1800faceoff: Excellent prices, good selection and a service charge?
Written: Oct 22 '05 (Updated Dec 13 '05)
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My Experience
I was in need of some new goalie items last month. After a long review of the prices on the internet and options available, I decided to use 1800faceoff to order an RBK Pro Goalie Jock. I had ordered from 1800faceoff years ago and the experience was good. This time was no exception.
Price
The price on the RBK Pro Jock was very competitive at $60. I’ve seen it up to $75 on other sites. It was shipped UPS with a shipping cost of $6.95 for standard ground. Compared to the local price of $69 plus tax I came out a ahead of the game. While I prefer to support my local hockey store, it isn’t something that I’m willing to do at a cost to myself. (Sorry, guys).
Service and Delivery Time
The jock was ordered on Sunday afternoon. I received a confirmation email the next morning that my order was being shipped that day along with a tracking link. The order was due for delivery on Friday and arrived, as promised, on Friday. It was well packaged, and accurately filled. The invoice was in the box. Essentially, all was well.
The Website
At first glance, I didn’t think the site was the best layout on the net for hockey shopping. Finding the goalie gear seemed a bit tough as it is intermingled with the player gear on the left side navigation links. It turned out that I was just being stupid as there are tabs for all of the main sections along the top of the site.
These tabs give you nicely laid out side menus for each of the following sections: Ice Hockey, Goalie Gear, Inline Hockey, Street Hockey, Referee, Fan Apparel, Women’s Gear, Outlet Store and Team Sales.
Selection
While 1800faceoff did have the jock that I wanted, their pickings for goalie pants were pretty slim. I also needed a bag and wasn’t terribly impressed with their selection there. Still, they have a much better number of items to choose from than the typical retail location will. Most players likely won’t be as picky as I am either. I had a very specific idea of what I wanted and wasn’t taking any substitutes. Further their player gear selection seems to be more complete than the goalie selection is. This is pretty typical of any hockey shop, online or not.
Goalies are simply overlooked. Is this some cruel injustice to goalies? No, it’s simple economics. Goalies are outnumbered at least 10 to 1 by players. Further the gear is more expensive for retailers to carry. While it is a sad thing since everyone knows goalies are much cooler and more important than regular players, it’s just the way it is.
One thing that is good about the limited selection is that it indicates 1800faceoff’s online catalogue is a realistic reflection of what they actually carry. What I mean by that, is many online retailers will actually drop ship goalie gear from the manufacturer to the consumer, or order them from the supplier when the consumer’s order is placed. I’ve had bad experiences with a couple of other retailers where I waited several months for an item that was supplied in this manner. Point is, beware of the shop that carries everything that was ever made for goalies.
Outlet Store
1800faceoff’s outlet store has some good deals on closeout and previous years model gear. The selection of items in their closeout section is pretty good as are the prices. However, many of the items are only available in very limited sizes. Still, if you are looking for a good deal on an item it is worth a look.
Return Policies
Orders may be returned for up to 30 days. You need to call for an RA number to make a return and certain types of returns may be subject to a restocking fee of up to 25%. These are essentially returns that are not in original condition.
Shipping Options and Costs
Standard shipping is UPS ground. Items may also be sent second day or next day for an added charge. The rates for all shipping are clearly outlined in a grid on the website. Further, orders exceeding $150 include free ground shipping.
There is one semi-hidden charge in the order which I found mildly annoying. 1800faceoff adds a handling charge to all orders. While this is included in shipping during the checkout process, it still seems a little strange that $3.95 gets added to any order. Why not just include it in the shipping costs? On small orders it might be the difference between a good deal and a bad one.
Order Tracking
1800faceoff sends a confirmation email with your order number and a link to their order tracking page. This allows you to check on the status of your order including the delivery date. You can also click on the link from their website to track your order, however you will still need to have the order number that they email you. Perhaps this could be a little easier by tracking from your email address only for those who lose their emails.
Payment Types
1800faceoff accepts major credit cards. These include Discover, Master Card, Visa and American Express. Not surprisingly, you can also shop by phone at 1800faceoff (1800-322-3633).
Parting Thoughts
The price was good, the order process was simple and straightforward. The only real complaint that I have about 1800faceoff is in the $3.95 handling charge. I don’t have any complaints about a company trying to make a profit and realize that it takes a little extra work and time to box up an order and get it in the mail. That’s not my complaint, it’s odd to me that they have slightly hidden this charge as a surprise for checkout. Nonetheless, I would order from them again if the price is right.
A few of my other reviews which you might find helpful:
Hockey Giant
Battram Custom Goalie Equipment
Hockey Monkey
© 2005 Scott Noble – All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.
Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? RBK Pro Jock
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puckmugger
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