Best value chandlery shop

ciaranp · 02 November 2009, 18:23

Whats the best Value Chandlery shop in the uk. Best prices on Electronics especially.

astra · 02 November 2009, 18:27

marine scene in cardiff ,bought a lot a stuff from them allways very helpfull even offered a price match to.

Channel Ribs · 02 November 2009, 19:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by ciaranp

Whats the best Value Chandlery shop in the uk. Best prices on Electronics especially.

There is no such thing. Not really.

Various shops will lure you in with tempting prices, but all businesses have to make a profit on their key lines.

Also bear in mind that marine electronic prices change very frequently, so your best bet is the ones that buy large quantities. Mind you, then the latest technology tends to be over-priced after three months or so.

There are lots and lots of good value chandlers in terms of Good Value, in that they have expertise, range, support and location. But I have a feeling that is not what you are asking for.

JABS · 02 November 2009, 22:24

Depends on what you mean by best value. Cheapest is, i believe, Marine Electronics Superstore (MESLtd) in Bristol.

If you want support on the installation, best value takes on a whole new meaning.

If you have a good technical grasp on the issues, buy at the cheapest price. If not, buy from the supplier who understand what you are trying to achieve.

First time around, I bought Lowrance from the US at super prices and found unbelievable support at Lowrance UK.

Second time around, I bought a supposedly 'better brand' at rock bottom prices in UK and struggled to sort out the install details from either the maufatcurer or the supplier. The manufatcurer was decidedly disinterested, which is possibly why their sare price is down the pan!

You pays your money and takes your chances.

What would I do next time? Well I wouldn't go for the brand that doesn't support it's products!

Tim M · 02 November 2009, 22:32

Marine superstore in Portsmouth - apparently the largest chandlery in the UK. They buy in massive bulk - they sell some stuff cheaper at retail than we can get at trade.

JSP · 04 November 2009, 12:35

allgadgets.co.uk do some good deals.

two stroke mick · 04 November 2009, 14:07

A lot of the time you get the service that you pay for. Last year I had a problem with a chart plotter. Malthouse sorted it out for me no problems . Thus I would go to Malthouse if I was in the market for some goods

TSM

Downhilldai · 04 November 2009, 19:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by two stroke mick

... I would go to Malthouse if I was in the market for some goods

Me too

JSP · 04 November 2009, 19:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by two stroke mick

A lot of the time you get the service that you pay for. Last year I had a problem with a chart plotter. Malthouse sorted it out for me no problems . Thus I would go to Malthouse if I was in the market for some goods

TSM

I've never had the pleasure of buying from Malthouse yet. But I hope to. I know going from his posts on this forum he seems a very knowledgeable and nice guy.

jambo · 04 November 2009, 21:59

I buy most of my stuff from internet of mail order. I am also a great believer in supporting Ribnet memebers and supporters when I can as I think they give their advice freely to all the members.
Malthouse do you have a website?
J

JSP · 04 November 2009, 22:03

http://www.alderneymarine.com/

Dirk Diggler · 05 November 2009, 10:30

As this season hasn't been the best for marine outlets, I'd wait till the London Boat Show to make a purchase, coz there's going to be some bargains.

Downhilldai · 05 November 2009, 13:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirk Diggler

As this season hasn't been the best for marine outlets, I'd wait till the London Boat Show to make a purchase, coz there's going to be some bargains.

I similarly expected to see some knock-down prices at Southampton, but everything i looked at was quite highly priced

Channel Ribs · 05 November 2009, 13:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

I similarly expected to see some knock-down prices at Southampton, but everything i looked at was quite highly priced

Tis a tricky one, most of the retailers are in need of sales but 90% of the manufacturers have put their prices up so there is a lot less scope to do good deals.

Some price reductions are just starting to filter through now so hopefully the London Show will be bargain friendly.

chewy · 05 November 2009, 15:46

Got my hand held VHF from Mike at Allgadgets and his was the cheapest on the net.

codprawn · 06 November 2009, 03:28

Allgadgets and Malthouse are great.

Beware of MES/CACTUS who are the same company - my experience with them was horrendous and they tried to take me to court over a problem THEY had caused!!!

They don't seem to understand that keeping customers happy means repeat business................