I've been looking for a good Kayak...was excited to see this, then saw @theraptscallion's note...and remember, if you're an REI member you actually get back $110 on your next year's dividend, bringing the total down to $989.95. So if you have to buy a paddle, it's certainly not going to cost you so much that this Massdrop will be any sort of a deal. This isn't Massdrop's fault per se, though I wish Massdrop would do a wee little scouting around when making a deal with the manufacturers. This would be a deal if it was $999 including paddle. Then it's better than REI (including paddle), and a bunch of folks would get in just because it's under four figures.
(And I watched the Shark Tank episode on this company, they were paying $505 for manufacturing, and with the 500K contribution they got on that show they were hoping to bring their manufacturing costs to around $350, so they're making a really awesome markup profit on this deal, and would still be making bank if they sold the package here for $999.)
reesAt $1099 + tax (for California) + $40 shipping = $1227 with MassDrop. $1099 + tax (for California) - $110 (REI rebate) + $0 shipping (pickup at REI) = $1077 with REI. The difference of $150 is basically the paddle. Of course, the deal is better if you don't live in states with sales tax. This deal is basically the same as REI. Perhaps, Massdrop can re-negotiate a better deal. $999 with 30 kayaks.
SurfcityYou're right. I'm spoiled by no sales tax in OR, often forgetting people in most states pay more....wait, is Massdrop based in CA? 'Cause otherwise I thought you didn't have to pay taxes if the online biz wasn't based in your state (or have retail in your state)?