[C320-list] Any tips on installing new Cold Machine?

[Mark Seyler]

I had a similar experience with West Marine here in New Orleans.  I  was attempting to use a gift-card I had received to purchase something Defender had on sale, using West's price-match policy.  It was the identical item, but the clerk behind the counter professed ignorance of any way to apply the policy, and told me I had to call the 800 number and order the item through them.  I too was trying to get quick delivery -- they had the item on the shelf at the local West Marine store.  I gave up and bought the item from Defender at the better price, and waited an extra week.  

I don't know if this is some broader corporate strategy, or West Marine just hires lazy clerks.  But at this point I only shop West Marine when I need the item the same day and they have it in the store.

Mark Seyler
S/V Reality, 
Catalina 320, #232
New Orleans, LA



-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Jack Brennan
Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2018 3:36 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Any tips on installing new Cold Machine?

Hi Scott:

In many places -- even a boat-infested city such as St. Petersburg, Fl., where I live -- West Marine is the only game in town if you need a part in a hurry.

Defender will take five or six leisurely days to deliver your shipment if you live far from them, and the shipping upcharges for overnight or two day delivery are staggering. So West Marine becomes an option because you can often get an in-store delivery in a day or two.

That said, I'm currently boycotting my local West Marine because it appears to be slow-walking everyone who does an ad-matching claim. I spent 10 minutes arguing with a clerk over an 800 gph Rule bilge pump.

The West Marine site had small differences on the Rule pump -- for example,
amperage-- that she said made it different from the one at Defender. I finally gave up and walked out.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.
Dolphin Cruising Club of Tampa Bay



-----Original Message-----
From: Scott Thompson
Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2018 3:25 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Any tips on installing new Cold Machine?

I'm a competition economist, and with all due respect for the good intentions in this suggestion, it is a terrible idea. Better to show West Marine the ad and ask them why they aren't advertising as good a price. But don't punish Defender for posting the good price by taking your business elsewhere. There is an economics literature that shows how price matching policies discourage good pricing and lead to higher prices. Don't use them.

Scott


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