Need some advice

[Mr. Peabody]

Okay, folks...

I've been trolling this site for months (off and on) and I've decided to take the plunge. I want an Ace 250 and I'm pretty sure that I want to get the new coil as well.

My problem is that I've only just moved to northern California (just north of Sacramento). Is it better to order on-line or to buy from a local dealer? I know that I can avoid the dreaded sales tax if I order on-line but can I get assistance if I need it? I don't have a problem with ordering on-line, I just don't want to spend $300.00 and not be able to get warranty help if I need it. I checked the Garrett site and there are two stores in Sacramento but I don't know either store (Gold Mine and Fry's Electronics). Is there anybody locally who can help me out? I'd really appreciate any assistance because I'm vicariously addicted and can't wait to get my own yeller feller.

 

[Uncle Willy]

It depends on what kind of assistance you refer to. You can get all the help you'll ever need on this forum as far as using the 250. Technical help is just an email away to our favorite gal - Mary Penson at Garrett. It's a decision you'll have to make.

I doubt you would get much help from Frys as their people are electonics salesmen working on commission and they just happen to sell detectors along with thousands of other items - they are not experienced detector users. Sort of like buying at Radio Shack. I haven't bought through a dealer in 30 years but then I've been at this for 42 years.

You neglected to state whether you are brand new to the hobby. If so, going through a dealer might be best for you unless you know someone who can show you the ropes.

Bill

 

[Mr. Peabody]

Sorry about that one little detail...

Yes, I'm new to the hobby but I get your meaning about Fry's. Nothing against them or Radio Shack, in general, but if I want expert advice about detectors I better search elsewhere.

I guess my concern is that I'm getting a good deal and not getting ripped off. As I said, I don't mind ordering on-line or through the mail if that's where the deals are. I have found a dealer on eBay (Aardvark Metal Detectors) who sells the Ace 250 with both the 6x9 and 9x12 coils for $280.00. Is that a good deal?

Thanks for all your advice and help. I really appreciate it.

 

[Relic]

Like you, I

 

[Mr. Peabody]

Good thoughts...I think I'll take a drive down to Sacramento next week and see if I can find one of those shops.

Thanks...

 

[beetle662]

As a small dealer myself, I would like to thank you for taking the time to consider us small yet friendly and helpful businesses!

From what I gather Aardvark is simply an offshoot of Kellyco. Detector manufacturers have policies in place about selling their products via online auctions. It's okay to sell them there, but for their full list price only. And then, the manufacturers give us leeway by letting us discount a certain amount on those items if we sell them outright on our own site or store.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at beetle662@billsdetectorsales and I'll be more than happy to discuss some possibilities with you!

Best of luck with your decision... and the Ace 250 is certainly a great little unit at a price that nothing else really comes close to.

Bill

 

[Glenn(SD)]

n/t

 

[Ernie250]

Aardvark is the ebay name used by KellyCo. Go to http://www.kellycodetectors.com/ and check the offer there. It just may be better then the ebay offer.

Ernie

 

[Uncle Willy]

Yeah Kellyco sells that combo for $274.95 on their web site so $280 isn't far off. THat's about as low as it gets unless you buy used. Just go to kellycodetectors.com and check it out.

If you deal with a local dealer remember this - most dealers are great folks to deal with but some dealers have their own agenda and will try to push another brand of detector on you so should you run into one of these just be adamant in your choice and leave with the detector you wanted when you walked in. Good luck and visit us often when you get started. You have a lot of helpers on this forum. We were all where you are at one time or another.

Bill

 

[Mr. Peabody]

Thanks for all the help. Y'all are wonderful and I know I'm going to enjoy this hobby just by listening to you talk and tell stories. As soon as I get my detector, you'll be the second to know--just behind everybody in my neighborhood when I give out a holler.

Thanks, again, for everything...

Troy

 

[Uncle Willy]

Good luck and keep us posted. Looking forward to hearing from you often.

Bill