I feel that a modest fee in the range of 10-20% of the original cost to cover their material costs and shipping etc. is acceptable. It is just that their fees seemed to be enough to cover costs and possibly some small profit to the company for THEIR poor craftsmanship. I wont buy anything else from this company and would suggest to others to beware. The rod fished great for the first several months but i want a rod that will last years.