Why You Should Buy From an "Authorized Dealer?

Ski and snowboard manufacturers want to provide you with the best experience for their products. So manufactures select certain retailers to sell their products. They call these retailers "Authorized Retailers". Just because a store or web site has product, doesn't mean they are a "Authorized Retailer". So why is purchasing from an "Authorized Retailer" important?

#1 - Warranty - You receive the manufactures warranty only when you purchase from an "Authorized Retailer". If a problem develops with your product, you can bring it back to have it repaired or even replaced. If you purchase from a "non-Authorized Retailer", you receive no warranty and you have no recourse if a problem develops. An example of a "non-Authorized Retailer" would be an internet auction site like eBay or Amazon, shows, and swaps.

#2 - Training - Manufacturers train shop employees at "Authorized Retailers". A trained staff means you'll receive the proper selection for your ability, goals and lifestyle. This can be very important when spending hundreds of dollars. Backroom service technicians are also trained and certified in the latest procedures and technologies for binding installs and repairs.

Alpine Accessories Staff Gets Annual Training Clinics Every Season

#3 - Service - Only an "Authorized Retailer" can order parts and are advised of product recalls. Let's say you break a buckle, a zipper or a binding part. Did you know you can only get manufactures parts from an "Authorized Retailer"?

#4 - Snow Experts - Staff from the shop attend product clinics from industry representatives to find out the latest features and benefits to help customers get the product to fit their needs.

SnowSports Industries America is the leading association of the ski and snowboard industry. Every year, SIA puts on a 4-6 day show that displays next season products to retailers. Every major ski and snowboard equipment, clothing and accessories manufacture is on display. Manufactures bring in management, engineers, designers, and reps to meet with retailers.

SIA also holds seminars put on by top leaders in their fields so shops can improve their expertise and continue to give their customers proper information and service.

Alpine Accessories is dedicated to giving you, the very best in service, equipment, clothing and accessories. This show is a big expense but we feel it necessary to attend so we can learn. We have been to every SIA show since 1993.

What surprises us is many retailers do not attend this show. The SIA Snow Expert Seal is only given to shops that attend the show.

By attending the SIA Snow Show we are able to learn about technology and new trends in the snow sports industry. By educating our staff, we can in turn pass the knowledge on that is pertinent to each customer, so the customer does not have to get analysis paralysis by going online and treading through articles that may not pertain to their ability or type.

Joey Keen and Renee Staszel attended the 2017 SIA Snow Show representing Alpine Accessories. Joey began as a tech in our back room while in high school and throughout college. He now serves as ski consultant and computer consultant. Joey and Renee both have been top racers in the Chicago Metropolitan Ski Counsel race program. After testing numerous brands and models of skis Joey told us “By far the best GS ski I've been on.. love the Atomic Redsters!”

Buying from an "Authorized Retailer" doesn't mean you pay more. It means you have a better chance of receiving the correct products for your money. And you will get a better "Total Cost of Ownership".

How do you know if the retailer is an "Authorized Retailer"? The best way is to check with the manufacture by visiting their web site or calling them. You can also look for a manufactures "Authorized Retailer" sticker in the store. Alpine Accessories is an "Authorized Retailer" for every product we sell!

Alpine Accessories Is An Authorized Dealer Of All Products Sold

Have a question, comment, feedback? Send Rick an email or call 10 - 5 CST weekdays at 1-847-854-4754 (I-SKI).

Purchasing Ski and Snowboarding Gear and Equipment!

Purchasing ski and snowboard equipment has gotten easier with the Internet.
But consider all your options carefully for your best value.

Here are some places you can purchase gear.

1. A Friend. Someone you know who skis or snowboards.
2. Ski and snowboard shows. Many major cities have them.
3. The Internet.
4. Sports stores. A sports store is one that sells many different sporting items besides ski and snowboarding.
5. Specialty ski / snowboard shop. A specialty ski/snowboard shop is one that sells only ski and snowboard gear in winter.

All have good and bad points so let's look closer.

1) A Friend may seem like the right place to get your gear but should probably be avoided. The main reason is you may not ski or board just like your friend. Usually the friend is trying to unload equipment they don’t want. This, in many cases, is the reason they are trying to sell their equipment. Keep in mind, just because your friend skis or boards, doesn’t make them an expert on your type of skiing and snowboarding.

2) Ski and Snowboard Shows are usually held through out the USA in many cities. Many have a "Ski Sale" or "Ski Swap" where you’ll find used or discontinued equipment at great prices. This could be a great place to save money. Arrive early for your best selection. A few bad reasons about Show Sales are you must know “exactly” what you want as far as manufacture, model and size. Many times there is no one to help you with your selection or answer your questions. If there is someone to help, many times they are volunteers and not trained to size or fit equipment. Also, you won't get a warranty because you didn’t purchase from an authorized dealer. The Show is a great place to shop, just be cautious.

3) The Internet has become a great place to purchase about anything. It’s convenient, informative and can save you time and money. But be cautious. Make sure the store is an authorized dealer so you have a warranty with your purchase. Alpine Accessories is an authorized dealer for every product we offer on-line. If you purchase ski bindings on-line, never attempt to install or adjust bindings yourself! The main reason, your safety. If you are going to purchase on-line, make sure you have a certified ski shop work on your bindings.

4) Sport Stores vary in looks and size throughout the U.S.A. but the idea remains the same, offer as many sports as possible in one place. The big disadvantage to these stores is your selection is usually very limited. Sport stores concentrate their selection of gear towards the beginner to intermediate. Products many times are not listed on the manufactures web sites so you don't know what you are purchasing. They also have a lack of trained sales people and many times no in-store service department.

5) Specialty Ski / Snowboard Shop have many advantages and is usually your best choice. A specialty shop is one that sells and services only ski and snowboard products in the winter. They offer a full selection of gear from the beginner to experts and from young to old. They offer rentals, service, have a in-store repair shop and technically trained sales people. This usually results in proper gear selection which can save you money and help you enjoy skiing and snowboarding more. Many times, the store employees are skiers and snowboarders themselves and have experienced the same things you do on the slopes. Many of these shops specialize in custom boot fitting which can improve your experience.

If it comes down to price and you see it for less somewhere else, just ask them to match the price. Many shops have no problem matching a price to keep a customer.