Sportco (in Fife, Wa)

[Bait O' Eggs]

I stopped and visited Sportco in Fife, Wa on Saturday. We could use a few more stores like that around. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] They have tons of stuff and the prices seemed far more competitive that Fishermans here in PDX.

If I was a Washington residence I would hate this store. They have a 5% add on all prices unless you become a member. I didnt ask what that cost, but assumed it was around 15 - $20/yr give or take.

Being a non resident I get member pricing without having to become a member. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] I was happy to not have to pay the extra 5%, but it appears they take better care of the occasional shopper in from out of town, than they do the people who live down the street and frequent the store.

It doesnt even sound legal to charge your neighbors 5% to shop unless they pay a member fee, when out of staters can get the member price.

I liked the store, for there merchandise and prices.

[hoochie]

$15 a year for membership is saved almost everytime I go into that store. Makes it worth it to join. Gotta check into that out-of-state stuff, though. It really doesn's seem fair to us who live here.

I tell all family members to just go there and get gift certtificates for me for b-day's etc. My most favorite store be far!

[THE REEL HEY_YALL]

BOE, Sportco rules! The worst thing about this store though is their business hours. They open at like 10am and close at 6pm. Closed on Sundays. I guess they are targeting the unemployed anglers or banker's? [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]

You would think they would cater to those right down the road??!!! Are you crazy? [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] I guess you didn't see the actual "locals" around Fife.

The membership fee is $15 a year, and I have well made out on the better end of the deal from my first purchase, and on.

Of course, all you have to say is that you don't have your card handy, or it was lost, or in your wife's vehicle, and they'll take your word on it. The clerks get paid by the hour so what do they care?
My average spending in Sportco is around $125 each visit. Very cool store.

[Killertraylor]

My parents live in the Seattle area and I've been a regular customer of Sportco every time I go to visit. Make sure you tell them if you are an Oregon resident because you don't have to pay sales tax. They've never told me I don't need a membership, but my dad always buys one and gets me an extra card. The only thing I can't stand about that store is the service - especially at the gun counter. I've never tried to buy a gun there - I can't since I'm an out of state resident, but I've spent a lot of time around the counter and I've seen them give a lot of people really bad service. Great store though - I agree that it's better than FMS as far as prices and selection go. For those of you who might like to stop by - right after you go through Tacoma on I-5 you will see an exit that says Fife. Right before the Fife exit you'll see NW BMW car dealership and and Acura dealership on your right as you are going N. on I-5. take the Fife exit and the off-ramp will funnel you to the right until you get to a stop light with an am/pm on the right and I think a Texaco on the left. Turn right (the Acura and BMW dealerships will now be on your right as you are heading south) and Sportco will be on your left, approx. 3/4 of a mile down the road.

[Fishaholic]

Great store, but when you stop by to pick up a certain item, they are out of it.

[Steelheader69]

I've been going to Sportco since the day they opened their doors. My Dad knew the original owner, they went to school together. It's grown bigger and bigger. Moved a few times. But to tell you the truth, it's not near the store it once was. You see the frilly displays and all the bells and whistles. It used to be a fisherman's/hunter's store with select gear. Now it's almost borderline yuppie gear. They do have alot of good gear at good prices, but they carry way too much crap. Also, the reason why they're out of the stuff you really need is that they stock all the guides and other stores with on hand stock. Haven't you ever seen the employees with shopping carts and lists? I feel it has become way too big for it's britches.

BOE, the only reason they didn't charge you the 5% is that most of the time they don't. I haven't renewed my membership in a few years, and I always get the discount. You REALLY have to watch the advice/service you get. I've seen WAY too many people outfitted with gear they really didn't need or was really overpriced. All because they were told it was crucial gear for their endeavor.

Overall, it's a good store, especially for the area. I'd love to see a new store set in the old Sportco fashion. It was a little hole in the wall, but man it had all the right gear with all the right prices.

[brshooter]

Have not been to Sportco since I lived in Puyallup in the early 80's. Was a great store for reloading supplies back then.
Sounds like a good deal for us Oregonians who may get up that way once in a while. Get the member prices without the member fee's. What about sales tax? I know most places in Washington will not charge you sales tax if you show them an Oregon drivers license (except food). That could save another 8%.

[Bait O' Eggs]

I showed an Oregon drivers license and did not have to pay the tax.

Got my Okuma Epix EX 30 for $49.95 out the door.