Should I buy online or from the local store?

I’m a huge, nay, the hugest, proponent and advocate of the internet. I’ve been drinking the internet koolaid since I was 10, back when the internet cost $60/month, Google did not exist, Yahoo was still a rudimentary directory in the making, and text-only websites were the recommended viewing choice). And when it comes to online buying, I feel the same way.

I buy whatever I want online, not because I’m lazy, but because it’s more convenient, and usually cheaper (and I’m lazy). With same-day shipping and next-day delivery, why waste the gas and time going into a store if I know what I want. What’s more is that, if you’re not doing your research online, then you’re not being smart . Websites like this and thousands of others dedicated to providing honest reviews on just about anything (I mean com’on, there are websites out there that review sex toys and birth control products for your sake) are available to help you make a better shopping decision.

So when it comes to buying your snowboarding gear online, I say go for it, BUT given the nature of snowboarding gear, it’s always best to go into your local store first. “But dude, doesn’t that defeat the point?” In a way it does, but here’s why buying your gear online is a smart choice:

Deals - you will always find deals on the gear you want. If it’s not website X, then it’ll be website Y. There’s always a website out there that’ll offer you a good deal on what you’re finding. Tip: If website X has a deal on a snowboard you want, but not on the boots, buy the snowboard from website X, and go to website Y for a deal on the boots.

Fast and Free Delivery – when you’re forking over an arm and a leg (and even a kidney sometimes) for your gear, websites selling you the gear will offer same-day AND free delivery.

Cheaper – Even if there are no deals on the gear you want, you can find the same gear for a better price online than at your local shop.

Last Year’s Model – I love buying last year’s models, because they’re always significantly cheaper. My new 2008 Burton T6 cost me $450 instead of $850 when I bought it. Unless you’re at a board show, you won’t find last year’s models except for online stores. Most local shops, don’t stock previous models.

I contemplated making a list of online stores, but in an effort to remain neutral, I’d have to compare each one fairly and I’ll leave that for another post.

So if you’re looking for new gear: check out snowboard reviews, go to your local store, figure out what you want, compare prices, and buy from the cheaper source.

Deal: Vans Fargo Snowboard Boots ($73)

Vans Fargo Boots

If you are in the market for some new boots then you might want to check these out. Regularly priced at $280, today they are only $73 – that’s a whoppin’ 74% discount. Personally, I think those guys are crazy but hey: their loss, your gain. Now go grab them because the deal only lasts for the day.

Click here to check out the deal (only valid for November 20, 2009).

Free Stuff from Option Snowboards

A Chance to Win a Free Option Snowboards Gear

Company: Option Snowboards
Deal: Free Stuff
Expiry: None (at the time of this post)
Who: Anyone in North America
Link: Options Snowboard (Click on the Free Stuff image)

Visit the Option Snowboards website by clicking here and click on their ‘Free Stuff’ link on the page. Simply sign up for their newsletter and every month Option Snowboards will randomly pick a person and gift them with one free product. It can be anything from a free tshirt to a free snowboard. It’s their call, but it’s free. It’s 30 second sign up ( I timed it), so you have nothing to lose.

If any of you lucky readers end up winning anything do let us know by sharing your joy with us. We’ll even dedicate a front page post if you send a picture of your gift.

Good luck!

You can win $50 every week if you submit a tip about a deal/discount/coupon that snowboarders and our readers can benefit from! It’s very easy so click here to learn how!

Deal: Whistler Blackcomb EDGE Card

Whistler Blackcomb EDGE Card Deal

Company: Whistler Blackcomb
Deal: EDGE Card
Expiry: November 23, 2009
Who: Canadian and Washington State residents

Get the edge on your skiing and snowboarding experiences this winter with WhistlerBlackcomb.com’s Edge card. Your pre-loaded Edge card gets you the best rate on lift tickets at Whistler Blackcomb.

Edge cards come in 1, 3, 5, and 10-day increments for ski-lift admission in the 2009/10 season. Included with your Edge card is Peak to Peak Gondola usage. Once you have used up your pre-loaded days, your Edge card will continue to get you a discounted ski-lift rate for the rest of the season.

Purchase your Edge card by November 23 and you will be eligible for a reduced early-bird rate plus the added choice of either purchasing the new 3-Day Edge Card or receiving a bonus free early season day when purchasing a 5 or 10-Day Card.

Here’s the deal:

• 10 Day Edge Card only available until November 23: Adult $584, Senior/Youth $469, Child $289
• 5 Day Edge Card early-bird rate until November 23: Adult $319, Senior/Youth $255, Child $155
• 5 Day Edge Card regular rate: Adult $339, Senior/Youth $274, Child $164
• New 3 Day Edge Card only available until November 23: Adult $199, Senior/Youth 159, Child $105
• 1 Day Edge Card early-bird rate until November 23: Adult $69, Senior/Youth $55, Child $33
• 1 Day Edge Card regular rate: Adult $74, Senior/Youth $63, Child $37

In addition to the reduced ski-lift rates, your Edge card will get you the following perks:

• 20% off at select retailers
• 20% off in-store ski and snowboard rental rates at all Whistler Blackcomb Rental locations
• 25% off Coca Cola Tube Park tickets
• 35% off Whistler Blackcomb ski and snowboard school
• Exclusive email offers and perks throughout the season

Photo ID and proof of Canadian or Washington State residency will be required when you pick up your Edge card. Limit one card per person per season. Edge cards are available online at WhistlerBlackcomb.com, remember early-bird pricing ends November 23.

You can win $50 every week if you submit a tip about a deal/discount/coupon that snowboarders and our readers can benefit from! It’s very easy so click here to learn how!

Option Snowboards Factory Sale

If you’re an Option Snowboards loyalist or in shopping mood for new Snowboarding gear, you will be happy to hear about Option Snowboards’ factory sale. Enjoy savings on a wide variety of snow and outdoor winter gear at the Option Factory Sale. All sales are final.

Dates:
November 12-28, 2009
Thu-Sat 12-6PM

Where:
101-1000 Parker St
Vancouver, British Columbia

You can win $50 every week if you submit a tip about a deal/discount/coupon that snowboarders and our readers can benefit from! It’s very easy so click here to learn how!