I have been thinking of ways to increase the value of my rod for customers but which do not require a great deal of further investment on my end. Little things that might mean a lot to the fisherman but which cost almost nothing to deploy. So far I have come up with hookkeeper, fish length limit thread marker, rod bag. What other small add-ons do you offer that make your rods more user friendly?

I'm just building for friends and family but I'll also include some value added items. For ferruled rods I'll include a ferrule tool. If I'm building with the reel I'll include an inexpensive lure that matches the technique specific to the rod and compliments the color scheme; for fly rods I'll tie a fly that matches the rod. On spin/cast rods I may include a lure wrap. You may be ably to have a bunch of lure wraps made with your logo for just a few cents each.

Keep in mind that too many add-ons will detract from the rod itself and look more like a grab bag with a rod included.

i think one of the best things to provide a customer is an understanding of care and use of the rod. making them understand their investment and how to properly use it and take care of it in many cases provides them a sense of owning something special. this converts to better care and appreciation. they are then more likely to show friends and family as they are proud to have it.

I think John's idea is a good one. You could print a "pamphlet" to include with each rod covering proper care and treatment.

Patrick Rutledge

Some sort of potection body glove style bag for the fishing pole & reel. Very useful against heat if they keep it under the glass of their car.

Do not patent my ideas !... Just kidden..

Ben

For my curiosity sake I found this type of fiber-: 3M Nextel Ceramic Fiber products provide outstanding thermal and flame protection. Does any sponsor or builder have any experience with it ?

Ben

"Thank You" cards, Christmas cards, newsletters, etc. to remind the customer that you are still around and appreciative of their business. If sent by e-mail they cost virtually nothing, but if they're hand written, they mean a lot more.

How about a bar of soap ? I'm thinking about an attachment compartment built onto the rod handle for soap storage. Just an idea... :)

I really like JP's idea of instructions on "care and use"! I'm going to put together a 1 or 2 page document to deliver with all future rods I build.

Input very welcome and I'll gladly share output. I only build fly rods.

There was an article in a past issue of RodMaker that detailed various types of care and instruction manuals supplied by rod builders with their custom rods.

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I sell each rod with slick jackets and the customers love them! I sell the rod with one and when they leave my shop, they usually buy 3-5 more for their other rods at home. So, the customer is estatic with the new rods and then I get an add on sale for between $50 and $100. Its a win win.

Someone Emailed me and suggested a bar of soap with their Business name on it. Like: Curtesy of "Joe's Rod Shop". Not Bad.. Not Bad at all...

I just started giving with a rod a bottle to maintain water levels in Tr. Mtr. batteries. Quart spring water bottle-hole drilled in cap-1/8 " vinyl tube to reach the bottom. Squeeze and fill. You'd think you gave them an extra rod. Maybe they will buy another with money saved on new batteries.

If the rod has a decorative cross wrap or weave on it, you could then customise the rod bag with the same pattern. You could either get the bag monogrammed or look into getting an iron-on transfer made.

Dave Boyle
www.threadcentral.net