I'm fuming so I'd better vent or I'll explode

I have to say that of the brands, I think lowrance/simrad have some of the better plug-and-play stuff. At least across the HDS line. You can network units together and your latest unit will impart its abilitys to the older units, and you can add on the same AP and radar across several generations of HDS, and they are attractively priced. granted, they have had some premature releases, but it's pretty cross compatible.
 
gulfcoast john":hlgp2g0x said:
TP,
I
Like Colby, I think the World of Boat Electronics has long ago moved on beyond what any current and competent shop clerk could ever keep up with.
John
Click to expand...

West Marine is supposed to have "in house education" of their "clerks"--not sure how effective this is. Any decent electronics store clerk should know pretty much all there is to know about the product--but maybe not the trouble shooting.

However, West Marine does not pay worth a xxx. They get either folks who want the discount for their own boat (the better ones), or someone who just wants to have a low paying job. They don't take the time to read about the electronics on the internet--and know what is what.

Managers? I have friends who have worked at West Marine--and some of the managers are bad--don't know as much as the sales people---and that is bad.

Sure I use West Marine, because it is handy--but most of the major purchases require a bit of on line research and then buying thru one of the discount houses, such as BOE.

Kushtaka--although the Plug and play works--how intuitive is the menu? Hopefully better than it was a few years back. The reason I stick with Garmin, is that the menu has remained consistent and easy to use.
 
Several posts back, I described the local marine supply outfit, from which Becky retired a year ago, after 10 years of satisfying and rewarding employment. I forgot to mention that a couple of the hires in recent years were folks who moved up here to get out of the rat race in Southern California ... former WM employees.

They had similar horror stories to those described here. Far as I can tell, the problem is widespread. Suspect poor management.
 
Comparing WM with Lowe's, Home Depot, or even Walmart, is not a fair comparison. I consider the salespersons all about equal as to product knowledge, some good, some poor. But with WM prices so outrageous, they should be able to hire experts in all departments. The old, "You pay the extra price for the salesman expertise." just doesn't wash.

I wish this was different, and I could support my local store, but, ...
 
Back
Top