Corfu Chandlers ?Customer Service?

[Ravi]

This is nothing more than a grumble and I am aware that old Greece hands will just laugh and say "Welcome to Greece" but here goes anyway.....

I am trying to buy some gear (including an outboard) and would, ideally, like to buy it in Corfu to save transportation. The first thing thing I discovered is that none of the Corfu chandlers have anything approximating a 20th (sic) century web site. (The Nautilus web site looks like some bizarre multimedia college project).

So, no chance of, helpfully, finding out "Who stocks what from the web". A minor nuisance so I emailed them listing a few items that I need and asking for a price and whether they can be in stock for my arrival. A weekgoes by and there is no reply from either of the chandlers. I email again. No reply, again.

OK, this is Greece, I think, so I probably need to phone. Both phones ring unanswered. Not even an annoying answer message.

I decide that I will jump to plan (b) and speak to a local (Storrar Marine) swindlery about shipping one out. I know that he stocks the Yamaha 2.5SS outboard - because it is listed on the excellent web site - along with the price. Phone rings twice. Answered. Yes, it is in stock. They ask the delivery address, take my details and tell me that they will get back to me with a full delivery cost. All in a matter of a few minutes.

My point. None really, other than to just let off steam and mull over the fact that there is something on this earth that has made me think well of chandlers (albeit only UK ones).

 

[Steve C Cronin]

and just to add to your chagrin, there are actually TWO Nautilus chandleries in Gouvia, although the one in the marina is now run by a company from Athens. TheNautilus in the main Street is run by Frank Gerrity. "Boatman's World (AKA Force 5) is also on the main street and is run by Petros (Peter) Pappageorgio. There is also a chandlery in Corfu town near the old harbour.

Don't think that any of them has a website offering much information. Not wishing to do any of my Greek friends out of business, but I think you will be better buying something like an outboard in the UK and shipping it out by one of the white vans that regularly goes out there.

 

[Tranona]

This is nothing more than a grumble and I am aware that old Greece hands will just laugh and say "Welcome to Greece" but here goes anyway.....

Think you will find the lack of response is because it is the middle of winter and there is nothing much going on there! Peter is usually very helpful when you are there. However, as Steve says big ticket items like outboards are best bought here as the distribution arrangements in Greece makes them much more expensive and limited choice.

 

[Cardo]

I've bought small odds and sods from Boatman's and the small chandlery in the marina, but no point bothering with any "big" ticket items. Their prices are eye watering and it always ends up far cheaper getting things shipped out from the UK.

 

[B&M]

Marine Store in Levkas have a comprehensive on line catalogue and that will give you an idea of prices. You will need to translate the pages in Google.

 

[Ravi]

Marine Store in Levkas have a comprehensive on line catalogue and that will give you an idea of prices. You will need to translate the pages in Google.

Thanks. Very handy to have that site for me an idea of prices + Lefkas is just down the road. Good practice for my Greek, too!

 

[Niall1975]

To be fair a website costs and they likely don't hold enough stock to justify it nor would they likely get the business. Its Greece not the UK so it is what it is and you get a better deal for cash face to face.

Frank (Nautilus outside) can get most things next day from Athens and there are a few places down by the harbour that sell outboards. Thats where i got my Yamaha and for cheaper than the UK. Shipped in from Holland and delivered to the marina in 6 days.

Its simply part of keeping the boat on a small island in my view. A force 4 chandlery or mailspeed marine (who will deliver to Greece by the way) would be nice but if there was enough business to support it, it would already exist.

Niall

 

[tri39]

IGR in Nidri run by Sue Keane will order larger items at a very reasonable mark up. No was 00 30 2645 092601