To those of you on Staffs (Not wanting to call-out Bowtech guys only, I see a lot of Folks witg Staff In their Signatures)

Do you guys get out there and talk to shops on Quality issues, Delivery, General Questions, or even sometimes just make an appearance to make sure they know the Company has support in the area?

Cuz I tell ya, I'm visiting more shops lately and I'm hearing the same tale over and over..

-Brand X, rep only calls me before the ATA show and then needs stuff from me, but when I need him. I get no response.

-Really? they have Staff members in this area?

-I always have to call the factory, and hope the get back to me.

I know you have other jobs to pay the bills, but you are also rep-ing a Company. The free or discounted merchandise is a payment for service, and I'd think that extends beyond the HNI Board a bit.

Food for thought..

Call me any time your having a problem with our product.

I'm having a problem.... I'm fresh out! Please help!

My guys attend specific events and sales based upon a pre-released schedule, (Deer and Turkey Expos, Bass Pro orCabela's big sales etc) and most have relationships with the local shops in their areas. I know myself, I'll help out at smaller shops for demo days or big sales if the shop requests some help.
I've spent entire weekends in a shop providing support, answering questions, shooting and setting up bows on my own dime.
If a shop has a specific event they would like help with it'sprobably in their best interestto see if the manufacturer has anyone in the area that is available to attend.
When I go to these things generally I'm not the only one and I see a lot of the same faces year over year representing different companies...... in this area at least.

Absolutely. I probably visit anywhere from 2-5 shops per week in the Southern Illinois/Southeast Missouri region.

There's a lot that goes into a partnership with a company, and it extends beyond what most can see on a forum like this.

Gr8........

Typically when you hear a shop saying that their "Rep" isn't calling them back, they are indeed a paid employee of either that manufacturer, or a "Marketing Rep Group" that is somewhat of a sales contractor representing several manufacturers. Typically these rep groups only cover non-competitive products, i.e. they only sell one bow/arrow/sight/release line and may also sell apparel, optics, etc as well. And yes, it is a common problem with these reps not calling back, etc. It's a tough job, on the road 5-6 days a week away from home 3-4 nights a week, coving a geographic radius of 2-300 miles. Typically these reps develop good relationships with a core list of shops in their territory that help them to meet their quota numbers, and they follow the old 80/20 rule. The other 80 percent of shops that make up 20% of their numbers don't get visited as often or called back as quickly. It's a tough challenge to face, but with the slim margins in the archery industry, it's tough for a manufacturer to build a better sales team structure. Some organizations have decided to build themselves a huge marketing budget and instead have an inside sales force with no physical feet on the street, and I really think that is where most manufacturers are headed eventually. With gas prices, and slim margins........the current support from true field reps is all they will get unless it's transformed to an inside sales model to be a bit more efficient.

Factory shooters typically are supporting the manufacturer as their eyes/ears in the field to see that shops are adhering to MAP pricing, to identify what shops push what products first, and to help regionally at trade shows or other events where it doesn't make sense for manufacturer direct employees to travel for a show/competition/etc where the manufacturer may want to setup a booth. They are also assisting in marketing to make sure that the locals in their area (or on the internet) know what is new and can answer consumer level questions about product, etc.

Matt and Greg pretty much summed up my own involvement as well. I visit the local shops fairly frequently and head out to the bigger stores and shows in my area whenever I am asked.

I speak to my sponser on a daily basis and he always gets back to me, albeit in a low voice. The thing that I like about being on his pro staff is that you can't beat the benefits. Heck of a retirement plan.....

What he difference between the Bowtech Corporate Staff and Bowtech Corporate Advisory Staff?

I must admit the Greg, Matt and Rob, PAbowhntr you guys seem to be doing a good service for the Bowtech Shooters and Represent the Company well, wether it has anything to do with Bowtech or any other aspect of the Sport! You carry yourselves professionally, which for me is a plus when looking into products! I like the way you don't bash other products, it makes Bowtech look even that much better! Keep up the good work!

The ability to follow directions.