CCM Vector 4.0 Jr skate pricing and

[Powerfibers 8]

I stopped in after my 6 yr old's game yesterday to check out some inline hockey skates for myself at Great Skate which is about 10 minutes from home. My son had been complaining about his own (ice) skate fit after the game. I spotted a pair of Mission roller hockey skates for $119 on sale. I figured, that's exactly what I'm looking for, but deep down I knew I should put the little guy first. I asked if the Mission skates would still be $119 tomorrow (today). I had a jazz gig later at night, and knew I could buy the Missions with the money made.

I get my son fitted with 2006 CCM Vector 4.0s. He likes them a lot (for what he knows), and I am told I'm getting a good price. The sale price is $119 (same as I was gonna spend on me!). I don't know squat about junior skate pricing or the whole CCM line, so I figure what the heck. I find when I get home that online I see them listed for around $89 in most places. I figure, this is my LHS that I am supposed to support.

Today, I go back for the Missions, only to find out that they now are back up to $139. The same kid who told me not to worry, tells me the sale ended yesterday.

I say nicely, "Excuse me, but you were the one who told me they'd still be on sale today. Remember yesterday when I bought him (point to 6 yr old) new skates? I know that I paid $30 or $40 too much for them?"

No response.

I say to the kid, "I'm not paying $139 for the Missions, in fact I should bring back the ice skates you sold me yesterday because you sorta ripped me off."

No response.

"What's the return policy?" I am told I can get a full refund within 7 days even if they were sharpened.

Now, I realize the kid has probably no say in the pricing or the sale dates. BUT, I know if I were in that situation I would get a manager before we lose a customer and a sale (potentially, if I bring the CCMs back). I am fed up with this store and this attitude that they really don't care if I am happy, buy something, or if I drop dead.

Should I be pissed enough to bring the skates back, or would that make me an a**hole? Am I wrong to think I got mistreated?

Bob

[blues_91 0]

I don't think that's too pricey for the 4.0s, once you add in shipping, sharpening, and baking costs, it works out to around the same thing. However, if he told you the sale would still be on, he should hold his word to it, and give you that price.

[jimmy 194]

That price seems a little high, all 06 models are on sale just about everywhere. Still, you can never compare online SKATE prices with LHS prices. The online prices you see do not include shipping, handling, heat molding, fitting, sharpening or any service, so by the time you add all that in "a-la-carte" you'd be well over $120 anyway, so you still made a good decision to buy from the LHS. Funny, I had a guy call the store today to ask if I'd match a online price on a pair of skates. I said sure, but you get exactly what the online store gives you....nothing. He seemed surprised I wouldn't give him the fitting, sharpening and molding, etc for the online price. Even when I explained that online places don't give that and that's why their prices can be lower, he was still confused.

As for your Missions and what you were quoted, all I can say is that happens when store owners hire young kids on the sales floor. A lot of them just don't care and they will say anything. Talk to the manager or owner, they will probably give you the sale price.

[mccaff 0]

Don't blame the kid too much or get bent out of shape. The skates were a good price for what you get and kids make mistakes. I'll bet if you told the mgr about the Missions, in a nice - non-pissed tone, he'd see it your way and give you the 20 off. My LHS goes out of their way to keep me happy. I still try to buy skates online though and inevitably regret it. Out of ten pairs of skates i've bought my two boys so far, two were online purchases and neither were worthwhile after realizing they weren't a good fit and that I still had to sharpen and bake them.

[Powerfibers 8]

Thank guys for the advice. I guess the $30 difference slowly disappears when you figure ship and sharpen are maybe $20. I guess I'll keep them.

As for the Missions, I think I am going to convert a pair of ice to roller instead.

[TBLfan 25]

shipping would probably be around $15 and first sharpenings usually run $20-30.

[Powerfibers 8]

You guys are very reasonable. I guess my biggest disappointment is that I want to be treated like I am in an LHS but in reality Great Skate is a big box that is local. I hate being treated like dirt when I want to spend money. I know it is not completely intentional, but get someone with a clue to work the floor so they don't drive people away.