Hello Everyone,
I am about to purchase a couple of thousand dollars of electronic gear. One retailer that seems to have very good prices is Marine Wholesales out of Miami, Florida. Has anyone had any knowledge of, or experience in dealing with this company. I'd appreciate anything anyone can tell me. Thanks.
Al Holman
OK guys, I am stepping out on a limb here, not wanting to step on any toes but just have to say this. This reply is not to Al but to all. We all want to save money but at times we need to really look at what we are saving vs the service of a local dealer. Did we go look at the equipment at a dealer to see what we wanted and then go look at for the best price. Do we even give the local dealer a chance to meet the price or come close. Personally I would rather pay a slightly higher price and be able to have the local dealer close by and there when I need them. They can't stay in business with people coming in just to look. I know I can get batteries cheaper than West Marine, but it is 3 blocks from my boat and I when I need a replacement they are there. I don't know what I would do without West Marine, or other local suppliers. A good comparison would be the old full service gas stations we used to have that had batteries, changed tires and other minor service. They are gone because we all went for the self serve cheap gas. We saved a whole penny a gallon and put our neighbors out of business. Think of what our sailing life would be like without the local marine dealers. They can't make a living selling the stainless screw and a tube of caulk just when we need them.
Sorry for the rant
Bill
No need to apologize for the rant, Bill, and I'm very sympathetic to the principle you espouse.
However, at some point the economic argument comes into play. You are fortunate to have a
marine dealer relatively close by. I'm a three hour drive from the closest dealer with any kind of a
substantial inventory for yachts. The price for the chart plotter I prefer is $200 more than the price
listed Marine Wholsales, there's an $80 difference in the price of the VHF I'm looking for. In total for
me to place my order at the 'local' dealer would be about a 20 to 25 per cent premium. But I've no
knowledge or information about Marine Wholesales, hence my post.
Al
Just FYI, My local West Marine will meet any price I can find online.
Ron
St Marks FL
does West Marine match the price straight up?, or do they try to add in shipping costs, etc. I can find lots better deals online, but when you add shipping, it jumps the price up close to that of West Marine.
The West Marine in Tallahassee, FL matches straight up. Don't know about others.
Ron
Same here, WM will match price then add tax (a wash when consider shipping).
Garner