Has anyone ever lost a sale because of not offering enough warranty. I offer limited lifetime, but people only hear "lifetime" and seem to think anything goes.

In reality, one year on breakage should be good, as if there is a true defect it's gonna give in the first season's use.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Thanks,
Marc

IMO, you CANNOT compete with mass production rods in respect to warranty terms.

However, they can't possibly compete with you on quality of build, consultation services and product personalization.

Sell what YOU have to sell ... don't worry about the rest.


2 cents deposited ... LOL.

Blank - manufacturer warranty, but discretion is used based on information provided to me as well as personal observation.

Work - lifetime, and I think this is the only thing a custom builder should have to warranty.

The best thing you can do is have your warranty clearly written out and posted either up in your shop or directly on the receipt you give them.

I would offer a lifetime warranty on workmanship. As far as a warranty against breakage - you need to remind your customer that rods are not unbreakable and breakage does not necessarily indicate a defect.

If a rod is defective, it will most likely break in the first few uses. I'd try something like a 90 day period against breakage due to actual defects.

Often, a few minutes spent educating your customer on what breaks rods, and how to properly use a rod, can save you from a disgruntled customer later. Consult the library page for a good article on how to use a rod properly.

...............

We warrant our rods against breakage for the lifetime of the owner. The caveat to this is that we will NOT repair a broken rod, but we will replace it.

We will repair a damaged guide or threadwork or grips for the cost of the parts plus a small amount for labor. We price this work similarly to our regular repair work, with perhaps a little discount because it's for a loyal customer.

We did not do this because Shimano initiated their "limted lifetime" warranty even on their lowest-priced rods, although we heard that from some folks and store owners. We did it because we have that kind of confidence in our rods and want our customers to have that confidence too. We've had exactly two rods come back to us broken, and neother were faults in the blank. We also had two blanks fold on us during stress teesting, which is exactly what stress testing is supposed to do. In all four cases, the manufadcturers backed us up.r
And we learned that a customer who makes that an issue, beyond what we offer, is not a customer we want.

Uncle Russ
Calico Creek Rods

Thanks Russ - just wondering, on the warranty against breakage, is that blank defects only, or do you cover operator error as well?

Thanks,
Marc

Not to be negative or morose, but it would seem a lifetime warranty is only good for the lifetime of the rod builder as the owner could out live the rod builder unless each of us had some sort of business continuation plan.

Ray Zarychta
Glastonbury, CT

Not to be uncaring ... but once I am dead, they are welcome to sue me for breach of contract.

I can also undoubtably state that MY lifetime is MUCH longer than that of the average rod manufacturer. I can't even begin to count how many companies have come, and gone, during the last twenty years alone.


Here's my warranty, in the event that anyone would care to peruse, and possibly use, it:

XYZ Rods include a limited lifetime warranty on craftsmanship, all components are subject to their respective manufacturer's warranty. In the unfortunate event that your rod breaks, you may return your rod along with a check for $25.00, to cover return postage and handling.

This warranty does not cover failure due to damage caused by workmanship of others, misuse, normal wear and tear, improper storage or accidental damage. Please remember that proper care and maintenance of your custom rod are important. In the event the problem is not covered by warranty, a repair quote will be provided.

NOTE: In no event shall XYZ Rods be held liable for incidental or consequential damages due to breach of this warranty or other warranties implied by law. Under no circumstances will the liability of XYZ Rods exceed the original purchase price of the rod, less applicable taxes.

Way to go Jim...love it !!!!! I do not charge what the norm of rod builders charge and DO have a lifetime warranty on my workmanship...I do not offer the same on the rest of the componets and I offer to send the damaged blank back to my supplier in a tube with them paying the postage, letting the supplier be the good or bad guy so to speak....I have never had to do any of this in my thirty plus years except to G. Loomis {Shimano}
and is the only mfg. I refuse to return a blank to now that Gary is not doing his own. Super replacements are Rogue and Rainshadow. R.I.P.
Shimanos G. Loomis Blanks.

Tight Lines
Tight Wraps
Fishin'Stix by Fred