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West Marine no longer matching prices...

12K views 107 replies 34 participants last post by  chef2sail 
#1 ·
...quite as comprehensively as they used to.

They've rolled back their prior policy of matching Internet competitors, and now will only match brick-and-mortar stores located within 50 miles:

If you find a lower price on an identical product (brand and model) currently in stock at a retail store located within 50 miles, West Marine will match that price (excluding shipping/handling charges or taxes) within 30 days of purchase, subject to the exclusions discussed below.
I learned this yesterday when I called to confirm that they have my chosen bottom paint in stock, and would match Defender's price. Unfortunately, they said no and informed me of the new policy effective March 1, 2013 (which I confirmed from their website).

It sounds like their new CEO is making some changes.
 
#92 ·
What's the issue here? We all know we can find anything cheaper on the net. Most of us stop at WM because it's convenient, timely and we can window shop.
WM runs a solid store and i appreciate that they are there when i need them. WM is out to make a profit, just like any company. If you don't like it shop somewhere else. It's not their responsibility to give you a "discount". I would assume that their business model is to be competitive locally as well as nationally. It works. If it doesn't work they will go out of business.
Welcome to capitalism!
 
#94 ·
Sometimes when a person is making wisecracks to get under your skin, the best way to get back at him is to not let him get under your skin.

I don't think anyone here questions WM's right to charge whatever they please. As for the wisdom of any pricing policy, that's where everyone gets to be an armchair expert and offer advice that's worth....basically nothing. :laugher But it's the Internet, so what do you expect? ;)
 
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#95 ·
Yep you are right about the wisecracks, I say treat others as you are treated by them :) after all it is only the internet

I am glad I have stock in WM and have for years. Its one of the few stocks which held its own in the recession years. Their business model is a good one.
They are a savy company and if this new policy huirts them they will adjust as they are for the most part a customer service oriented company.

As you know I am the first to recommend using internet, Defender Genuinedeals etc sites to save money when you can as I have contacted you on sales etc. In todays internet age it just makes sense when you have the time not to throw your money away. Many times I have seen similar prices at WM. Like I said previously to those lambasting them for ending their price match, I was always suprised they did it with non brick and mortor stores, but I used it to bargain for cheaper things there.

I for one hope they continue their success and keep people employed. They are really the last big chain in the marine industry surviving. With the high priced stuff on their shelves it has to be a difficult inventory evaluation process for them as their expenditures to keep amble product on their shelves must be challenging. Also because of the seasonal nature
of over one half of their stores.
 
#99 ·
Shipping to each and every household is also very inefficient and costly. It takes about 30 gallons of antifreeze to winterize our boat (3 heads, 4 shower sumps, 3 air conditioning units, washing machine, two engines, etc, etc).

The shipping cost on 5 cases of antifreeze is breathtaking. I grabbed it one year during WMs free shipping special. I'm sure they regretted it and I know I did after humping it around the house then to the marina. Ever since, I just drive down to WM and buy it the day I'm going to use it.
 
#103 ·
11 gallons between the main and genset alone. Long exhaust run. And I only use -100 for that. Adds up.

Reminds me that I also got a nice rebate from WM this past year, which I dutifully clipped all the bar codes and mailed them in. Got a $50+ check in the mail a couple of months later.
 
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