I have been a loyal Cabela's shopper for years. But they have really went down hill lately. Everything that carries the "Cabela's" name is pretty much junk. I'm not talking about other brands here. If you go to Cabela's and buy a North Face sleeping bag or a Carhart jacket then you will still get that quality. What I'm talking about here is actual Cabela's brand products. These items are all made in India or China. I recently bought a Cabela's 650 goose down jacket. It felt like it had about 10 feathers in it. It was nowhere near as full as a North Face Nupste goose down jacket. What little goose down it had in it were poking through after the first day of wearing it. Some pants I recently bought fell apart after the third washing. And my new Cabela's brand boots I bought in January, wow. The sole is breaking away and two of the eyelets have fallen out.
I went to the store up in Tulalip, WA last week and I had to complain to the manager. I had been walking around the men's clothing department for over an hour and not one employee stopped to ask me if I needed assistance. Employees were standing around, talking to each other, joking and laughing. A few of them stood by themselves, doing nothing, occasionally stretching and yawning like they would rather be someplace else.
I emailed them and I am waiting on a response.
I hate it when store employees act like that.
One time I was in a gun shop with my kids and stood there waiting for the clerk to ask me what I needed while he stood there and talked to his buddy.
I walked out.
The last time I went to Cabela's was for the NRA's support to Bobby Jindal's re-election, Got to meet Willie Robertson of Duck Dynasty. They lacked powder and bullet selection I was looking for so I left. However, the time before that I stood at the counter, where about 5 people were standing around talking behind the counter, being somewhat patient, I waited for them to complete their conversation, then I motion to one of the people. He acknowledged me and I asked about a Glock 20, he replied, "did I have a number?" I told him, I didn't see a ticket dispenser. He pointed to one, 40' down at the far end of the counter...I said thanks and I left! Have not given them any of my business!
Cabela's is not that much further than the Bass Pro Shops, which is my choice when I'm driving 80+ miles one-way...In this current market I just make do with supplies on hand till this mess settles down!
I think you answered your own question"CHINA".Their not immune from making goods on the cheap,meaning Cabela's
I always just assumed the Cabela's name stuff was junk, or at least not anywhere near what they hype it up to be. I also figured you get what you pay for and the Cabela's name stuff is always less than what they hint it's supposedly as good as. Therefore I've never bought the Cabela's products with their name on it.
I've been to a couple different Cabela's stores over the years and have mixed reviews. Most of the time I think it comes down to immediate management. Some good experiences mixed in with not so good experiences.
A few years back Cabela's lost my business on a +$1000 pair of binoculars as it seemed they didn't care about manning the optics counter that day. When I finally did get someone to help me they had little to no clue about any of the optics. I went elsewhere (Gander Mountain) and gave someone else my business where they showed care, respect and knowledge. And that's not to say Gander Mountain is always perfect either, but they were that day.
The only place I go at cabela's is the gun library and to see the displays. Twice a year I take the kids on a Saturday to see the bass eat goldfish, wander around the wildlife museum, and stop in the gun library. The guys in the gun library are always glad to talk guns, and generally are knowledgeable.
The guys at the gun counter...Not so much.
I first discovered their crappy products a few years ago when my grandsons gave me a Cabelas gift card for Christmas.
Normally, I would never spend a hundred dollars on a flashlight but since the card was given to me, I decided to splurge.
Trusting Cabelas I ordered their Guide Light.
It was pure junk!
When the battery died it died without warning. So if I was in the woods I had to have another light handy so I could change that expensive battery.
If the light was left on for more than a couple minutes the bulb blew from the excessive heat!
I tried to get a refund.
I tried to get them to pull the lights.
I tried to get them to fix the lights. All to no avail. I left extensive feedback which they surprisingly left posted.
They did not seem to be interested in improving their product.
I also sold my Cabelas stock.
More recently, I have noticed their prices are actually higher than several other venders.
So, it is a rare occasion when I order from them.
They are now and have been for a while a publicly traded company. That means shareholders which means we worry about the stock price and profits and not quality and customer happiness.The bottom line with public companies is how much you can make for the least amount of outflow.And I to have bee na Cabelas customer for a long time. I still am and moast of there stuff is junk. Some is really good but not like it used to be.
Quote from: bustedknee on March 07 2013 06:05:31 PM MSTMore recently, I have noticed their prices are actually higher than several other venders. So, it is a rare occasion when I order from them.
Every once in a while I buy the odd reloading item or what have you from them online at a good price and their low cost flat rate shipping. Mostly though, no.
Quote from: RRMan03 on March 12 2013 06:03:28 AM MDTThey are now and have been for a while a publicly traded company.
Dang, I hadn't heard yet. Had no idea. Thanks for mentioning it.