Oversold stories (was) RE: [at-l] Goretex - a scam?

[nealb at midlandstech.edu (William Neal)]

((This is going out in two replies since I am interested in two threads.))

I have never thought I was the only one who got "scammed".  I included the
story just as an example -- mainly for newbies, wantabes, lurkers, etc.

Now, besides my story and Jim and Ginny's, what other "oversold" stories are
out there?  Why was it an oversold?  Was it at a real backpacker store or
one of those discount wantabes?  This is the kind of thread that I am
looking for.

William, The 1,000 mile extenstion cord Turtle

PS	I had someone try and sell something that I have forgotten what it
was.  He was going on about how great it was and how many people bought it
and loved it.  

The store sold lots of outdoor stuff (camping, running, etc.) and had great
prices.  And was handy for my shopping that day and that near my take-off
date.  So I was prepared to buy a lot.  And even to replace a couple of
high-ticket items.

I had mentioned that I was hiking the AT.  Then this person tried selling me
either a stove or a light or something that a state park or commercial
camper might find handy  -- it was electrical.  I already knew it was a
wash-out, but a nice couple pipped up and said "But he'll need to go across
the parking lot to ACE and get a 1,000 mile extension cord."  

All three of us ended up laughing and the salesperson stood there as if they
did not know why.  Some are just greedy, and some are clueless.  I think
this person was an ethusiastic clueless.  Either one is a danger to your
pocketbook.  

Since then, I have never bought on first sight.  Even if it is a "Today
only" special sale!  Better to spend a bit more later than to end up with a
down filled sleeping bag with built-in heater and air conditioning and
vanilla scenting that requires a 1,000 mile extension cord that is ON SALE
TODAY ONLY!

-----Original Message-----
From: Jim and/or Ginny Owen [mailto:spiriteagle99@hotmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 13, 2003 3:43 AM
To: nealb@midlandstech.edu; at-l@mailman.backcountry.net
Subject: [at-l] Goretex - a scam?


William wrote:
>Sort of like the Emperor's clothes?
>
>QUERY: What other BRAND NAME items do y'all consider Emperor's clothes?
>
>Speaking of which: When I planned my AT hike, I was sold some junk from a
>pretty reputable store.  Turns out the sales person was a relative of the
>family who owned that outdoor store and several other retail businesses.
>
>One of the junkers was a multi-task knife.  I sent it home at Suches.  Used
>a couple of GI can openers that a trail-magic friend gave me.  And a
>plain-jane big knife: I think it was my pig-sticker knife or an old
>butcher's knife.  Did better than the big fancy brand name knife.  And
>handled more chores than the brand name would have.


Yep - so do you think you're alone?  Go read Trailjournals - one of the guys

wrote about how he had to completely re-equip at Neels Gap because of the 
HEAVY crap that his local outfitter had sold him.  One of my partners in '92

did the same thing.  A LOT of people have been caught the same way - that's 
one of the major reasons why Walasi-yi has survived all these years.

LOL!!!  A few years ago Ginny and I were in a large outfitters store in 
Tucson and the manager was trying to sell an 8# tent to a customer on the 
theory that if he split it with his wife, it was "only" 4# each.  He about 
had a cow when Ginny and I interfered with his sale, telling the customer 
that a 4# tent would equate to 2# each if they split the load - and he could

carry it himself if he were alone.  Duh.

We've spoiled more than one sale like that.  But not everyone gets the idea 
that lighter is better.  Some people, including too many outfitter 
personnel, still think the 70# pack is "necessary."

Walk softly - and lightly,
Jim

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