• Welcome to the Chronicle Forums.
    Please complete your profile. The forums and the rest of www.chronofhorse.com has single sign-in, so your log in information for one will automatically work for the other. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of The Chronicle of the Horse.

Announcement

Collapse

Forum rules and no-advertising policy

As a participant on this forum, it is your responsibility to know and follow our rules. Please read this message in its entirety.

Board Rules

1. You’re responsible for what you say.
As outlined in Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, The Chronicle of the Horse and its affiliates, as well Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd., the developers of vBulletin, are not legally responsible for statements made in the forums.

This is a public forum viewed by a wide spectrum of people, so please be mindful of what you say and who might be reading it—details of personal disputes are likely better handled privately. While posters are legally responsible for their statements, the moderators may in their discretion remove or edit posts that violate these rules. Users have the ability to modify or delete their own messages after posting, but administrators generally will not delete posts, threads or accounts upon request.

Outright inflammatory, vulgar, harassing, malicious or otherwise inappropriate statements and criminal charges unsubstantiated by a reputable news source or legal documentation will not be tolerated and will be dealt with at the discretion of the moderators.

Credible threats of suicide will be reported to the police along with identifying user information at our disposal, in addition to referring the user to suicide helpline resources such as 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-273-TALK.

2. Conversations in horse-related forums should be horse-related.
The forums are a wonderful source of information and support for members of the horse community. While it’s understandably tempting to share information or search for input on other topics upon which members might have a similar level of knowledge, members must maintain the focus on horses.

3. Keep conversations productive, on topic and civil.
Discussion and disagreement are inevitable and encouraged; personal insults, diatribes and sniping comments are unproductive and unacceptable. Whether a subject is light-hearted or serious, keep posts focused on the current topic and of general interest to other participants of that thread. Utilize the private message feature or personal email where appropriate to address side topics or personal issues not related to the topic at large.

4. No advertising in the discussion forums.
Posts in the discussion forums directly or indirectly advertising horses, jobs, items or services for sale or wanted will be removed at the discretion of the moderators. Use of the private messaging feature or email addresses obtained through users’ profiles for unsolicited advertising is not permitted.

Company representatives may participate in discussions and answer questions about their products or services, or suggest their products on recent threads if they fulfill the criteria of a query. False "testimonials" provided by company affiliates posing as general consumers are not appropriate, and self-promotion of sales, ad campaigns, etc. through the discussion forums is not allowed.

Paid advertising is available on our classifieds site and through the purchase of banner ads. The tightly monitored Giveaways forum permits free listings of genuinely free horses and items available or wanted (on a limited basis). Items offered for trade are not allowed.

Advertising Policy Specifics
When in doubt of whether something you want to post constitutes advertising, please contact a moderator privately in advance for further clarification. Refer to the following points for general guidelines:

Horses – Only general discussion about the buying, leasing, selling and pricing of horses is permitted. If the post contains, or links to, the type of specific information typically found in a sales or wanted ad, and it’s related to a horse for sale, regardless of who’s selling it, it doesn’t belong in the discussion forums.

Stallions – Board members may ask for suggestions on breeding stallion recommendations. Stallion owners may reply to such queries by suggesting their own stallions, only if their horse fits the specific criteria of the original poster. Excessive promotion of a stallion by its owner or related parties is not permitted and will be addressed at the discretion of the moderators.

Services – Members may use the forums to ask for general recommendations of trainers, barns, shippers, farriers, etc., and other members may answer those requests by suggesting themselves or their company, if their services fulfill the specific criteria of the original post. Members may not solicit other members for business if it is not in response to a direct, genuine query.

Products – While members may ask for general opinions and suggestions on equipment, trailers, trucks, etc., they may not list the specific attributes for which they are in the market, as such posts serve as wanted ads.

Event Announcements – Members may post one notification of an upcoming event that may be of interest to fellow members, if the original poster does not benefit financially from the event. Such threads may not be “bumped” excessively. Premium members may post their own notices in the Event Announcements forum.

Charities/Rescues – Announcements for charitable or fundraising events can only be made for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations. Special exceptions may be made, at the moderators’ discretion and direction, for board-related events or fundraising activities in extraordinary circumstances.

Occasional posts regarding horses available for adoption through IRS-registered horse rescue or placement programs are permitted in the appropriate forums, but these threads may be limited at the discretion of the moderators. Individuals may not advertise or make announcements for horses in need of rescue, placement or adoption unless the horse is available through a recognized rescue or placement agency or government-run entity or the thread fits the criteria for and is located in the Giveaways forum.

5. Do not post copyrighted photographs unless you have purchased that photo and have permission to do so.

6. Respect other members.
As members are often passionate about their beliefs and intentions can easily be misinterpreted in this type of environment, try to explore or resolve the inevitable disagreements that arise in the course of threads calmly and rationally.

If you see a post that you feel violates the rules of the board, please click the “alert” button (exclamation point inside of a triangle) in the bottom left corner of the post, which will alert ONLY the moderators to the post in question. They will then take whatever action, or no action, as deemed appropriate for the situation at their discretion. Do not air grievances regarding other posters or the moderators in the discussion forums.

Please be advised that adding another user to your “Ignore” list via your User Control Panel can be a useful tactic, which blocks posts and private messages by members whose commentary you’d rather avoid reading.

7. We have the right to reproduce statements made in the forums.
The Chronicle of the Horse may copy, quote, link to or otherwise reproduce posts, or portions of posts, in print or online for advertising or editorial purposes, if attributed to their original authors, and by posting in this forum, you hereby grant to The Chronicle of the Horse a perpetual, non-exclusive license under copyright and other rights, to do so.

8. We reserve the right to enforce and amend the rules.
The moderators may delete, edit, move or close any post or thread at any time, or refrain from doing any of the foregoing, in their discretion, and may suspend or revoke a user’s membership privileges at any time to maintain adherence to the rules and the general spirit of the forum. These rules may be amended at any time to address the current needs of the board.

Please see our full Terms of Service and Privacy Policy for more information.

Thanks for being a part of the COTH forums!

(Revised 2/8/18)
See more
See less

Hay, Dover: SmartPak & Horseloverz listen...

Collapse
X
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • #61
    Originally posted by redlight View Post
    Dove buying Smartpak? Wow. Isn't Dover big enough? They have so many products in their new catalog how could you possibly need any more?
    I'm sure it's less about getting new items than it is about eliminating the competition and getting all their sales/profits.

    I hope it's not true, super nice people at SmartPak... I've met them at trade shows.

    If any Canadians really want to order from SmartPak you can get a box really cheaply at The UPS Store in Lewiston and have your stuff shipped there. Go get your stuff, shop at Wegmans...

    The UPS Store
    793 Center St
    Lewiston NY 14092
    (716) 405-7116

    And if you could ask for Lindsay or tell them she referred you it would be very much appreciated. Good kid and Auntie Laurie will score points
    Sometimes I just think funny things - Dudley Moore in Arthur
    Come join us at - TheMuckBucket

    Comment


    • #62
      Add another person to the "I will only buy from Dover if I cannot find the product I need anywhere else for cheaper once the obscenely high shipping is accounted for and have a year for the item to arrive list." I avoid them like the plague. They have the WORST customer service ever. I have exeprienced faster shipping and smoother returns with every other horse company I have worked with.

      I adore Smartpak and if they were bought out by Dover I would cry.
      My blog:

      RAWR

      Comment


      • #63
        Originally posted by Laurierace View Post
        I don't want to scare anybody but I heard through the grapevine that Dover is in negotiations to buy Smartpak. It will be interesting to see if that goes through how it is handled. Will Smartpak dumb down to Dover standards or will Dover take a hint from their new company?
        NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

        Smartpak people please post and tell us this is not true!

        Comment


        • #64
          I absolutely DESPISE Dover. Worst tack store EVER! I've had multiple terrible experiences with them - in two cases I paid for overnight shipping on items I needed IMMEDIATELY..........and.........they never showed up. Their shipping prices are insane. The prices are never the same catalog to website. Their "sale prices" are still higher than most places regular prices. And I'm sorry but it drives me crazy that they continue to mail me these 200 page glossy catalogs every 2 months when I have repeatedly asked that they NOT. The idea of wasting a good tree to print Dover's crap on makes me wild.

          I cannot stand Dover. I have absolutely ZERO faith in them.

          And OMG, if Dover buys Smartpak???????????????? !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE Smartpak NO!!!!!!!!!!!

          Comment


          • #65
            Well, I will be the voice of doom and say--only somewhat factiously--that the reason Dover can afford to consider buying Smartpak, and the reason that SmartPak might consider selling, probably has to do with the way people on this BB abuse the free shipping that SmartPak offers. If you get an offer in the mail for free shipping, that doesn't mean you are supposed to post it on the internet to share with hundreds of your BFFs. This is a good way to ruin a good company.

            Shipping costs money these days, period. If the company's going to stay afloat, you're paying for the cost of doing business somewhere. I did a comparison between equivalent orders from Jeffers and SmartPak recently (MSM and U Gard, both fairly common, mainstream items), and the difference in the price of the items was non-trivial, in fact more than than the difference in the costs of shipping (and *nobody* can beat the speed with which Jeffers can get stuff to my doorstep, but that's geography, not business practices). I have nothing against SmartPak, I think they're great and their CS is top-notch. But those of you who think you're getting something for nothing from SmartPak are dreaming.

            I will also say that I had a billing issue with Dover recently, called them after hours and got it sorted out in about five minutes, and with a smile. Dover has simply gotten too big for its own good, but they are trying.

            I'm old enough to have seen this cycle with a number of companies in the horse supply business. I really hope the rumor about Dover buying SmartPak isn't true as I fear it would be a death knell for both companies.
            "One person's cowboy is another person's blooming idiot" -- katarine

            Spay and neuter. Please.

            Comment


            • #66
              I dont mind paying for shipping....but paying $14.99 shipping for a $12.00 bottle of thrushbuster or the like is a little insane....not to mention having to wait 11-14 days to get it after paying more for shipping than the item costs.

              They charge shipping based on the amount you spend, not on the size of the item...so that $12.00 bottle of thrushbuster tucks neatly in a padded envelope that can fit in my small mailbox...its not some giant box that needs to be left at my doorstep.

              I think THATS the problem most people have.

              I find their products good and they have always helped me with returns, etc...and I do find they offer a wider selction and the prices are better than the other local tack shops. I have a Dover store 50 miles from me...the staff is always nice, the store neat and stocked well, etc. So, if I am in the area or have a big list, Ill just shop at the store...but for the little things that pop up...like the thrushbuster or if a halter comes up missing, or the barn swallows poop all over my nice baby pads...Ill order from Smartpak because I know I can get FAST at a decent price...even their shipping is flat rate if you end up having to pay for it.
              Never Ride Faster Than Your Guardian Angel Can Fly
              Way Back Texas~04/20/90-09/17/08
              Green Alligator "Captain"

              Comment


              • #67
                Originally posted by monstrpony View Post
                Well, I will be the voice of doom and say--only somewhat factiously--that the reason Dover can afford to consider buying Smartpak, and the reason that SmartPak might consider selling, probably has to do with the way people on this BB abuse the free shipping that SmartPak offers. If you get an offer in the mail for free shipping, that doesn't mean you are supposed to post it on the internet to share with hundreds of your BFFs. This is a good way to ruin a good company.

                Shipping costs money these days, period. If the company's going to stay afloat, you're paying for the cost of doing business somewhere. I did a comparison between equivalent orders from Jeffers and SmartPak recently (MSM and U Gard, both fairly common, mainstream items), and the difference in the price of the items was non-trivial, in fact more than than the difference in the costs of shipping (and *nobody* can beat the speed with which Jeffers can get stuff to my doorstep, but that's geography, not business practices). I have nothing against SmartPak, I think they're great and their CS is top-notch. But those of you who think you're getting something for nothing from SmartPak are dreaming.

                I will also say that I had a billing issue with Dover recently, called them after hours and got it sorted out in about five minutes, and with a smile. Dover has simply gotten too big for its own good, but they are trying.

                I'm old enough to have seen this cycle with a number of companies in the horse supply business. I really hope the rumor about Dover buying SmartPak isn't true as I fear it would be a death knell for both companies.
                I have no problem paying smartpak's $6.95 flat rate to ship items, and I know most people here feel the same way, they just think that shipping starting at $10 is a little ridiculous, and going up from there despite the most expensive items often being the smallest is obnoxious too. That's what I've always hated about dover and am happy to pay Smartpak's reasonable shipping rate.

                However, I run a web business and I know a lot of the other web businesses do offer free shipping and manage to stay afloat just fine, especially with retail fronts bringing in sales, so I somehow doubt that losing $6.95 per order is going to ruin smartpak forever given the volume they do and the markup on their supplements.
                Originally posted by PeanutButterPony
                you can shackle your pony to a lawn chair at the show...so long as its in a conservative color.

                Comment


                • #68
                  SmartPak here!

                  Hi guys,

                  First of all, can I say how wonderful you all are! Thank you for saying so many nice things about SmartPak. I'm glad you've had such good experiences with our customer service and we really do listen to your comments - both good and bad! (Sometimes the bad ones are the most helpful to us - we are always trying to do a better job for you and your horse.)

                  In any case, I am here to allay any fears you may have. I'm not sure where or how that rumor got started but there is no truth to it at all on any level - Dover is not buying us.

                  If you ever have any questions please don't hesitate to pick up the phone or email us. We are always here.

                  Becky Minard
                  SmartPak Founder

                  Comment


                  • #69
                    [QUOTE=relocatedTXjumpr;4910168]I dont mind paying for shipping....but paying $14.99 shipping for a $12.00 bottle of thrushbuster or the like is a little insane....not to mention having to wait 11-14 days to get it after paying more for shipping than the item costs.

                    They charge shipping based on the amount you spend, not on the size of the item...so that $12.00 bottle of thrushbuster tucks neatly in a padded envelope that can fit in my small mailbox...its not some giant box that needs to be left at my doorstep.

                    I think THATS the problem most people have.

                    QUOTE]

                    I know this is my issue. I have no problem at all paying for shipping. I pay for shipping from some places all the time. (some places waive shipping charges at various threshholds etc. which I have wondered about but...their call) but I do have a problem paying for shipping at a rate that doesn't relate in any way at all to what I ordered and then it gets shipped via Antarctica or something (that is the only exlanation I can think of for something taking 2+ weeks to get from MA to CO....unless maybe someone rides it here on their horse? ).
                    My blog:

                    RAWR

                    Comment


                    • #70
                      Originally posted by Becky Minard View Post
                      Hi guys,

                      First of all, can I say how wonderful you all are! Thank you for saying so many nice things about SmartPak. I'm glad you've had such good experiences with our customer service and we really do listen to your comments - both good and bad! (Sometimes the bad ones are the most helpful to us - we are always trying to do a better job for you and your horse.)

                      In any case, I am here to allay any fears you may have. I'm not sure where or how that rumor got started but there is no truth to it at all on any level - Dover is not buying us.

                      If you ever have any questions please don't hesitate to pick up the phone or email us. We are always here.

                      Becky Minard
                      SmartPak Founder
                      Hugs Becky!

                      Comment


                      • #71
                        Originally posted by Becky Minard View Post
                        Hi guys,

                        First of all, can I say how wonderful you all are! Thank you for saying so many nice things about SmartPak. I'm glad you've had such good experiences with our customer service and we really do listen to your comments - both good and bad! (Sometimes the bad ones are the most helpful to us - we are always trying to do a better job for you and your horse.)

                        In any case, I am here to allay any fears you may have. I'm not sure where or how that rumor got started but there is no truth to it at all on any level - Dover is not buying us.

                        If you ever have any questions please don't hesitate to pick up the phone or email us. We are always here.

                        Becky Minard
                        SmartPak Founder
                        Praise the Lord! I'm not sure what I would do if this happened...

                        Comment


                        • #72
                          Originally posted by Becky Minard View Post
                          In any case, I am here to allay any fears you may have. I'm not sure where or how that rumor got started but there is no truth to it at all on any level - Dover is not buying us.
                          ...
                          Becky Minard
                          SmartPak Founder
                          This is the best news I've heard all day
                          "We need a pinned ears icon." -MysticOakRanch

                          Comment


                          • #73
                            Originally posted by monstrpony View Post
                            But those of you who think you're getting something for nothing from SmartPak are dreaming.
                            Actually, I believe many people are happy to pay SmartPak's shipping and even, quite possibly, a bit more for their products simply because of the reliable, outstanding customer service. The fact that SmartPak distributes free shipping codes only ices the cake.

                            Regarding posting free shipping codes online, I feel certain that the folks at SmartPak are well aware of this practice (obviously they read CoTH) and would stop offering free shipping codes if it were detrimental to their business. I could be wrong, but I would venture to guess that they make a whole lot more in profit from additional sales than they lose in shipping.
                            "We need a pinned ears icon." -MysticOakRanch

                            Comment


                            • #74
                              Originally posted by seabreeze View Post
                              Actually, I believe many people are happy to pay SmartPak's shipping and even, quite possibly, a bit more for their products simply because of the reliable, outstanding customer service. The fact that SmartPak distributes free shipping codes only ices the cake.

                              Regarding posting free shipping codes online, I feel certain that the folks at SmartPak are well aware of this practice (obviously they read CoTH) and would stop offering free shipping codes if it were detrimental to their business. I could be wrong, but I would venture to guess that they make a whole lot more in profit from additional sales than they lose in shipping.
                              I agree wholeheartedly with this. I'm sure the extra sales they get from offering free shipping more than makes up for losing the shipping cost.

                              Like everyone else, I loff SmartPak and would die if Dover bought them out. So glad this is not the case!!!

                              Caitlin
                              Caitlin
                              *OMGiH I Loff my Mare* and *My Saddlebred Can Do Anything Your Horse Can Do*
                              http://community.webshots.com/user/redmare01

                              Comment


                              • #75
                                Originally posted by countrygal View Post
                                Praise the Lord! I'm not sure what I would do if this happened...
                                Same here! I just about had a heart attack!
                                Tell a Gelding. Ask a Stallion. Discuss it with a Mare... Pray if it's a Pony!

                                Comment


                                • #76
                                  So Becky...how about expanding for us Canadians, eh? We would LOVE to be able to give you our business without having to pay a gazillion dollars in brokerage or shipping fees. Is there any joy for us?
                                  Dee
                                  Founder of the I LOFF my worrywart TB clique!
                                  Official member of the "I Sing Silly Songs to My Animals!" Clique
                                  http://wilddiamondintherough.blogspot.ca/

                                  Comment


                                  • #77
                                    Another request for Canadian shipping here! Unfortunately being in the middle of the prairies means I can't just get a handy PO box in the US. It would be awesome if there was some sort of shipping system that kept us from having to deal with all the duties and brokerage fees and such. I would LOVE to order from SmartPak!

                                    Comment


                                    • #78
                                      Originally posted by Becky Minard View Post
                                      Hi guys,


                                      In any case, I am here to allay any fears you may have. I'm not sure where or how that rumor got started but there is no truth to it at all on any level - Dover is not buying us.
                                      Thank doG!! I love Smartpak, just wish they carried more dog stuff.

                                      As for Dover, I've usually had decent to good experiences with them. Apparently, each store must have a different policy regarding out of stock items though -- the one I go to will ship an item directly to you for free if it's out of stock in the shop.

                                      The only problem with that is for things that you want to see/try on in person, like their boots. I need a new pair of paddocks, but still haven't gotten any (been putting it off for months now) because Dover doesn't carry many of the options they show in their catalog in the stores so I can't try them on. Guess they can't carry *everything*, but, with boots, that's something I really need to be able to try on. Yes, I suppose I could order a pair or two, try them on, and return them if necessary, but...what a nuisance!!

                                      The real problem I have with Dover is the MULTIPLE *sale* prices they have at any one time. You MUST bring the catalog and show it to the salesclerk to get the sales price. If it's on sale and you don't show them the catalog, they won't give you the sales price.

                                      They have soooo many versions of their bloody catalog, they *sometimes* don't have ALL of the current versions on hand. If they don't happen to have the current one you looked at with the sale price, you're out of luck. They do let you check out whatever catalog(s) they have behind the counter to see if an item is on sale, but you have to remember to do that AND check every item you're buying.

                                      I can't even tell you how many times I've skipped a trip to the Dover store because I didn't remember to bring the blasted catalog with me!!! It's an hour's trip to Dover, I'm NOT about to drive all that way and then find out that they won't give me the sale price! I know that they lose sales from me that way -- all those extra shopping trips where I'd probably pick up extras/impulse buys that I simply don't make because I don't want to feel cheated by not getting an advertised sale price because I forgot the catalog. Really NOT a good marketing tactic in my book.

                                      If it's on sale, put it on sale, mark it clearly, and don't make your customers drag catalogs around and point it out to the clerks. I really find that beyond annoying.
                                      Proofreading is your friend.

                                      Comment


                                      • #79
                                        Yes...thank heaven the rumor about dover buying smartpak isn't true!!

                                        I love smartpak! It is nice to know I can trust them to ship things to me quickly and if something gets messed up they will fix it- that is really important to me.
                                        My blog:

                                        RAWR

                                        Comment


                                        • #80
                                          SmartPak again...

                                          To DeeThbd and Denzel - we get tons of requests to ship to Canada and we really would love to be able to but the taxes, duties, customs paperwork, etc is so complicated to do correctly and legally, not to mention that its very expensive for us to ship into Canada, that we haven't tackled it yet. We know you are there though!

                                          And to Altag - I'd love to hear what dog products you'd like us to carry.

                                          Thanks again everyone,

                                          Becky

                                          Comment

                                          Working...
                                          X