Base Hockey brings back the Polar Fibre...The Natural

[RussianPlayer 0]

While I think being hung up on is pretty crappy, you can't fault them for not "giving you a deal" if it means coming off of their stated pricing.

I don't blame them at all. I just would not buy from them after this experience. Thank god they are not FP&L of hockey sticks ;)

[Monty22 835]

I called them today, wanted to order Natural with lie 4 to try. First, the guy told me he wont give me any deal on shipping to US because it's already low. Second he told me he would not get me any deal on the stick because it's the best stick on the market and it's what it is and already low. Then he was trying to put me into the system and I had to repeat my 6 letter last name 4 times during this process he put me on hold twice then the third time after a 4-5 minute hold - they just hung up on me.

This does really make me want to call them back - I think that I can survive without lie 4 stick from Base....

I've never understood the entitlement attitude people have when buying hockey gear. I've seen it first hand working in LHS a few years ago. It's not a tag sale. You don't go into the grocery store and say "what's the best price you can do on these grapes? I buy a lot of food here". Honestly, I'm surprised it took them that long to hang up on you.

[RussianPlayer 0]

I've never understood the entitlement attitude people have when buying hockey gear. I've seen it first hand working in LHS a few years ago. It's not a tag sale. You don't go into the grocery store and say "what's the best price you can do on these grapes? I buy a lot of food here". Honestly, I'm surprised it took them that long to hang up on you.

Well, congratulations on a try to make an insulting post. Your comparison of this situation with "grapes in a grocery" is just perfect and on the point. I don't even know how you were able to come up with it. It's brilliant.

But if we get back to the point. I do not see any problem with me asking if I can get a discount on a product. He said, no and it was clear to me. I was ready to order and try that best stick on the market at retail price, but it did not happen.

[Monty22 835]

I was making more of a general observation, but whatever. You post came off as complaining about being denied a discount, first on shipping, then on the product. It sounds like you didn't come off as a likely customer, hence the lack of motivation to take care of you.

[AIREAYE 248]

It's not an entitlement attitude issue, Monty. There's nothing wrong in attempting to make a deal, if done considerately and reasonably. Negotiating on price is done in almost every type of economical transaction, in every place on Earth since the beginnings of trade in human history.

However, from experience, the situation on the retail side of this industry provides little leeway for price negotiating. Margins are slim, while competition is fierce. Generous sales are being thrown around by everyone with a regular pattern (clearance of old stock, specials, back-to-hockey sales, Holiday sales etc.) every year. There will always be deals. It's also that hockey by nature is an expensive sport, and that it should be expected that those wanting to play be prepared to spend money. Excessive frugality is not in its nature.

Simply put, it's not in the culture to excessively try and haggle. There will always be those who try, but for the most part, the attempt will be met with declination and more often than not, some contempt from the retailer side.

[RussianPlayer 0]

Simply put, it's not in the culture to excessively try and haggle. There will always be those who try, but for the most part, the attempt will be met with declination and more often than not, some contempt from the retailer side.

I did not want to add anything extra, because it's pointless for me. But then decided to throw a line.

In my case- I obviously just got a screwy sales rep for the most part. Which is bad for their business not for me.

My good friend own PAIS. He doesnt handle customers too well, especially when everyone there, NOT only asks for a discount, but excessively haggles.

Good guy. But he's not fit for this type of business too well. This retail business is driven by a customer. You have to learn how to professionally handle any type of customers without losing sales. Even those who are on an excessive side.

I agree it's easier to get pissy and show an attitude than to handle it professionally.

[AIREAYE 248]

I don't think you understood my point. It's not about bad customer service (for the record, I don't know what your exchange sounded like, so I won't comment on whether it was poorly handled or not), but rather, the underlying disapproval of haggling in this industry.

[leer2006 2]

Well I just dealt with Base on ordering a Super Natural for my son. They were curtious and very helpful. The stick arrived on Thursday with their new grip package on it.

It has a normal clear grip at the top and partial polar fiber grip near the bottom where your hand would be when taking slap shots. Plus I must say it is one nice looking stick.

Plus if you really want a Base stick but don't want to deal with a person you can order it yourself right off their website.

[bigmak05 0]

I've popped into the BASE main office in Burnaby a few times to pick up tapered blades, and while their customer service has always been relatively friendly and helpful, I get bothered by the claims they make about EVERY element of their products. I understand they're a small company trying to compete against large established companies, but its a bit off-putting the way the staff are, I assume, trained to interact with their customers. It may be because I'm more familiar with hockey equipment than an everyday customer, but I can't escape the "car salesman" vibe I get from nearly all their staff, unfortunately Ronning included. Still love their product and the customizable element, but I think they would be better off educating their customers without having to resort to unsubstantiated if not ridiculous claims.