I won't ever buy anything from Metro Swim Shop and I really hope that no one has to go through what I went through. I ordered a swim parka on-line from them and they canceled my order for no apperant reason. After talking to rude customer service and having them told me that my order had been cancel, I ordered another one from swim200 shop. It was great. Three weeks later I got a parka from Metro Swim shop and also find out that they charge my credit card twice. Now I am stuck with two parkas and a bunch of extra charge on my credit card and clueless customer service people on the phone.
Did anyone here order from them before? Do you also know a good website to order swimming things??
Yes, as tempting as it is to order from your computer, a good local swim shop is vastly superior. I have had great luck with Kiefer and Kast-A-Way in the past, both top shelf operations.
Vastly superior? If you're buying a commodity item, like most swimming stuff, I see no reason to drive to a store, spend money on gas, and pay higher prices. Lane 4 in Austin is a nice place, well stocked, but they are more expensive in store than they are online. A 10 mile drive each way is $4 of gas.
Since I'm at the pool with the swim shop about 10 times a week there is no cost, plus I'm supporting the swim program and a local merchant.
Pretty sure Metro is where we get parkas and backpacks from. Never any issues. Hopefully an isolated incident. I suggest calling and talking to management, perhaps even getting this thread scrubbed. No sense in giving bad publicity until every option has been exercised.
Yes, as tempting as it is to order from your computer, a good local swim shop is vastly superior. I have had great luck with Kiefer and Kast-A-Way in the past, both top shelf operations.
Vastly superior? If you're buying a commodity item, like most swimming stuff, I see no reason to drive to a store, spend money on gas, and pay higher prices. Lane 4 in Austin is a nice place, well stocked, but they are more expensive in store than they are online. A 10 mile drive each way is $4 of gas.
Vastly superior? If you're buying a commodity item, like most swimming stuff, I see no reason to drive to a store, spend money on gas, and pay higher prices. Lane 4 in Austin is a nice place, well stocked, but they are more expensive in store than they are online. A 10 mile drive each way is $4 of gas.
I try to avoid buying from online shops myself. I've had good luck with Kast-a-Way, but very bad luck with some others -- one charged my credit card for a pair of "prescription" goggles, that were on "indefinite back order" and never sent, after I cancelled the order. When I tried to get a refund, they said I had to talk to the manager who was always "out" and never returned calls (MasterCard reversed the charge, though). Fortunately, I found out that Paragon, which is just a couple of subway stops away, carries the goggles I need and I can get my swim suits at a store just a couple of blocks from me.
I would much rather buy from a local store where I can actually see what I'm buying and take it away myself. Most online shops are probably good, but you don't know which aren't until it's too late.
Vastly superior? If you're buying a commodity item, like most swimming stuff, I see no reason to drive to a store, spend money on gas, and pay higher prices. Lane 4 in Austin is a nice place, well stocked, but they are more expensive in store than they are online. A 10 mile drive each way is $4 of gas.
Sure, gas is an issue these days. The store by me is owned by a local family who coaches and supports youth swimming programs (the dad was a coach from another local team when I was a kid and still coaches there today and his kids coach and swim). When I have a question about a product/brand, they can answer it from the viewpoint of what works for their swimmers and the local swim teams. They have a twice yearly blow-out sale where I can stock up on the basics. And, best of all, they're really, really nice.
I would much prefer to support independent stores who give back to my community with my money. It's a personal choice.
It's a personal choice.
Yes - this is the key point. I don't like to drive to shop if I can help it. That means just about everything - not just swimming stuff. And if I just need another pair of Vanquisher goggles or a pull buoy I'll just order it.
If I need to try a new pair of goggles I will try them on - and if I find a pair I like I'll buy them there (at the local store).
Sure, gas is an issue these days. The store by me is owned by a local family who coaches and supports youth swimming programs (the dad was a coach from another local team when I was a kid and still coaches there today and his kids coach and swim)...I would much prefer to support independent stores who give back to my community with my money. It's a personal choice.
I shop at Swimco for much the same reason - they sponsor meets and open water swims. Mind you, all I ever buy are goggles, so they aren't exactly getting rich from me, but it's the principle.
