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
Originally published c. October 7, 2011 on Fly Anglers Online by Buddy Owens.