Home Depot - $11.97
http://www.homedepot.com/p/ 3M-10-oz-White-Marine-Adhesive-Sealant-5200-06500/202258948
Jamestown - $11.99
http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product. do?pid=2002&familyName=3M+5200+Marine+Adhesive+Sealant
Amazon - $13.79
http://www.amazon.com/3M-Marine-Adhesive-Sealant-cartridge/dp/ B0000AY6AC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1368144830&sr=8-2&keywords=3m+5200
West Marine - $19.99
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ ProductDisplay?productId=21708&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151& storeNum=50218&subdeptNum=50257&classNum=50259
My local Home Depot stocks 5200 and 4200
Mambo Minnow posted 05-09-2013 08:55 PM ET (US)
Fortunately, I have a Bass Pro Shops within 50 miles as well as some other local businesses. We are saturated with over 5 West Marine stores in the surrounding city area.
EJO posted 05-10-2013 09:20 AM ET (US)
RR you are a lucky man as none of the 8 box stores (Lowe's, Home Depot, Menards) in a 25 mile radius stocks 4200 or 5200.
you link samples are a little off too as the Amazon offering is $17.62 (cheapest delivery) as the Jamestown @ $8.99 + $11.00 = $19.99 a tube. Again it all comes back to; is it available now. Time is money.
I needed some 5200 to ensure no water infiltration in a eyehook I placed on the sole of my boat yesterday and ended up having to pay $15.99 OUCH!!! for a 1.5 oz tube(this is not the caulking tube size talked about above) from the local "sports" fishing store of the VanDam (Kevin&Jonathan)brothers Bass Masters fame.
It was worth my time savings and being able to do the project now.
contender posted 05-10-2013 09:42 AM ET (US)
Peter: Some Home Depots stock different items as the area in which they are built calls for it, I know it sounds crazy you would think that all HD stock the same stuff. West Marine in Ft Lauderdale boast as being the country's largest, right down the street is a Boat Owners WareHouse, better prices. Next to BOW is a hardware store that has been there since the early 60's (truly a men's store) has everything and this is where I have found the 5200 to be the cheapest (and I'm talking about a full size tube that fits in a caulk gun). I'm very fortunate I have lived/live in the meca for boats and marine stores all my life, so finding something is just a matter of knowing where to go. I have marine lumber yards, fiberglass stores, Fiberglass repair shops and dozens of boat companies that sells all types of outboards and parts. I have to agree with EJO you have to weigh your time, travel, cost for an item to get the best deal. good luck to you all
ConB posted 05-10-2013 12:31 PM ET (US)
Does any one know what qualifications you need to get a Port Supply discount from West Marine? Port Supply is the whole sale division of West Marine.
Seems like plenty of people have Port Supply cards when I'm in there checking out. If I bought more stuff I'd check it out.
Con
bkjones posted 05-10-2013 08:02 PM ET (US)
I agree West Marine is almost always ridiculously overpriced. I seriously wonder if they have any clue there are other places selling the same exact items for much lower prices.
As much as I dislike Walmart, I buy oil and other items there as long as the other items aren't complete junk. There are also local mom & pop shops that I'd rather do business with anyway and am willing to pay a little bit more with them.
Jefecinco posted 05-11-2013 09:53 AM ET (US)
West Marine's new policy is disappointing. I liked their old policy and used it a lot. I'll continue to shop with them for day to day needs. I am particularly impressed with West Marine's stainless steel hardware assortment. You can't find many of the items they stock at big box nor mom and pop stores. I believe West Marine's stuff is 316. I've certainly never had any corrosion issues with their stainless hardware. Expensive items will require more thought.
Even if state sales tax is added to internet sales savings can be significant. Everything I've been reading suggests that the sales tax bill going to the US House of Representatives will not come out of committee with a requirement for vendors to include local county and city sales taxes due to the complexity and variety of those taxes.
I recently included a check to the Alabama Revenue folks for my 2012 internet purchases state sales taxes as required by Alabama law according to our tax preparer. It was a whopping $6.00 which is two or three percent. For local purchases we are paying ten percent.
Butch

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Author	Topic: West Marine Price Match
jimh	posted 05-09-2013 01:05 AM ET (US) This afternoon at the local West Marine store in Troy, I was informed that the policy of West Marine for price matching has changed. They now only match prices of other brick-and-mortar stores that are in a 50-mile radius.
Hilinercc	posted 05-09-2013 08:34 AM ET (US) I'm not surprised, they probably changed, because they were getting their behinds undersold left and right. I have a West Marine "Express" store near the office and they were always selling me stuff at lower Jamestown Distributor prices because I always brought the JD flyer in with me when I bought something. West Marine are bandits
Brian7son	posted 05-09-2013 08:35 AM ET (US) Jim: Sorry to hear about that. I have always taken full advantage of their price matching policy. It was great on expensive items. I'd go on line, find the best price on the item that I wanted to purchase, print the page and take it with me. I'd always save 30% or more on most of what I bought there. I wouldnt do it on a $10 bottle of boat soap, just the more expensive items. I never had a problem. It saved me about $400 on an EPIRB 6 years ago. If they stick with that new policy, I'll just start buying the more expensive items on line. Brian
Binkster	posted 05-09-2013 09:10 AM ET (US) An article in my local yesterday stated that stores are complaining that they for the most part are only showrooms anymore. People come into the store to check out an item and buy it at a reduced price online. They don't even have to pay state sales tax. that may change soon, at least the sales tax part. ITS ONLY FREE ENTERPRISE AT WORK. rich
EJO	posted 05-09-2013 10:14 AM ET (US) Rich a true statement all around but it is still worth the little extra money to get it NOW and don't have to worry if it will really get to you [before] Friday like they said on the internet. It is all time related and time is money. Try to order something cheap on the internet today (Thursday) and have it so you can work on and with it this Saturday, without overnight shipping (which makes it more expensive. That isn't possible)
andygere	posted 05-09-2013 11:43 AM ET (US) quote: They now only match prices of other brick-and-mortar stores that are in a 50-mile radius. This is an easy policy for West Marine, because in many cases, there is no brick-and-mortar marine supply store within 50 miles. We have a West Marine store near my harbor, and the headquarters of the company is in my county. This makes them a local business for me, and I like to support my local business, primarily to keep my sales tax dollars in the area where I live. That said, I find it harder and harder to buy anything at my local West Marine store. Their prices are so out of touch with the rest of the marine supplies marketplace, I'm amazed that anybody shops there anymore. Here's an example: I was refurbishing my boat trailer this year, and needed some monel staples to fasten the carpet to the new bunk boards. I forgot to order the staples from the vendor where I purchased all of the trailer hardware. (Side note: buying the trailer hardware from Championtrailers.com an easy decision by the way, after seeing West's dismal inventory and outrageous prices on that stuff.) I knew I'd pay something of a premium, but figured "how much can they charge for a box of staples?" Thirty bucks, that's how much. I nearly walked them back to the shelf when the clerk rang up the purchase, but I wanted to finish the project so I swallowed hard and gave him my Visa card. I went to Home Depot to pick up some other items I needed around the house, and stopped by the hardware department on the off chance that they carried monel staples. They did, and the same box of Arrow brand monel T-50 staples was $9.99. I returned the original box to West Marine for a refund, and told the store manager who handled the transaction that he needs to complain to his folks at corporate about pricing. He just shrugged his shoulders and processed my refund.
Chuck Tribolet	posted 05-09-2013 01:37 PM ET (US) The feds are working on leveling the playing field as far as sales tax goes. It's passed the Senate, but may face a fight in the house. Chuck
Peter	posted 05-09-2013 03:57 PM ET (US) "Their prices are so out of touch with the rest of the marine supplies marketplace, I'm amazed that anybody shops there anymore." Likewise, there used to be a West Marine in my town, about two miles from the marina and I used to be a frequent customer buying a considerable amount of merchandice every year and didn't mind paying a reasonable premium for the convenience. But they closed the store just short of two years ago and now the closest one is about half-hour away. Knowing that most of their pricing is increasingly outrageous (16-ounce bottle of Collinite wax $24 at WM, $16 elsewhere, gallon of Interlux Micron CSC paint $229, elsewhere $179), I have no incentive to go visit the closest store. I buy just about everything I know I need for every season at an annual sale held early in the Spring at another distributor. I will only go to WM now if I absolutely need something right away, otherwise, I buy it online for much less. I think their pricing and price matching policy is driving their customers to their competitors. While this is probably just short of a fantasy, maybe the pricing policy will attract new marine bricks and mortar retail competition?
EJO	posted 05-09-2013 04:01 PM ET (US) Andy like you show it is not the sales tax difference it is a lot more. I don't even have a WM store withing a 50 mile radius and during the off season months (when I work on my marine projects) it is still nice to know that you can get a marine related part when in a pinch and WM is about 20% less than several "local" chandeliers in my area with no inventory.
pcrussell50	posted 05-09-2013 04:05 PM ET (US) And we'll all pay the price. And I'm not talking about the tax we would have paid had we bought local. ALL PRE_TAX prices from every online vendor will go up if they are forced to keep abreast of, and then charge what may be hundreds of different state's sales taxes. CA alone has dozens of different sales tax rates, often within the same county. The cost of compliance with that (extra accountants, expensive software), will be added to what we pay, over and above the sales tax itself. Yay. Of all the things government does that it has no business being involved in, the one that it is supposed to do is collect taxes. Yet probably 99% of the taxes it collects are done by getting someone else to do it for them: employer witholding. We all pay more for things we buy, AND get a smaller paycheck from our employer, because he has to have a staff of accountants, (or pay for outside accounting), to collect taxes YOU owe, that government should be collecting themselves. -Peter
EJO	posted 05-09-2013 04:18 PM ET (US) sorry about the misplacement of the R & L (chandleries)
contender	posted 05-09-2013 05:23 PM ET (US) I never use West Marine unless it is necessary, Tube of 3M 5200, $23.00 one block away in a hardware store $11.00, their stainless is 2-3 times as much as other stores, oil is always more expensive, tackle and everything else, sorry I just can not go there.
pcrussell50	posted 05-09-2013 06:53 PM ET (US) Interesting Rich. I've never seen 5200 in Home Depot/Lowe's and I still look when I'm there for other reasons. I should look in the little, but well stocked local hardware store near the lake house in Boulder City, NV. At least Boulder City is a "boating community" due to its proximity to Lake Mead. I just picked up a 1oz tube of 5200FC for $11.99 from West Marine. :gag: Interestingly, for smallish stuff they end up being cheaper than some of the dirt cheap online sources. I just picked up a Teleflex connector for OMC throttle/shift cables from WM for $18.99 plus tax. It was $14.50 plus $10.95 for shipping from the cheapest online source I could find. -Peter
Ridge Runner	posted 05-09-2013 08:22 PM ET (US) 3M5200 White 10oz List Price $29.75: Home Depot - $11.97 http://www.homedepot.com/p/ 3M-10-oz-White-Marine-Adhesive-Sealant-5200-06500/202258948 Jamestown - $11.99 http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product. do?pid=2002&familyName=3M+5200+Marine+Adhesive+Sealant Amazon - $13.79 http://www.amazon.com/3M-Marine-Adhesive-Sealant-cartridge/dp/ B0000AY6AC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1368144830&sr=8-2&keywords=3m+5200 West Marine - $19.99 http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ ProductDisplay?productId=21708&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151& storeNum=50218&subdeptNum=50257&classNum=50259 My local Home Depot stocks 5200 and 4200
Mambo Minnow	posted 05-09-2013 08:55 PM ET (US) Fortunately, I have a Bass Pro Shops within 50 miles as well as some other local businesses. We are saturated with over 5 West Marine stores in the surrounding city area.
EJO	posted 05-10-2013 09:20 AM ET (US) RR you are a lucky man as none of the 8 box stores (Lowe's, Home Depot, Menards) in a 25 mile radius stocks 4200 or 5200. you link samples are a little off too as the Amazon offering is $17.62 (cheapest delivery) as the Jamestown @ $8.99 + $11.00 = $19.99 a tube. Again it all comes back to; is it available now. Time is money. I needed some 5200 to ensure no water infiltration in a eyehook I placed on the sole of my boat yesterday and ended up having to pay $15.99 OUCH!!! for a 1.5 oz tube(this is not the caulking tube size talked about above) from the local "sports" fishing store of the VanDam (Kevin&Jonathan)brothers Bass Masters fame. It was worth my time savings and being able to do the project now.
contender	posted 05-10-2013 09:42 AM ET (US) Peter: Some Home Depots stock different items as the area in which they are built calls for it, I know it sounds crazy you would think that all HD stock the same stuff. West Marine in Ft Lauderdale boast as being the country's largest, right down the street is a Boat Owners WareHouse, better prices. Next to BOW is a hardware store that has been there since the early 60's (truly a men's store) has everything and this is where I have found the 5200 to be the cheapest (and I'm talking about a full size tube that fits in a caulk gun). I'm very fortunate I have lived/live in the meca for boats and marine stores all my life, so finding something is just a matter of knowing where to go. I have marine lumber yards, fiberglass stores, Fiberglass repair shops and dozens of boat companies that sells all types of outboards and parts. I have to agree with EJO you have to weigh your time, travel, cost for an item to get the best deal. good luck to you all
ConB	posted 05-10-2013 12:31 PM ET (US) Does any one know what qualifications you need to get a Port Supply discount from West Marine? Port Supply is the whole sale division of West Marine. Seems like plenty of people have Port Supply cards when I'm in there checking out. If I bought more stuff I'd check it out. Con
bkjones	posted 05-10-2013 08:02 PM ET (US) I agree West Marine is almost always ridiculously overpriced. I seriously wonder if they have any clue there are other places selling the same exact items for much lower prices. As much as I dislike Walmart, I buy oil and other items there as long as the other items aren't complete junk. There are also local mom & pop shops that I'd rather do business with anyway and am willing to pay a little bit more with them.
Jefecinco	posted 05-11-2013 09:53 AM ET (US) West Marine's new policy is disappointing. I liked their old policy and used it a lot. I'll continue to shop with them for day to day needs. I am particularly impressed with West Marine's stainless steel hardware assortment. You can't find many of the items they stock at big box nor mom and pop stores. I believe West Marine's stuff is 316. I've certainly never had any corrosion issues with their stainless hardware. Expensive items will require more thought. Even if state sales tax is added to internet sales savings can be significant. Everything I've been reading suggests that the sales tax bill going to the US House of Representatives will not come out of committee with a requirement for vendors to include local county and city sales taxes due to the complexity and variety of those taxes. I recently included a check to the Alabama Revenue folks for my 2012 internet purchases state sales taxes as required by Alabama law according to our tax preparer. It was a whopping $6.00 which is two or three percent. For local purchases we are paying ten percent. Butch