I have never read that any one here has offered loaners or demo rods for prospective customers to fish with. I realize there can be some problems, damage etc. Not to mention the fact that the rod may never come back. I willingly loan rods to well known customers, no problem. How 'bout a loaner deposit of $100 (depending on material costs) for people we don't have a history
with ? Do you do anything along these lines ?

I have a number of loaner rods in the most popular blank models and actions that are sold in my shop. I found this very helpful with the angler that wants a specialty rod for a specific type of fishing, but wants to try it first. I do not require a deposit. I have a verbal agreement that if they break it and bring back the pieces they owe me the cost of the parts. If they loose it entirely they owe me retail cost.

the only breakage problem I had in 15 years of doing this, was with the US Postal Service breaking a set of planer board trolling rods and the heavy PVC pipe they were in. It was insured for retail so I got my money back.

The REAL problem I have is that the customer wants to buy the shop/loaner rod instead of me building them a new one. I am constantly replacing shop/loaner rods. Guess that really isn't a problem now is it.

Buzz

Buzz,
I have some of the same problem........Seems like I am always making display rods to replace the one that I sold.........I quit giving customers a break on the price for the display rod on that account.......I had one broken and the customer bought it and another one.........Loaners and display rods are a good idea in my opinion. At least after we find out a budget we have another starting point.........Yall have a nice day......

Big John
Rio Hondo, Texas
Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting

Richard,
Another point I forgot to add in the first post, is if you ever had to convince someone about using the spiral wrap instead of guides-on-top the demo rod is the way to go. I have 3 musky demo rods, the only time I ever see them is in the winter.
Buzz

If you can afford to put a couple loaner rods into your line up, it's probably a pretty darn good idea. Expect to have one broken now and then, but keep in mind that this is at least a business expense (parts and labor) so you're never out an entire rod. In the long run, a couple such rods might sell more than a few for you each year.

The mention of the spiral loaner is also a great idea. Most fishermen will accept it if they can actually experience how much better they fish.

..........

I agree. If you can do it, do it! I have yet for anyone to break a loaner except myself. Then again I break at least 5 a year min., and that is why I got into this just so I could break a rod and make it better.

The problem I had with loaners wasn't breakage, it was getting them back. I had two in FL that I had a @#$%& of a time tracking down, finally right before I moved I had to swing by the guys' places and try to pick them up after several dozen phone calls. How to prevent this?

Phil