Loyalty Conflict

Cornhead · Jan 14, 2014

I'm in desperate need of new boots. I have holes worn in the liners of my current boots where they contact my ankle bones. I can't understand why, I've probably got only 200 or so days in them. Anyway, I tried on a pair of Head Vector 110's at my local shop yesterday, uber comfy, I want a pair. I jokingly told the owner I was going to try them on there, and buy them online. Well, I found them online for $200 less, no tax, free shipping. I value my relationship with my shop, but not for $250. I feel for local shops having to compete with large online retailers, and believe there is value in having a personal relationship with a local shop. I'm considering offering to split the difference with the shop, and asking them to throw in a free tune. Do you think this is a reasonable offer?

Abubob · Jan 14, 2014

Print out the web page and show it to him. He may give you a discount. He may kick you out but at least you've given him a chance.

MadMadWorld · Jan 14, 2014

Abubob said:
Print out the web page and show it to him. He may give you a discount. He may kick you out but at least you've given him a chance.

I agree. I think that's reasonable.

emmaurice2 · Jan 14, 2014

This happens to me from time to time as a shop owner (not ski related, but retail nonetheless). I'm always willing to work on prices with loyal customers. If I can match the price, I will. If I can't but can offer a discount I will say "I can't go that low but I can knock off $___."

If you've been loyal to that shop for some time and if the owner is level-headed; he/she shouldn't be too miffed over price negotiations. I would probably let the shop owner make the offer first, though, then counter with your offer if he/she doesn't match the online price.

mbedle · Jan 14, 2014

Are we talking about a difference of $50 total? If so, my advice is to support your local store and keep them in business. One thing to think about is what they may charge you to heat mold your liners. You might end up paying more in the long run. I have to purchase my boots online because very few stores sell hard boots for snowboarding. I had to pay to get them molded at my local shop, just can't remember what I paid for that service.

thetrailboss · Jan 14, 2014

mbedle said:
Are we talking about a difference of $50 total? If so, my advice is to support your local store and keep them in business. One thing to think about is what they may charge you to heat mold your liners. You might end up paying more in the long run. I have to purchase my boots online because very few stores sell hard boots for snowboarding. I had to pay to get them molded at my local shop, just can't remember what I paid for that service.

True, but for some folks $50 is a lot of money.

Puck it · Jan 14, 2014

Give him a chance and if not then I can help you on how to fit them at home. I have 3 year old Vector 120's and they are going. I am going at Venture 120's.

Cornhead · Jan 14, 2014

mbedle said:
Are we talking about a difference of $50 total? If so, my advice is to support your local store and keep them in business. One thing to think about is what they may charge you to heat mold your liners. You might end up paying more in the long run. I have to purchase my boots online because very few stores sell hard boots for snowboarding. I had to pay to get them molded at my local shop, just can't remember what I paid for that service.

No, counting tax, it would cost $250 more to buy the boots from the shop!

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mbedle · Jan 14, 2014

Oh - forget it - $250 more is a lot of money. In that case, see what the local shop can do for you and go from there.

Cornhead · Jan 14, 2014

I don't expect the shop to match the online price, purchasing from the shop would include adjusting my bindings to fit the new boots, heat fitting the liners, though I can do this myself at work, etc. I think $100 plus NYS tax, over the online price, plus a free ski tune, is a fair offer.

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Edd · Jan 14, 2014

If you buy the boots at a shop, many shops will make adjustments free of charge during the break in period for the boots. There's value in that that online retailers can't provide.

I've bought a number of skis online but never boots.

Puck it · Jan 14, 2014

Cornhead said:
I don't expect the shop to match the online price, purchasing from the shop would include adjusting my bindings to fit the new boots, heat fitting the liners, though I can do this myself at work, etc. I think $100 plus NYS tax, over the online price, plus a free ski tune, is a fair offer.

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I agree. I can help with the fitting the shells too. I do it on all my boots.

Cornhead · Jan 14, 2014

Puck it said:
Give him a chance and if not then I can help you on how to fit them at home. I have 3 year old Vector 120's and they are going. I am going at Venture 120's.

I was originally thinking Vector 125's, hopefully the 110's will be stiff enough, currently 240lbs, hoping to reduce. I'm sure they'll feel plenty stiff compared to my worn out Dalbellos. The 125's would be the same price online as the 110's from the shop. I have access to a walk in oven at work, entire boot goes in at 170° F for five minutes, put em on for ten, correct?

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Puck it · Jan 14, 2014

Cornhead said:
I was originally thinking Vector 125's, hopefully the 110's will be stiff enough, currently 240lbs, hoping to reduce. I'm sure they'll feel plenty stiff compared to my worn out Dalbellos. The 125's would be the same price online as the 110's from the shop. I have access to a walk in oven at work, entire boot goes in at 170° F for five minutes, put em on for ten, correct?

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I use boiling and submerge them for ten minutes and put them on and then set them with cold water. I use my oven for the liners set to 150F.

wa-loaf · Jan 14, 2014

Give them a chance to come close first.

watkin · Jan 14, 2014

Will chime in with the old adage, if something it too good to be true, it probably is. $250 less than regular price is quite a lot.

The online price is probably a return item or some other warrantied resale so be careful unless it is a reputable site. Especially since you will not be able to inspect the boots before purchase. Hopefully you will be able to return the boots if they are not satisfactory, so really it will cost you the shipping and return time when you may end up going to the physical shop in the end anyway.

I would just try to deal with the shopkeeper and see what he can do for you..

ScottySkis · Jan 14, 2014

I bet his price will drop in Spring time. I would tell the shop about the unbelievable price online and see I bet they come near the price.

fbrissette · Jan 14, 2014

Edd said:
If you buy the boots at a shop, many shops will make adjustments free of charge during the break in period for the boots. There's value in that that online retailers can't provide.

I've bought a number of skis online but never boots.

Same here. If you go into a shop to try boots, you should be prepared to buy boots from them.

MadMadWorld · Jan 14, 2014

fbrissette said:
Same here. If you go into a shop to try boots, you should be prepared to buy boots from them.

So no one should buy boots online unless they are willing to get without seeing how they fit? Crazy talk

fbrissette · Jan 14, 2014

MadMadWorld said:
So no one should buy boots online unless they are willing to get without seeing how they fit? Crazy talk

If everyone does that, pretty soon there will be nowhere to try boots anyway.

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