Rip-Offs

[Landlubber]

Is it just me or were there a spate of rip-offs at the end of last year?

Being relatively new to yachting, I was stocking up on bibs-and-bobs by Internet/Mail-Order. In my opinion 3 well known (but for obvious reasons, nameless) companies in my opinion ripped me off.

Company A went bust (or as we say today, went into adminstration - so much nicer don't you think). I found out about it when I phoned to chase an order. A nice young lady kindly informed me that the old company no longer existed and they were keeping my money. Fortunately, the new company had all my details and my order was ready for despatch, if I would just be so kind and send them the money again....!

Company B has a well known web-site. I placed several orders for a list of things. Each time they charged my credit card with the full amount but only shipped the first item of each order. After lots of chasing I got most of the rest, but some things I never did receive.

Company C is a well known mail-order bookshop (not the excellent shop in Plymouth). I ordered several items of software from them. One item was missing completely from their package although it appeared on their delivery note. Another item they sent was used and without any licence number, so I couldn't activate it. They ignored all my correspondence and requests for help.

So I wonder, if I am just unlucky or whether some Marine Suppliers think that an amateur Yachtsman is rich (we're all rich aren't we?) and an easy target for a rip-off.

Does anybody have similar experiences (don't name any names please).

 

[Robin2]

Well why not name names if what you say is factually correct?

We should be told !

 

[Guest]

The solution to your mail order problems!

Why do you all keep buying online?

There is nothing, absolutely nothing apart from certain expensive electronics items, that my local chandler will not sell me for the same price as the mail order companies. This ranges from such items as a Navtex 4, ICOM VHF, books, Plastimo dinghy and engine, Harken 44st's, to all of the rest.

If there's a problem I get to take it back. One example was of a Barton winch which I destroyed by putting under some fairly excessive load. Sorted instantly.

Big? No ... my living room is the size of their shop. Just a small quality company run by two partners and a skilled staff of workers who maintain the boats in the marina.

Also, when I think I want a particular gadget I'm given the advice as to whether they work or not, if there are better options, and always with such useful information as installation advice.

More to the point, the service I receive is typical.

So here's what you do: find a local chandler and introduce yourself. Give him your regular business, not just the crap. If you only go in to buy the cheap bits then you can't expect the knowledge, advice and free cups of coffee, loan of specialist tools you don't own (98mm hole saw and drill for example).

If that doesn't work, then call my chandler:

Wigmore Wright's Marine Services
Gareth Wigmore (Rag & Stick)
Mike Wright (Engines and the rest)
Tel 029 20709983

Tell them I sent you ... they know Sergeant Pepper rather well!

[Kim - this is an endoresment, not an advertisement]

 

[claymore]

Re: The solution to your mail order problems!

Couldn't agree more.
Ardfern Marina do the same deals and will get stuff you order - quickly and competitively.
Again, merely and endorsement.

 

[Landlubber]

Re: The solution to your mail order problems!

You're right of course. I had come to the same conclusion myself. Only problem is, I live a long way from the sea. Trying to buy everything just before casting off for a longish trip is a bit tricky, especially if it's 4:00 a.m to catch the tide. Sorting things out at home in late autumn or early spring is convenient.

 

[sleepy_2]

Don\'t let them get away with it...

I am another consumer tired of the marine industry thinking that consumer protection is something that exists in other industries.

I think the answer is to fight. Read the consumer guides on the OFT website, see the DTI’s consumer guide on the distance selling regulations, find out the number of your local trading standards officer. Ok, if the company is outside the uk it is not so easy but it costs only £25 to file a small claim (see the country court’s web site).

 

[Guest]

Re: The solution to your mail order problems!

I sympathise. I live in Bracknell, Berkshire. My boat is in S. Wales. Door to companionway it's 126 miles. Even if I paid £4-5K per year for a slip in the nearest marina (Port Solent) I would still have a 90 minute drive throught the traffic.

However, I also tried buying marine bits online and I had so many poor experiences that I just won't do it any longer.

Sometimes I browse the web sites to find what I want and THEN call the chandler for specifics. This is often necessary becasue the online people usually have many products with the wrong photographs with the item or (worse yet) no photographs.

So, if I call my chandler midweek, the bits are usually on the boat on the Friday night or Saturday ... oh yes, they actually tke the stuff to the boat! They delivered and fitted my new anchor chain AND removed the old crap. That's service. Price wise it was cheaper than any discount advertiser

 

[david_e]

Re: The solution to your mail order problems!

I'm with Humpers and Claymore on this. I use the mail order/online/catalogue to price compare and also let the chandler know that I don't expect to pay any more than I have to for anything expensive. I also tell them, in a friendly sort of way, what I expect to pay for expensive items. (certainly don't bother with odds & sods) Like you I live a long way from the boat but if I want something I ring and order it to be collected when I'm next down, same as mail order but more friendly all round really, just about to do it for some clothing.

 

[Seafort]

I may be being a bit naive here so feel free to put me right, but.

Is not your credit card company equally responsible here, as in the Laker case where in "Credit" card bookings the costs were recovered.

DF

 

[longjohnsilver]

Re: The solution to your mail order problems!

If anywhere near Exmouth I heartily endorse Dixons Chandlers, will match or beat just about any price.

Now Jerry, about that new dsc...................................

 

[SNAPS]

CAVEAT EMPTOR

JACKTAR

 

[Guest]

Interesting to note that nobody is listing any chandlers in the Solent area for competitive pricing and service;-)

Personally, I have had no bad experiences ordering online.

 

[Guest]

Marine Super Store in Port Solent?

Marine Super Store in Port Solent?

There's a mention but what can be said? They're big, have oodles of stock, good book section, LOADS of clothing

BUT

they also have lacklustre staff who don't really seem to have their hearts in it and they sell things such as cheap (Draper) tools and other such tat. Their screws are a complete rip off.

Nonetheless, they offer some real bargains, but every "bargain" purchased from them helps to drive you local chandler further into the ground.

 

[seahorse]

I'm generally happy with buying on line, but my local "chandler"
trys to charge retail price +30-50%!! "we can't compete with mail order". To be fair he does fly a skull & cross bones flag out side his premises.

I was hacked of tho with a manufacturer who sold me engine
marinising components minus gaskets, bolts & handbook for the gearbox.
Be wary & don't be afraid to complain!