If you were a customer
- This topic has 19 replies, 14 voices, and was last updated Mar 9, 2006 at 12:30 am by
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Like I am not just some idiot tourist off the street. I do not want to be advised to spend a crap load of money on
I couldn’t agree with you more Tx. The thing a lot of fly shop guys don’t understand is that just because I am not spending a lot or any money now doesn’t mean that I won’t be later. If I go into a fly shop not planning on spending any money but get some great service and great info, then I will probably buy something just to say thanks.
all these things are very true. i alway make sure a customer is getting what is right for him unless he thinks other wise. one thing im big on is not pushing people to buy things unless they are comfortable with what they are getting. and i always ask certain ?’s to find what is right for that person. like price range. were they will be fishing ect ect. but there are cases when somone will come
you know the best thing to do when you go into a fly shop is be open to suggestions and dont act like you know everything. there is nothing worse than somone coming in just so they can prove to themselves that they know more than you. most full time fly shop guys know a “little bit” about fishing.
ok i got ya. and i agree just becouse somone is behind the counter means nothing. like you said retail makes shops jaded. they are there to make money and some of them pay employees commision on rods and reels. i get asked if im payed commision alot. if i was a customer and was purchasing rod or reel and didnt like how i was being “sold” on a product. find out if they are working on commision they probably are
I really think that the goal of a fly shop salesman shouldn’t be to sell people something, but to help people catch fish and become better fisherman. Granted you have a store to run, and that store won’t be open anymore if you don’t sell anything. But think about it this way. If two people walk into a fly shop (no this isn’t a joke), one of them is an older experienced and knowledgable fly fisher and the other is a young guy new to fly fishing and hardly knows anything, the guy behind the counter is going to give the older guy a lot better service and treat him with a lot more respect (whether consciously or subconsciously) than the younger guy. When, in reality, the older guy probably already has all the gear that he needs and may become a loyal customer but he will only be buying flies and fly tying material. However if you take some time and set up the new guy with some decent beginner stuff, he will be hooked on fly fishing and then he will be coming back into your shop to get a better rod and reel, nice waders and boots, a vise and a lot of material, a nice vest etc etc. It’s just my opinion, but it seems to me that it would be more beneficial to treat the “rank amatuers” better than the elitests that already have and know everything.
Sorry for the ranting but I have a lot of experience in this subject because I am a young guy that doesn’t know a whole lot (as anyone who has read my posts can tell) and I get treated poorly in most shops that I go into.
I would like a little reading section where there were some local books, articles, etc, on Fly fishing, Gear reviews, Local fishing, etc. Let it be known that customers are welcome to make themselves at home and read awhile. There should also be some free coffee/water located close by. And don’t rush me unless it’s time to close.
Ask me if I need help and if I say no, then let me browse the store in peace. I forget easily and if you’re talking to me I will forget to BUY something from you. Don’t shadow me for Gods sake. I won’t steal anything I promise, If I need you, I will find you. Imagine walking around Wal-Mart with employees following you around commenting on everything you pick up. Very annoying!
Invest in a few hand held shopping baskets pleeeease!!!!!
Make your store as comfy feeling as possible and never be condescending to a customer unless he is an Ahole first.
Never let anyone out the door without at least asking if they need any help, advice, etc.
A clearance aisle with new material every week or two will bring people back time and time again. Even if you have to buy some cheap junk and price it at cost, it will get people in the door and that is half the battle. We all like to think we got a real deal.
Mike
In Chattanooga we have a couple of good shops and I support them. Sales tax in TN hurts on higher priced items available online. On a $1000.00 worth of gear you save 85.00 plus dollars and get free shipping. Local shops need sweeten deals and work hard on providing local knowledge, teaching skills and building rapport with customers. If you go anywhere and they don’t treat you with courtesy and respect they don’t deserve your money.
Here’s the deal,
I work in the flyshop in Atlanta, there is no science here, we just talk to people, and help them with flies and gear. I worked out west for 4 years in the shop and guiding, and yes there is your fair share of guys that have no idea, but more people do know whats happening than not.This topic kind of took me by surprise. I’ve never had anything but good experiences and service in the fly shops in my town and surrounding areas. I’ve never felt pressured to buy anything. I’ve always just had friendly, courteous and generally knowledgeble service. They also all generally give good advice as to where to fish, fly selection, etc. The shop in my hometown of Springfield MO is especially good and I count the owner as one of my friends.
Greg
Being the rank beginner I am, I like to walk into fly shops even if there is no way I’m buying anything, just to “hang” with fellow fishers. I have felt like a total outsider in oneof the West Yellowstone shops, don’t recall which one. But have felt like a long timer in a couple of shops in Victor/Driggs Wy, where I bought stuff just cauz the guys were nice. Go figure.
Over the years I’ve experienced the complete spectrum of service in various fly shops from the guide and shop staff.
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