[FISH11]

Is this some kind of pissing contest. From my experience the recommendations of OEX or Andy are because of personal experience with customer service and not some special discount. First of all, as a New customer no one is entitled to some special discount that is what repeat bussiness gets you. The main thing I see is the pricing on Hobie Kayaks and gear is pretty much like Apple products, same price at all retail stores due to them controlling who will get inventory. I someone sells for less they won't get many more to sell. That is why the price tends to be the same or very close. It's all the accessories you buy where the shop has a little room to bargain. Even friends of mine who claim to have a personal friendship with one of the local Hobie dealership owners have not gotten as great a discount on the main item (Kayak) as they like to think. they got a break on other things. It seems people always like to brag "I know a guy". I think it's because it makes them feel better or smarter. Buy from who ever you want it's your money, but I don't think you will get any better customer service in all areas especially when it comes to fishing tips and gear than you will from Andy, CJ or most guys working from OEX. Lately there have been some posts of people having problems with their Hobie drive assemblies after supposedly having them gone through at a speciffic dealership. When the same kind of story is posted by different people it makes me question the technical ability of their service dept. That's my $.02, you can do what you want with your thousands.