I am curious as to how many put their business decals on a rod. I have always felt that if someone is paying top dollar for a rod customized to them, they should be entitled to it being their rod wholly without any other markings than that of which they specify.

Is the similarity closer to an artist signing his/her work, or business branding?

I am rethinking this ideology, but wondering how many do and do not put business logos on your work and the reasoning for doing so.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/16/2010 11:27PM by Sean Cheaney.

Hi Sean,

I always end up with what the customer wants for an inscription. I always start with what I "usually" put there for information. It's my logo and business name, rod information and serial number, customer's name. If the customer wants something different, or less then we work it out from there. Everyone I've built a rod for, wants the makers name or business on the rod, which I encourage him to show all his friends. I encourage rod information and serial number so that if it comes back for a repair, I can match it with my records.

It is very much like an artist's signature and many customers request a hand written signature rather than a decal. If you put a lot of hours into a work of art, you'd like to have your signature on it somewhere.

Terry

My "Roadhouse Rods" logo goes on every rod I build, it is small and neat and I always place it on the underside of the rod, I think a top shelf custom rod without the builders name or logo would be like owning a Porsche without any badging. JMO

Walt Davenport
"Roadhouse Rods"

Every rod walking out of the door has my logo prominently displayed on the top of the rod.

Exceptions include the sponsored pro who cannot have my logo displayed or it will cost him sponsorship $. This doesn't apply to the guy who is just getting a 20% discount for any factory rods he buys - I'm talking about the guys who are contractually obligated to use certain equipment. I handle these on a case by case basis as they are a dwindling group these days.

Outside of that, I typically charge an additional $25 set up fee for rods without my logo. My justification is having to develop a decal outside of the standard template/offering. It doesn't compensate for the advertising I lose, but I find it helps the logo find it's way back on the rod in most cases. (That's only happened a couple times... most folks expect the logo to be on there)

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/17/2010 09:28AM by Alex Dziengielewski.

I've never had a customer object to the matker's name or logo being on the rod. In fact, if you have done a good job building a positive brand image, most customers will likely want your name or logo there as a matter of pride. I suspect most folks who buy a Rolls Royce certainly want that company crest prominently displayed on the grille for just that reason.

Of course, you can always ask the customer if he wants it, or not.

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

Sean -

This is how I accomplished it ... [www.rodbuilding.org]. With a lot of help from Jimi and Debbie at Decal Connection, a template was developed for Fuji NPS and DPS seats. IF you are interested in doing something like that, just get in touch with them.

Jim -

Jim, that is an interesting solution to that problem.

With something like that it is clearly a rod from you, yet it also done in such a way that is unobtrusive to the finished rod.

Sean Cheaney Wrote:
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> done in such a way that is
> unobtrusive to the finished rod.

Yep, it disappears the minute a reel is mounted. I no longer ask and they no longer question it.

I find that more people who want fly rods want an absolutely minimal visual "billboard". When I build, I tend to use a certain specific type of grip material (anymore) and certain specific threads, components and decor for my rods, I don't feel the need to include a large logo to advertize - and my customers like it that way. (You almost have to squint to see my decals). Also, I refuse to use the rod blank manufacturers decal. Why should they get that much credit? I simply put the basics - i.e. - 9' 4 wt. 4 pc. on a small decal in a color to compliment the rods overall color.