online chandlery reviews

[Timber]

Hi folks

I've had serious problems with a particular online chandlery in the past and want to find a good, unbiased place for reviews to see if the same situation persists.

Any advice?

thanks, Timber

[Mike OReilly]

Post the name of the place you're interested in doing business with, and ask what experiences, if any, people have had.

You could also post the name of the place you've had problems with, and see if others concur.

[Timber]

So, what have peoples experiences been with defender marine? Defender.com? Thanks in advance from a couple of cruisers who just expect to get what they pay for.

[Kelkara]

I've been stiffed by UPS on their cross-border shipping and brokerage charges delivering from defender ... but defender themselves have always been excellent.

[pilott]

The couple of times I bought from Defender, I had no problems.
I usually find Hodges Marine has slightly better prices, when delivery is taken into account (no affiliation with them)

[Mike OReilly]

I've never had any problem with Defender, and I've used them dozens of times over the years. In fact, there was one instance where I made a large purchase and they went out of their way to save me significant tax money.

[sailjumanji]

Order from them frequently. Have returned stuff easily, and even had them special order. No issues whatsoever.

[CarlF]

Defender is my "goto" chandlery as I am in Massachusetts - as long as I order by 4PM it arrives the next day. I probably order a dozen times a year from them. The few times I've wanted to return something, it's been smooth. A nice thing about Defender is that you can still call and talk to someone who's not in a call center. They will also special order from any manufacturer they carry.

I also use Hodges for electronics, pumps, and the like. The free shipping is nice.

[Nicholson58]

Never had any problems with Defender. We have always ordered from the US. A bit af a back order delay right now.

[south4320]

I've ordered from Defender a couple of times and found them to be very good.

[mvweebles]

During my refit, I've had dozens a d dozens of orders with Defender. Each has gone perfectly. If you're under going a large project, they will set you up with a special account with a slightly enhanced discount. Good customer service as others have noted. Special order items have also been easy, though sometimes take a while.

Have also dealt with Hodges several times. Also seamless and nice people over the phone.

Have used BOE Marine for electronics. I recently ordered some additional Simrad stuff and while their prices are still good, the technical advice is not as strong as it was 2 years ago.

BTW - I haven't asked in over a year, but West Marine would price-match Defender. Nice if you're in a hurry

Peter

[bgallinger]

Originally Posted by Kelkara

I've been stiffed by UPS on their cross-border shipping and brokerage charges delivering from defender ... but defender themselves have always been excellent.

I have had the exact same experience. Defender is great. UPS cross-border brokerage charges are bad.

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by bgallinger

I have had the exact same experience. Defender is great. UPS cross-border brokerage charges are bad.

OK, I'll triple this. I found UPS to be the absolute most expensive. Didn't matter the US shipper, if it came via UPS I knew I was in for a world of brokerage-fee hurt.

[sailjumanji]

Originally Posted by mvweebles

During my refit, I've had dozens a d dozens of orders with Defender. Each has gone perfectly. If you're under going a large project, they will set you up with a special account with a slightly enhanced discount. Good customer service as others have noted. Special order items have also been easy, though sometimes take a while.

Have also dealt with Hodges several times. Also seamless and nice people over the phone.

Have used BOE Marine for electronics. I recently ordered some additional Simrad stuff and while their prices are still good, the technical advice is not as strong as it was 2 years ago.

BTW - I haven't asked in over a year, but West Marine would price-match Defender. Nice if you're in a hurry

Peter

West Marine changed their price match policy and will only match local retailers. Over a year ago.

[mvweebles]

Originally Posted by sailjumanji

West Marine changed their price match policy and will only match local retailers. Over a year ago.

I'm not surprised. For many things I price matched, they were 40% higher or more. If I'm going to spend that type of money, I'll go to a local chandlery that has subject matter experts.