Up to this point I've always included the rod specs from the manufacturer on each rod I've built . This includes such details as length, lure weight, line weight, action and speed.

I've also included the manufacturer model number, i.e. XMB783. I've received calls from prospective customers asking to have a rod built with specifics they prefer and then want to know what manufacturer's model I'd recommend. Then once they have the info and the price I'd require I never hear from them again. I'm sure they are taking the info and going to another builder who then says they can build that exact rod cheaper. I already know this has happened to other builders in my area.

So my question for everyone here who builds for customers is this, do you make up proprietary model numbers that equate to a specific manufacturers number to put on the rod blank? Do you even bother and instead just supply length, lure weight, line weight, action and speed?

I'd be interested in hearing how you all handle this and your reasons why.

Thanks,
Chad Huderle

Huderle Custom Rods
Prior Lake, MN

I do not put make or model, including numbers on any of the rods I build. The only exception is for close friends, I will put the make, such as MHX or Forecast, etc. I only build fly rods.

Nothing unless a customer asks for it.

I put line and lure wt. , date and my own ID # such as 2013-8. The #8 rod I made in 2013. Also my name as maker. I The file my rod record with all information about the customer and the rod I made for him/her.

Interesting. I always put the blank mfg. and model on the blank. Curious as to why you would leave it off.

Terry

Chad, this happens to all of us. It happens to me constantly, so much so that I made up different model numbers and names for blanks tht I recommend, this way I "cornered the market" on my advice and knowledge. IT sickens me when I waste time with somoene in my own home/shop telling them what to get, and having it right there - only to have them show up at my house a couple of months later with questions on a dEc WRap with a rod built from my recommensations that they went and purchased elsewhere. I don't know what world these people live in to think that's Ok, but it's so common that I had to do what I did.

Would you be surprised if people looked at my shade packs at shows and attempted to write down the thread color numbers so they could order them form somewhere else...only to find out that I hid all the color numbers. Or people pressing me where I got the Variegated Swirl EVA from - if you want it buy it, if not don't waste my time. I told one guy at a show that I got it from underneath the table. The other 10 people at the booth laughed, and he had no clue what I meant.

Since i do not build for a living, i have no problem telling someone which blanks i like and would reccommend for their application. I don't care if they take their business elsewhere it is a hobby for me. No one can build one cheaper than me if i don't want them to. If i knew someone was hiding some pertinet information or i found it out, i wouldn't buy from them be it anything. Your quality and honesty should speak volumes to your customers, if it does not then you probably didn't want them as clients anyways, let them go be the complainer to the "cheapest or cheaper builder", when they realize that they should have had you do it in the first place and they will, they will have just learned a lesson that cheap is not always bestest!!

If the customer is all about wanting a brand x rod then I will put the factory information on there with mine. Most of the time they want one of my rods and I leave the distracting brand x logo off and just put mine in its place.

______________________________________
Super Tight Lines......Don

If that happens Just put specs on But no company name
If they ask Tell them it is your own
Ya got to do something
I get emails How much for such a rod I know he is looking for price
I return Quality comes with a guarantee Give a high price
Price no guarantee Send them to WalMart

Bill - willierods.com