[bgwahir]

My only experience with ordering from Sailnet was miserable. Middle of Sept. I ordered some safety gear in anticipation of some end of the season heavy weather Lake Erie cruising. I NEVER RECEIVED IT. I was billed immediately for it but never got what I paid for. When calling Sailnet''s customer service number I received a voice mail-not a live person. After trying several times I spoke with someone who assured me my paid for product would arrive the next day. Never happened. Called back again-several times in order to speak to someone live-and they said that it was not their problem and that I should call FEDEX. Keep in mind one month had elapsed by now. FEDEX said the package was undeliverable because the address label did not contain my name-just the letters US. By now my boat was on the hard.I called sailnet and reached a live person who said they would email me a confirmation of the credit being issued the same day.Never happened. After six weeks I finally received a credit on my credit card. Keep in mind everything I ordered is available at BOAT US in my home town and the prices are equal if not slightly less thru Sailnet.

As far as the concept that the owners of this website provide this free forum out of their desire to help the boating community I tend to disagree. My humble opinion is that this free forum is actually quite a brilliant marketing idea. What better way to encourage like minded people to purchase product from you? Although I am certain there is a cost involved, it must pale in comparison to the rent, personnel, advertising,insurance costs of a traditional retail establishment.

This is just one boaters experience with this operation. I am sure they are a very honest and respecatble group of intelligent business people. I mean no disrespect. The content of the site is outstanding and the selection of the products are fantastic.

A thousand good deeds are minimized by one bad experience.