
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY FROM US
- We do extensive research on every product we sell so you don't have to.
Unlike the giant marine supply stores that try to please everybody, we only sell environmentally friendly products. Before we stock our shelves with any item we thoroughly review:
-the "greenness" of the ingredients or materials that go into the item
-the environmental impact of the item's creation, distribution, use and disposal
-the impact on the human body of using the product
-the country of origin and labor practices of the manufacturer
-the quality of the product
-the product's effectiveness and expected lifespan
Only after we are satisfied with the answers to these questions does a product find its way to our shelves.
With so many companies today involved in the deceptive practice of "greenwashing", i.e. using misleading terms like "biodegradable" or "environmentally friendly" when their products contain all sorts of nasty stuff, we believe consumers will value a store that tries to cut through all the deception by offering truly green products.
-We give back to the environment.
As members of One Percent for the Planet we put our money where our mouth is. Unlike many merchants who donate some portion of their profits, we donate one percent of our gross sales proceeds to the Blue Ocean Institute, a group committed to both education and action when it comes to saving the Ocean.
The difference between donating a percentage of profits versus gross sales is huge. Profits can be manipulated through tricky accounting. Sales are sales, what we bring in the door is easy to measure and cannot be manipulated the way bottom line profits can.
We also have several Friends of the Earth (FOE) referral partners that we donate money to in exchange for them getting the word out about us. We see this as a no-brainer. Our partners send customers to us who want environmentally friendly products and we return the favor with cash donations to help them promote their causes. Everybody is happy and the world gets a little better along the way.
-We are members of Co-op America's Green Business Network™
Co-op America's Green Business Network™ is the oldest, largest, and most diverse network of socially and environmentally responsible businesses in America. Members of Co-op America's Green Business Network™ include today's most vibrant and influential social entrepreneurs.
Together we are changing what it means to do business in America.
What's a Green Business?
Green businesses operate in ways that solve, rather than cause, both environmental and social problems.
These businesses adopt principles, policies, and practices that improve the quality of life for their customers, their employees, communities, and the environment.
Green businesses listed in Co-op America’s National Green Pages™ have passed a screening process that qualifies them for membership in our Green Business Network™.
-We treat customers the way we want to be treated.
This policy gets thrown around a lot these days, with varying degrees of sincerity, but we run our company according to the Golden Rule. If you paid us today we will process your order today and get it out the door within 48 hours.
If we are out of stock on an item we will let you know and give you the option to wait for delivery or cancel your order.
If you are unhappy with anything you purchase from us or anything we do along the way, we will do everything we can to make things right.
We are not looking for one quick sale. We want you to tell people about us. We want repeat business. You don't get any of those things without walking the walk, and we do.
-We only sell quality products.
Of course you hear this one from every merchant out there, but we believe you really do get what you pay for. When it comes to the environmental friendliness of a product we believe a high quality product that is made in a responsible way and that is built to last is worth more than a cheap product you will have to repurchase over and over again. We don't sell junk.
-We back everything we sell with an Iron Clad guarantee.
To live up to our commitment to quality we guarantee you will be happy with everything you buy from us. If you are not satisfied, for any reason, just return the product to us and we will cheerfully replace it or refund your money, whichever you prefer. We will also cover your shipping costs as long as the return is sent by ground shipping. International orders can be returned by the lowest cost option available and we'll cover the cost.
-We offer quantity discounts on almost everything.
If you're gearing up a new boat, getting together with friends to work on several boats, buying for a group, shopping for gifts, or just spending a lot of money, we will help with quantity discounts. Most of our items are priced with a discount option, but if you see something you want that does not, let us know and we'll see what we can do.
-We offer combined shipping discounts and free shipping on orders over $150.
Our simple shipping schedule is designed to make it easy and affordable to buy from us. No complex calculations, or hidden fees, just fair shipping meant to cover our costs. Spend $150 or more with us and we'll ship by ground for free.
-We run a green company.
In every aspect of how we run greenboatstuff.com we try to make the least possible impact on the world around us. This means you might see your order arrive in a box that is not all shiny and new. We try to recycle as much packaging material as we can. Unlike most companies, we use paper tape, biodegradable packing peanuts, 100% recycled paper, and so on. We recycle religiously, light everything with compact fluorescent bulbs, use fans in our warehouse instead of air conditioning, run biodiesel, and all the other little things that can really make a big difference. We hope our actions will encourage others to do the same.
-We welcome your opinions about what we can do better.
The suggestions, criticisms, and product reviews we receive at greenboatstuff.com are taken very seriously. In addition to great products, we know that delivering the highest level of customer service is essential for our success. If you think we can do something better we want to know about it. If you have an issue with something we carry or do, let us know. We won't promise to act on everything, but we will consider all input and let you know what we think.
-We really do care.
Another eye roller to be sure, but greenboatstuff.com was founded to try to make a difference. After becoming disgusted with the junk floating in our lakes, rivers, and Ocean, and the lack of choice available for earth-minded boaters this company was born. We are a family run business with the same hopes, dreams, and worries many people face. We are in business to make money to be sure- we obviously can't do anything for long if we don't run a profitable business, but while money is one of the reasons we do what we do, improving the health of our aquatic treasures is our primary agenda.
Thank You
Eric Allen
Owner
www.greenboatstuff.com