I am just starting to sell quite a few rods, and am wondering what everyone sees as the most common repair/warranty work you have to do?

Also, at what point do you not do warranty work and tell the customer it was abuse or misuse that caused the damage?

Thanks,
Marc

Marc, customers and future customers' perception of me is too important here (to me). I'm in a small community and word gets out fast. That word might not be the story I want told, too. That's how things work in small communities.

I take care of my customers. When he leaves satisfied, then all goes well. It's not worth hassling about to me. I just get there blessing on our agreement and we go from there. Each one is different and more times than not, they even eventually tell me what REALLY happened after the rod is repaired...

Putter
Williston, ND

Most of the failure will be operator error, IMPACT in its many varying forms, and incorrect ferrule assembly will head the list, HIGHSTICKING (breaking a rod swinging a bass up into the boat is highsticking) will also enter the pic after that.... ALL abuse/ operator error type failures, those eat up 90% of all failed rods, over lining, reefing on a snag with the rod add to that, NONE ARE COVERED or technically a defect in materials and workmanship, Moreover just a defect in the brain pod of the fisherman.

Cut them a cheaper rate on repairing the rod if you feel so inclined, If an actual break due to a Mfg defect it will be clean with no fussies (or curshed fibers up the blank on each side of the break) and will happen in the 1st few uses. The blank Mfg will replace it then. almost assuridly, but he still needs to pick up the shipping to charges and from the MFG. (save shipping rod tubes at least you can supply him with that) Charge for the rebuild or cut him a deal its usually just the tip section on longer 2 pc rods that fails, then its just labor your out, or have to charge something for

The best thing you can do is educated your client on the frailties of the equipment he is purchasing, ( I have a standard three page print out) and how to avoid them and how to use a rods strong points to your fishing advantage. Hes not buying a bullet proof ugly stick most likly. Explain the warranty just as I have, and how so little is actually covered and rightfully so. just be truthfull and up front and cover yourself for what can happen to rods and whose fault it is when it does. If it is his fasult and your cuting him a deal or reapiring it for free make sure he knows this, and knows this is a one time affair, next time it is all on him.

Tell him to buy rod a tube nothing hurts more than pulling out a damaged rod in the spring due to impact, or a nawing dog over the winter storage months, Buy a tube with an attached reel pouch for transport situations.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/12/2007 02:07PM by Chris Karp.

I used to give my customers a 50/50 warranty. That is 50 seconds or 50 feet what ever come first. (JUST KIDDING). I would build in a slight cushion price in to the total price of every rod. just to cover parts. Hopefully you seldom use it so after a year of building rods and you don’t have to use it you have a nice little nest egg. Remember if you have a business license your parts are cheaper. Like Randy stated customer relation is what this business is all about. You want to give your customer the best of 2 worlds, the best rod and a working friendship that well last for ever. One bad remark can kill at least 25 sales. One kind word can make a lifetime of repeat sales to that customer his family and friends
Good Wraps Bob