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RE: What would you change...
I would love to be able to shoot broadhead tipped arrows. I know that insurance is usually the reason we can't but it would really be nice for thoes of us who can't shoot anywhere but at a range. Carry more brands of accessories and more than two or three brands of arrows. Have shooting lanes that go beyond 20 yards, say 30 and 40. Carry 6 or 7 lines of bows and have them out so the customer can pick them up and look at them w/o having to ask for someone to get them from behind the counter.
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RE: What would you change...
Great topic-
Be helpful without being derogitory (my way is the only way attitude) Don't make a customer stand there and wait to be helped- can I help you? what a concept! Carry more than 2 line of bows. Have more bow options on hand- I know you don't make money if you don't sell bows on hand, but I don't want to order one just to get it in and realize I don't like the way it feels. Don't throw a fit if someone mentions the words Bass pro or cabelas- People are going to shop at other places so grin and bear it. Make it a point to shoot a bow before buying it. My proshop will only let you shoot one before buying if you beg and plead (that's why they haven't seen my money in a long time). |
RE: What would you change...
Deffinately broadhead shooting!
Being friendly and polite! And if I could snap my fingers and change something about the proshop I use....I would change the owners attitude! Being opinionated is one thing , but being opinionated with customers is not a wise business move<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle> I've seen the proshop I go to lose alot of customers by way of bad mouthing bows that he doesn't (cant) sell. If your strictly selling bows , maybe I could see where you'd do what you can to push your product. But if your gonna have a shooting range , your gonna have alot of customers who dont shoot your brand of bows , but are more than happy to spend money at the range or on accessories. Treat them all with the same respect. Getting a top brand bow line can be tough to do if you have other proshops in your area. From what I've seen , the best way to go is start out with whatever bow lines you can get , but offer excellent service , endless amount of accessories , great shooting lanes and or 3d course. Try offering something that other proshops dont! When all is said and done and you've built a booming business , most bow reps will be knocking on your door. Last but not least to me anyway , try and get to know all your customers on a first name basis. I get a warm fuzzy when I walk into a shop for the second time and the owner says hello Doug<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>  <---Doug---<<< |
RE: What would you change...
It would be nice to be able to shoot from an elevated area outdoors at 3d targets (Bring your own tree stand, drop in some telephone poles to use?). But also have an indoor range to fine-tune you group. I also agree with carrying many different bow manufactures. It is hard to go to a shop where they just carry one main line and get a honest opinion of competitors. I was able to shoot a bunch of different Setups before I decided on what one was the best for me.
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RE: What would you change...
customer service, customer service, customer service,
The one thing that bothers me is the ability to get help at times. I often try and help people myself. (shop owned by a friend) I realize it is often difficult to justify 2 or 3 employees to help, however I've heard so many complaints and see so many people walk out of our local shop because they can't get waited on. I know what I'm saying, I run my own business 53 employees and $15m sales annually. I can sympathize with the problems but very crucial. Searching |
RE: What would you change...
Well be open minded and be a teacher and an advisor for the newbie. Talk to them and find out what they want, not what you want to sell them. A lot of people starting out either can not afford the top of the line bow or they want to make sure they want to shoot a bow and as a result do not want to spend a fortune.
I feel the beginning archer is the key to a successful bow shop, if the first time they walk in the door you work with them, set them up with what they need and can afford, set the bow up for them and treat them with the same respect you do the guy coming in buying the absolutely top of the line bow with all the accessories, they will become a lifetime customer. When they are looking to move up to a better bow they would never dream of going anywhere else but you. One more suggestion, if a guy comes in with a bow he bought mail order or whatever, set him up for a nominal fee, bend over backwards with good service even though he didn't buy the bow at your shop, he very well may buy from you next time due to your professionalism and help. There were some other good suggestions by other folks to. One more thing, you may want to give archery classes for a nominal fee also, you will gain more new business this way because when someone is having problems due to tuning or whatever that is extra cash for you and once again a potential new bow customer in the future. The Tazman aka Martin Price Founder and President of Virginia Disabled Outdoorsmen Club  |
RE: What would you change...
FWIW, I would try to avoid the loitering, club type atmosphere that many pro shop have. Seems like the same guys are always just hanging around talking, but not really doing anything (shopowner included). Whenever I come in I feel like an outsider (I get weird looks because I am breaking something up I guess) because I ussually come in just to do my business then leave. To tell you the truth, I don't like going there, and avoid it if I can.
I would just try to treat each customer evenly and fairly. Other physical things such as shooting broadheads are secondary to me cause I can do that at home. Also, try not to be biased toward products that you personally like. JMHO. |
RE: What would you change...
YOU KNOW THAT IN THIS DAY AND AGE CUSTOMER SERVICE IS A NOVEL IDEA. THE SUCCESS OF A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER IS NOT COMPETING WITH THE ADVERTISING BUDGETS OF THE HUGE COMPANIES BUT PROVIDING SERVICES THAT THE GIANT COMPANIES CANNOT DO.
THATS MY SUGGESTION TAKE IT FOR WHAT ITS WORTH |
RE: What would you change...
Attitude and customer service is my # 1 concern. I have 3 pro shops in my area. The closer ones tend to treat you nice when buying a major item (bow). Upon buying the product and return for service their attitude swings. They give you the idea they are now doing you a favor. DaveC really hit it on the head with the BPS and Cabelas attitude. If a pro shops services this equipment like it is purchased from them you'll gain customers.
You wouldn't believe one pro shop about 5 miles from my house. They register deer. Everytime I have brought a deer for registration (every year!) his 1st question is "Where did you shoot it with a .22?" This has happened to many friends also. As a serious bowhunter that offends me greatly. Needless to say, I drive 35 miles now to a different proshop. Must be why his shop is now up for sale!!! |
RE: What would you change...
Siskyou, if I come into your shop, I want to feel like you want me there, and are happy to help me regardless if I am buying a new bow or just want an opinion. When I walk into some shops I often feel that Im bothering them by asking advice and not handing them wads of money. What they dont understand is that the more I feel welcomed there, the more I will return, thus the more I will buy from them not the chain stores. I am a loyal shopper and I think most of us would be if treated correctly. To sum up- ELEPHANTS DONT BITE, MOSQUITOS DO!
Good luck, hope it works out:) |
RE: What would you change...
If I could have one request for an archery shop I would definetly wish that Burgies archery in Flatwoods PA was still opened and had the original owners there. Burgies archery shop had everything an archery shop needs and including 110% great service. Well I dont know exactly what happened to Burgies but I would like to thank Burgie and his family for creating an awesome archery shop. Sure wish you were still up in running.
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RE: What would you change...
This is a concept that I use as a real estate agent that has worked well and my pro shop used it on me.
Get some camo hats with your name and logo on them and hand them out. It tends to make people feel like it is thier shop and i have had many people ask me how I got it and where the shop is located. Good cheap advertising. " Anyone can be a father, but it takes a real man to be a Dad" |
RE: What would you change...
About the only thing I would change at either of my proshops is the prices of certain items. My wife doesn't mind the money I spend, but she does mind....if I spend $15 more than compared to Walmart, or 20 dollars more for a quiver at your shop than compared to Cabelas. And I don't know about everybody else, but I find that hard to stomach also, let alone the wrath of sh-t from my wife.
I do expect to spend more $$ at your shop for custom fletched shafts, bows, certain accessories and quality service. Something else I would suggest, is be open when most hunters are going to visit your business. I have 2 proshops near my home, one 5 minutes and the other, one of the largest in New England, 30 minutes away. I actually prefer the proshop nearer my house, but they close on the weekends at 5 and are only open till 6 during the week. Therefore, I end up driving the extra 25 minutes, paying more and getting less personal service (although excellent) from the larger store that caters to the hunters (and my) hours of availability---they're open from noon-10pm. S&R |
RE: What would you change...
If you cannot afford a large inventory at least make an effort to stay on top of orders. The second thing that I would suggest is keep your shop clean. I understand that the archery industry is dominated by men, BUT there are a few of us women who shoot or who may tag along to the archery shop with our spouse. If I am afraid to put my child on the floor for a few minutes because it is strewn with cigarette butts, broken nocks, you name it, and if I have to hold my child three feet above the toilet for fear of them sticking to the mess coating it I can tell you that I will not be patronizing your shop for long! May sound like a "woman thing", but such filth is the norm out here.
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RE: What would you change...
More friendly sales associates! Every time i walk into a shop they try to make me feel like im a third grader in pre-calculus. But most of the time it doesn't work for them and i end up making them feel dumb and i never return.
Most of the time they are just standing around talking to their buddies and are like WHAT DO YOU WANT? like im taking up their time and it really aggrevates me. i would like to have my own shop one of these days "She said if I hit that fishin hole today, she's be packin all her things and she'd, be gone by noon....I'm gonna miss her, when I get home." |
RE: What would you change...
It saddens me to see that my suspisions hold true thoughout the whole archery community; pro-shops are a breeding ground for unfriendly people with know it all adittudes. When I first got into bowhunting the adittudes I encountered in the local pro-shop were those exacltlly as described in the previous posts. It is bad enough that the pro-shop would allow the good ol boy buddies hang around and harrass would be customers but when the actual employees would join in, it was too much for me. I went to this particular pro-shop 15-20 times. Every single time without fail, I was told my bow was a piece of crap and I couldn't kill a deer with it. I was told I should shoot an XX brand bow or use XX brand arrows. I would be totally ignored, sometimes for 15 minutes or more, while the "boys" talked and told stories. Every person who wasn't "one of the boys" was treated this way.
Finally fed up with it, I know drive 20 minutes to a much friendlier and knowledgable shop where everyone is willing to help. I bought a bow at cost thru a factory connection. When I needed help tuning it, my new bow shop spent along time helping me tune it, even though I didn't buy it from him. However, he knew that I would come back to buy accessories, arrows, scents etc. from him, which I have done. It all comes down to customer service and a good adittude. Sorry to get on a rant but that happens.<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle> -------------------------------------------- Hunting the Piney Woods of Deep East Texas. |
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RE: What would you change...
I would also have to strongly agree with the customer service. There is one "pro shop" here in the South West Denver area that is only five minutes from home that I will almost never go to (very extreme emergency only) and drive 45 minutes to the other side of town just because they DO make you feel like you are welcome. These 2 pro shops don't have as much stuff as the closer one but they will bend over backwards to help you. I don't mind the people hanging out and talking about hunting as long as the shop personel realize that the customers are first and the talkers are not in the way or disturbing the customers.
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RE: What would you change...
Siskyou, I would welcome any archery shop around, provideing they knew it. Its a matter of supply and demand, and there is none around here, nearest one is at least 100 miles away and the best one is Walley World. I go into the local shops down there and ask the owners techincal questions on bow set up and FOC in arrow set up, to see if they are actually know what they are talking about, and I think that they are so acustom to is trying to confuse the customer with bull$hit that does not apply and the customer rather than to ask questions and appear as a fool will leave scratching their head. If you get the impression that I am not impressed with there knowledge, than thats correct. Thats why I just as soon deal with the Mail order catologs, I just don't personnally trust some of these shops and this one down there has been in business for 17 yrs they say and they sold my girlfriend this summer a 45LB PSE bow with arrows made for a 75LB bow, you figure that one. I didn't mean to rabble on, just kinda hit a nerve with me, but ask yourself if you can competively compete against the mail order catologs. Good luck in your decision, Bobby<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>
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RE: What would you change...
Hey Texcowboy, could you give up some names, or at least cities so I can tell which shops your refering to. Any of them in the Houston/Conroe area? Or is it the one in brige city? just curious.
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RE: What would you change...
Here's a few:
1) 20 yards is standard for most archery shops. Offer a few lanes with 30 or even 40 yards!(indoors so they can be used also in winter) Maybe 6 weeks before season, convert the 30 and 40 yard section to 3D! 2) Indoor eleveated shooting. 12' to 15' high. Have it open from above. When the bottom is closed (some type of roll screen or fence like at the malls) The top can be open. There are plenty of ways to make it safe. 3) Don't, under any circumstances, rip any products you don't sell! 4) Stay on top of whats new, what hot, and what works. I was a pro fisherman for 12 years(a real one) and I saw this happen with bait shops all the time. I was just thinking about this with several archery pro shops in my area the other day. The shop pushes just the things they have. They may be outdated, or may be far superior products out but they push the same old stuff. When you pick the owners brain about new stuff and set-ups or how one product will effect another, they don't have a clue!! Their customers (some) know alot more then them! Don't get me wrong, shop owners get in with good and great intentions but they loose that sharp edge they have when they start. 5) Just look at most shops, you see the same thing. Make your the offer the same things and more! Good Luck! PRACTICE....PRACTICE....PRACTICE......SUCCESS! |
RE: What would you change...
Let's hear it from a few of the owners on this board, I know of a few of you and it would be very interesting to see your point's of view.
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RE: What would you change...
Shortly after moving here I cruised around to all the local shops to check them out. The first one I went to, the owner was a pr*#*, he barely said two words to me during the 30 minutes I spend in there snoopin' around. After leaving I asked around about it and why he was giving me such an attitude, they said he only liked locals, and the old time locals at that. Obviously that makes no sense to me, but maybe that was why his shop was junky as a result of a lack of profits.
Second shop, absolutely pathetic. Hardly anything on the shelves and an "I know it all" attitude behind the counter. One thing I have come to learn over the years, damn near all bowhunters like to think we know it all, and there is little we hate more than someone trying to tell us we are wrong with little provocation. Don't get me wrong, I think 99% of bowhunters are very inquisitive, but on their own terms. Third shop, SWEET. Carried several lines of bows, lanes out to 40, and VERY nice and was not demeaning in the least, yet very helpful when asked. He has at least one other worker with him at all times, so there is no wait. And if there is a slight wait, he will go talk to you about what you want and let you know how he is a little busy and will be with you shortly. I just think basic customer service makes up for a lot of downfalls in any business. Folks just want to feel like both them and their money are appreciated. Just my two cents. Chad "Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." --Albert Einstein |
RE: What would you change...
Eagerness to help no matter what I might be purchasing or not purchasing that is the key. If I go into my pro shop and Jeff was to give me an attitude that he didnt care if I was there I would stop going. When I walk in he greets me and if all I have is a question he does his best to answer it and thats why I keep going there.
The only downfall to his shop is he doesnt have a lot of bows on hand to try out and nowhere to shoot them if he did. I am like most, If I were to buy a bow from him I couldnt try it first before I bought it. I bought a hoyt magnatec from him but he had to order it. I loved the way it shot but it was way too heavy and found my shoulder getting tired after 6 shots. If he had it there i could have tried it and would have realized this and would not have bought that particular bow. Wide variety of accessories and great customer service is the key!!!! Kill em' Wide and High!!!   Steven J. Collins (Trock63) Bowdaddy Productions |
RE: What would you change...
My Proshop is the worst! First it takes the guy who owns it forever to do anything. 2 week wait for arrows cut and I had put the inserts in myself because he run out of propane. I think a pro shop need to have more bows. Huge slection of arrows and all the extra goodies etc. plus have a 35 -40 yard range and 3-d targets
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