I've been selling rods for about six months. Handed out cards to "everyone". Donated four or five rods to charity silent @#$%&/ golf tournaments. Showed off a spiral wrap i did on an albacore boat (freaked everyone out until I got hooked up, then I got a lot of positive comments once they understood the concept). I've only sold five rods. Three of those were a single order for matched fly rods. My pricing structure is in the norms for my area (San Diego). Any ideas on "getting out there" and selling some rods?

Thanks,

JC

One of the biggest problems is that the market for custom rods is comparitively small and "Who the heck is Jim Cunningham?" Seriously, stop and think how you would react if you found a product that you liked, but it was one made by somebody you had never heard of. Companies spends tons of money building an image - marketing their name to the public. People are not apt to buy products from persons or companies that they don't know. Don't take this the wrong way, but from a selling standpoint, it's doubtful you have any "legitimacy" going for you yet.

Do you have a website so interested parties can find out a little more about you and your rods? Do you have a shop where they can come visit you? Do any of the local tackle shops talk you up a bit, perhaps? Some of what I call legitimacy will only come in time, but you can do a few things to speed it along.

Next, what is different about your rods than what guys can buy in the local tackle shops or from the tackle discount mega-stores? Are you copying factory rods or making something that is truly different? Do your rods perform better, look better and look different? If not on all three, you have to understand that most fishermen will just stick with manufacturers whose names and rods they're familar with.

Anyway, these are just some of the stumbling blocks for most any of us that have ever tried to sell custom fishing rods. Actually, anybody who is only six months into the craft and has already sold a set of 5 rods hasn't done badly at all. Just be patient and consider some of the things I've mentioned.

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Hi Jim

I did all the things you mentioned years and years ago. What broke it open for me and many of those I know who have made it a business is two things.

One Fish a lot and show your wares like crazy. It is a slow process but can get you a lot of business.

Two and most effective. Is Dedicate at least two years of doing sportfishing shows. This is a jump start and if you have tallent you will get work. Make some to sell at the shows and sell those(impulse buy) Do the spiral thing because NO ONE is doing it at the shows. If you have any questions feel free to call me. 805 485 3089. I am dial up so best chance is just to keep calling. I will try to give you some hints. Are you legal or just doing it on the side?

Drop me a line and well yak.
Doc Ski

PS dont waste money advertizing in mags of papers.

Jim,

Patience and quality are the keys. Stick to it and keep doing all the things you are doing and all the things suggested above. I even put brochures in the local restaurants so people have something to read while they eat. I go to all the shows I can make and all the county fairs and guide/outfitter shows around here and have a store and I sponsor this web site. It all helps but word of mouth is still the best for me. I repair a rod for one guy and two weeks later three more come to see me because of him. I sell a new rod to someone and he tells all his friends and I get new orders. I sell rod building components to someone and their rod building buddies call me up. I get tourists in the store and win them over and they tell their friends and so on and so on.

Of course, you do have to hook that first one so he can talk. That is why you have to get your name in front of anyone who will listen. Keep at it and you'll begin to see the returns.

Tom is right, 5 rods in the first 6 months isn't that bad.

Joe Douglas

What I think helped me the most, Most Important is word of mouth, A store front operation, and I spend my advertising dollars on Radio. Jesse