This review is for the outstanding customer service provided by Leparish at the Alameda West Marine location. I was trying to place an order for my employer online, and the order kept getting rejected for some unknown reason. When I tried calling the corporate customer service number, the message informed me there is no help available over the phone, and to use their chat feature instead. I tried the chat feature, and the agent told me to try the transaction again. I did, and again the order did not process successfully. I thought I'd try my luck with speaking with someone at the local store, so I called the Alameda location and was lucky enough to get Leparish on the phone. He diligently worked on troubleshooting with me, confirmed there was indeed some issue with the payment processing, and instead of waiting on corporate to hopefully resolve it, he went ahead and packed up the items I needed right there at the store himself, and scheduled a shipment to my employer. He made sure I had all the pertinent order information I needed in my inbox before I got off the phone. He was helpful, patient, and courteous. Customer service like this is a rarity these days. Huge kudos to Leparish, thank you so much for your help in resolving a frustrating situation. This is what great service looks like. West Marine, fix your ordering issues, and give this man a raise! read more

Customer service is always great! Only issue is items are a little pricey compared to competitors. Tip, look for their online sales! read more

Excellent customer service! My grandson is learning how to fish. His reel needed more line. We were referred to West Marine. They quickly changed out his reel and gave him pointers on where to fish. Here's where the story gets better: That afternoon my grandson tried to cast and his line became a complete tangle. We went back to West Marine and were helped once again by Thai. He proceeded to very patiently untangle and restring the line. He tested it and once again gave my grandson instructions on how to prevent line tangles, how to fix, how to do test drops. I am truly thankful and impressed by how well we were treated at West Marine. Thank you Thai for your outstanding customer service. read more

Fast, friendly service. Great products and variety. My first time to this location today and it was a pleasant overall experience. My brother loves this spot. Always coming here for sailboat stuff - therefore I knew this place existed and when I had a project that required high quality rope that was resistant to sun I knew the best possible place to go. People working here were quick to jump into action to help me. Wasn't exactly sure what type of rope to pick since there was endless variety and had some help with that. Got the rope cut to length and even had the ends fixed so that they don't fray. They've got a neat little deal for doing that including a tiny vent fan. Very impressive. Project went well and I am very confident I got the best material possible to get the job done right. read more

West Marine - New rope - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Alameda, California

Excellent customer service! A wide variety of items to select from! High quality performance ocean gear at a very reasonable price. Located 100 yards from the bay! Go buy a boat and walk to the water! This brand upholds a strong standard of excellence! Stop in, you're sure to have a blast! read more

Worst LOCATION imaginable...!!!!....located on the FAR side of the tiny two-lane-congested-street...!!!. Island Town of Alameda, CA.​..!!!!...Where ALL traffic lights are out-of-phase-with-one-another..!!!...THAT IS THE PRIMARY COMPLAINT.....but also, Return North to I-80 after crossing the High Street Bridge is UNSIGNED and virtually impossible....by seat-of-pants driving. Finally...the store was Out-Of-stock of common boat-deck (cam cleet) hardware. The only alternate BAY AREA West Marine outlet is over in Sauselito ... !!! .... ??? ... !!! ... ??? read more

When I am in a pinch west marine always has what I need Sales are not bad too! Love looking thru the isles. read more

People are pleasant, store was stocked with everything we needed. Only reason I gave it 4 stars and not 5 was because when purchasing my item it said it was on sale but didn't ring up with sale price, so took about 10 extra minutes to get that figured out, Not that big of a deal but having a big family and kids at checkout is stressful when they are touching everything and want to leave. read more

Never have any of the boating repair parts in stock. Why bother. I can order from Amazon and get it without leaving my house!

Their salesperson name Paul is a disaster for this store. He is the worst salesperson I've ever seen in my life. Any question you ask him, he would mock you first before he gives you the answers. This was my third time ran to this guy and saw a ridiculous customer service. I would never go there again. Lastly to those who hired him: I see so many bad reviews for your store and 99% is the service Paul provides to your customers, he is the downside to your P&L I clearly see that. read more

Went last saturday to pick up a marine battery....asked the employee where to find them and she told me on aisle 8'ish ...they were'nt on aisle 8 ...but on a end cap ...I stood there for several minutes cause I was'nt sure which one to get ...two employees pretty much right next to me and never acknowledged me ...there were 3 customers total in the store...terrible service. Walked out and spent my money at Oreilly's. That said they have a very nice store with a great assortment of boating accessories,clothing,tackle,coolers,etc. I'll wait a while and try again ...out of the gate not great, read more

I wouldn't shop here if I was a bank fisherman. They never have much besides a good variety of hooks. Everything is super expensive even compared to local bait shops. There's a Chicano that works there in the fishing department about 30 ish, He is hella arrogant with a bad ego to him... and I'm Chicano myself. I prefer the local bait shop on 14th ave in Oakland. Cheaper and more stuff read more

I came here to buy some fishing gear, as many other local bait shops are unfortunately closed during COVID-19. This West Marine location had a great selection of fishing gear, including frozen bait (both bagged and tray), lures, and various other tackle. Prices were very reasonable for bagged bait ($5). Clean store. They limit the number of customers that can be in the store at once during social distancing but I didn't have to wait at all coming in around 3pm on a Friday. read more

Very clean, spacious and had just about everything i was looking for! Dropped in just before the grand opening just to see what all the hype was about and surprisingly this place is like Walmart for boats/kayaks. Ive actually never seen a store dedicated to on-water activities at this size, they had anything from boat batteries, fish finders, lures, kayaks, ect. I ended up spending a lot more then i came here for thanks to google. My only complaint is that they train their staff working here just in case a customer has a question that could determine the sale. I asked a question about batteries to the store clerk and responded "I'm not sure, sorry" and walked off, almost as if he was avoiding the conversation. Because of that interaction i decided to buy from dicks. This place is still brand new so i wont grade them to harsh and i will be back in the future. read more

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What happened to West Marine. The staff is openly hostile to customers. The clerk, whose name was unreadable due to the badge being printed upside-down, was rude from the moment I walked in. Many businesses are having a hard time finding employees right now but how hard is it for a person to be nice when they're taking your money? There used to be 3 West Marine stores in Alameda. Now there's only one. Can the company really afford to hire In-n-Out rejects? From now on I'll do my shopping for marine supplies at Swenson's Marine. Swenson's has much more stock, knowledgeable staff, and people that understand the term customer service. read more

I feel like I gotta give some props to my man Paul. Sure, he may not be the grizzled old veteran who knows it all. You know how you get there? Putting in the work. He's been friendly and helpful every time I visited, as have the rest of the staff. read more

I received a call from West Marine corporate, about my experience. Their employee told me they were sorry for the incident. They asked and fully listened to my experience at their store. I do believe that how I was treated is not in alignment to how West Marine wants to treat their customers. I also feel that some of what the clerk said to me is not West Marine policy. It was a bad in-store experience. After my conversations with WM corporate I felt that West Marine, as a larger organization wants to treat their customers well. They went out of their way to make it right. I am grateful that they reached out and took the time to amend a bad situation and turn it around. I am not sure what happened at the store? I do hope that my local store will reflect the larger WM corporate culture next time I attempt a visit. THANK YOU! read more

Fair enough for fishing tackle a lot of very nice gear at seriously high retail prices. The staff is polite, knows their business and are very helpfull. I'm disabled and they went out of their way to make me comfortable and make sure I got what I wanted. Premium quality gear, premium quality service. Premium quality prices too. Would I go back? In an emergency otherwise there are cheaper places. read more

Terrible service. I bought a battery here a few months back. The battery went dead for some reason and wouldn't take a charge. I brought the battery back to have it looked at. The store did not have a charger to test the battery ?!? Okay... I asked the guys what they recommend I do ? Buy a new one they tell me. Hold on buddy. I'm not buying a new one until I find out what is wrong w the current one. The guy tells me to hold on while he helps another customer. Leaves me hanging for 15 mins and forgets about me. Took the battery and my business somewhere else. Don't shop here if you have questions that actually require thinking. read more

I was silly to think that my only expense was getting a boat. Accessories are expensive!! West Marine is not a place I typically go to just browse and check out stuff ... but when I'm on a mission and looking for Goldspar varnish - 1 part polyurethane, I can count on this place to have it. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful and I walked away with all the stuff I need to refinish my paddle. Prices are probably more expensive here than what you'd find at home depot (for paint brushes, sand paper, hoses etc) ... but afterall, this is a water enthusiasts store - so you come here looking for something specific. read more

I placed an order with West Marine for a $900 hatch, received some faulty info re hatch specs from phone rep, tried to cancel a few hrs later, West Marine wouldn't cancel, even though the hatch wouldn't ship for another 24 hrs and the charge didn't take place for 48 hrs. It was one order among a few in May of 2021, I definitely got a sense that West Marine's customer service adopts a "West Marine is always right" view. And the people answering the phones were definitely not boat knowledgeable. I'll take my business elsewhere in the future. read more

I've had two bad experiences now and I will not be going back. I own a 41' boat and from now on will be buying everything at Svendsens Marine in Alameda. I just bought two new batteries for my motor yacht and the knowledge and customer service was on a whole nother level. Don't waste your time at West Marine. First visit I called ahead to make sure they had the item I wanted. Person assured me it was there. When I arrived this person took me to the item but it wasn't what I was actually looking for. This is what happens when you have people working at a marine store that know nothing about boats or life on the water. Second time I was in for a minor purchase, I asked the cashier how his day was going and he didn't even bother responding and was rude to me the rest of the transaction. read more

First time at this particular West marine store. Very pleased with the service. From the moment I walked in the door needing a cart to the moment that I walked out with everything that I needed either ordered or purchased. Tim was very helpful and made sure I had everything I needed before I left. Allan gave me great information regarding a fire extinguisher that I have. Pleasant experience read more

Not happy with this guy, especially the salesman name Paul... this guy doesn't know what he is doing.... He is an embarrassment to the store..,, read more

Nice marine supply store. Have a good selection, and it's always fun just to browse. Not too sure about the prices because I don't have much to compare it to. read more

Honestly no stars if I had an option . Walked in and nobody asked if I needed help . They only helped the men's out not once did they notice me read more

Terrible customer service. Older tall guy with grey hair and beard. This last weekend he was a total jerk. As I was checking out with my six feet of chain ($45 worth, so the good stuff) I asked if I could return it if it didn't suit my needs. He says no, nothing cut can be returned. I explained that if I had known that before I would have asked for eight feet. He stares at me, and without saying a word continues to ring me up. I say, "Well it seems as if I just wasted $45." He CONTINUES to ring me up. Appropriate response: Would you like to get eight feet instead? (This way they still get to make a sale of eight feet of expensive chain and I get what I need.) But no, without a word he completes the transaction and I walk out unsatisfied. read more

My beloved Patagonia Sailing jacket of the last 25 years finally petered out. It was just plain worn out after having been repaired several times. It was the best sailing jacket available being ocean gortex and amazing - I spent $600 on it 25 years ago and it was worth every penny. Sadly Patagonia stopped making sailing gear about 20 years ago and since I'm an XXL it was very hard to find anything equal. After checking on line I found that West Marine had an excellent web site which clearly explained what this technical gear did. I came to find just what I needed and the web site even told me which store had what I needed. I then called the Alameda store and they held it for me. Linda was amazing when I came in she had the coat at the register and let me tinker with it - it is all my old jacket was in a 2017 modern version - not to mention it was on sale too! I was amazed with the heads up spot on customer service. Frankly I could not be more pleased with the quality of the goods and staff. When it comes to the store it has absolutely everything a sailor needs in one place bright, well organized and well stocked. I was especially impressed with their rigging service they had spools of every type of rope and cable imaginable along with a truck to go out and service your rigging needs. I felt like I was in Disneyland at the store it had so many interesting and necessary supplies any sailor would be amazed and all in one spot. Alameda is a natural place for such a store with all of the boats moored there or nearby and the store is one of the best stocked I've ever seen. If you follow my feeds I seldom give five stars to anyone as this day in age customer service is a lost art. I am very pleased to give the staff of the Alameda West Marine five stars for a great shopping experience. So why did I pay $350 for a sailing jacket - it was just what I needed, it will last a long time and it was worth $500. So, I got a great deal too... read more

The store is specific to boats. They have a few kayaks. But most of the items are for fishing, clothes for wet environments, lots of navigation systems, radios, and speakers. read more

Very friendly and knowledgeable crew at West Marine. The staff is always willing to help you with your fishing or sailing needs. The store is located in a convenient location with lots of parking. I highly recommend West Marine in Alameda. read more

It has been raining quite a bit the end of this February and I had to do some field work. Getting wet is not fun so I went to West Marine to select a jacket that could withstand the wind and rain. My partner in crime had selected the brand of jacket called Gill that could withstand the outside elements of wind and rain, this was not your typical North face jacket. I went in and I must have of tried on 10 different jackets and selected an off white with black patches on it. Breathable, waterproof and windproof it can withstand the elements. It was not inexpensive (over $175.00) but for it's purpose I think it is worth every penny and will last many years. Ina the sales associate was very helpful and knowledgeable. West Marine has great selection of boats accessories for your sail boat or power boat plus top-siders, wind proof jackets, hats and such. You don't want to be on a boat with your plaid shorts and Vans. This store is spacious and the staff is very helpful. As I save up for my Boston Whaler boat I will definitely keep West Marine in mind. read more

Today was my first time visiting this store, i have never felt so profiled and flat out disrespected. I only came in to see what the store had to offer for a avid fisher like myself and I ended up being stared at down each aisle while the store was empty. And as I continued to walk farther away to evade this workers gaze he continued to follow and position him self feet away from me , after I stated I needed no help. Im very tired of good brands being tarnished by individual employees. I hope this issue is addressed. November 14th 7:45 pm read more

Decided to get new sailing shoes and a PFD. Stumbled in here and was rather quiet but the staff were super friendly and helpful. The staff helped me with my choices for the PFD and recommended a decent priced one. Shoes were on sale so I'm a happy customer. I asked about their return or exchange policy and they simply replied "It's a no hassle return policy. If you are unhappy, we are unhappy." Good customer service. :) Minus 1 star since the one staff struggled for a long time (my bf said it took 30 mins) to resolve the register purchases. They forgot to include a $20 voucher and then he was trying to correct the rectify until his manager came to his aid. read more

Needed new boots and women's overalls with drop seat. Not one person helped me. Not even a hello. Damn! Going to shop elsewhere read more

West Marine - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Alameda, California

Ok, I was upset for awhile, but my wife set me straight about this place. We were shopping for a TomTom 910 and they had it the cheapest anywhere. Even cheaper anywhere online. Anyway what happened was they were out of it and needed it to be delivered from another store. We had to purchase it and they gave us a receipt. It was late in arrival because the driver was off that day. I kind of got pissed at that because we had a $380 piece of paper and a driver that was off that day. Anyway, we got it the next day and I'm pretty happy with it. I wanted to give them a three but my wife said that every time she walked in they recognized her and almost tripped over themselves trying to help her out. I wondered why they didn't even bother letting us know the status but it seems that my wife miscommunicated that we were due to have our son on that Sunday. They thought we were "having" a baby that Sunday so they had a note that said do not disturb until Thursday. Sure was nice for them to do that. I'd give them a 4 1/2 if I could. My wife had said that because of the service, makes her want to buy a boat so that she can go back in there. read more

Well organized store, good inventory, complete rigging shop and exceptional customer service. Entire staff is knowledgeable and helpful. Neal helped me collect some fishing gear for sailing down the coast and Bob helped me with various product questions and suggestions. They go beyond what I consider a normal customer service role. read more

So tired of the prices at West Marine. Go online and order on Amazon. So expensive it blows my mind.

Rigger guy is the "no way" type. I tried to get a solution from him no one but more than 10 times! The guy is unbelievable!! He has 10 problems with any possible solution! Zero customer skills! I don't know why he never tried to work something easy around. After mumble a "thanks" I headed to Blue Pelican. 20 minutes later I got THE perfect solution for $40 bucks and back at the boat happy as a clamp!! I would never, ever tried to push any rigging stuff from West Marine Alameda!! Better chop my head at Hansen or Svendsen. read more

They don't accept cash. Commuted 30 min just to be turned down to purchase their wares. Corporate decision. So basically I feed needy people for these hard times right now but these guys can't accept cash. So pissed. They say it's a safety issue. Like they can't implement an HAACP to carry on like a normal business. First place I've encountered that won't take cash. read more

Terrible Leaving this 1 star for the West Marine in Alameda. Otherwise, the service I have experience at the Pittsburg locations have much more competent staff and workers. In a nutshell, I needed an item that was to be ordered over the phone to be delivered to the store next day in Alameda. Because the item is in stock at their warehouse, it is possible to get it next day, however, you must order by 4pm the prior day. The person on the phone ( who I won't name or publicly shame) takes about 10 minutes to get all my information and proceeds to tell me that we missed the cutoff and would be delivered to the store on the 2nd day. I told him that I really needed it by the next day because I will be leaving on a trip on the 2nd day at 6am. He then asks me if I would be leaving at 6 in the morning or evening? Umm....last I checked AM means morning! He then tells me that the earliest would be the 2nd day since we missed the cutoff time to order. Frustrated at this point, I told him never mind and called back over to the Pittsburg/Antioch store. The very nice lady apologized for the service I encountered, took my order and said it will be there ( in the Pittsburg store) the next day - usually late morning, early afternoon. Keep in mind that this is now about 10 minutes bast the 4pm cutoff time and she was still able to confirm it will be there. From her explanation, the warehouse makes all of these orders to their bay area locations daily so it could have made it to the Alameda store next day. You just have to ask the warehouse and driver to make it happen. I literally live 1 block away from the West Marine Alameda and would have liked to give them the business, being local and not having to drive up to Pittsburg/Antioch but hey, we do what we have to do. It just seemed to go against everything what customer support or customer success should be about. Pittsburg exemplified this, Alameda, not so much. Weak.... read more