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Buy and Sell Used Climbing Gear Please do not post retail SPAM.

Topic Date User

rip off merchant 7-Mar-2011 At 7:26:05 PM Dutch

Message

On 7/03/2011 Climboholic wrote:>
>Local retailers margins are set so that they can have big sales and still
>be profitable. I find this marketing stratergy unethical.
>
>After working in a gear store I will never again buy climbing gear at
>full price. I'll either wait for at least 30% off, or buy online. Just
>look at the price reductions Kathmandu can afford to have during its "sales".

Climbaholic - Kathmandu, Mountain Designs, Macpac and other stores that are vertically integrated definately adhere to this marketing strategy and while i dont agree with it, it is here to stay. I think most chockstoners would be aware of this and dont buy anything in these shops unless it is on sale. Kathmandu makes vastly more margin on a sale item than an independent store does at full price. You have to be careful not to lump them all in together.

Having worked in independent gear stores and seen what goes into the running of the store, i can guarantee you that this is not the case for specialist climbing stores. Or for that matter, specialist outdoor gear. There is a reason the big stores like those mentioned above dont sell climbing gear, it doesnt make them any money!!!! You wont find a specialist climbing gear with the latest and greatest gear for 30% off. Most well run shops will use sales as a way to move stock to make way for new season stock or to move discontinued gear.

Furthermore, and this may tie in with the Chris Webb thread, but for the most part, its these specialist climbing stores that are sponsoring climbing comps and climbers and putting back into the climbing community. Its not mega bucks, but they're not multinational behemoths that can stump up big prize money.

Prices for a lot of outdoor gear have come down significantly in price and I'm sure there will be more price reviews on the way. The climbing industry here is not out to screw people! Independent climbing shops only make a modest living and it will always been that way.

When you're trying on that next pair of climbing shoes, think about what goes into getting that pair of shoes to you. Ive often helped people for well over an hour, trying on multiple sizes in multiple styles and brands. Carrying stock in over 13 styles of climbing shoes across three brands is expensive!

Peace Out!