I just rescued an 11-year-old Orvis bench with various pieces inside. There was no obvious way for a vise to attach to the bench except to use the pieces…which did not make much sense without an instruction booklet.
I looked up the model number: No web picture
I looked through Orvis archives: nope.
I looked through the Orvis website, grabbed the link to on-line chat room, and talked to Fred Lewis. He was very helpful once we straightened out this was “fishing” and not “sitting”. (Okay, so I live in a world where people know what “bench” means–and it’s not patio decorations.)
Fred was able to get an old catalog, scanned, and send me the information.
What a great company. No wonder I have some of their products…
Right, can’t forget those. My old neighbor had two Springer Spaniels, and they had Orvis beds.
I just got the .jpg that Fred promised. Fast response considering what he needed to do. It’s great some companies keep their old catalogs.
The bench, for those curious or wanting to skip down Memory Lane, was made in Apr. 1995, and called Madison River Fly-Tying Bench, and retailed then for $106. Except for a crack in the back (glued last night and still in clamps–okay, it’s the patient part of me), it’s in useable shape for its age. Cedar still smells great. I found a 2003 catalog from Swiss company listing a price of 249.00 (I assume Swiss francs then.) That’s still $204 with today’s rates. Ouch. Makes you wonder what the Swiss paid for shipping, eh? And you thought our S/H was bad??
Dog beds aside, I’d like to put in a good word for Orvis. I’ve got several Orvis Clearwater Outfits (low-moderate price range)and have really put them through their paces—great rods. Orvis sells quality stuff and has first class service. I know that JC and others think that the 25 year replacement on rods has started the downfall of Western Civilization but when your name is Eight Thumbs, it’s nice to have. 8T
You had better learn to be a happy camper. You only get one try at this campground and it’s a real short camping season.
A lot of people have paid a lot of money on new rods which went to ‘replace’ rods broken on purpose by other guys so they could get new ones. THAT I blame Orvi$ for starting.
My comment about the 25 year replacement was only intended as a light joke amoung friends and I hope it was taken that way. I really do understand where you and many others are coming from on this point. I know that there has been abuse but it seems to me it’s more the fault of fishermen than the company. I’ve never broken a rod (knock on wood) or used the guarentee but it’s comforting to know that it’s there for the honest but unlucky. 8T
[This message has been edited by Eight Thumbs (edited 12 May 2006).]
Never cared for Orvis but eventually got one of thier rods. Not long after I slammed it in a truck and a 2 piece turned into 12 pieces. I called and told them I destroyed it and they said send it in with $30. Long story short, 2 weeks, new model of my discontinued rod, and they returned my $30.
Great service.
-MM
[This message has been edited by ironcity (edited 12 May 2006).]
I have some Orvis stuff…not a lot as I can’t afford most of it (unless I catch a super sale). Their customer service, at least in my experience, is only matched by LL Bean.
I have to say that how far a company employee will go for the customer can usually be traced to the morale level, so I must assume that Orvis probably treats their employees very well, & I also admire that.
Mike
You can call me Mike & you can call me Mikey…Just remember that this site’s about sharing!
Ford …Dodge… Chevy… Sage…Orvis…Cortland… theres a lemon in every group … what makes the Difference is the service … if i pay for a warranty and they replace it … im happy and will tell all .
The more time I spend around people the more I like my dog.
8T