When someone asks you to build them a fishing rod what are the first six or eight questions [besides price] you ask them?

I never ask them about price - that can only be determined by what they want.

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

1 what are you fishing for?
2 Casting or spinning or fly
3 what length rod?
4 what line weight?
5 what lure weight?
6 how do you hold the rod for casting,
7 how do you hold the rod while retrieving and fighting a fish
8 How fancy do you want it and what grip material

There are a dozen or more other questions that need to be asked, so don't limit yourself to 6 or 8.

Phi, if you would like, send me an e-mail and I will send you a copy of the rod record that I made up years ago, I sit down with the customer and go over everything that you need to know before making the rod. Randy

I would be interested in a copy of that as well randy, if you wouldn't mind...

Todd, e-mail me and I will e-mail a copy to you.

Todd...a few things to consider. Both sides are entering into an agreement on something that can't be seen nor felt. Therfore it is essential for both sides to have an agreement on expectations. Best to have a blank with finished thread wraps for customer to pick colors from. Best to make an artistic rendering of the finished product clearly noting all customer choices. Best to agree on what costs will be if he decides he doesn't like the colors he picked. Best to agree on how to prove blank is not defective and what happens if customer breaks it. Probably best to get customer to understand that he is ordering a "made to order" product....and if he doesn't like what he asked you to build it is up to him to sell it on the open market.....and not to think you will re-do things until he is satisfied.

Some are a joy to build for....some are best told to visit your competition:) And I say all of this even though I don't build for money!

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

I would also let him know that you can not compete with the big boys and it will cost more then any rod he sees in a store
A lot think they can get a rod built for the same or about the same price as store bought
I get a lot that want cork - quality - cork They sometimes go for eva after they find out how much it costs
Go to a fishing store pick a rod Wright down the price guides wraps blank Check out what you pay for all
Showing him - or her - what you will do with pictures is a good help Also backing up your work - Unless User Fault

Bill - willierods.com

I always point out that high modulus graphite is more fragile than lower performance options and go over the article in the library on how to treat a rod, and actually give them a copy with the rod. Since I build very few rods for people outside the family, I don't have the same issues as a pro builder. However, I really want to make sure people know that when they want the ultimate in light weight performance they are giving up some things related to durability.

NOTE - the questions I use below are 'interchangeable' - in other words an answer to one question will add or eliminate others. For example "yellow fin tuna" eliminates "water conditions" but may add more depth to others like "other species"

1/ What is the target species and nominal size?
2/ What are the water conditions (pond/lake or fast running stream)?
3/ How will the rod be used (drifting, trolling, live bait, casting)?
4/ What are the average and maximum lure & terminal tackle weights - which leads to line strengths?
5/ Are there any length considerations (storage, portability, overhead/bimini tops)?
6/ Will the rod be in a rod holder on the boat (could determine handle construction, length & material)?
7/ Is this rod for you or as a gift / presentation?
8/ Is there an inscription to be on?
9/ Color selection - (specific to the point of using a color chart as not everyone has the same idea of what "blue" is)?
10/ Hand / palm measurements & forearm length (if possible - on site in person).

I NEVER ask "How much are you willing to spend?" I can and will present options along the way with short discussions on guide types (pro & con) or blank material / construction and impacts (durability / weight) All said and done "It is what it is" No discounts for time to complete, no discounts for multiples

I NEVER ask "How much are you willing to spend?"

Why not

I get a lot of emails asking how much for such a rod Line lure weight how long
If they are asking - they are asking other builders as well Tire Kickers
I did ask many questions Then after showing pictures of different handles - seats - guides- thread patterns They like this They like that Many emails Send a price
Oh gee I can't afford that

Now I give a basic price A Starting Price with the option of adding bling and different additives to the rod
A lot don't know what is out to add to a rod Plus they are shopping around

Bill - willierods.com

Add to your list WHAT REEL ARE YOU GOING TO USE? Helps a lot with proper placement and size of the stripper guide on a spin rod.

Buzz - Good "pick" on questions.

Bill - IMO starting out with a basic cost isn't "my thing". Just way too many variables unless the customer provides very specific information recent example: Phenix K2, Matagi reel seat; titanium micro guides; split grip cork construction. Then I'll provide a "cost plus" quote. If the cost is too high the customer has an the option to scale back. Absent that there are just too many shifting costs to actually provide a "build to" total cost. Blank (composition, maker); guide types (maker etc.); reel seat; grip material and design.

After I find out what exactly the customer wants, that is when we discuss price.

From a customer perspective and depending on your outlook, a customer that built rods for 30+ years, I want someone that inspires confidence.

If I don't think you can do the job as least as well as I could, why would I waste my time and money. If you have an attitude, can't spend the time and most importantly, refuse to listen, we are not a good match. Hopefully, one or both of us will see this early on.

Yes, I am picky and not easy to please. Yes, I make a big deal over the smallest of things, the devil is in the details. I may not be up on all of the latest trends and bling items but I do know what I want. On the other hand, I am not above someone making suggestions based on performance and experience. If I must make a change to an initial order, I will make sure it does not compromise your building sequence.
I am patient, I can wait but don't make stupid excuses and then expect to be paid before I have the rod in my hands. After all of that, if you can build what I need, the way I need it, we can do business. If you want to do it your way because you know it's better or will look better and you don't care what I think, don't expect to hear from me again.

Customers are not always right but the chip on you shoulder doesn't make you right either.

The first return question would be
Do have a blank maker you want it built on Any companies you like Fuji for the seat - guides You looking for a full custom rod or a Plane Jain simple build
If they come back with some info that gives me some thing to go on
But they Should understand it is not a Off The Shelf Rod Most quality blanks are more then they sell for

Bill - willierods.com

I usually start with "Why do you want a custom-made rod?"

I usually start with "Why do you want a custom-made rod?"

I usually start with "Why do you want a custom-made rod?"

I usually start with "Why do you want a custom-made rod?"