I brought this subject up on another forum and it is getting some very positive responses. Let's see how it fairs here.

Some at the AMO and I have been talking about a definition of a Pro Shop for years. It is a very difficult thing to define because you stand a chance of injuring certain individuals. I would like to see a classification or scaling system that would allow a shop to grow or achieve over time.
My definition of an Archery Pro Shop would fall mostly within the following list but would not be limited by it. In other words, full compliance with the list may not be economically feasible for the proprietor. Expertise in certain areas could well override certain tools/equipment.

1. At least two different styles of bow presses indicates that a)the shop is able to handle most styles of bows and b)the shop has enough insight to know that more than one bow press is good insurance to meet the customers' needs.

2. An extensive supply of standard strings and cables. This includes everything from Dacron to the latest materials in all lengths.

3. The ability to listen to the customers' complaints and communicate probable solutions.

4. The ability to diagnose potential problems and offer corrective actions.

5. Trying to fix the customers' equipment before promoting 'new' equipment. What many 'archery' shops fail to realize is that the repair service will keep the doors open during economic turmoil such as we're experiencing right now.

6. Credentials: Certificates and/or Diplomas. This will give you an idea that the person working on your bow has had some training. Anyone can open an archery shop; but, expertise can only be learned. I'm not saying that someone can't learn by trial and error; but, do you want to be the guinea pig? Also keep in mind that trophies do not always constitute technical knowledge. While trophies may add some credibility, I know of a lot of good shooters, that are not good techicians. Their technical expertise is either limited or limited to their specific equipment. In fact, some of them could be better shooters if they wouldn't work on their own equipment. A good analogy would be stock car drivers. Do they work on their own engines and suspension?

7. Tuning techniques and equipment. Do they know how to properly paper tune, group tune, tune for broadheads? Do they have a paper tuning range and do they tune to different distances, do they have an Apple Tuning Machine, do they have a Hooter Shooter? If so, do they know how to properly use such equipment.

8. Reference material: If you ask a question, do they guess or use manufacturers' reference material? Do they guess your draw length or use several types of reference techniques such as the 'wing span' method?

9. Number of technians: Does the chief technician have someone training under him? Does the chief technician ask his other technician(s) for his/her advice? If someone is not in training, who will help you when your main technician is not available. This came to mind as I sit here trying to recover from an operation.

10. Variety of product carried: A good Pro Shop will carry a larger variety and varied price range of products. This applies to not only bow lines but also to sights, rests, etc. Everyone who walks through the door can't afford or doesn't want to get started with the 'best' or highest priced goods.


Now I'd like to here from you. While my list may seem harsh to smaller shops, it is really intended to satisfy the customers' needs. After all, isn't that the gist of what you expect from a PRO Shop? If you have any need, don't you want it satisfied? If you put my list to the test with any of the big chains, you will see that they will fail miserably.

What is intended is to 'qualify' your shop. Please don't take any offense to this list; but, help me set a standard for measurement.

Len, great to see you back! I am fortunate enough to be able to do anything to my bows that they need, but if I look at your question from the standpoint that I don`t have the knowledge/time/ability to work on my own stuff, then I would say you just described the ultimate "pro shop".
Of all the shops I have ever been to, a few have had most of the qualities you mention. Most have had only a few of the qualities you mentioned. And none have had all of the qualities you mentioned.
Obviously from what I read on this forum about your shop, you do have all of these bases covered, as Pinwheel 12 does too! This makes you guys pretty unique in the archery world.

IMHO, since most shops cannot go to the level that you are at, I would gladly settle for a shop with the technical end covered. If they can`t have everything on stock in large quantity, at least they can get it!
I hope the guys in your area, and pinwheels, realize how fortunate they are!

NRA,UBP,BASS Member
New Stanton,PA

Len, I too live in Maryland, and would love to know where your shop is at. Although new (or reborn) to bow hunting, I haven't found a shop yet that I would go out of the way to go to. I find that they either want to push what they have on the shelf or want you to go with something else.

The archery shops I'm accustom to know how to write you out a reciept though the hand writing is hard to read. The shop where I bought my Maverick in December of 1999 didn't have a replacement string I could also buy. At the shop where I bought my Patriot the &quot;Tec&quot; will not look you in the eye when talking to him, I think he is all of maybe 23 years old. This shop didn't carry any BowTech quivers or the neat little repair parts kits so I had to order one. Len you must be a blessing to your customers<img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle>.

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Len, I am glad to see you back and posting again. I totaly agree with your statements. The problem is I have only seen one such shop in all my travels. I drive a truck for a living, and while I am home every night I do get to visit a bunch of shops. That is one of the reasons I started doing all my own work. I sure wish you would branch out here to the Roanoke area!

TAKE YOUR KIDS HUNTING AND YOU WON'T BE HUNTING FOR YOUR KIDS

Len! Well said and I think you hit on the head. I am dealer shooter and have been for years and have everthing I need to tune at home. I shoot for dealer that is 1 1/2 hrs away just because he fills all your catogories. I wouldnt feel right sending friend or fellow archer to shop that is unprossional. I attend most Amo with my dealer and cannot beleive that most dealers have never been. I think it boils down to there are professionals and there guys just going for the sales. My dealer is oldest dealer in state and has been in buisness 29yrs. It is tough buisness being archery dealer.

Good to see you posting Len! I would have to agree with Big Country. My local shop(35 miles) could probably only meet 1 or 2 of your standards. <img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle> For this reason, I end up doing most of my own work also. Earlier this year, when thinking of switching to a MZE, I wanted to see one in person, so off I go to the shop....the answer I get...&quot;What's that?&quot; LOL....honestly it didn't really suprise me.
Anyhow, hopefully your customers realize how lucky they are!! I guess the rest of us, are just lucky that you still frequent this board! Some day I will make it over to your shop....2 1/2 hours away is getting closer every day. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> Praying for a speedy recovery for you!

There is no such shop anywhere near me. Most of them are not adequate in any of those areas. This has led me to set myself up to do all the work on my bow. I have spare parts, strings, accessories, bow press and string jig. If my bow had a major problem (like a broken limb), during bow season, I would simply go out and buy a new one, wherever I could get what I wanted quickly and cheaply. I will not pay extra at a bow shop, unless I have to. The ones in this area, offer me little and I give them little in return.

Let's see if I can respond to each of your points, Len. I don't own or work in a pro shop so mine is a customers perspective about the pro shop that I visit the most. This is my third serious year in archery/bowhunting.

1) Two types of presses. I can understand and agree with this although the shop I trust only has one that I have seen: a high quality Apple press.

2) I can get three or four brands of strings at my favorite pro shop: WC, Zebra Twist/Tiger Twist, and one other type. Mostly for Hoyts/Mathews/High Country the bow brands that he sells. I was able to choose from several brands of strings for my older MQ-32 on the day I went looking for replacements.

3) They seem to listen and have even talked me out of a purchase because they felt I didn't need a certain 'gadget' to solve a problem. Sometimes they are too busy or hurried to spend a lot of time with you.

4) See #3.

5) See #3. Haven't had any major breakdowns, yet.

6) Have never seen any certificates. Are there certifications out there like car mechanics can earn?

7) They don't have a full size indoor range but can short distance paper tune and chronograph. Never heard of a Hooter shooter until I came on this BBS. Apple tuning machine? This bothers me a lot about this pro shop. They need to expand and build an indoor, even just a 20 yarder.

8) If they don't know the answer, they aren't afraid to look it up. They don't even take my own word for it if they aren't sure themselves.

9) The owner is good and so is the main techie, but the young one in training is a disaster waiting to happen. Don't hire relatives unless they are qualified. He will never be allowed to work on my bow even for something simple.

10) Not a huge line of bows or accessories, but pretty good. Lots of arrows, shafts and parts. Tends to carry the higher end/higher priced stuff, especially the bows. Doesn't look down on anyone, though, if they have an older or entry level bow.

Biggest complaint: Doesn't have enough trained and trust worthy help.
Best point: Doesn't try to sell you stuff you might not need.