HuntingNet.com Forums - View Single Post - Question about your local pro shop loyalty??

02-01-2004 | 09:32 AM

#16

Len in Maryland

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 1,385

Likes: 0

From: Baltimore Maryland USA

RE: Question about your local pro shop loyalty??

I tried the 'friend' form of persuasion with a lot of customers when I first opened my business. It DOESN'T work if you want to stay in business.

I've had customers come into the store to get those 'specialty' items that the big chains/catalogs don't carry; or to get service that surely doesn't appear in the big chains/catalogs. After they get what they want and complain about the prices charged, they cater to the big chains/catalogs for all their other needs.[:@]

I'm expected to give the best service possible when a problem arises, only charge a nominal fee, and not allowed to make more than the big chains/catalogs on other items like bow cases, sights, rests, etc. If I am competitive with the big chains/catalogs, then I CAN'T charge for proper installation. GIVE ME A BREAK![:@][:@]

If I have a good customer whose budget can manage for me to make a buck, I will service that customer like a 'preferred' customer. If I have a customer who only contacts me when he/she can't get the part or proper service anywhere else, then I will charge a little extra. After all, no matter what I charge won't be cheap enough; so, why worry about it.

After many years in this business, you learn who is a truly good customer and who is a 'user' of PROfessional talents. I treat my good customers with respect and give them extra service at 'no charge'. I treat others as they treat me.

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