[Paddlewise] Try before you buy?

<Giant Snip from Matt Broze post>
>If at all possible don't buy a kayak without trying it out, preferably in
some wind and waves!

I think the entire discussion on the waterline vs. overall length has been
very interesting. Particularly because it is a discussion that is taking
place at the very leading edge of the sport between such excellent and
knowledgeable designers/paddlers as John Winters, Matt Broze and Nick
Schade. It's this kind of thing that makes Paddlewise so valuable as well as
the Internet as a whole. Although I rarely have the time to contribute I
thoroughly enjoy reading every post.

The Internet is also the vehicle that has expanded the choices and options
for both buyers and sellers. To adhere to a strict rule of "try before you
buy" is to dramatically limit your options. My company, QCC as well as
Mariner, do not utilize retailers to sell our kayaks. Probably for very
similar reasons, we have opted to design, build and offer our kayaks
directly to the paddler. I think the advantages to this are immense,
however, were it not for the Internet the people who enjoy our kayaks all
over the world would be unable to do so. By the same token, if they had
adhered to a strict rule of don't buy it until you try it they would not be
paddling our boats either.

For many individuals in many areas of the country, and the world for that
matter, their choices are very limited. I live just 30 minutes from one of
the largest paddle sports retailers in the USA yet there are more kayaks
that are not offered than are offered, QCC and Mariner just to name a few. I
know from talking to customers that in many areas their choices are very
limited or there are no retailers at all.

I agree that there is an added element of risk for the buyer purchasing
sight unseen. However, there are things that can be done to mitigate the
risk. I'm sure there many stories to be told about unhappy kayak buyers who
purchased from retailers as well. Personally I won't buy anything from a
local store, catalog house or Internet store unless they will give a 100%
satisfaction money back guarantee, including shipping both ways. That tells
me that returns are rare and they stand behind what they sell. The other
thing is how I'm treated as a customer prior to purchasing. We regularly
receive comments from folks that they received better service, more
knowledgeable help and better answers to their questions than they did in
their local store. I'm sure Matt Broze would concur with this and receives
the same type of comments.

Like in any industry some businesses are better run than others and there
are very good shops and there are very good direct sellers as well, but to
limit your choice to boats you can touch and feel is to exclude some very
fine kayaks and values as well. Please don't construe this to mean that I am
adverse to test paddling, quite the opposite, I think potential kayak
purchasers should paddle as many boats as possible to get a good feel for
the range of performance, comfort, outfitting and quality. However, having
done that, they should not feel compelled to limit their choices to those
paddled. A long distance purchase can be made with little risk when done so
with a reputable company offering a good satisfaction guarantee as well as
referrals from other satisfied customers. Then when you get your kayak you
can paddle it on your waters, under your terms and in various conditions
over several days and if it isn't everything you hoped, wanted or were told
it would be, send it back!

Regards,
Steve Freund
QCC Kayaks
http://www.qcckayaks.com

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