The Truth Exposed
Why “3 Step Distribution” Hurts Sailors
Every sailor knows the feeling: you’re quoted a price for a piece of rigging hardware, and it’s hard not to wonder how much of that cost actually goes toward the product itself. The truth is, in the marine industry, a large portion of what you pay often disappears into layers of markup — distributors, riggers, and middlemen who each take a slice before the gear ever reaches your boat.
Break Out Another Thousand...
A recent ad from a rigging distributor proudly promoted “special pricing for pro riggers” and even boasted about offering a serious profit margin. That phrase says it all. The system is designed so that riggers can buy at wholesale, mark it up, add the labor and pass the inflated cost to the sailor. It’s not about fair pricing or better service — it’s about protecting profit chains that have existed for decades..the Good Ole Boys.
The Old Model: Built for Markups, Not Sailors
Traditional marine hardware distribution was built in an era when communication was slow and local riggers were the only link between manufacturers and boat owners. That model made sense when catalogs were printed once a year and orders were faxed. But today, sailors can research, compare, and purchase directly from manufacturers with a few clicks. The old system persists mainly because it benefits those who sell and install Roller Furlers that require Rigging Services.
When distributors advertise “pro rigger pricing,” they’re not talking about savings for the end user. They’re talking about profit margins — the difference between what they pay and what you pay. Every extra layer adds cost without adding value. The sailor ends up paying more for the same piece of hardware, often with less direct support from the people who actually designed and built it.
Buying Direct: A Better Way Forward
At 3DFurler, we’ve taken a different path. We sell directly to sailors — no distributors, no riggers marking up prices, no hidden tiers. That means every customer pays the same fair price and gets fast, direct technical support from the people who know the product best.
This approach isn’t just about cost; it’s about accountability. When you buy from us, you’re talking to the same team that engineered the system, tested it, and sails with it. We understand how it installs, how it performs under load, and how it fits into real‑world rigging setups. There’s no guessing, no middleman translating your needs through a chain of emails and we don't rest until you are 100% happy!
Pricing is Upfront No Hidden Extras
SOLD by the FOOT...No More Paying for Scrap
For the DO-IT-Yourself Sailor
And we're Made right here in the USA...
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