Pat-
I also see your direction of thought, and agree with some of your points as well, however I do not agree that the manufacturers have any business putting restrictions on how we dealers sell product. If anything there should be a law that restricts people from going too low, a Minimum advertised price. (which is currently illegal, tho I can't figure that one out, either) Everyone (customers) get at least the same deal that way, and all of the dealers make at least a minimal profit. "Free trade" isn't so free when you restrict sales capabilities, and a MAP pricing structure is a much better alternative than hampering sales which stunts our sports' overall growth, IMO. The overall economy of our Nation would be much better off with this policy intact, the way I see it. Heck what would they say if they said THE MANUFACTURERS could only make a X% margin on each bow instead of letting them decide how much they wanted to make? Right,it wouldn't fly with them. Same feelings as us dealers when we have additional capabilities of generating income staring us in the face but cannot capitalize on them due to these "restrictions". That's why I cater to those who cater to me. Works great all the way around, and everyone doesn't feel like they're getting shafted. Seems guys like Sag (thanks, Sag, much appreciated!<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>) are liking this "that's why I cater to those who cater to me" also and go that route too. If you give great service and sell many various products with no restrictions, those customers are going to come back for more of that great service, and the product becomes more popular due to increased exposure, common sense. Dealers are just customers on the next rung of the ladder, and manufacturers have to cater to them and their needs, just as we dealers have to do so for our customers.
And making money is a definate NEED for most Archery dealers that I know!<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle> It keeps us in business and allows us to stock more and various product lines for customers to see (or order!) Restrictions of any kind only hamper that process.
I seem to remember now that back when I was the first Bowtech dealer in my area (and basically the only one on the boards who knew anything about them and even YOU were asking me questions about them,<img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle> remember those days, Pat?) that you had the same thoughts about internet trade. So I retract and apologize about the "siding with Bowtechs policies" statement. My bad.
And again, as I've also stated to you before numerous times, I can readily order most any bow on the market, save but a few "pro-shop" only bows whose lines I do not carry. All of the "who's, what's, etc." about those that allow internet sales and who do not and my association with them, are as you have stated yourself, none of your business. (no offense! <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>) It is very obvious by the voicings and thoughts of my customers that my business is working, so IMO I feel you personally should be more concerned with more important issues rather than worrying about MY business, as it is not really relevant to the overall discussions at hand for anything other than a simple reference towards overall sales policies, which we have already covered. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
I do not want that to come across wrong or have you feel that I'm being harsh, merely stating that my business association levels are my personal business. That's all. You are always welcome to submit a price request on any product, and my staff will readily inform you as to the availability and price of that individual product. Thanks for respecting my thoughts and privacy, <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
And speaking of the Bowtechs, the new Patriot dually looks to be a nice bow, and the slip-on string silencers that do not lose speed will be a big hit for those who feel they do not want to lose a few feet during hunting season. I see they are leaning toward the twin cams more, just as alot of other companies are this year because sales are definately up on the twins. I'll be looking forward to speaking with Kevin again at the AMO show down at the tryout range,(and yourself if you are there <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>) and checking out the 2003 lineup. Good shooting, Pinwheel 12
Edited by - Pinwheel 12 on 11/22/2002 07:09:55