[JiffyLube]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

JiffyLube-

Yes, they have some overhead costs an internet only business wouldn't have but they also have some economies of scale when it comes to purchasing...so should be able to negotiate lower purchase prices and pass those savings along to their customers... yet a lot of what I've seen in their stores is at MSRP or above. How can they justify that?

One other point... a lot of their in-register prices are far higher than their on-shelf prices and you really need to watch the prices when they ring up your purchases. For instance, I was there with a friend to buy some things for a project on her boat, and she got a BlueSea 6011 Dual Circuit Plus switch, which was marked at $39.99 on the shelf, but rang up at $49.99 and was only $46.99 in their catalog. If I hadn't been paying attention... she would have paid a good deal over list. BTW, the list price on the switch is $43.29, and their catalog price is $46.99, so you're paying a 8.5% premium over list to shop at West Marine's website and their store price, if you weren't paying attention is 15.5%. BTW, Defender.com has the exact same part for $33.99, and Sailnet has it for $33.76.

I don't know how they can justify your first point, maybe that is why WM has a new CEO that has worked their way up from the bottom...and I've read understands boaters. Time will tell if the new CEO can make the difference that WM needs, so I wish that person good luck.