unprofessional marine stores

[airdvr1227]

Seems like 2 out of 3 marine stores I've visited lately don't get it or just don't care. Crap scattered everywhere, no selection, really poor customer skills. Had one today where I walked in and started looking around (I need a VHF antenna). No hello or anything...just "what are you looking for?"

I expect more for the premium I pay for marine equipment. A pleasant experience isn't asking too much, is it?

 

[Tahoe 55]

Re: unprofessional marine stores

Agreed....
All I can say is find a store you like and stick with them or buy online (iboats is a good start).

 

[_chris_]

Re: unprofessional marine stores

I have been using Bass Pro Shop for a while now and am very pleased with how they treat me. They are more organized than most smaller shops to and compete with prices and have good sales.

 

[strokeoluck]

Re: unprofessional marine stores

I think part of the problem is so much of this sort of boating "stuff" is so easily sold online that the retail experience is declining. There's a West Marine store near my office that does a nice job, but their inventory is fairly limited.

The other day I called around to a few marine stores and marinas looking for local lake maps and no one carried them. One lady told me "just go online".

Sign of the times.

 

[john from md]

Re: unprofessional marine stores

The West Marine near me has people that should be selling lawn mowers. They have to huddle whenever you ask them a boat question.

Stick with online places like Iboats, you get better service.

John

 

[marine4003]

Re: unprofessional marine stores

Think about it...your working for 7 bucks an hour..after tax's its about $5.70, and you work where everybody who walks in the door, does, or is going to do what you only wish you can do.....boating

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: unprofessional marine stores

Think about it...your working for 7 bucks an hour..after tax's its about $5.70, and you work where everybody who walks in the door, does, or is going to do what you only wish you can do.....boating

So you're saying that because they aren't paid well and don't like their job they should be less than professional? I can think of alot of places that have workers making $7 an hour and aren't jerks.

I guess your sigline only applies if you make enough lettuce?...j/k

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: unprofessional marine stores

So you're saying that because they aren't paid well and don't like their job they should be less than professional? I can think of alot of places that have workers making $7 an hour and aren't jerks.

I guess your sigline only applies if you make enough lettuce?...j/k

Um, not around here. You get what you pay for, including labour. Employees that are payed and treated fairly are generally happier and easier to deal with. Nothing makes me laugh harder then some fatty standing in line at mcdonalds screaming at the girl at the counter cause there's ketchup on her burger and she didn't want any. I just want to scream..first off she doesn't care..second, she didn't make the burger....so take a hike. Wrap your giant puffed up mouth around the burger and go home.


Ian

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: unprofessional marine stores

Um, not around here. You get what you pay for, including labour. Employees that are payed and treated fairly are generally happier and easier to deal with. Nothing makes me laugh harder then some fatty standing in line at mcdonalds screaming at the girl at the counter cause there's ketchup on her burger and she didn't want any. I just want to scream..first off she doesn't care..second, she didn't make the burger....so take a hike. Wrap your giant puffed up mouth around the burger and go home.


Ian

LOL!!! Sounds like the big woman near me they showed on the news a few months ago. She went off at Burger King and then called the cops because she didn't get her order right...What are the cops going to do? Go in the back and cook another Whopper for the Whopper.....lol!

 

[werthert]

Re: unprofessional marine stores

Bah-hahahahaha!

 

[Les Robb]

Re: unprofessional marine stores

As an equipment technician, copiers, printers and various items brought into the store by people cause we're the only place in town, and I can assure you it isn't easy keeping current on your own product line much less the wide and diversified numbers of other lines in the field. With the rapid advancements in technology today we all know what you buy today may be obsolete next month. Give all these people a break for lack of knowledge, but don't ever give an inch if they are indifferent or rude. If someone is really trying to help I can overlook a whole lot of other shortcomings. If they are rude etc I'll report them to their manager in a heartbeat.


Good shopping ya'll

 

[outkast7222]

Re: unprofessional marine stores

The other day I called around to a few marine stores and marinas looking for local lake maps and no one carried them. One lady told me "just go online".

This is one thing I agree with that lady on....MN has great maps online free from the DNR....Just print them out and have free maps for nearly every lake in the state.

I have been dealing with Twin City Outboard. Great place to get anything new or used in the Minneapolis area. I live almost 70 miles from there but after dealing with a few local jokers around my area its worth the drive!

 

[dingbat]

Re: unprofessional marine stores

If you think the prices are bad now with unprofessional staff just think what we would have to pay if they hired a Professional staff?

 

[soaringhiggy]

Re: unprofessional marine stores

Well at least they talk to you.

I have 2 stores in the area here and I have been to both of them 2 times, once alone once with my wife. Both times they were not busy and I could not get anyone to even bother to get off the cell or computer to talk to me. I left after 5 or so minutes every time. On the last one the manager was walking in when I was leaving and I told him about my experience, he just said, well that happens sometimes, I would not think they are going to make it. Really gets to me. I now buy all boating supplies on line, and drive several hundred miles for service when needed.

Enough to make you want to pull out your hair.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: unprofessional marine stores

I know what you mean, I went to a place close to home here and all they do is work on boats, I have walked in twice now and you couldn't even get em off their a@@'s for nothing, they looked like a couple of junk yard dogs who actually sleep on the floor and haven't showered for a month, they looked at me like I was the alien and was speeking a language they didn't know, Don't get me wrong I like Iboats, but if I can deal with a good local service company too I would much rather do that for the small marine business man, keeps the economy in our town good, I don;t want him to go out of business either just because its more convienient to get it on the computer. I have dealt with two locals here for two differant reasons and have been very happy with their service and will use them again if needed.

 

[wellsc1]

Re: unprofessional marine stores

West Marine: A-
Bass Pro Shops: A
Don's Boats: B
My outboard mechanic: A+++
Boaters World: out of business
Sportsman's Warehouse: out of business

nuf said

 

[soaringhiggy]

Re: unprofessional marine stores

I agree with buying local and keeping the local economy good as well. As the next store in 2 hrs either west or east I have no choice.

As for ones that are to busy to help or is not convenient for them, well, you business model needs an overhaul.

 

[marine4003]

Re: unprofessional marine stores

So you're saying that because they aren't paid well and don't like their job they should be less than professional? I can think of alot of places that have workers making $7 an hour and aren't jerks.

I guess your sigline only applies if you make enough lettuce?...j/k

Ever hear the expression - Tongue - in -Cheek????? its called humor.

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: unprofessional marine stores

Ever hear the expression - Tongue - in -Cheek????? its called humor.

Sorry. Humor isn't obvious in a forum unless it has one of these to go with it.

 

[marine4003]

Re: unprofessional marine stores

Sorry. Humor isn't obvious in a forum unless it has one of these to go with it.

Gotcha..But i dont use those..kinda silly,like the heart girls used to sign above an " i " in HS. I go for plain old humor....