gordin warner wrote: > <snip> > > My point about Whites is simply this. Why should customers be doing the > research and development? <snip> Whites has always been a bit behind on the R&R stuff; ever since I've lived in Victoria, anyway. Brooks certainly has a better budget or attitude, or something toward R&R. Ultimately, I always buy a product based on factors that include individual characteristics, rather than name and merely reputation. And look at Lotus (Patagonia). Very slow R&R these days on PFD's. And then what about Kokatat, for example? They have a great reputation, but I know folks who have blown out the stitching on their drysuits, for example. I do agree with you that some companies, such as Whites, don't cater as well to sea kayakers as we want them to, but hey, its all economics. Think how much the diving industry is worth. We are merely small change. Sometimes though, a big company that only cares about paddlers in a small way, can still be beneficial. For example, O'Neil. They supply apparel to the board surf crowd in the millions. But, their paddling jacket is a bargain because it is well made, durable, quality controlled (a factory norm), and super cheap compared to smaller businesses. Why? Because they get hugely good deals on raw product. All things are not equal. Buyer beware. Do your research well. I do disagree with you on one point. You said: "Now was that experience about customer service or maximizing the profit margin?" Custom work is always expensive. My Whites wet suit retails for $150. It was $600 in a custom version. It was worth every penny to me however. And, Whites has way more intermediate sizing than most companies. As for cheaper alternatives, try George's Kayak Academy website. Good deals galore: <http://www.kayakacademy.com/> Doug (part of the expanding Victoria chapter of Paddlewise) *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Feb 27 2002 - 19:27:31 PST
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