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Ski shop questions?

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Kbob94
Posts: 1286 - Karma: 8,183
What up NS? So if y'all have some time to give you input that would be greatly appreciated. My question for you is: What in your mind makes up a good ski shop? Is it the employees, the inventory, the brands they carry etc? Do you think there are brand that are a must carry at a local shop, if so what are they? Thank you in advance
May 12 2017 7:20AM
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freestyler540
Posts: 13122 - Karma: 19,189
A ski shop has to be the center of a community; you dont just go there to buy something, you are there to get beta, maps, friends and employees that truly love that community.

Most shops are there to enrich the owner...they cant give 2 shits about a customer, they just want your money. Some try to appeal to the demographic... ski shops for the racing scene is an example. No one races, but will always push the idea that racing=best performance.

I guess you should ask yourself; What do you want from a shop?
May 12 2017 8:47AM
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anders_dahl
Posts: 22 - Karma: 26
what i would like too see in a shop is quality, affordability and of course accessibility.
May 12 2017 9:31AM
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Session
Posts: 5397 - Karma: 22,412
A good ski shop should first and foremost have 2 things. At least one bootfitter. and I mean a REAL bootfitter that will spend hours with you getting you in just the right fit. And an amazing shop that can fix the most ridiculous base/edge damage.

Give me these 2 things and you have my business.
May 12 2017 10:45AM
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BrawnTrends
Posts: 1102 - Karma: 2,439
SessionA good ski shop should first and foremost have 2 things. At least one bootfitter. and I mean a REAL bootfitter that will spend hours with you getting you in just the right fit. And an amazing shop that can fix the most ridiculous base/edge damage.

Give me these 2 things and you have my business.


Add knowledgeable employees in the sales/rental department, too. People who can give you proper advice if need be.

I remember going to a big ski shop in my home resort and asking (out of pure curiosity) what freestyle/park skis around 90mm they had for rent. The guy looked at me like I was a crazy fool and said "huhhhh... 90mm underfoot is considered freeride, not freestyle, buddy".

I left and never went back.
May 12 2017 11:03AM
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,992
A good smi shop has EMPLOYEES THAT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING and have tons of legitimate experience in working AND SKIING. This means they will carry the things that people NEED, not a bunch of placebo crap that people think they need, so basically anything that has the word "race" on it.
May 12 2017 11:18AM
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Session
Posts: 5397 - Karma: 22,412
BrawnTrendsAdd knowledgeable employees in the sales/rental department, too. People who can give you proper advice if need be.

I remember going to a big ski shop in my home resort and asking (out of pure curiosity) what freestyle/park skis around 90mm they had for rent. The guy looked at me like I was a crazy fool and said "huhhhh... 90mm underfoot is considered freeride, not freestyle, buddy".

I left and never went back.



I guess. For me when it comes to equipment, I don't want to hear the floor monkey's opinion on what they think I should get. I know what I'm looking for. However at this point I don't buy skis's or outerwear from shops.
May 12 2017 11:27AM
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Kbob94
Posts: 1286 - Karma: 8,183
The referenced post has been removed.


You nailed it on the head! Thank you ever one for you input so far I'm really appreciating it a lot.
May 12 2017 12:27PM
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BrawnTrends
Posts: 1102 - Karma: 2,439
SessionI guess. For me when it comes to equipment, I don't want to hear the floor monkey's opinion on what they think I should get. .


Even for boots?
May 12 2017 1:45PM
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SkiaNZ
Posts: 125 - Karma: 301
You'll need friendly, knowledgeable and helpful employees and a good bootfitter.
May 12 2017 3:00PM
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Session
Posts: 5397 - Karma: 22,412
BrawnTrendsEven for boots?


I already covered that part.....I differentiate between bootfitter and floor monkey.
May 12 2017 3:15PM
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dwt802
Posts: 3264 - Karma: 32,183
A good shop for me has employees that are helpful, and care about your needs, that don't just want to steal your money. People that actually ski and know what they're talking about and can advise you.
May 13 2017 10:54AM
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brett_fisher
Posts: 2419 - Karma: 10,503
i kinda grew to hate ski shops .my hometown everyone that worked there was a dumb ass and 13 year old me had more knowledge of ski gear then most of them . they were all dicks and fucked up my mounts on a couple pairs of ski ,along with my Friends skis . I would only go in to get mounts and only if my friend was working .

but i think a good vibe/environment is important along with knowledge able people .
May 13 2017 8:50PM
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JoeC92
Posts: 516 - Karma: 1,299
Honestly, TheSkiMonster in Boston has the BEST inventory, people, and prices. Went in last summer to check it out in the morning and was 30 mins early and they let me & my friends in. We found out that they apparently havethis thing where anything from last season is like 40% off which is so dope.Bought a shirt and had to come back later that day.
May 13 2017 9:04PM
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