Forgive me. Sometimes these threads trigger odd memories. I remember years ago Paul Krassner offered a “Lifetime Guarantee” with a subscription to the Realist. When someone asked him what possible meaning such a guarantee could have to a magazine reader, he was reputed to have replied, “If I go out of business, you’re obligated to die”.
Eschew Sesquipedalian Obfuscation
Thanks for the feedback. I was curious what fellow FAOL’ers thought. Personally I feel as though offering me a 6’6" baitcasting rod in place of a 9’ 9WT fly rod isn’t fair but it’s a take it or leave it scenario. The replacement rod has a 3 year warranty, not lifetime.
The company in question is ALL STAR rod company which last year was purchased by Shakespeare. At least we were filming a TV show when the rod blew up. I guess that should probably stay in the show : )
Jeff - AKA Dr. Fish
If it has fins and swims than I must chase it!
Shakespeare is not a mom and pop company. I would think that they could do a little better than that.
jed
All Star and Shakespeare had/have “suggested retail prices” on all their equipment. On the other hand, Shakespeare is the owner of the “Ugly Stik”!
I would go all the way up. This is a corporation like any other. Presidents and CEO’s do not like to get telephone calls from their customers. I would be very nice; but, I am also very persistent.
Good luck!
It seems the original purchase included a rod and an “insurance policy” that a $300 rod (or equivalent) would be provided should the original rod break. I can understand that the original company was bought out, but I thought when you bought a company you got not only the sold company’s assests, but also the sold company’s liabilities e.g. your warranty.
Dr.
Man, what a crappy situation. It seems as there is no real solution to the problem. The only recourse I see is to use what resources you have available (TV Show)to let the angling public know how you were treated. While it wont replace the fly rod, you may feel a little better.
The sporting goods stores I have worked at carried All Star rods, but no fly rods. I am curious to know if they cast worth a darn? Not that I can get one anyway 
Have fun, Jeff
Tis my time on the water, in the mountains, and in my driftboat where I can see things as they really are.
SW Lady has a great idea about calling the upper management folks, especially if you have a television show coming up that would allow for a convenient “break in the action.” JGW
I am with one of the early posters who mentioned that you should be happy that the new company is honoring the lifetime warranty at all.
Anytime you buy an item with a warranty you are taking the gamble that the company will still be in business for the duration of the warranty period.
Over the past several years I have sold a lot of rods for All Star as I loved the rods I had and often get asked for tackle recommendations when working consumer shows. I think you can guess what my recommendation would be now . . .
Jeff - AKA Dr. Fish
If it has fins and swims than I must chase it!
Just so I’m clear. You had an All-Star fly rod (an Austin) break. All-Star/Shakespeare offered in replacement (a) a new, lower priced fly rod (a Trion?), and (b) a 6’6" casting rod. Is that right?
Shakespeare wasn’t obligated to assume all of All-Star’s liabilities when it purchased the company. The degree to which it did was no doubt a heavily negotiated point in the agreement, and was probably influenced in part by the structure of the deal (i.e., purchasing just the assets of All-Star or purchasing the ownership of the company itself). That aside, what is the company to do if phases out a product line following an acquisition? It seems like it tried to honor the product warranty the best it could. As has been noted, the original warranty was only as good as the company behind it, and in this case that company (at least that product line) doesn’t exist any more. A drag, no doubt, but that’s life.
JB
Dear Dr. Fish,
I do agree with Newfoundler, see if they couldn’t send you some perks of some sort. If the company isn’t going to replace the flyrod, because they don’t make them anymore, then barter for a reel,line , spinner baits,stringers etc., then get those items and sell the entire package to a local Jim-Bob-Bubba-Joe and make yourself your dream flyrod. Phil. May all your casts produce a fruitful release
[This message has been edited by Phil Eddy (edited 16 December 2005).]
Jeff, I just had a negotiation with the facility that I work for. When I hired in, I was promised a customized jacket after 3 years of service. The new administrator didn’t want to honor that promise, and I told him it was a condition of my employment, and a legal, binding contract, even though verbal. Bottom line is, I’m getting my jacket. You should get your money’s worth, even though the company changed hands. A promise is a promise.
John B - No, you are incorrect. IT was an Austin that broke. All Star no longer offers any fly rods whatsoever so they offered to send me a 6’6" baitcasting rod which I found retails for $149 for my Austin 9’ fly rod that ran $300. They refused to send 2 rods that more closely equalled the value of the Austin.
To those that said . . .“hey you are lucky they are even honoring the warranty since the takeover.” That is rubbish as the purchase of All Star clearly included ALL warranties outstanding. A warranty is a warranty.
JC - I bought the rod from a good customer, basically doing him a favor, helping to move some of his dead inventory. As I’m sure you know, I do everything I can to support FAOL sponsors AND help FAOL get new sponsors
As far as fishing goes, sorry, you are way off there. I’ve fished something like 6 days since August. Not quite what I would call fishing a lot : (
Jeff - AKA Dr. Fish
If it has fins and swims than I must chase it!
Jeff, If they purchased the company (not just the assets) then the company is still in business and they are obligated to repair or replace with an equal product. I feel their offer is ridiculous and unacceptable. Unfortunately, your only recourse may be a lawsuit and would probably not be worth the time and expense. However, maybe if you were dealing with a representative that had more brains than someone that would say “we have no idea what the retails are on our products therefore we pay no attention to that”, you might be treated better. I would definitely go over that persons head.
Joe
Doesn’t Shakespeare own Pflueger? In which case you may be able to get a fly rod replacement if that’s what you prefer. The Trion is even less value however at around $100 so maybe ask for a rod/reel combo.
Regards,
Bob
Fly Supplies
aflyshop.com
If it was my decision in the company, I would send you the rod of better quality at the current price of about $300. In addition I would send you a letter explaining the fact that we sent you a better rod at the price you paid so that you were fairly compensated. Of course, that is assuming you would be satisfied with the better rod. To me, the company would be exceeding your expectations and providing you quality service as well as creating a satisfied customer.
Dr Bob
I’d want my money back. They’re not able to replace your rod. How can they meet their warranty obligation?
i’ve broken very few rods, but each time i did the companies gave me the next model up without my asking. do i now deal exclusively with these companies. you bet ya. do i tell everyone i know what great customer service they provide! of course!
ps: thank you albright and orvis!
Dr. Fish,
I have no idea what the agreement was when Shakespeare bought out All Star, however, based on recent court rulings involving people’s retirements and such, I would think that a court would be very favorable toward Shakespeare (arbitration even more so) and side with them in that they bought the company but cannot be held to All Star’s warranty. I may be wrong and frequently am, but in today’s climate, it appears that courts are more company friendly and less likely to side with the average person.
That aside, I would not only demand the baitcasting rod, but the top of the line reel that Shakespeare, or one of its subsidiaries (like Pflueger), makes.
Another point to consider, yes you paid $300 for the rod, but how long ago was that? Frequently, companies pro-rate equipment so that they do not have to own up to the full retail value of the rod. If they consider a rod to have a 5 year lifespan (and example from an earlier post) and you owned the rod for a year, then they are only obligated to provide you with a rod that is 4/5 of your original price ($300), based on your original price that would be $245. So if you can eek out of them a $145 rod and a $100 reel (or better) than you’d be right in the ballpark of the adjusted value of your broken rod. Let’s face it, all merchandise has a lifespan and I would not be surprised if rods were only designed to last a serious enthusiast 5 years (as if they were only designed to last 5 years from an average fisherperson, then they really would be made very cheaply).
Just my own thoughts, sorry on losing your favorite rod.
Paul
I think I need to throw in my 2 cents. You purchased a fly rod for $300 and the warranty dictates that if it breaks they replace it. They should offer you a fly rod with a value of at least $300, whether that means giving you one made by another manufacturer or reimbursing you for the purchase of a new fly rod. I would compare what they are doing to an insurance company offering you a new washer and dryer if your car was totaled and the exact model wasn’t available. Nice gesture, but you still need a car. Hope things work out for you with this though.