I think it sounds dodgy.....very dodgy. Why can't they put the catalog online. Why should anyone have to buy a book on what they sell. Plus the site is too wordy. It's a bit like a TV shopping channel. Very good reason to be sceptical
I'm all for small business and if this is legit, these online businesses are the reason small business close their doors. I can't afford most stuff new in the shops like new boards and sails etc but some people can. But they are there for me when i need stuff i can afford and give me good advice.
Do yourself and the small businesses a favour....shop local
Yeah, that's what I thought. Most agree it's a sham! Obvious with the prices that were quoted, as pointed out. I think most manufacturers protect their distribution network from that sort of thing pretty well these days. Most times when you try to buy anything direct you are told to go to one of their distributors. I also agree with supporting local small business, although at times it gets hard to. Especially if, for instance, if you can buy the same product direct much, much cheaper. Thanks for the comments.
Great for comparisons, great for research, great for reviews, BUT I reckon that supporting a few locally based businesses that support our sport is the go in the long term. It's just great to be able to talk to a real person who has a genuine investment in the sport, and who can offer good advice. Funny, they are always there when you have an issue as well. And they sort it.
Certainly near where I live there is only one real windsurfing shop and that's a two hour drive. Still, I go there when the wind doesn't blow, and the recent gear I've purchased has all the backing I could wish for. Same for the sail distributors and the like that I deal with. If there's a real person involved that I can chat too then I'm in!
Don't go much for the anonymous online "have I got a deal for you" types.