How many posts have we seen concerning thread color and blank color and posts expressing some degree of frustration with customers who want a custom rod with no real idea of what they want? Here's what I've started and it's making life easier already.

I borrowed on an idea from a golf pro shop. Golf pro shops have the same problems with indecisive customers so for those wanting their clubs regripped they normally have one sample of each grip already installed on a short section of shaft so that the golfer can hold a representative sample of each grip type to determine which one they like the best. I build freshwater blanks and overwhelmingly they are either olive, natural graphite/ matt charcoal, blue, green, or root beer brown - not a tremendous amount of variety. On scrap sections of these primary colors, I wrap three wraps of each Gudebrod color offering; one of NCP, one regular thread with CP, and one regular thread without CP. To that I add a few samples of some commonly used metallic threads that the customer might want for accent or cosmetic effect ,an example or two of what a marbleized finish might look like (hello, Putter) and even an simple feather inlay or two. I started this project to aid the customer but I think it may have helped me more in terms of time saved and all of the "I don't know" responses. It has greatly facilitated the coaching that is necessary when dealing with someone who knows very little or nothing about rod crafting through the process. Will I be confessing to breaking a rule if I admitted to printing off a picture of someone else's work from our Photo page to help a customer visualize something that may be desireable in a rod design? I find it helpful to have photos, especially of grips and reel seats. Now when I meet with a potential customer, I take my sample blank sections and a few photos and the meeting takes a lot less time and they're much more productive. In the end I think my customer will also be happier and more confident in their selection.


I've been assembling these job aids as I find time and I'm still a long way from being finished but I'm already reaping benefits. It helps the customer immensely when they can see each color and each wrap treatment in contrast to the blank color. Try it....your customer will thank you and you will thank ourself.

Great idea. For any thing, guides, thread, handles to show them - when they walk into your shop.
When you deal over the net, it becomes a lot harder. The only thing is to send pictures. Nicer to hold it in your hand though.