How did a simple posting about a pontoon boat for sale at Costco
turn into a big-box retailer bashing session? Is it a full moon or are
people going stir-crazy from not fishing? I think some of you just need to
get out fishing more... that helps me stay somewhat sane... although you
may not think so after this posting... :-)
First, I didn't even buy the pontoon boat at Costco, I was just
looking (didn't inhale). :-) It looked like a good deal so I thought I'd
pass along the information for some of those on the list who might be
looking for a starter pontoon boat for lake fishing. Pity the poor fellow
who actually buys one and shows up on Lenice with it, given some of the
comments on this list; is it any wonder that fly fishermen sometimes get a
reputation for being "elitist?" I certainly believe in supporting our local
fly shops that provide good service, information and tips, and my Quicken
register would provide ample proof that I do support several of my favorite
fly shops in the area, like the Puget Sound Fly Company shop in Midway and
Creekside Angling in Issaquah and the Logan Lake Fly Shop in BC. However,
is there anyone on the list who isn't interested in good bargains from time
to time? He who is without sin, cast the first stone...
Second, I happen to like shopping at Costco for both price and
quality on lots of things. Why bash Costco and other big-box retailers just
because they do their best to keep prices down for customers? No one is
forced to sell through Costco, and I know a guy who has become quite wealthy
selling through Costco. If you don't like Costco's policies, then sell
through someone else. This is a free market, for heaven's sake! Are we
socialists or capitalists?
Third, I agree with Vladimir that "gas is gas." I don't get any
more service, information or tips at Shell than at Costco, so for me, gas is
a commodity. I use Costco gas, Safeway gas and other low-cost gas and I've
put over 232,000 miles on my car without having to do anything to the fuel
injectors or engine. I've yet to see any scientific evidence that using
Costco gas will cost me more in auto repair bills. Bad gas can be found at
most any gas station from time to time due to contamination or whatever; I
am skeptical that the brand has anything to do with whether my car repair
bills with be higher or lower.
Well, that's my piece for today... I do not currently own stock in
Costco, so there is no hidden agenda for defending Costco in my posting. I
just don't understand what's behind all this Costco bashing... I think I'd
better go fishing...
Tight lines!
Rex
