West Marine deceptive "internet" pricing

robertsapp · #1 (**permalink**) 07-16-2008

Just thought I'd pass on that I recently caught the fine folks at West Marine apparently using the same deceptive pricing technique that Best Buy recently got busted for (and sued over, I believe). In need of a new bilge pump, I looked up the price on West Marine's web site, and printed the page. I then went to the store, where the pump was approximately $11 more. When I mentioned this to the clerk, he offered to "check the internet and see," and he then pulled up the West Marine site on his computer, where - big surprise - the price for the pump was the same as the store price. It appears that when the clerk offered to "check the internet," his browser was actually pulling up an in-store intranet site that reflected the in-store prices, and not the true internet site. I threw the BS flag and produced the page I had printed from the web, at which time they agreed to match the price. The lesson learned is that you should always bring along the printed page from the web. At least they were good sports about it...

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 07-16-2008

My friend uses her iPhone, right in the store, to show WM goons the proper pricing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertsapp

Just thought I'd pass on that I recently caught the fine folks at West Marine apparently using the same deceptive pricing technique that Best Buy recently got busted for (and sued over, I believe). In need of a new bilge pump, I looked up the price on West Marine's web site, and printed the page. I then went to the store, where the pump was approximately $11 more. When I mentioned this to the clerk, he offered to "check the internet and see," and he then pulled up the West Marine site on his computer, where - big surprise - the price for the pump was the same as the store price. It appears that when the clerk offered to "check the internet," his browser was actually pulling up an in-store intranet site that reflected the in-store prices, and not the true internet site. I threw the BS flag and produced the page I had printed from the web, at which time they agreed to match the price. The lesson learned is that you should always bring along the printed page from the web. At least they were good sports about it...

recycle · #3 (**permalink**) 07-16-2008

Bring in the Defender book and they will match that price, which just about always is less than West Marine.

wdtracey · #4 (**permalink**) 07-16-2008

I have had multiple instances when I pick up an item in the store and the register price is Substantially different from the price on the shelf claim is that shelf prices were not updated. Once, O.K. but it happens all the time. If you are going to make any substantial purchase from Worst Marine, it is well worth having your local repair people pick up the item for you, using Port Supply Discount. It can be quite substantial for MANY items.

craigtoo · #5 (**permalink**) 07-16-2008

eeek...! I don't even bother checking WM site.

Defender, Sailnet.. and others usually kill em' on price. If they don't ... the WM person says... "You probably want our price on that..." and I take it.

I've put about 6k through WM in the last 6 months and I've only paid their price about 10% of the time.

Also... if you have a "big" project going.. talk to the Manager/owner.. you can work out a deal where they'll beat all competitors prices by 10% for you. (In essence they "re-instate" your "new boat owners" 10% discount)

All that said...if you're a good schmoozer and know what you're doing..you'll end up with "port Supply" but... you've gotta have a business...

Craig
Firmly in the WM camp but TOTALLY disappointed about the OP's post.

Cruisingdad · #6 (**permalink**) 07-16-2008

I have no affiliation with Sailnet other than moderating this site (for free... ok, I do not get paid). But hey... I sure hope you are checking here too. I buy from Sailnet when I can because it supports a free board that supports boaters.

My opinion.

- CD

SailKing1 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-16-2008

I refuse to buy anything from West Marine. Their prices are outrageous, they have always had one price on the shelf and a different one at the register. Do mainly to constant changing prices and lazy store help. The average employee has inadequate knowledge at best, and as for the match pricing deal. Why should i have to constantly show them what they SHOULD be selling something for.

The only reason i have found to go into a WM store is to physically see and touch what i want and to get a Manufacturers part number. Then I will shop the net and visit local competitors to buy the product.

In my opinion everyone needs to boycott the damn place.

sailingdog · #8 (**permalink**) 07-16-2008

CD-

I try to shop sailnet when I can, but their website is far from userfriendly. I've abandoned carts when the system barfed on me. IMHO, they really need to make their store far more usable to be competitive. I don't like having to jump through hoops to buy something.

SailKing1 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-16-2008

I agree with Sailingdog on the Sailnet store. I have tried to buy through the store on a number of occasions to no Avail. Needs to be made more user friendly.

craigtoo · #10 (**permalink**) 07-16-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingdog

CD-

I try to shop sailnet when I can, but their website is far from userfriendly. I've abandoned carts when the system barfed on me. IMHO, they really need to make their store far more usable to be competitive. I don't like having to jump through hoops to buy something.

Well said SD.... well said.

I've abandoned a few carts myself....

(but I still fly a Sailnet burgee... in hopes of meeting one of the 1000's of single thirty-something ladies that frequent this site...)