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11-13-2002, 07:25 PM
#2
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,679
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.
11-14-2002, 02:43 AM
#3
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Crosby TX USA
Posts: 2,599
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).
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).
11-14-2002, 04:00 AM
#4
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 3,903
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---<<<
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---<<<
11-14-2002, 04:02 AM
#5
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Cortland New York USA
Posts: 32
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.
11-14-2002, 05:23 AM
#6
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Abilene TX USA
Posts: 115
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
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
11-14-2002, 05:59 AM
#7
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Fredericksburg Virginia USA
Posts: 13,672
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
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
11-14-2002, 07:23 AM
#8
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location:
Posts: 7,571
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.
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.
11-14-2002, 07:35 AM
#9
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: shepherd mi. USA
Posts: 292
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
THATS MY SUGGESTION TAKE IT FOR WHAT ITS WORTH
11-14-2002, 07:48 AM
#10
Super Moderator
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Deepwoods Treestand WI
Posts: 902
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!!!
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!!!