This readers tip is from Volume 2, Issue #1 of RodMaker
Magazine:
Do explain to the customer why his rod is superior to a mass
produced rod.
Do equip the customer with the options available to make
an educated decision.
Do allow him to question anything about his rod.
Do inform him of the proper way to care for his new rod.
Do inform him why his cork handle and Cermet guides cost
so much.
Do provide him with the capacities of his rod. (i.e. lure
weight, line size, reel size, etc.)
Do be consistent in your pricing. Remember that customers
often talk to each other.
Don't underestimate a customer, as he might just know what
he wants.
Don't try to charge a customer what you think he'll pay
rather than what the rod is worth.
Don't do anything to a customer's rod that you wouldn't do
to your own rod.
Don't try to snow your customer. His is fishing with your
business card.
Don't ever cut corners for time's sake.
Don't get into a dispute with a customer. Try to inform
him diplomatically what you have gleaned from your years
of experience and let him make his own decisions.
Don't ever lie to a customer about the construction of
the rod.
Don't ever talk down to a customer.
Don't take his word that "he'll send the deposit when
he gets paid."
Don't try to hide slight imperfections on a rod.
Don't make promises about a rod that you know you
can't keep.
Don't tell a customer you can provide him with something
which you know you cannot. ~ Buddy Owens, Summerfield, N.C.
Publishers note:
If you have any tips or techniques, send them
along! Help out your fellow rodmakers!
~ Publisher, FAOL
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