This is important read for all trolling motor searchers looking to put a motor on your kayak like I am. I’m still in shock at my recent communication with BassYaks. Maybe I was off base but I struggle to see where I went wrong. If you are thinking about a BassYak system (I think it is probably a good package & many of you can probably attest) you really should read this to understand a bit more about the company/owner before you buy from them. This communication string was so strange to me that I can't help but post it on some forums. Maybe some enterprising individual will see an opportunity to get some serious competition out there to BassYaks.
I was really interested (in fact one phone call away from spending $1300+) but now cannot do so, as you will see. Probably was meant to be. Please let me know if I’m unreasonable or where I went wrong. Did I actually deserve this response?
Sequence of emails:
Reason for initiating this email chain: I found a price from a BassYak dealer that was about $100 cheaper than the same system directly from BassYak.
Me to BassYak: ”My desired is to buy straight from the guy who makes these kayak motors (you) but for some reason your price is higher than one of your dealers by $118 for what appears to be the exact same system as listed below. Does your system include some upgrades like better handles to replace the rear one removed, 3 blade prop (as you mention below), cable clam vents on the rear deck (like shown in your picture) and/or something else? Shipping difference is only about $14 out of the $118. Don't mind the difference if I feel I'm getting something for the extra $100. Can you help me understand? I'm looking for the system I listed below but with the 45# version per your recommendation below for $20 more. Thanks Brian”
BassYak to me: “Who the dealer?”
Inserted Note to forum: I understand that some retail items are supposed to be all sold at suggested retail price but thought maybe direct purchase & an extra $100 was going to get me something extra.
Me to BassYak: “I'm not getting in the middle of this. Does the kit come with these rear replacement handles & attachments?” (Several other purchase clarifications) “Does this look correct? If your system matches the pictures above please let me know when is best time to call and order. Thanks”
BassYak to me: “As of right now my dealers have been told not to sell to you”
Me to BassYak: “What the heck just happened? I'm was planning to buy from you and not the dealer. Did not actually read my email above? Just shared with you a pricing situation and trying to understand if i was getting a better package from you for the money. Not trying to game you in anyway. Now you are treating me like I did you wrong because I won't squeal on one of your dealers. I just tried to call your web phone number to see if we could discuss as adults. Still would like your system but now not sure if you can trust me as much as I need to trust you. I really meant no harm, honest.”
BassYak to me: “I asked you a simple question and you decieded to play games”
Me to BassYak: “When someone is very helpful and treats you nice you may not feel any obligation to reciprocate but I do, and will not simply throw them under the bus. I was very respectful with you and this is how you treat me? You have Internet skills but you expect a potential customer to squeal on one of your dealers when you have access to the same Internet pricing information that I have. I did not come to a secret pricing agreement with this dealer. I just picked the options and added it up. Why are you treating me this way? “
BassYak to me: “Tomorrow all of my dealers will get an email not to sell to you.
LOOK ELSEWHERE YOU WON'T BE IN ONE OF MY BOATS.
That dealer was going to get your sale, but now I'll pay him not to sell to you.”
WOW! I really didn’t leave out any incriminating details. Was hoping for a way to resolve this but now, based on the responses, even if this could be resolved I couldn’t trust getting a 100% system from him at the end of the day. I'm afraid something stressful is going on at the store. So… off to alternative solutions.