Mathews, BowTech ..........Need Webmasters!!
 

What is the holdup Geesh.. I dont intend on purchasing a BowTech or a Mathews but they could get the 02 line up on the web. I would hope that they understand the fact that 54% of the US in on the web now GET WITH IT!!! I saw my bow on line before I purchased it. Any one else do this or am I the only HighTec Redneck here?



Edited by - grndzer on 02/08/2002 13:18:32

RE: Mathews, BowTech ..........Need Webmasters!!
 

They are so consistent about this they either want the buzz, or they want you to go to your local shop. Supporting the dealer network is a big issue. Why hold an AMO show, and have a dealer network if everyone just looks at the web.

RE: Mathews, BowTech ..........Need Webmasters!!
 

Agreed. There is no excuse for the delay. I have no local dealer, and since I'm not one, I can't get in the show... I especially love companies that advertise in magazines and refer you to their un-updated website for more info on the advertised product, which of course isn't on it yet... stupid business practice...

RE: Mathews, BowTech ..........Need Webmasters!!
 

I am with the rest why spend a fortune advertising in magazines and put up the web address for further info when the web site is out dated.
I would like to see the specs of different bows before I go to a pro shop and look at them and test fire them.
In other words let my fingers do the walking instead of driving all over the place to see different bows.

RE: Mathews, BowTech ..........Need Webmasters!!
 

Aaaa! Some sanity in an insane world! I should hit them up for a webmaster job they obviously have an opening!

You can support you dealers and still have an up to date website IE: HOYT! I have no intention of going in to a bow shop not knowing the first thing about the product I am looking at. I do research!

RE: Mathews, BowTech ..........Need Webmasters!!
 

I could not agree more with the trend of this thread; I "peruse the menu" online well before I visit the local pro shop. This presents me with a far greater potential selection than the brands available locally. Actually, my most recent 2 bows have been purchased online (from a dealer) since my local shop is not an agent and is unable/unwilling to meet my needs. The Web is where I do my research.Just my 0.02.
Mark

RE: Mathews, BowTech ..........Need Webmasters!!
 

I THINK MATHEWS & BOWTECH ARE WELL AWARE OF WHAT THEY'RE DOING.FOR THOSE "CHOMPING AT THE BIT" THEY ARE TRYING TO GET YOU TO SHOOT THE BOW THEN--"THEY GOT YOU!"

RE: Mathews, BowTech ..........Need Webmasters!!
 

I couldnt find any info current on there products, So I got a Hoyt bow that I could see online. I am sure im not the only 600.00 they lost.

The point is I am a % of there customers base and more and more people rely on information they gain online to make a smart choice.

I am not prepared to drive 30min just to look at a mathews. When I can go to www.hoytusa.com and see all there 02 bows right now. Go to the bow shop and ask informed questions.

Ok, I vented !! You may disagree with me but you know its true, Why do you come to this board? Seeking information?

RE: Mathews, BowTech ..........Need Webmasters!!
 

On average it takes me 6 months of lookin around before I narrow the players down to a couple. From there I shoot and from there I pick. I keep a bow for at least 3 years before I even start looking again. Take your time and pick the best bow you can afford for you at the time. I want a Patriot as well but I'm not gonna buy one till I hear a few people say they're all they're supposed to be and I shoot one to prove it. Until then I shoot what I've got cause it was pretty damn good when I bought it.

Cargo

Cargo

RE: Mathews, BowTech ..........Need Webmasters!!
 

some companies still few the web as the last thing to update when they have new product lines. I used to be a web designer, some people spend a ton upfront on catalogs, advertising, etc. & finally they end up fixing web sites. it's just the nature of the game of business.

RE: Mathews, BowTech ..........Need Webmasters!!
 

In 2002 Your website should be a priority. So when do you think they will update it? I don't have a bowtech dealer in my area but would like to take a look at one, before 2003.

RE: Mathews, BowTech ..........Need Webmasters!!
 

Not only is the site not updated, but I can't even drive to a shop and look at them. No one in my area even has them yet! I went to one shop that was listed as a bowtech dealer and he said he dropped the line. He only had one bowtech bow in his shop the whole time he carried them. He said he could not sell it, so he sent it back to bowtech and dropped the line. I looked around the shop and a said I don't see any mathews any more, did you drop them too? He said heck no, I don't have any in stock and they said it is going to take one or two months to get my order to me. The only thing he had in stock was bear and jennings, and he had racks upon racks of them.

Buying a new mathews is getting to be like buying a harley. You know it cost more than it's worth, and it may take forever to get it.

But I will most likely wind up with a mathews any way. A harley, never!

Paul

RE: Mathews, BowTech ..........Need Webmasters!!
 

They want to have their cake and eat it too, but sometimes they do things in odd ways. Most manufacturers have websites, but alot (such as Bowtech and Mathews) do NOT allow internet sales. Seems kinda "off" to me, considering that most of the World is now online, and roughly half of them now purchase items online. I own both a Pro shop as well as an internet Archery website, and can tell you at least from my standpoint that the internet is definately gaining ground. Those manufactuers that allow Internet sales will definately be getting the jump on the competition within the next few years IMO, provided all dealers be kept within strict pricing guidelines to keep from playing "cutthroat wars". Pro shops will still be the place to go to see and feel the bows and receive tuning and instruction, and also to buy if they can remain competitive, but realistically I think Pro shops will be tough to find eventually, especially when they have to pay for overhead, inventory, and payroll. Can't compete with online sales when you can simply drop-ship or order as you need to through a website. Unfortunately for us shops internet technology may win out in the long run as more and more people use the net to buy products.Those that do not get with the program may soon be left in the dust IMO.
The flip side is that this will be good for the consumer, they will get a fair shake due to stringent pricing guidelines that will have to be established to keep dealers from killing each other. Just my own thoughts, Pinwheel 12

Edited by - Pinwheel 12 on 02/09/2002 16:50:15

RE: Mathews, BowTech ..........Need Webmasters!!
 

I know how you feel I went looking for a bow and all I got is the run around, all the pro shops did not have any bows and I had to drive over 2 hrs just to look. I bought a 2002 G2 brand new on ebay and payed 340.00 instead of the 499.00 the pro shops wanted. I will set it up myself so why do I need a shop??

evan

RE: Mathews, BowTech ..........Need Webmasters!!
 

Where are people going to get technical advice? Oh, yeah, for FREE, here! Well, I think that may change as time goes on, too, simply because those few of us that actually have been around the sport and industry for over 30+ years and are pretty open to giving away free info quickly get sick of battling over every question when they get bashed by some unknowing follower, and as time goes on I see fewer and fewer truly knowledgeable techs posting on these boards and others.(only about 8 or 10 left on all of the boards,and less posting by most of them) Nothing beats hands-on experience, and if the "true" techs stop posting, then what? There won't be pro shops to go to cause they'll all be gone, there will only be a few instructional books out, I'm just afraid the industry will fade quickly. Moral of the story--- No matter where you buy your equipment, the industry will always need shops with reputable techs for repairs, replacement, accessories, and instruction, as well as places to shoot. Archers are either gonna pay for the products, or pay for the services, because eventually when the Pro-shops find they have to compete with internet sales the technical info trail is gonna slow down some, mark my words. Just my own thoughts, Pinwheel 12

[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

RE: Mathews, BowTech ..........Need Webmasters!!
 

bwrong-

You are looking at it like alot of people do, and like I did a few years ago. Unfortunately, it's quickly coming to the point where either you are online, or you will soon be gone. Sorry, I don't make the rules, and I cannot change technological advancement in midstream, nor do I have a right to. Internet sales ARE here, face up to the fact. Millions of people order SOMETHING online every day. I never thought I would use the internet to buy or sell things 10 or even 5 years ago, yet here I am. I use it regularly to buy products, especially seeing as I am a busy person and cannot get out to do the "touchy-feely" thing. Yeah, sure, Pro-shops get hurt by it if that's all they have, I own a Pro shop and know this, and had to look ahead so I could and can in the future make correct decisions for my livlihood. This cost me money to do, so it's not like I'm getting anything for free! If I were to sit here and say "No, I'm not gonna do that", you think I'd be around long? Time waits for no-one my friend, and if I'm not there getting my share of the pie, someone else will be. That's the bottom line. Same things go with manufacturers, it was fine to try and help the Pro shops, but realistically it only helped to slow down their individual sales for a couple of years. Those couple of years are up IMO, look at how many archery internet sales sites there are today! I'm glad I made my move when I did and am established, makes alot of difference! Mathews and a couple of other companies are not going to stop all internet trade, the World is alot bigger than their little companies and it's quite humorous that they thought they could. Gotta give them credit for trying, but now they are only hurting themselves, and if they continue, they too, will be left in the dust. Bet they could've made an extra few hundred thousand in profit the past couple of years if they allowed internet trade, and shops that are online would've made even more sales, also, generating more money for the overall industry.

I understand exactly what you are saying but feel you do not have the right to accuse me of hurting other shops simply by doing what is best for my businesses, especially when I also own a Pro-shop and post almost daily on these boards trying to help people,too. I see both sides of the picture because I own both, and can tell you that either with or without Mathews and others, my internet business and many others will continue to flourish in the future, as this is the crossroads that this and many other industries have come to and we have to look towards the future or sink. I'm sorry if it doesn't fit into your scheme of things, but honestly you do not feed my family or pay my bills. If you'd like to take over that job then by all means I'll close down all of my businesses for you! <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>LOL.(Nah, maybe not. haha) Good shooting, Pinwheel 12

Edited by - Pinwheel 12 on 02/10/2002 06:29:49

RE: Mathews, BowTech ..........Need Webmasters!!
 

The people at Mathews told me it would be updated by the end of Feb. If you can't keep your pants on that long, email them and you'll have a brochure in 3 days.

[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

RE: Mathews, BowTech ..........Need Webmasters!!
 

Pinwheel, I agree with you as far as internet sales go. I dont think the new bows sould be sold online, these bows need to be setup by a pro and set up to the companys spec's. I got my bow from a proshop and always will. I am willing to pay a couple extra bucks for the sake of customer service.

But I do think that there products should be aval for online viewing as soon as they are released.

RE: Mathews, BowTech ..........Need Webmasters!!
 

BW-

No, I am not a sponsor of this particular site, but I do pay for advertising on others. I think you'll find there are not all that many of us that actually DO pay for usage or advertising on any of these boards! I also am a current member of various organizations that help the Archery industry with members' monies. If I hurt other shops with my internet business, I would certainly be hurting myself too as a shop owner. Generating interest in the sport of Archery, no matter how it is done, should be everyone's priority if they are involved with the industry, whether manufacturers, dealers, reps, Staff, whatever. Making money, of which a percentage goes directly back into further purchases within the industry if you happen to be a dealer, only helps to maintain a stable platform from which the industry may grow, no matter if it is done via &quot;old ways&quot; or new. We all have to look towards the future because the industry is forever evolving, that is why new technologies always replace the old ones every five to seven years. Internet sales are becoming an integral part of the equation now, simple as that. Mathews was following along with the AMO's original plan to try and curb internet sales, because they felt it would cause too many problems. As stated above, we cannot stop it, it is far bigger than us, so either &quot;get on&quot;, or &quot;get off&quot;. I chose to get on because I love the sport and felt that internet sales are part of it's future. THAT is the bottom line. Anyone that thinks the Archery Industry is a place to make big bucks better think again, unless you happen to hit it just right. While I make a decent living it is a tough row to hoe, and competition is fierce. I could've definately made more money in another field, but it's what I love, so....

As far as &quot;free advertising&quot;, as stated I do pay for advertising, and anything I get for free, well maybe that is just a little payback for the info I've shared on the boards in the past few years that took me many, many years to learn. Everyone has it pretty easy nowadays. I don't mind at all helping people, but when I get attitude from other posters that tells me it should be &quot;all for them, nothing for me&quot;, I guess it's time to re-think my position as far as giving so much away for free.

I have no problem with those who decide that internet sales is not for them, but I don't think I or others should be crucified for having them, either. It is up to each individual shop owner to decide if they feel it is right for their particular business, and seeing as it is now an accepted form of shopping worldwide, no-one is &quot;criminal&quot; for grabbing a piece of the pie. It's a free Country last time I looked,(free speech, free enterprise) and I for one am glad it is! Good shooting, Pinwheel 12

RE: Mathews, BowTech ..........Need Webmasters!!
 

I guess we are a little off topic now... Hey has anyone got word from bowtech on an update date? I sent them an email but got no response.

RE: Mathews, BowTech ..........Need Webmasters!!
 

The new site should be in place in the next 2 weeks or less. If you folks knew what has taken place with BowTech in the past month and a half or so you'd better understand. They are trying to do alot of to catch up from the AMO Show two weeks ago. I know for fact they worked solid 12 hour days after the show to get caught up on (some) of the paper work. They set up a whole bunch of new dealers at the show and all that info has to go on the web site as well as alot of other information.

Unfortunatly some people can't wait on a web site to be updated and go buy other brands and thats fine but as far as internet sales go in my opinion is wrong. It causes way too many problems with companies and actually causes dealers to fight and battle and sometimes give up their dealership with certain companies. Internet sales puts a dealer on EVERY corner of every street (if the person has internet) and will buy a bow from 2000 miles away just to save $5.00 or $10.00 dollars. Where do such people go to shoot the bow they choose first? We all know and certainly suggest shooting a new bow before we buy right? So what do we do go to our local pro shop try their bows out and go home to buy one online? Sorry bad practice in my opinion. I guess I would compare it to an employer having to pay his help say $15.00 an hour but goes out every day to try to find a person to replace them for a little less, after this person gets hired for $14.00 an hour the employer looks for someone for $13.00 an hour. Where does it end? Bow companies are in business to make money just as we all are from our daily jobs. The policies and guidelines enforced by said bow companies are whats going to keep them around when they please the dealers they have and don't have pricing battles online. I'm not a pro shop owner, I'm just a factory worker and this makes sense to me. It just wouldn't be fair if my dealer wants $500.00 for a bow and the guy buys one online from a dealer in CA. to save $5.00

Anyway, The web site will be updated soon. Trust me it will be awesome....

RE: Mathews, BowTech ..........Need Webmasters!!
 

Thanks BowTech Shooter!

Yea I agree with the internet sales issue. as a matter of fact I think the bow companys should not allow internet sales. At least for the highend models.

But this was not the point of my post, not to start the net sales issues but just that the 02 stuff should have been posted on the site qiucker for us to look at not to buy.

Hey I maintain two websites and one gets more hits a day than I care to get and I get nagg email all the time about updates. My site updates automaticly via my database and got a ton of nagg mails when I changed the update time from 3 to 4 pm.

Cant wait to see the 02 stuff, Maby in 04 I will be in the market again.

RE: Mathews, BowTech ..........Need Webmasters!!
 

Grndzer, I'm glad you understand. What happened at the AMO Show took us all by surprise and kind of put everything a little behind from a managment standpoint and the Marketing director got swamped too. He's the actual web site designer. If you wanted a brochure to see the 2002 line I have offered it on this site a few times. It has all the info and pics of the bows the web site will have. I have mailed a bunch of them since they came out in Nov. :)

RE: Mathews, BowTech ..........Need Webmasters!!
 

You guys state that internet sales will &quot;put a dealer on every corner&quot;, well, the manufacturers themselves are doing a good job of that already! Sheesh! I have experienced first-hand the so-called &quot;protected territories&quot; and all of the promises that go with it more than once, and altho it has worked fine with some, with certain manufacturers I found within a few months that I had two or three other dealers set up within my &quot;protected&quot; radius. Then some lame excuse spews forth when confronted about it. (In one instance I was the first dealer to stick my neck out for this company in my area, and got them a solid foothold) There are alot of things that go on behind the scenes that most do not see, and altho I still feel Pro-Shops are neeeded to complete the balance of the industry, equipment sales via the internet will only serve to save the consumer more money, money that can be spent on instruction, accessories, rangetime, whatever.(if they are like me, it won't be going back into the pocket!<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>) I know for fact that more and more manufacturers are &quot;lightening up&quot; on this issue, and more will be available online in the months and years to come.It's inevitable. I like selling over the counter and setting archers up in my own shop just as much as the next guy, but we have to face facts about future markets and sales. OK, I'm done, didn't mean for this to turn into a soapbox, but it needed to be said. Too many people have this big misconception that we are the &quot;bad guys&quot; by owning internet businesses, and it is simply not the case. Oh, and chew on this-- no matter where the bows go for sale, the manufacturers always make the same profit. The only ones that get the shaft are us dealers. Therefore, we must do whatever we can to survive, especially when there is a &quot;dealer on every corner&quot;. If it takes internet sales to do so, so be it. Good shooting, Pinwheel 12

Edited by - Pinwheel 12 on 02/11/2002 06:30:26

RE: Mathews, BowTech ..........Need Webmasters!!
 

It really doesn't matter if a manufacturer decides not to allow internet sales. Another reputable mfg will allow it. Those who prefer to shop by computer will give their business to the companies who offer it. This is simple stuff and unpreventable. Those who prefer to give their business only to companies that only support shops that sell locally, will do that. There are niches in every business and if a particular market isn't being sold to, then some company will fill that role. This will never change unless a law is passed, making it illegal to sell over the internet, and that ain't going to happen.

On another note, I must say that when I go to a website in Feb of 2002 and see 2001 bows, I'm a bit put off. It would seem to me that you would have any new models come out before year end. A manufacturer may have a good reason to do this, but many are going to see it as the company not being able to handle things in a timely fasion. I mean, did you ever see a car manufacturer come out with a new model in February of the model year?

RE: Mathews, BowTech ..........Need Webmasters!!
 

Pinwheel, I think in the long run the customer gets hurt with internet sales. There are many people here that could easily setup a bow with out a dealers help. But for every one here there are a least 5 out in the real world that have no Idea. And when you drop 6 bills on a bow and it does not shoot right for him it hurts us all.

That customer will go around talking trash on this product when in all actually it is probably his fault the bow does not perform well.

I think sense the AMO show is the basic intro to new products that the same day the Amo show starts that the updated website should be brought on line. It can be designed and ready long beforehand and uploaded opening day. Makes sense to me.

Hey I got Photoshop skills need help just call!



Edited by - grndzer on 02/11/2002 08:18:15

RE: Mathews, BowTech ..........Need Webmasters!!
 

BowTech and Mathews aren't the only slow ones. I've been anxiously waiting for the HCA and Champion sites to update also. <img src=icon_smile_dissapprove.gif border=0 align=middle> These companies need to take their websites more seriously. The sites should be updated on the day of the announcement. Archery is not a fall only sport, and obviously many, if not most, archers are not net impaired! <img src=icon_smile_angry.gif border=0 align=middle>