Steer clear of Hi's Tackle Box online site fellow NCKAers

Following is a review of my experience with them that just went on Yelp. I am sure that some people have had positive experiences with them, but I certainly wasn't one of them. I hope this saves some of you the trouble that I have dealt with. ------



I am floored that this place shows 4 stars on Yelp. Do yourself a favor and look at the google reviews as I should have done myself! I ordered a rod that showed in stock on 1/31. Seeing as they are only a four hour drive from my house, I figured I would have it in a reasonable time frame. Boy was I wrong! I gave it 7 days before I sent them a message from their contact form and asked if it had been shipped.  I was not even given the consideration of a reply. A simple "No, we have been backed up" would have been fine. I am a reasonable man. I understand that things come up.

Fast forward to today 2/10-  Since my e-mail hasn't been replied to, I do the next logical thing, and call to inquire about order status. I am informed that they emailed me right away that the item I ordered is on back order with no expected fulfillment date. I was never emailed. Funny thing is that they charged my card this morning for the full $119.99. Why would you charge me if you have no idea of a fulfillment date? The lady I spoke with asked how I would like to deal with the situation, and I informed her that I needed the rod for a trip and would have to find it in stock somewhere else. I would need to cancel my order. She said "ok", then just hung up on me. At this point, I have no idea if I am going to have to fight to get my card credited back for what they charged me.

In short, the shop may be fine to purchase items from in person, but I would steer clear of purchasing anything from their online site. There are too many places that actually provide customer service of at least manageable quality to risk dealing with Hi's Tackle Box. I will also be posting my experience on prominent fishing forums so my fellow fishing brothers and sisters don't have to deal with the same lousy service.

I have purchased from Hi's online in the past with no issues. Just recently, I inquired about the availability of a rod in a specific color and was told it was not currently in inventory. It was suggested that I order my reel now and check back later regarding rod color availability.

I would never base my purchasing/dining decisions 100 percent on Yelp reviews.

That's dirty......

Call your card company and cancel the charge. I would tell the card company your story and I'm sure there will be no charge to cancel. Or Call back and ask for the owner or general MGR. You might get a response, that company will never get fixed if the top mgmt does not know there is a problem. Who knows maybe you will get a better deal. If your that upset talk to the top dog. I was thanked many times because the owner or top dog didn't know there was a problem.

I haven't had problems with them, but I am so pissed at Yelp for the way they manipulate reviews!  I scorched a sac.  Bar/restaurant and they still haven't posted it.  Always check, because the first reviews they show are their, "recommended reviews".  Yeah right!

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

I have shopped (both in store and online) for years without a problem.... they have been a regular supporter for numerous PB club events I have attended.

Can't image they wouldn't do the right thing...

I have been going to Hi's for 30 years in store only. Great store. They don't have Norstrom type of people working there but they know fishing which is all I care about.

Well, that certainly would leave a bad taste in my mouth too. I hope they make it right, because so far it is far from it. Maybe someone who can help will see this post and help, because a lot of current and potential customers are watching.

I've purchased most of my gear from Hi's tackle online and I've never had any issues. 

That sucks regardless who the retailer is.  Hope your made whole.

I hope they make good. I've never ordered anything from them online. I only live 15 mins away from their store and have never had any problem with anything. They do know their stuff and will give you a lot of pointers specially Hippo. Give them a call and ask for Jonah. He is the owner and a very reasonable guy. Hope everything works out for you

J. Pond,
That sounds like a lousy experience. It is unfortunate that you are going through that, and I hope everything gets cleared up.

That being said, I have been going to Hi's since I started fishing some twenty some years ago, and have fond childhood memories of wandering through the clement street store, and catching my first rainbows on their gear.

Hi's is not the most overly nice shop, but they have always seemed to show respect, and there is no question that they are knowledgeable in there.

I hope it works out


Aloha

Isao

I agree with the others.

What happened to you sucks and is definitely terrible customer service.

I also agree that you should give the manager/owner a call and explain the situation to him and give him a chance to make things right before you go on a web-wide slandering spree. At least that way when you post your experience you can end it with the fact that you gave the higher ups a chance to make things right and they either did or did not.

FWIW - I've never dealt with Hi's in any fashion.

+10 on talking to the owner or manager.
 Take a deep breath and be calm and logical in the presentation of your issue. Hi's has a long term positive reputation. Give them a chance to make it right. They may even give you a discount for your troubles.

I get what you guys are saying, and I will likely be calling them. I am not trying to slander anyone guys. These statements are not false and damaging, unfortunately they are true and damaging. I will attempt to contact someone over this. I'm not the type to complain for a discount. As a matter of fact, I rarely complain even when a situation is lousy. I embrace the suck. This situation was just over they top.