Hey guys hows it going ! So heres my deal... I've been going to the same shop for bows, guns, and everything else ever since I can remember, and my grandpa went there before me! They're a bowtech/diamond dealer, and they used to carry Hoyts which is where I got my current bow. I also just recently dropped $500 thereon a new t/c triumph.

Now the problem is this...I want an elite and they dont carry it! I know the bow tech there and want to go there for everything possible, including setting the bow up, rest, sight, arrows, just about everything. However I'd feel HORRIBLE walking in there with a brand new $800 bow that I bought somewhere else!! At the same time though, I cant afford to buy a bow that I dont love, im broke and in college and its gotta last me quite a while, not to mention I LOVE that z28!

Anyone else ever have a dilemma like this? Of course if bowtech ever ships those air raids that may just fix my problem... but I'm not going to assume anything

BowTech should be shipping Air Raids very soon!

Does he have some on order?

Dan

I think it is great that you this kind of loyality to a shop. I am sure it is because they have earned your trust and business. I would suggest talking to the guy there and explaining you are wanting a new bow and you have narrowed your choice to the AR and Z28. Ask him how long before BT starts shipping the AR, that you want to shoot one before making a final decision. Also, explain to him exactly what you explained to us. I am sure he will understand, knowing that you are not leaving him as a customer and giving him a chance to earn your business on this next bow. Having a chance to earn a customer's business is all a shop owner can expect.

Meanv2: Indeed he does have a few coming I call every weekend hahaha!

Kickin: Yeah thats what I was thinking, I'll explain it to Joe (the tech) and let him know my feelings! But lets say the ar doesnt impress me, so I definately want the z28. Would it be rude to walk in there with a bare bow and buy new arrows, rest, and stab and want them to help me set it up? If I have to pay thats okay I'd just feel bad about the whole thing! I have a good buddy whose father and both brothers bowhunt, when this shop dropped hoyt the father pretty much made them switch to bowtech haha, and I know at least one of em would rather be shooting a hoyt. That said I really cant afford to be in the same position! Especially when I'll be in IL for at least a week for bow this year!

I also think it's admirable that you have such loyalty, but the reality is if you want a certain product and they don't have it or can't get it then you must shop elsewhere. The fact that you plan to buy all the other stuff there is reason enough for them to consider you a loyal customer and treat you as such. Also, you understand that you'd have to pay for any services so you're on the right page in that respect.

That being said I'd still talk to them before hand so you both can work out and understand the whole situation. That way there won't be any reason for you to carry a guilt trip around on your shoulders.

I think you would have all your bases covered if you talked to him before hand and give him at least the chance. First, you would be suprised how little money the shop makes off the bow itself. I am not saying they don't want to sell you a bow, but they will understand if they don't have what you want. Also, if you are going in there willing to pay for tech time to set your bow up and purchasing all the acc for your bow there, they will be doing fine from a money stand point.

Trust me, if you're looking at spending that kind of "Bill" on a bow, you're not really a BROKE college student. I used to deal in guns to make money in college, made some pretty decent coin off of guns that I bought cheap and sold high, I wish I could have some of them back, but had to buy books, and pay tuition, etc. If you're shop owner holds it against you that you went somewhere else for a bow he doesn't carry, then he really doesn't like you as much as your money!!!! The shop I go to appreciates my business, he knows I buy and sell stuff on line, he commends me for some of the good deals I get, he doesn't see anything wrong with trying to get good deals, when I ask him what would he get he shows me stuff that is reasonably priced, sometimes stuff that is just plain cheap, but good stuff. That's how I ended up with $8 stabilizers on my $700 bows, because they are CHEAP, and are GOOD!!!

Believe me im broke!! The only reason I can afford a bow at the moment is because Ive been busting my ass doing firewood every weekend to afford it... I pay for my own school aswell so I have basically zero dollars to spend, aside from the bow money. After all...priorities

So he typically doesn't carry this bow, but why couldn't he order one for you anyway since you are willing to buy it from him and have been a good customer to him? I think this is typical of small shops. They just like to sell you what they have on hand and don't like to order anything special for people. Many people try to convince us that we should support the small shop owners over the WalMart's, Cabela's and Gander's, but in my opinion if they won't get us what we really want we should not be shy about going elsewhere to someone who will.

Well then, I think you've answered your question, do you want to deliver 2 extra loads of firewood because of loyalty to a shop owner, or do you want to put you and your finances first??? If a shop owner held that against me, then he'd be losing my business!!! Fortunately, the guy I deal with, I've been dealing with since for almost 18yrs, I was buying stuff before I was 18, and having my Mom or Dad sign for it there, so he knows I'm gonna keep coming back. I paid $13 to have a set of strings I bought elsewhere installed, cams timed, peep served back in, drop-away cable re-served in, and a loop installed!!!! He charges me fairly, and I pay fairly. If I need an item, he's got as good of prices as I can get on Bass.Pro or Cabela's and probably as good a selection, so he knows where I'll buy stuff, and if I don't like something, I can bring it back, and he'll let me trade it in on something. Back in the day when I ordered a LOT of guns, if they'd never seen something, I'd order it, and pay $10 over their cost, and they'd have an idea of the quality and shootability of a new weapon. He's not just my Pro-Shop owner, he's a friend, and a friend to many, many outdoorsmen in the area, a guy known for HONEST dealings, and a willingness to spend his time helping people out. He offers up his indoor range to at least 2 local NASP programs from different schools, and consistently aids in setting bows up, helping coach the kids, etc. But he also understands that as a father/husband/family man, I need to pinch my pennies and stretch my $$$ as far as I can.