West Marine Amazon Price Match

[dhmeissner]

Originally Posted by FF

"Not paying taxes and cheating is as American as apple pie, exemplified by our leader. Jeff Bezos (sp) is now the richest man in the world. Amazon can go suck it."

The IRS probably still has their SNICH program that pays a percentage of what they extract from folks," Not paying taxes and cheating"

If you can prove your rant , you will easily get a multi million dollar payout, tho not tax free.

I stand corrected.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/16/u...zon-taxes.html

[Star0210]

We made a list of things we need to buy for the new boat to make the trip home. We left most items on our other boat plus there are things we weren’t going to be able to fly with.
The seller said we could have things shipped to him and he would put on the boat for us but with the timing being what it is I didn’t want to take that risk.
So we went to WM online and made a list with part numbers of the items we need and used their check store availability feature. There are 2 stores in close proximity and we may have to make a trip to both to get everything but between the two there is decent inventory of all we need.
About the only item that I think would be worth price matching is the lifesling. I’ve seen it for about $25 less on amazon. I haven’t checked prices of flares.
We don’t mind paying a few more $$ to support local communities. And some items you definitely just need to touch or try on.

[angus99]

Originally Posted by dhmeissner

I stand corrected.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/16/u...zon-taxes.html

Well, kudos to you for having the integrity to correct the record.

We had a saying around the newsroom that “too much checking ruins a good story.”

[Heron]

Just got an email today from WM referencing their price match policy...

[Dougcole]

Originally Posted by angus99

Well, kudos to you for having the integrity to correct the record.

We had a saying around the newsroom that “too much checking ruins a good story.”

Back in 2013/2014 the NY Times ran a series of articles on something that took place in the mid sized community where I live. It just so happened that I had personal knowledge of events that they reported on, though those events had no bearing on my life whatsover. Because I knew a lot about it, I followed their reporting very closely. It was wildly inaccurate, one sided, filled with half truths, lies of omission and a few outright fabrications which helped to push their agenda.

I know they have a rich history but ever since then I've had a difficult time believing anything they report and find them to be no more credible than a supermarket tabloid.

Sorry to go off track here, I just couldn't let it pass.

[JimW]

Here’s the email . . . Now they are the place.

[angus99]

Originally Posted by Dougcole

Back in 2013/2014 the NY Times ran a series of articles on something that took place in the mid sized community where I live. It just so happened that I had personal knowledge of events that they reported on, though those events had no bearing on my life whatsover. Because I knew a lot about it, I followed their reporting very closely. It was wildly inaccurate, one sided, filled with half truths, lies of omission and a few outright fabrications which helped to push their agenda.

I know they have a rich history but ever since then I've had a difficult time believing anything they report and find them to be no more credible than a supermarket tabloid.

Sorry to go off track here, I just couldn't let it pass.

Did you attempt to correct the record? No news organization gets it right all the time and some don’t care . . . as long as it supports their agenda. The best develop solid sources, stick to facts and tell both sides of a story. From my personal experience—working for a NYT-owned paper and on the “other side of the desk” from NYT reporters for 40 years—I can tell you nobody works harder at getting the news right . . . or is harder on themselves when they screw up. No news org is perfect, but the best—despite their editorial philosophies—like the NYT, WSJ, Post and many others, weed out people who don’t meet their high standards and have a sixth sense for people trying to manipulate coverage. They deserve their reputations for getting it right.

[Larry M]

Originally Posted by JimW

Here’s the email . . . Now they are the place.
Attachment 73699

Thanks. That’s the first official notice I’ve seen.

[Dougcole]

Originally Posted by angus99

Did you attempt to correct the record? No news organization gets it right all the time and some don’t care . . . as long as it supports their agenda. The best develop solid sources, stick to facts and tell both sides of a story. From my personal experience—working for a NYT-owned paper and on the “other side of the desk” from NYT reporters for 40 years—I can tell you nobody works harder at getting the news right . . . or is harder on themselves when they screw up. No news org is perfect, but the best—despite their editorial philosophies—like the NYT, WSJ, Post and many others, weed out people who don’t meet their high standards and have a sixth sense for people trying to manipulate coverage. They deserve their reputations for getting it right.

The series was written by a pulitzer prize winner, though not for this work. Mike McIntire. He also parlayed it into a book, which contains just as many "discrepancies." I seriously doubt he cared what I had to say. It should have never gone to print, but that is "journalism" today.

[Star0210]

Originally Posted by JimW

Here’s the email . . . Now they are the place.
Attachment 73699

It’s on their website as well when you are looking at an item.

[angus99]

Originally Posted by Dougcole

The series was written by a pulitzer prize winner, though not for this work. Mike McIntire. He also parlayed it into a book, which contains just as many "discrepancies." I seriously doubt he cared what I had to say. It should have never gone to print, but that is "journalism" today.

Maybe so, Doug. Not trying to be argumentative, but there are always multiple points of view for any story. Have 20 people witness an event and you’ll get at least 18 variations. Reporters have to make judgements about who’s credible and how they’ll create a full account of things they haven’t witnessed. Everybody thinks it’s easy until they try it.

[BandB]

And what does any of the arguing currently taking place have to do with West Marine?

Answer: Nothing.

This was started as a good thread, good topic. West Marine has taken a bold step that benefits boaters. That's what is important to recognize.

[Dougcole]

Originally Posted by angus99

Maybe so, Doug. Not trying to be argumentative, but there are always multiple points of view for any story. Have 20 people witness an event and you’ll get at least 18 variations. Reporters have to make judgements about who’s credible and how they’ll create a full account of things they haven’t witnessed. Everybody thinks it’s easy until they try it.

Don't worry, I didn't take it that you were being argumentative at all. I appreciate your informed view on things. I know it's not remotely the same as your experience, or his, but I minored in journalism in college and was editor in chief of my now defunct college newspaper. I learned enough to know it is a very tough job.

What bothered me about this situation, especially after the book came out, is that it was clear that the writer came in with an agenda that he wanted to prove....a strong preconceived notion. Or perhaps he saw an opportunity to spin a story in a way that would generate a lot of attention if he conveniently left out a lot of facts. I'm not sure which is worse.

My very close friend did the grunt work of the investigation for the PD, there were many key things left out of their coverage. He was never interviewed by the NYT. When the local paper presented a more objective series it was spun as home cooking in a tiny town (population 385,000) that had something to hide. Same thing was said about the State Attorney, even though he is employed by the third largest state in the US. I was really shocked when I watched it unfold. It shook my faith in journalism, to be honest.

Anyway, back to boats. My faith is still strong in them, lol.

[helm]

Well I tried their price match today for 2 items
1. A Garmin GRA 10 rudder angle indicator adapter -WM was 199, Hodges 159 - so no problem they match it. A great start!
2. 10 feet of Shields 120 bilge hose 1 1/8, I found it on go 2 marine for 61 cents per foot - after 25 minutes on the phone with WM customer service they wouldn’t price match a $6 piece of hose because there was a one number difference in the item number when comparing WM and GO2Marines listing for the hose. I had really only done it to save shipping on the bilge hose.

So what started as a no problem nice customer service experience turned into a generally a misearable experience and waste of time with West Marine today. Surprised they would do that for a six dollar hose
Cheers
Eric

[angus99]

Originally Posted by BandB

And what does any of the arguing currently taking place have to do with West Marine?

Answer: Nothing.

This was started as a good thread, good topic. West Marine has taken a bold step that benefits boaters. That's what is important to recognize.

I am shocked . . . shocked! . . . that we’ve had a thread drift on TF!

Originally Posted by Dougcole

Anyway, back to boats. My faith is still strong in them, lol.

Ditto! Cheers, Doug.

[guy with a boat]

Originally Posted by helm

Well I tried their price match today for 2 items
1. A Garmin GRA 10 rudder angle indicator adapter -WM was 199, Hodges 159 - so no problem they match it. A great start!
2. 10 feet of Shields 120 bilge hose 1 1/8, I found it on go 2 marine for 61 cents per foot - after 25 minutes on the phone with WM customer service they wouldn’t price match a $6 piece of hose because there was a one number difference in the item number when comparing WM and GO2Marines listing for the hose. I had really only done it to save shipping on the bilge hose.

So what started as a no problem nice customer service experience turned into a generally a misearable experience and waste of time with West Marine today. Surprised they would do that for a six dollar hose
Cheers
Eric

I’m surprised you would do that for a $6 hose. Skip the 25 minute call, pay the $6 and move along.

[BruceK]

Originally Posted by helm

..2. 10 feet of Shields 120 bilge hose 1 1/8, I found it on go 2 marine for 61 cents per foot - after 25 minutes on the phone with WM customer service they wouldn’t price match a $6 piece of hose because there was a one number difference in the item number when comparing WM and GO2Marines listing for the hose. I had really only done it to save shipping on the bilge hose....Surprised they would do that for a six dollar hose
Eric

Suppose it depends how much WM was above $6.10,but you were saving freight,delay,etc. No surprise the 2 products have to be 100% identical.

[Steve]

I buy most of my supplies from them. It may more expensive but they have a good stock on hand I can have a good look the items before I buy them. If something doesn't work out they take it right back, no problem. The crew at the Houma store are friendly and very helpful like at other WM stores I have been in. Their rewards program will help get some of your costs back.
We were in Gulf Shores, Alabama when our shower pump went out, I checked the local WM store, none on hand. The manager found one in Pensacola WM one of their people brought it to my boat at the marina that evening.
That is hard to beat!

[Star0210]

Originally Posted by Steve

I buy most of my supplies from them. It may more expensive but they have a good stock on hand I can have a good look the items before I buy them. If something doesn't work out they take it right back, no problem. The crew at the Houma store are friendly and very helpful like at other WM stores I have been in. Their rewards program will help get some of your costs back.
We were in Gulf Shores, Alabama when our shower pump went out, I checked the local WM store, none on hand. The manager found one in Pensacola WM one of their people brought it to my boat at the marina that evening.
That is hard to beat!

Now that’s some good service! We’ve been to the Houma store a few times when we go to visit my parents. It’s not a huge store, but it’s bigger than the one here in Mandeville.

[BandB]

It's my understanding they have regular stores and also some larger super stores. For those of you who have shopped with them, have you noticed a difference? Do you have a preference?