Snowboard Connection

01/21/2008 Posted by psuiter

I have been a loyal customer of REI for years being an avid outdoor person and snowboarder. I recently gave SnowCon a chance to support local business--BIG MISTAKE. I purchased a pair of pants that after wearing once deteremined that I didn't like them. As we all know, this happens frequently where you don't really know if gear is right for you until you try it. I was treated terribly by their staff and made to feel ridiculous that I was trying to return something that I had worn. It is their store policy not to accept returns if you have used the item--EVEN ONCE!!! They said that this is due to them being owned by a husband and wife and they can't afford it. Well, I guess they can afford to lose customers. I will never darken their doorstep again and suggest you do the same. At REI staff is always friendly and helpful--and you can actually return gear that you purchase that you decide you don't like--CRAZY CONCEPT!!!!!

Cons: Return Policy and Terrible Customer Service

12/30/2007 Posted by teshredstoo

I work seasonally up at Mt. Baker and have been shopping at SnoCon for years. The new loc at Yale Ave got some sweet gear and boards but the last 3 times I've been there the reps ignore you. Recently I went with the intention of buying the Burton SL-10's and after a while of standing there in the boot section with a boot in hand looking for a rep to help me out with a size I figured they were busy so left and ran across the street to REI to check stuff out. I returned 25 min later to the same crappy service. I browsed the entire store for other gear and came back to the boots last, still ignored by 3 reps chatting with eachother, one was b.s.'ing with non-customers, and one actually gave me eye contact to walk right past me to chat with another rep's customer about their dog. I witnessed a couple that was in the store that entire time unable to get assistance, as well and couldn't believe that we were all being ignored so blatantly. I put the $450 boot back on the shelf along with the coat, two pairs of pants, and gloves I had picked out, and excused myself from the store a second time intending to contact the owner of SnoCon to see if they're aware that their rude reps are allowing customers to leave their store with intent to buy gear. If my size boot was on the floor I'd have brought them straight to the cash register to pay. That's how easy the sale would have been, but it's hard for me to justify going back to be ignored by losers who don't care for their jobs very much.

Pros: Good selection, newest gear at the same prices everywhere else

Cons: Pay for parking to get TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE-maybe staff just unknowledgeable so they avoid you?

09/25/2007 Posted by l_wins

I think their new location accross from REI is great, did their other location shut down? There was somthing about being fairly remote under the viaduct that made the place before. SnoCons service is sweet and I LOVE their clothing options, just wish the prices were lower!!.. that's me though - good snowboard gear just tends to always cost a lot.

10/05/2006 Posted by sajh

For years it's been one of those local joints that you only know about if you're familiar with the community. I'm really glad to see it on city search. It's the only place that I've ever bought my gear at, and it's the only place I trust my money with. You can go in there and say, "I've never been boarding in my life but my boyfriend does and I wanna learn." or you can go in there and say, "I want a Freeride Burton Baron" and they'll hook you up whether they have it in stock or not. The only downside is that they mainly carry thirtytwo boots and not much else some years.

07/31/2004 Posted by neivahaukea

If you are looking for a dose of reality in your vision of snowboarding, skateboarding or snowboarding in the Northwest, Sno Con is the place to do it in. Everyone is knowledgable passionate and involved in the community there, and willing to help everyone (regardless of race class or creed) to discover it for themselves.