West Marine Binocular Recall?

[n0w0rries]

I own a pair of West Marine Tahiti Binoculars, they have a compass built in.

I've been using them a lot lately when racing, and have noticed the side with the marks/compass, whatever it is that has t he marks on it is covered in dust (internally). Depending on where the sun is, it can be very distracting. A racing buddy of mine used my binoculars a few weekends ago and said his had the same problem, he took them back to WM and they gave him another pair (I guess they discontinued this line)

I went to the WM in Orange, CA and the manager said he didn't have much of a selection and to take it to a bigger store. So we went down to Newport Beach and the manager there seemed to be looking for a way out of honoring their lifetime warranty. I don't have a receipt, they are over 5 years old, I searched every box of papers in storage and didn't find any receipts older than 2006, but I'm pretty sure my dad bought them for me for my birthday one year.

It's pretty frustrating that West Marine won't honor their own warranty. It's not like they're some generic brand I could have bought someplace else... they are west marine brand and only sold at west marine.

Does anybody else have any issues with the quality of WM's binocular's or them honoring their lifetime warranty?

[gtod25]

wmCustomerService@westmarine.com

Just cut and paste the post you just made. I would be surprised if you do not get a positive response.

Returning defective WM Binos has never been an issue where I work.

[blt2ski]

I had a lower cost pair that went haywire too. one mgr was a PITA, then another I knew exchanged no questions! I may need to look at my Tahiti's too. I bought a pair about a year ago.

marty

[n0w0rries]

Thanks for the email referral, I got an email from Chuck but the manager already took care of it for me.

First I was told I must have dropped them, that if only they had water in them would it be an easy replacement. Then she said she would take my binoculars and $69.99 and give me a new one. When I declined (if I spent any money it would be for a nicer pair of steiners)

When I checked them out the design is a little different, so hopefully they don't end up dusty again. If they do, I've got a new receipt and I'm going to be sure I don't lose it this time!

I also put the receipt for my WM dinghy in a safe place.

[RichH]

Originally Posted by n0w0rries

I don't have a receipt, .......

HORSE POOPEY ... WM can track ALL orders/purchases made you for several YEARS ... just by entering your 'customer number' or BoatUS member number on their computer system.

WM usually handles complaints and returns for defective items ... quickly and courteously.