Kevin,

My intent is not to start an argument here so don't read it that way please.

I can certainly see internet sales being a great thing in some cases and I'm not knocking it all together. It certainly has some benefits.

I know of a case of a 2001 BK2 sold over the net to a consumer in AZ. that had major problems with the bow and BowTech ended up refunding him the full amount back. Who benefits from those cases? I'd say only the internet dealer did. That's only one occurance can you imagine what it would be like if they allowed internet sales?

I don't believe that protected territories are in place by any company to try to dictate, but rather help a commited dealer sell his product in his locale. Simple logic.

I've even seen where you said you thought protection would be a good thing where you were referring to Merlin on the Bowsite boards you had said,
"The 2001 program will include selected dealers throughout the USA, but where and how many is still being ironed out. Hopefully, by 2002, there will be regional dealers in every corner of the USA, with protected territories. This way people can get to see the bows."

Case and point, I understand that you're the "Recommended contact for Internet sales in the USA" but wouldn't it tick you off if your next door neighbor emailed Skip Pecor or Larry Wise and bought a bow from them instead of coming into your 300 Archery Shop?

Maybe not depending on how this "Recommended contact for Internet sales in the USA" works for you. I'm not real sure what all that intails and I know it's none of my business. But to me it sounds like a possible dictatorship of sorts since you're the only one? I don't know...

Let's also understand that most basement bandits aren't generally in business to make a living. It's generally a past time for them to make a little extra cash from friends and not have any overhead to cut into what they make. Any shop that works out of their house don't have many extra bills other than the normal monthly bills.

I'm sure you can relate to having to pay for the overhead of running business.
Heck emloyee wages, benefits and insurances really cut into a legit shops profit where a basement/home shop has none of the above extra costs.

I'm glad to hear your Pinwheel Products site is working out for you. Like I said I can see many benefits to internet sales but not in all cases...

Thanks for listening...
<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>