West Marine is WAY over priced

[RLKBOB]

I know all marine stuff is expensive just by the nature of what it is but WM seems to take this too far on many items I've looked at. Besides the prices when I order something it doesn't come in till next Friday. The local marine store right down the street has better prices, more knowledgeable people and orders come in the next day if it's not in stock(they had my exhaust manifold in stock). I will say they are comparable on some stuff but searching around on line and in other stores(including Cabelas) I've found most of their stuff carried by other places is cheaper in the other places.
Here's a specific example that prompted me to write this:

Bilgekote gray bilge paint:

West marine: $38/qt $114/gal

Jamestown dist: $22/qt $64/gal

One would think since WM is a national chain they should get better prices than small local stores. Actually common sense tells you they do so they are just gouging us to pad their bottom line. Any other specific items that you guys have found way cheaper other places?

Rant over.

 

[JohnEGraham]

We have gone through this many time ( do search) Some people think that you should Buy there so that they stay in business or everything will be on-line. I only go to "Worst Marina" to look or buy in an emergency and then buy on-line. JG

 

[Kreole Kid]

Plexus Eisenglass cleaner and protector $23.99

Local watersports / motorcycle shop $9.99

 

[missnmountains]

You should know they price match. I just purchased a stabilized binocular. All I did was print out the lowest internet ad. They matched at the store.

Ken

 

[fwebster]

Here's a novel idea...........if you don't like West Marine, shop somewhere else.

West Marine has never claimed to be a discounter or the Walmart of boating stores. The way you influence prices is at the cash register...by not allowing your money to go into it.

 

[RLKBOB]

Here's a novel idea...........if you don't like West Marine, shop somewhere else.

Obviously, based on my post I will for most things.

You should know they price match. I just purchased a stabilized binocular. All I did was print out the lowest internet ad. They matched at the store.

Ken

That's good to know, I will try that.

 

[AKBASSKING]

You should know they price match. I just purchased a stabilized binocular. All I did was print out the lowest internet ad. They matched at the store.

Ken

I have done the same. They do have high prices

I am also a 'Port Supply" WM customer

 

[JVM225]

I only got there if I need it that day, and I can't get it anywhere else. Otherwise, I get most things on the internet. There is also a local place that I'll try before heading to WM.

 

[HIRISC]

We have gone through this many time ( do search) Some people think that you should Buy there so that they stay in business or everything will be on-line. I only go to "Worst Marina" to look or buy in an emergency and then buy on-line. JG

West Marine sells quite a bit of product online.

Here are their online sales figures for the last several years.

2009 Web Sales: $19,500,808
2008 Web Sales: $22,861,440
2007 Web Sales: $21,900,000
2006 Web Sales: $21,600,000
2005 Web Sales: $23,436,000
2004 Web Sales: $19,120,000
2009 Percent Growth: -14.7%

Probably not a large % of their overall sales, but 20M online breaks down to $55K a day - assuming 365 equal sales days. They are getting their share as they make their product available to those who prefer the convenience of online purchasing.

They are the 382nd largest online (sales) retailer.

 

[twyant]

will mach others prices but you have to tell them.

I know all marine stuff is expensive just by the nature of what it is but WM seems to take this too far on many items I've looked at. Besides the prices when I order something it doesn't come in till next Friday. The local marine store right down the street has better prices, more knowledgeable people and orders come in the next day if it's not in stock(they had my exhaust manifold in stock). I will say they are comparable on some stuff but searching around on line and in other stores(including Cabela's) I've found most of their stuff carried by other places is cheaper in the other places.
Here's a specific example that prompted me to write this:

Bilgekote gray bilge paint:

West marine: $38/qt $114/gal

Jamestown dist: $22/qt $64/gal

One would think since WM is a national chain they should get better prices than small local stores. Actually common sense tells you they do so they are just gouging us to pad their bottom line. Any other specific items that you guys have found way cheaper other places?

Rant over.

 

[fwebster]

I realize the how fast you need something is important and getting something locally may be more convenient, but I personal policy is that if I have to shop around for a better price and find it, then that is who gets my business. I don't owe West Marine anything and am not going to waste my time forcing them be competitive.....unless it is something I have to have by 5 pm.