Purchasing Weaver parts direct from Weaver, Bad Idea!

[BB marine]

We decided to install the weaver davits on our Cutwater 26. I emailed Ralf at Cutwater, asked if he could get me the part numbers of exact parts used. He referred me to Jason at Weaver, "Stating he knows what you will need". I called Jason, talked to him about using the Transom Arc. He Emailed me the extra cost of using the arc and Work sheet to confirm it would work on the swim platform. I measured the boat and platform and found that the arc would not work. I called Jason and asked what parts does Cutwater use on the set up. He told me what I needed and had it in stock. He asked "do you want the parts?" He then told me I should buy the Glue kit from Defender. It needs to be shipped ground, (Hazardous material). The rest he could ship 3 day. He asked for my credit card. I asked " what is the cost? " He said," I will email the total after I figure it out". This is 10:30 AM. I went to Defenders site found the weaver glue kit and actually found out defender sells a complete line of weaver parts. I looked up all the parts that Jason told me I needed. Defender had them except the 4" by 4" offset brackets but they could special order the brackets. I was still waiting for Jason to email me the total. At 3:50 PM I emailed Jason, "You never sent me a total". A few minute went by and I received an email back with a total, $995.04. Defender was $831.72. I immediately called him. I told him don't process the order. I can get it from defender much cheaper. Jason said" to late I processed the order and the parts are shipped. His next statement was, " If you don't want the parts ship them back to me at your cost and I will refund you your money but there will be a restocking fee" I was shocked ! I asked " How can a distributor sell that much cheaper then the manufacturer? " Jason's response" I charge full retail ,thats it " Then he hung up on me. Its a good thing he has dealers and distributors. He would be out of business if he didn't. To make things worse. I talked to a local dealer about the parts a few days before this happened, I received a quote from him 695.00 including the glue kit. Weaver Marine Products 995.04 plus Defender glue 50.99. Over $300.00 difference. Don't buy from Weaver direct!
Brian Brown
26 Cutwater
PORT-A-GEE

 

[knotflying]

I can see you being a bit perturbed regarding the price, but I can see why he would be selling at list. If he starts to undercut or compete against his distributors they will tell him to take a hike. As far as his service, now that is a different story.

 

[BB marine]

I can see you being a bit perturbed regarding the price, but I can see why he would be selling at list. If he starts to undercut or compete against his distributors they will tell him to take a hike. As far as his service, now that is a different story.

I agree selling at Retail is a good policy to have as a manufacturer. When I called Jason I had no idea of parts needed or cost of the parts. He never disclosed that he sells at retail and never disclosed what the actual cost of the parts is. Jason "I have the parts", "Do you want them?", "Credit card number"?, My response was "whats the total?, Jason "I will email the total price to you". 5 1/2 hours later I email him for the price. Parts are shipped and this is what I charged you!
If he told me it was 995.04 . I would have held off because the dealer I bought the RIB from told me it would be around 700.00 but he had to find out what Weaver parts I needed for the 26 Cutwater.

I didn't do my home work. I didn't think Weaver Marine Products executed good customer service. I am just trying to inform future Weaver purchasers to shop around. If you buy from Weaver you will pay !!! And if you get the wrong part or don't need what you purchased ,it will cost Restocking fee. There are plenty of distributers selling Weaver Marine Products at below retail pricing . Buy from them and save your money.


Brian Brown
26 Cutwater
PORT-A-GEE