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enigma
Jan 24, 2011, 6:30 AM
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It would be nice to walk into a local climbing store in a climbing area without having to pay over 40 percent higher than the same item would cost elsewhere. So what are your recommendations for climbing stores that charge reasonable prices in your local climbing area? Nomad Ventures charges $25-30 for a felt hat with a climbers brand label, instead of usual $15 $1.50 for energy gel gu thats 75 cents elsewhere ...... Lets help name climbers stores that mark down prices after holidays, and that aren't taking advantage because of their location near the crag.
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altelis
Jan 24, 2011, 6:51 AM
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enigma wrote: It would be nice to walk into a local climbing store in a climbing area without having to pay over 40 percent higher than the same item would cost elsewhere. So what are your recommendations for climbing stores that charge reasonable prices in your local climbing area? Nomad Ventures charges $25-30 for a felt hat with a climbers brand label, instead of usual $15 $1.50 for energy gel gu thats 75 cents elsewhere ...... Lets help name climbers stores that mark down prices after holidays, and that aren't taking advantage because of their location near the crag. Are they taking advantage because they are near the crag, or are overhead costs more? Because they are local, with limited space and not a chain, do they incur extra costs because they can't buy in large quantities? Do they pay their staff more because they are knowledgeable? If the answer is yes to any/all of those (or even if the staff isn't paid more but is knowledgeable) I'm happy to support them.
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enigma
Jan 24, 2011, 6:55 AM
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altelis wrote: enigma wrote: It would be nice to walk into a local climbing store in a climbing area without having to pay over 40 percent higher than the same item would cost elsewhere. So what are your recommendations for climbing stores that charge reasonable prices in your local climbing area? Nomad Ventures charges $25-30 for a felt hat with a climbers brand label, instead of usual $15 $1.50 for energy gel gu thats 75 cents elsewhere ...... Lets help name climbers stores that mark down prices after holidays, and that aren't taking advantage because of their location near the crag. Are they taking advantage because they are near the crag, or are overhead costs more? Because they are local, with limited space and not a chain, do they incur extra costs because they can't buy in large quantities? Do they pay their staff more because they are knowledgeable? If the answer is yes to any/all of those (or even if the staff isn't paid more but is knowledgeable) I'm happy to support them. No , Extra Costs, No Extra Pay to staff, Seems like they have plenty of space, and full. In fact that climbers balm went up 3X more.
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Kartessa
Jan 24, 2011, 7:03 AM
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Hey, yer little psychotic rant against socalclimber got locked up. Don't go starting that shit here too. Mods, I vote for moving this to the soapbox.
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enigma
Jan 24, 2011, 7:25 AM
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Kartessa wrote: Hey, yer little psychotic rant against socalclimber got locked up. Don't go starting that shit here too. Mods, I vote for moving this to the soapbox. This is to help climbers find climbers stores that are reasonable its an important topic.( stick to the topic)
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enigma
Jan 24, 2011, 7:27 AM
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altelis wrote: enigma wrote: It would be nice to walk into a local climbing store in a climbing area without having to pay over 40 percent higher than the same item would cost elsewhere. So what are your recommendations for climbing stores that charge reasonable prices in your local climbing area? Nomad Ventures charges $25-30 for a felt hat with a climbers brand label, instead of usual $15 $1.50 for energy gel gu thats 75 cents elsewhere ...... Lets help name climbers stores that mark down prices after holidays, and that aren't taking advantage because of their location near the crag. Are they taking advantage because they are near the crag, or are overhead costs more? Because they are local, with limited space and not a chain, do they incur extra costs because they can't buy in large quantities? Do they pay their staff more because they are knowledgeable? If the answer is yes to any/all of those (or even if the staff isn't paid more but is knowledgeable) I'm happy to support them. How are the prices in Washington D.C in climbing stores?
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altelis
Jan 24, 2011, 7:30 AM
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We have no "local" stores. All the local stores are really local chains. They are just as impersonal, with equally good (or really bad) odds of finding a salesperson with useful experience. So, given that, there is nowhere I really feel like I should be supporting locally. So I use online retailers and REI.
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Vegasclimber10
Jan 24, 2011, 7:40 AM
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enigma wrote: Kartessa wrote: Hey, yer little psychotic rant against socalclimber got locked up. Don't go starting that shit here too. Mods, I vote for moving this to the soapbox. This is to help climbers find climbers stores that are reasonable its an important topic.( stick to the topic) I disagree that it's to help climbers. You are stating a specific store in a specific area. If you weren't ranting you wouldn't be calling them out by name. Furthermore, a lot of your posts here come across as being negative and/or incendiary in nature, or seem to attack specific individuals. You keep saying this is for another persons good, but all you're getting across is your personal agenda. Maybe you should consider that and determine why you're really posting. +1 for this going to soapbox. As far as being "on topic" my local store regularly goes out of their way to give me a discount, encourages people to buy the right gear even if it's somewhere else, and has gone out of their way more times then I can count to help out newcomers, tourists, and to support the local climbers. Which is why they get 90% of my business. Edit to add: My local store is Desert Rock Sports in Las Vegas, and they have been great to me for 7 years. And, I have shopped at Nomad, found the prices to be pretty much what I would expect, and also received great service and beta there even when I was only buying tape. I didnt see apparent gouging going on and I buy and deal with gear often enough that I probably would have noticed.
(This post was edited by Vegasclimber10 on Jan 25, 2011, 3:29 AM)
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guangzhou
Jan 24, 2011, 8:53 AM
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Vegasclimber10 wrote: enigma wrote: Kartessa wrote: Hey, yer little psychotic rant against socalclimber got locked up. Don't go starting that shit here too. Mods, I vote for moving this to the soapbox. This is to help climbers find climbers stores that are reasonable its an important topic.( stick to the topic) I disagree that it's to help climbers. You are stating a specific store in a specific area. If you weren't ranting you wouldn't be calling them out by name. Furthermore, a lot of your posts here come across as being negative and/or incendiary in nature, or seem to attack specific individuals. You keep saying this is for another persons good, but all you're getting across is your personal agenda. Maybe you should consider that and determine why you're really posting. +1 for this going to soapbox. As far as being "on topic" my local store regularly goes out of their way to give me a discount, encourages people to buy the right gear even if it's somewhere else, and has gone out of their way more times then I can count to help out newcomers, tourists, and to support the local climbers. Which is why they get 90% of my business. A++ on your post.
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lofstromc
Jan 24, 2011, 10:43 AM
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In the area where you live, you probably have SOO many climbers stores you could just switch to another store without focusing your post on one store! Climbing stores are not the enemy! Like Altelis said, this part of VA/DC doesn't have a local climbing store. I try to do all my purchases at the crag itself.
(This post was edited by lofstromc on Jan 24, 2011, 10:46 AM)
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sp115
Jan 24, 2011, 1:51 PM
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enigma wrote: It would be nice to walk into a local climbing store in a climbing area without having to pay over 40 percent higher than the same item would cost elsewhere. So what are your recommendations for climbing stores that charge reasonable prices in your local climbing area? Nomad Ventures charges $25-30 for a felt hat with a climbers brand label, instead of usual $15 $1.50 for energy gel gu thats 75 cents elsewhere ...... Lets help name climbers stores that mark down prices after holidays, and that aren't taking advantage because of their location near the crag. Stepping up on soapbox: I think of buying and selling not as a transaction between two people, each only concerned about price, but as a relationship. Yes, I look for sales and try to shop wisely, just like everyone else. But ultimately I almost always choose to spend my money with the people who live and work in my community, whether that is my neighborhood grocery store or climbing shop or even my extended climbing community of New York and New Hampshire. I try to support well stocked, local vendors who give great service and care about the same issues I do (like working on access, or maybe by establishing a highly competent rescue team in the White Mountains of NH). I like to support these people because I really believe they support me. I like the idea that I can go into a store and have a salesperson recognize me by face and name. I like to know I can trust his or her advice and have them help in my decision. And even if I don't need a salesperson's help with a particular sale now, I know I will at a later date with something else. I like that I can actually try an item on in my size and color before I buy it., I like knowing that if I have a problem the person will trust me and work with me to resolve it. But, this service and this type of relationship requires effort and expense from both sides. The owner has to carry a large enough selection of quality products to make me want to keep coming back. He also has to hire a staff and pay them a living wage (not to mention the overhead costs associated with running the business). I in turn need to support him with my patronage and understand that it’s “OK” for him to make a profit. It doesn’t mean I need to pay full retail, there is always room for negotiation in any sale, but it means you need to recognize the value of what each of you has to offer. Too many people know the price of everything and the value of nothing. As an example: when I first started climbing many years ago I already knew that I wanted to find a local shop to buy my gear from. So I went down to the closest, and almost only, shop in my area (it happened to be a climbing gym), and started asking questions. What to buy, what type of shoe, how should it fit, how to mark the middle of my rope, you know every inane question a beginner asks. I tried on every shoe he had in stock in my size and then started buying stuff. I tied up a lot of his time. At first I paid full price, but it didn’t take long before the owner realized I was going to be a regular and repeat customer (along with my friends) and he started offering me more incentives to shop with him. I got free time at he gym, discounts off in stock items. Hell he even invited me along on a few occasions to climb with him. Pretty soon 20% off whatever he had in stock became a regular thing and I ordered almost all of my rack through him at a discount. He even ordered all the biners (Petzl Spirts 25% off) I needed and allowed me to pick them up when I could afford them over a two month period. Now when I walk into his shop it’s not “may I help you sir?”, but “Hey Steve what’s up?” Do I get the same break everywhere I go? No, nor do I expect it, I don’t have the same relationship at other stores. Would it have been cheaper for me to spend all my money at a mail order outfit. I really don’t think so, at least not in the long run. So if you really feel all that matters is price, then by all means spend your money wherever you choose. But just don’t pretend that it may not be at the expense of someone or something else of greater value. Stepping down now: And just for the record, prop’s to: Rockspot Climing Gym in RI International Mountain Equipment in NH, Rock and Snow in New York.
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TarHeelEMT
Jan 24, 2011, 1:59 PM
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sp115 wrote: enigma wrote: It would be nice to walk into a local climbing store in a climbing area without having to pay over 40 percent higher than the same item would cost elsewhere. So what are your recommendations for climbing stores that charge reasonable prices in your local climbing area? Nomad Ventures charges $25-30 for a felt hat with a climbers brand label, instead of usual $15 $1.50 for energy gel gu thats 75 cents elsewhere ...... Lets help name climbers stores that mark down prices after holidays, and that aren't taking advantage because of their location near the crag. Stepping up on soapbox: I think of buying and selling not as a transaction between two people, each only concerned about price, but as a relationship. Yes, I look for sales and try to shop wisely, just like everyone else. But ultimately I almost always choose to spend my money with the people who live and work in my community, whether that is my neighborhood grocery store or climbing shop or even my extended climbing community of New York and New Hampshire. I try to support well stocked, local vendors who give great service and care about the same issues I do (like working on access, or maybe by establishing a highly competent rescue team in the White Mountains of NH). I like to support these people because I really believe they support me. I like the idea that I can go into a store and have a salesperson recognize me by face and name. I like to know I can trust his or her advice and have them help in my decision. And even if I don't need a salesperson's help with a particular sale now, I know I will at a later date with something else. I like that I can actually try an item on in my size and color before I buy it., I like knowing that if I have a problem the person will trust me and work with me to resolve it. But, this service and this type of relationship requires effort and expense from both sides. The owner has to carry a large enough selection of quality products to make me want to keep coming back. He also has to hire a staff and pay them a living wage (not to mention the overhead costs associated with running the business). I in turn need to support him with my patronage and understand that it’s “OK” for him to make a profit. It doesn’t mean I need to pay full retail, there is always room for negotiation in any sale, but it means you need to recognize the value of what each of you has to offer. Too many people know the price of everything and the value of nothing. As an example: when I first started climbing many years ago I already knew that I wanted to find a local shop to buy my gear from. So I went down to the closest, and almost only, shop in my area (it happened to be a climbing gym), and started asking questions. What to buy, what type of shoe, how should it fit, how to mark the middle of my rope, you know every inane question a beginner asks. I tried on every shoe he had in stock in my size and then started buying stuff. I tied up a lot of his time. At first I paid full price, but it didn’t take long before the owner realized I was going to be a regular and repeat customer (along with my friends) and he started offering me more incentives to shop with him. I got free time at he gym, discounts off in stock items. Hell he even invited me along on a few occasions to climb with him. Pretty soon 20% off whatever he had in stock became a regular thing and I ordered almost all of my rack through him at a discount. He even ordered all the biners (Petzl Spirts 25% off) I needed and allowed me to pick them up when I could afford them over a two month period. Now when I walk into his shop it’s not “may I help you sir?”, but “Hey Steve what’s up?” Do I get the same break everywhere I go? No, nor do I expect it, I don’t have the same relationship at other stores. Would it have been cheaper for me to spend all my money at a mail order outfit. I really don’t think so, at least not in the long run. So if you really feel all that matters is price, then by all means spend your money wherever you choose. But just don’t pretend that it may not be at the expense of someone or something else of greater value. Stepping down now: And just for the record, prop’s to: Rockspot Climing Gym in RI International Mountain Equipment in NH, Rock and Snow in New York. Nice post. And props to Looking Glass Outfitters.
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mojomonkey
Jan 24, 2011, 2:04 PM
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About the only store I get to near a crag is Rock & Snow near the Gunks. Their prices can be a little higher than a big chain like REI or EMS (there is a small, climbing-specific EMS nearby) but they aren't too bad and they have a price matching policy (I've never tried to use it). They also have items that aren't found at those stores. The staff there is knowledgeable about the products, as well as recommendations on climbs, so I don't sweat a minor price difference. Plus I view it as covering other things (e.g. the panels / slideshows they host, the bathroom I can get cleaned up in after a day of climbing, the time I spend hanging out flipping through guidebooks or browsing on a rainy day). If there is a big difference though (e.g. the EMS has C4s 20% off), I just get them at EMS. I feel like I'm trying to cheat Rock & Snow by actually asking them to match a price difference. On the other hand, I basically never buy anything from the gym I climb at. I've gotten some shoes there since they had more to try than other places, but now that I know what I like I can get them most anywhere. Anything else there (gear, rope, etc) is covered in chalk/grime and looks like it has been hanging there a decade. And even with my "member discount" the prices seem high.
(This post was edited by mojomonkey on Jan 24, 2011, 2:06 PM)
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carabiner96
Jan 24, 2011, 2:32 PM
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enigma wrote: Kartessa wrote: Hey, yer little psychotic rant against socalclimber got locked up. Don't go starting that shit here too. Mods, I vote for moving this to the soapbox. This is to help climbers find climbers stores that are reasonable its an important topic.( stick to the topic) No, it's because you clearly have a crazy cat lady beef. See: Your example.
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j_ung
Jan 24, 2011, 2:52 PM
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enigma wrote: It would be nice to walk into a local climbing store in a climbing area without having to pay over 40 percent higher than the same item would cost elsewhere. So what are your recommendations for climbing stores that charge reasonable prices in your local climbing area? Nomad Ventures charges $25-30 for a felt hat with a climbers brand label, instead of usual $15 $1.50 for energy gel gu thats 75 cents elsewhere ...... Lets help name climbers stores that mark down prices after holidays, and that aren't taking advantage because of their location near the crag. Source please? Specifically which felt hat? Specifically which gel? I ask, because I think you've jumped to the wrong conclusion as to what's happening at the store level. Items in stores sell at the MSRP, or less if there's a sale. To my knowledge, nobody marks their prices up above MSRP.
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carabiner96
Jan 24, 2011, 2:54 PM
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carabiner96 wrote: enigma wrote: Kartessa wrote: Hey, yer little psychotic rant against socalclimber got locked up. Don't go starting that shit here too. Mods, I vote for moving this to the soapbox. This is to help climbers find climbers stores that are reasonable its an important topic.( stick to the topic) No, it's because you clearly have a crazy cat lady beef. See: Your example. Sorry, in the interest of making RC.com more civil, I'll add: Have a fabulous day, Peaches!
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jamatt
Jan 24, 2011, 3:16 PM
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TarHeelEMT wrote: Nice post. And props to Looking Glass Outfitters. Add Black Dome in Asheville.
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TarHeelEMT
Jan 24, 2011, 3:26 PM
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jamatt wrote: TarHeelEMT wrote: Nice post. And props to Looking Glass Outfitters. Add Black Dome in Asheville. Definitely.
(This post was edited by TarHeelEMT on Jan 24, 2011, 3:35 PM)
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blueeyedclimber
Jan 24, 2011, 3:32 PM
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sp115 wrote: enigma wrote: It would be nice to walk into a local climbing store in a climbing area without having to pay over 40 percent higher than the same item would cost elsewhere. So what are your recommendations for climbing stores that charge reasonable prices in your local climbing area? Nomad Ventures charges $25-30 for a felt hat with a climbers brand label, instead of usual $15 $1.50 for energy gel gu thats 75 cents elsewhere ...... Lets help name climbers stores that mark down prices after holidays, and that aren't taking advantage because of their location near the crag. Stepping up on soapbox: I think of buying and selling not as a transaction between two people, each only concerned about price, but as a relationship. Yes, I look for sales and try to shop wisely, just like everyone else. But ultimately I almost always choose to spend my money with the people who live and work in my community, whether that is my neighborhood grocery store or climbing shop or even my extended climbing community of New York and New Hampshire. I try to support well stocked, local vendors who give great service and care about the same issues I do (like working on access, or maybe by establishing a highly competent rescue team in the White Mountains of NH). I like to support these people because I really believe they support me. I like the idea that I can go into a store and have a salesperson recognize me by face and name. I like to know I can trust his or her advice and have them help in my decision. And even if I don't need a salesperson's help with a particular sale now, I know I will at a later date with something else. I like that I can actually try an item on in my size and color before I buy it., I like knowing that if I have a problem the person will trust me and work with me to resolve it. But, this service and this type of relationship requires effort and expense from both sides. The owner has to carry a large enough selection of quality products to make me want to keep coming back. He also has to hire a staff and pay them a living wage (not to mention the overhead costs associated with running the business). I in turn need to support him with my patronage and understand that it’s “OK” for him to make a profit. It doesn’t mean I need to pay full retail, there is always room for negotiation in any sale, but it means you need to recognize the value of what each of you has to offer. Too many people know the price of everything and the value of nothing. As an example: when I first started climbing many years ago I already knew that I wanted to find a local shop to buy my gear from. So I went down to the closest, and almost only, shop in my area (it happened to be a climbing gym), and started asking questions. What to buy, what type of shoe, how should it fit, how to mark the middle of my rope, you know every inane question a beginner asks. I tried on every shoe he had in stock in my size and then started buying stuff. I tied up a lot of his time. At first I paid full price, but it didn’t take long before the owner realized I was going to be a regular and repeat customer (along with my friends) and he started offering me more incentives to shop with him. I got free time at he gym, discounts off in stock items. Hell he even invited me along on a few occasions to climb with him. Pretty soon 20% off whatever he had in stock became a regular thing and I ordered almost all of my rack through him at a discount. He even ordered all the biners (Petzl Spirts 25% off) I needed and allowed me to pick them up when I could afford them over a two month period. Now when I walk into his shop it’s not “may I help you sir?”, but “Hey Steve what’s up?” Do I get the same break everywhere I go? No, nor do I expect it, I don’t have the same relationship at other stores. Would it have been cheaper for me to spend all my money at a mail order outfit. I really don’t think so, at least not in the long run. So if you really feel all that matters is price, then by all means spend your money wherever you choose. But just don’t pretend that it may not be at the expense of someone or something else of greater value. Stepping down now: And just for the record, prop’s to: Rockspot Climing Gym in RI International Mountain Equipment in NH, Rock and Snow in New York. +1 Just to add, companies need to make a profit. Sometimes they will do whatever it takes. As consumers, we have the power to decide what is acceptable and what isn't. If enough people think a certain way and that determines how they buy, then companies will be forced to comply. I like a deal just as much as the next person. I also have a finite income and have to make decisions when it comes to cost. But, I also want to know where my gear comes from and if my own values were sacrificed to bring it to me. I can't always afford to pay full price, but if I know a company pays a living wage to their employees, is knowledgable and friendly, does their best to protect the environment, etc. then I am more likely to buy from them. Often that means buying at a local shop. Josh
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enigma
Jan 24, 2011, 10:20 PM
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j_ung wrote: enigma wrote: It would be nice to walk into a local climbing store in a climbing area without having to pay over 40 percent higher than the same item would cost elsewhere. So what are your recommendations for climbing stores that charge reasonable prices in your local climbing area? Nomad Ventures charges $25-30 for a felt hat with a climbers brand label, instead of usual $15 $1.50 for energy gel gu thats 75 cents elsewhere ...... Lets help name climbers stores that mark down prices after holidays, and that aren't taking advantage because of their location near the crag. Source please? Specifically which felt hat? Specifically which gel? I ask, because I think you've jumped to the wrong conclusion as to what's happening at the store level. Items in stores sell at the MSRP, or less if there's a sale. To my knowledge, nobody marks their prices up above MSRP. The Gel is GU energy gel - Expresso Love The felt hats - was metolis, mountain hardware, in fact there were additionally at least 7-8 different brands of other hats as well. I just stopped looking when an entire bin of hats were that pricey. Very simple style, no extra insulation and the least expensive one was $25 dollars- some were $30 or more. Nomad employees are nice but its just a felt hat with a climbing brand name. Not cashmere or silk I didn't have a chance to look around much, it wasn't a shopping day. I'm sure there are some items there that are reasonable but I wasn't comparison shopping. I like the store its close by the park, and I have personally known some of the people who work there. The simple truth is I did buy the gel. I would have liked to have gotten a hat there as well. I know alot of stores mark down their prices after Christmas holidays. In contrast I had bought items before at the local climbing store at Smith Rock and they were quite reasonable. In addition I have bought items at Vahalla in Squamish that also had price markdowns and had excellent prices. REI does mark down prices regularly and especially during the holidays. My interest is for climbers, who might not be able to afford spending extra for basic items , clothes and essentials they need. I'm hoping that other climbers could share their climbing stores prices so myself and others may be helped. I believe the is an important topic during tough economic times, and for climbers who may not have alot of disposable income.
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erisspirit
Jan 24, 2011, 10:31 PM
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enigma wrote: It would be nice to walk into a local climbing store in a climbing area without having to pay over 40 percent higher than the same item would cost elsewhere. So what are your recommendations for climbing stores that charge reasonable prices in your local climbing area? Nomad Ventures charges $25-30 for a felt hat with a climbers brand label, instead of usual $15 $1.50 for energy gel gu thats 75 cents elsewhere ...... Lets help name climbers stores that mark down prices after holidays, and that aren't taking advantage because of their location near the crag. the prices at the Nomad ventures here in town are basically the same as the one in Jtree, so I disagree that they are marking up just because they are in a major climbing area. Personally while I generally look online for lower prices, I have happily paid some higher prices at Nomad Ventures in both Jtree and San Diego after receiving excellent service and excellent advice. I have always found the Jtree Nomad Ventures to be a positive place, and they didn't even mind me window shopping there to get out of the rain for a few hours.
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dreday3000
Jan 24, 2011, 10:35 PM
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i went to J tree for the first time MLK weekend. I already had a guidebook but popped into Nomad Ventures to pick up some tape. I started chatting up one of other clerks and he gave me a really great run on the park. He walked me through a few different areas and gave me some route suggestions in my ability range. Super helpful and knowledgeable. I'd say this is pretty par for the course when it comes to local climbing shops.
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erisspirit
Jan 24, 2011, 10:40 PM
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enigma wrote: j_ung wrote: enigma wrote: It would be nice to walk into a local climbing store in a climbing area without having to pay over 40 percent higher than the same item would cost elsewhere. So what are your recommendations for climbing stores that charge reasonable prices in your local climbing area? Nomad Ventures charges $25-30 for a felt hat with a climbers brand label, instead of usual $15 $1.50 for energy gel gu thats 75 cents elsewhere ...... Lets help name climbers stores that mark down prices after holidays, and that aren't taking advantage because of their location near the crag. Source please? Specifically which felt hat? Specifically which gel? I ask, because I think you've jumped to the wrong conclusion as to what's happening at the store level. Items in stores sell at the MSRP, or less if there's a sale. To my knowledge, nobody marks their prices up above MSRP. The Gel is GU energy gel - Expresso Love The felt hats - was metolis, mountain hardware, in fact there were additionally at least 7-8 different brands of other hats as well. I just stopped looking when an entire bin of hats were that pricey. Very simple style, no extra insulation and the least expensive one was $25 dollars- some were $30 or more. Nomad employees are nice but its just a felt hat with a climbing brand name. Not cashmere or silk I didn't have a chance to look around much, it wasn't a shopping day. I'm sure there are some items there that are reasonable but I wasn't comparison shopping. I like the store its close by the park, and I have personally known some of the people who work there. The simple truth is I did buy the gel. I would have liked to have gotten a hat there as well. I know alot of stores mark down their prices after Christmas holidays. In contrast I had bought items before at the local climbing store at Smith Rock and they were quite reasonable. In addition I have bought items at Vahalla in Squamish that also had price markdowns and had excellent prices. REI does mark down prices regularly and especially during the holidays. My interest is for climbers, who might not be able to afford spending extra for basic items , clothes and essentials they need. I'm hoping that other climbers could share their climbing stores prices so myself and others may be helped. I believe the is an important topic during tough economic times, and for climbers who may not have alot of disposable income. BTW Gu gell Espresso love is 1.35 at rei (via their website... not 75 cents) and most their beanies are 25-30 so calling out Nomad as more expensive isn't entirely accurate. They are pretty comparable in price. Nomad also do markdowns... it just may not have been what you were shopping for.
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enigma
Jan 24, 2011, 11:18 PM
Post #24 of 98
(6284 views)
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Registered: May 19, 2002
Posts: 2279
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erisspirit wrote: enigma wrote: j_ung wrote: enigma wrote: It would be nice to walk into a local climbing store in a climbing area without having to pay over 40 percent higher than the same item would cost elsewhere. So what are your recommendations for climbing stores that charge reasonable prices in your local climbing area? Nomad Ventures charges $25-30 for a felt hat with a climbers brand label, instead of usual $15 $1.50 for energy gel gu thats 75 cents elsewhere ...... Lets help name climbers stores that mark down prices after holidays, and that aren't taking advantage because of their location near the crag. Source please? Specifically which felt hat? Specifically which gel? I ask, because I think you've jumped to the wrong conclusion as to what's happening at the store level. Items in stores sell at the MSRP, or less if there's a sale. To my knowledge, nobody marks their prices up above MSRP. The Gel is GU energy gel - Expresso Love The felt hats - was metolis, mountain hardware, in fact there were additionally at least 7-8 different brands of other hats as well. I just stopped looking when an entire bin of hats were that pricey. Very simple style, no extra insulation and the least expensive one was $25 dollars- some were $30 or more. Nomad employees are nice but its just a felt hat with a climbing brand name. Not cashmere or silk I didn't have a chance to look around much, it wasn't a shopping day. I'm sure there are some items there that are reasonable but I wasn't comparison shopping. I like the store its close by the park, and I have personally known some of the people who work there. The simple truth is I did buy the gel. I would have liked to have gotten a hat there as well. I know alot of stores mark down their prices after Christmas holidays. In contrast I had bought items before at the local climbing store at Smith Rock and they were quite reasonable. In addition I have bought items at Vahalla in Squamish that also had price markdowns and had excellent prices. REI does mark down prices regularly and especially during the holidays. My interest is for climbers, who might not be able to afford spending extra for basic items , clothes and essentials they need. I'm hoping that other climbers could share their climbing stores prices so myself and others may be helped. I believe the is an important topic during tough economic times, and for climbers who may not have alot of disposable income. BTW Gu gell Espresso love is 1.35 at rei (via their website... not 75 cents) and most their beanies are 25-30 so calling out Nomad as more expensive isn't entirely accurate. They are pretty comparable in price. Nomad also do markdowns... it just may not have been what you were shopping for. I know Nomad and they are nice. I buy that gel at Sports Stores and Running shops all the time. I have never paid more than 90 cents. As far as beanies, every single one in the store was not less than $25-30+ dollars. There were no markdowns, even though its one month after Christmas -1 day. It would be great to do a comparison shop for stores where climbers can get discounts and good quality items for less. Especially while they are climbing in an area. Maybe they need a cam, for a specific climb. Its about supply and demand. They are close to the crag, so proximity plays in as well. Maybe if they had more competition,( another climbing store with similar items there prices would be lower.)
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macherry
Jan 24, 2011, 11:23 PM
Post #25 of 98
(6274 views)
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Registered: Sep 10, 2003
Posts: 15848
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Kartessa wrote: Hey, yer little psychotic rant against socalclimber got locked up. Don't go starting that shit here too. Mods, I vote for moving this to the soapbox. let it go the topic is suitable for climbing info general. if you don't want to participate may i suggest jay's kill file program
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