West Marine

Part One: I recently received in the mail a West Marine advertisement titled Fall Boating Values. Inside there was an advert for "50% Off Clearance!" "All Slalom & Water ski Combos" and in small print it says "Limited to stock on hand. Selection varies by store".

On Sept 11, 2008 I visited the Merritt Island Store in Florida to see what selection was on hand. While checking out with other "impulse" items I had to decided to purchase I asked the man at the counter to confirm the sale and I was told that the sale only included O'Brien Skis.

That night I went home with a list of all the O'Brien skis that I saw in the showroom and did some homework on the specifications so I could select the ideal ski for myself. The next day I returned to the store and picked out an O'Brien ski for myself and I decided to take a combo set of Connolly's as well for my kids. When I took the items to the register I was told that the O'Brien Slalom Ski was not included in the sale, however the Connolly Combos were!!! I tried debating the advert and what I had been told the previous day, but they were steadfast.

I left the skis and walked out as it is this is sort of misleading marketing that really annoys me. The advert got me in the door and spending money the day before, but only to find all is not as it is advertised.

Bottom line is West Marine just lost a long time customer!!!

Part Two (up-dated Sept 19, 2008): I decided to email my dissatisfaction to West Marine (WM) National Customer Service. It took several emails back and forth, but I finally managed to get them to admit that the advert was a poorly worded and they agreed to honor what was being offered. I will be purchasing the skis today at 50% off.

The moral of this story - Take the time to make retailers responsible for the content of their advertising and in a situation like this push them to honor what they have offered.