Wondering if it's just me, but every time I have someone come to pick up their new rod, or whenever I ship one off, I'm nervous, hoping that they'll like...worried that they won't. I have yet to have a customer not love their rod, but without fail, I've got knots in my stomach everytime. How about you's guys?

AC
FishinFreaks
Rogers, MN

I think that just goes to show that you care about your work. I am the same way. Maybe it's a Minnesota thing.

Steve
BroCo Custom Rods
St.Francis,MN

It's like sending your kids off to college!

Chuck
Woodsmen Rods
Alexandria, MN

i have built several for some girls i know that want one just so they don't have to use their boyfriends or husbands rods, and they don't have a clue past pretty, but that don't matter i am still nervous, the men i build one for is kind of nerve wracking as well. but you would think the women would not worry me so much. then again their husbands end up ordering one as well. so it all works out.

It's like buying your lady a gift. You hope it fits and she likes it !

I put extra effort in making sure the customer knows what he wants and is happy with his selections . I write everything down on the work sheet. If he leaves in high spirits then I know I got him because I know it will be more than he expected. It always looks better when you get it finished out and shined up, and it isn't finished until I'm happy with it. That kind of client will be back for another one.

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY

I involve my customers as much as possible in the design, component selection and cosmetics of the rod so that when they pick it up, they feel that they were intimately involved in the rod building process and there is a positive anxiety for both of us. Mine for the anticipation of the demonstration of the customer's satisfaction and I'm sure on their part, that the rod has turned out as expected. So far, neither of us have been disappointed. Guess I've been lucky.

Ray Zarychta
Glastonbury, CT

Eu me sinto desta forma, em todas as varas de devolver, eu chamo-lhes minhas meninas, vai ser esquisito?

Marco Antonio (São Paulo) ( Brasil)

I am always nervous. I involve customers as much as I can. Some just want it plain, no but wraps, and thats the way they get it. I am still nervous. In the past year I have started using Madiera thread. That will make a rod stand out, even if it is just one color with a trimband. The customer has no idea there are threads with such vibrant colors, or the array of colors. It is very nice to see the look on their facewhen they see it for the first time.

My heart jumps a little when a customer calls when they're fishing. I always think I'm going to hear how bad it is or that it broke or a guide popped out. I've only had one break and they slammed it in a door, which ain't my fault. They didn't like that but I gave them a good rate on another rod.
I built 10 rods last year for an inshore guide that fishs alot of FL politicians and some upper level guys from Cabela's. I give those rods a thorough check over before the charter just to make sure he doesn't have any problems with them. I know how ridiculous that sounds but I take alot of pride in my work and the last thing I want to hear is your rod failed me.

So yeah, I know where you're coming from.

I'm always nervous! For me, I get nervous when the customer sees the rod for the first time and when they fish the rod for the first time. So far, I haven't had any complaints, yet. It's great to see their face when they pick the rod up and feel how light it is, they smile every time. There's nothing like getting a call from a client and having them tell you they love the rod. But, I am nervous when I see their number come up on caller ID- my first thought is "what went wrong?!?".

jeremy

What Jeremy said!!!!
Talk about nervous.
mikeb

Home Town,Gretna VA