Class Politics Laser Performance Favoring Europe

Is Having More Items On the European Website Right?


  • Total voters
    3

Sunfishsailor22349

Laser Radial Sailor
Hi,
I went on Laser Performance's website and went on both of the European and American websites. I looked at their stuff and it looks like they have more stuff available in Europe then in the States. You can buy a centerboard over on the European website, but you can't on the North American website. They also have different XD packages and they also have a package that includes a laser sail and the lower mast. Why do you think that they have it like this?
 
I think they have a more extensive dealer network in the US than in Europe. Did you check online with some place like APS?
 
I think they have a more extensive dealer network in the US than in Europe. Did you check online with some place like APS?
Yes they have the same "older" version of the kit. I just got a brand new laser and it came with the European kit so I have no clue why they don't have it on their website.
 
LP seem abit slow at keeping they websites upto date even with this new one since last year. I can only speak for my view in the UK but we never used to have the same sort of dealer setup compared to US or Down under. I would ring LP if you can see what you need on LP website. As for dealer stuff like the range of tillers, cover, trailer, extras, available l have always felt the range of stuff available in US is better the UK.

In terms of block and rope l have always notice a difference on what is supplied as standard on a new boat between US, UK and from PSA.
 
Different operations, different dealer networks, different market places, different people, etc.. I'd be surprised if there were not differences. But the question makes it sound like something of a discrimination thing.

And there differences the other way. Buy a Laser from the Europe side and (at current exchange rates) it costs US$7142. But buy a standard Laser from the US side and it's only US$6065. So is LP favouring the US ?

Ian
 
LP seem abit slow at keeping they websites upto date even with this new one since last year. I can only speak for my view in the UK but we never used to have the same sort of dealer setup compared to US or Down under. I would ring LP if you can see what you need on LP website. As for dealer stuff like the range of tillers, cover, trailer, extras, available l have always felt the range of stuff available in US is better the UK.

In terms of block and rope l have always notice a difference on what is supplied as standard on a new boat between US, UK and from PSA.
Yes the block and rope quality of a UK boat has been always better than the US. I have never noticed the tiller/trailer/covers/extras are a better selection in the U.S. I don't think a lot of people use the standard gorilla tiller or the XD version becausr of the gorilla tiller's weight, and the XD's high profile. I feel like the dealer setup is based on the interest of people wanting to create a business in the UK. Here in the U.S. we are known for being entrepreneurs.
 
Different operations, different dealer networks, different market places, different people, etc.. I'd be surprised if there were not differences. But the question makes it sound like something of a discrimination thing.

And there differences the other way. Buy a Laser from the Europe side and (at current exchange rates) it costs US$7142. But buy a standard Laser from the US side and it's only US$6065. So is LP favouring the US ?

Ian
No they are not favoring the U.S. For anything that we need from the European site, we need to pay and extra 270 dollars for shipping and importing.
 
No they are not favoring the U.S. For anything that we need from the European site, we need to pay and extra 270 dollars for shipping and importing.
But over $1000 on a boat. Thats a lot of money (where I come from).

And are there really loads of Laser spares people need that cannot be obtained in the US ? If so, why don't the chandleries and dealer network get a load in to sell ? After all, the Laser is not some obscure class few have heard of. How often do you (those in the US) actually HAVE to spend $270 on shipping ? And what is the shipping cost from other UK suppliers (e.g. Northampton Sailboats or Rooster or many others). At least there are alternatives for people in the US whereas we are stuck with the $1000 extra per boat.

I'm not complaining but I'd rather have to source spares and accessories from or through 3rd parties and save $1000 !!

Ian
 
A few years back, it was difficult to find some parts and components in the US. For example, new sails were just about unavailable. I know one dealer was ordering extra complete boats and selling the sails separate from the hulls. There was also a year backlog for Seitech dollies. This seemed largely due to LPs financial difficulties, which appears to have turned around despite the continuing lawsuit drama.

For anything aftermarket - covers, carbon tillers, trailers, etc. - there has never been any problem finding them. They all advertise in the Laser Sailor and are carried at the major online dinghy shops.
 
A few years back, it was difficult to find some parts and components in the US. For example, new sails were just about unavailable. I know one dealer was ordering extra complete boats and selling the sails separate from the hulls.
Sounds familiar. About a year ago, my local dealer told me they had imported a dozen extra hulls just to get spare parts. And yes, that's in Europe, so I don't think anyone is getting geographically favoured.
 
But over $1000 on a boat. Thats a lot of money (where I come from).

And are there really loads of Laser spares people need that cannot be obtained in the US ? If so, why don't the chandleries and dealer network get a load in to sell ? After all, the Laser is not some obscure class few have heard of. How often do you (those in the US) actually HAVE to spend $270 on shipping ? And what is the shipping cost from other UK suppliers (e.g. Northampton Sailboats or Rooster or many others). At least there are alternatives for people in the US whereas we are stuck with the $1000 extra per boat.

I'm not complaining but I'd rather have to source spares and accessories from or through 3rd parties and save $1000 !!

Ian
If you are complaining about the boat prices you can buy a barely used "demo" or "event" boat and just outfit it with the European XD rigging for under 6000 USD. The cost from the other ones are around like 30 more USD, but some aren't builder supplied so they wouldn't be legal making my boat not eligible to sail in regional events.
 
If you are complaining about the boat prices you can buy a barely used "demo" or "event" boat and just outfit it with the European XD rigging for under 6000 USD. The cost from the other ones are around like 30 more USD, but some aren't builder supplied so they wouldn't be legal making my boat not eligible to sail in regional events.
Not complaining. Just pointing out that this "LP Favouring Europe" is not as it might seem. In practice it's probably the other way round i.e. "LP Favouring US". Pointing this out does not mean I'm complaining.

Last time I noticed ex event boats for sale (in the UK) they were actually being sold at a higher price than the same new boats !! But I've probably missed many of such sales as I don't watch out for them.

Ian
 
Not complaining. Just pointing out that this "LP Favouring Europe" is not as it might seem. In practice it's probably the other way round i.e. "LP Favouring US". Pointing this out does not mean I'm complaining.

Last time I noticed ex event boats for sale (in the UK) they were actually being sold at a higher price than the same new boats !! But I've probably missed many of such sales as I don't watch out for them.

Ian
How many people buy new boats compared to used boats? Most people get used boats and then buy new parts for them. All of the kits that are good quality are from the UK. Laser Performance definitely doesn't favor the US.
 

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