I really hate to see this sort of practice delineated as the work of a PRO Shop. As I think I've said many times, this is the work of an archery shop. A real PRO would have much higher standards. Admittedly, even a PRO can make mistakes; but, from what you described several times, this is definitely not a PRO.

Kevin eluded to efforts to educate Dealers. One effort is done yearly by the ATA at the convention. They offer numerous seminars where Dealers can choose what subjects they feel might meet their present needs. I've already made a commitment to ATA to do several seminars this year. I could use some help, Kevin, if you've got any extra time.

Ask your Dealer if he/she attends the ATA Show. Then ask them if they attend any of the seminars that are offered. I sincerely hope the answer to both questions is positive.

Hi, Len-

I would love to assist and/or even give seminars myself and thank-you for the invite, but unfortunately (and as I see from the smileys you already know the answer to this) what with running 3 Archery businesses and having to do all of the legwork for each in the 3 days of the show plus setup and teardown of the Merlin booth, meetings, paperwork, etc, well it leaves little time for any current thought of that to be honest. As it is we spend an extra couple of days setting up and tearing down and getting ready.

If I was just running my shop, I'd have no problem with the ATA gig. But doing that, an internet offshoot, AND runnning day-to-day operations of a Manufacturers' facility here in the USA on top of it, well it's not hard to understand why I simply cannot. Just not enough hours in a day. So I do what I can, where I can.

I do appreciate YOUR taking the time to do so tho, as everyone should. Pinwheel 12

I've always wondered why any shop was considered a "Pro Shop". From what I can tell, there is no official professional certification in this industry. It appears to be a self-apppointed title, that has little to do with any actual certification. Compare it to a golf pro shop vs. golf retail shop. The pro has to pass a certification process to become a "pro".

All I see, are a few shops that appear to be quite knowledgable, some that seem down-right ignorant, and many in between. I also, see some with a poor bed-side manner, some with a good one, and many in the middle. Running into the knowledgable shop owner, who also has a pleasant dispostion, and is hell-bent on providing great service, is a bit too rare. I attribute this to the fact that many getting into this business are simply poor businessmen. They simply haven't learned what it takes to be successful in a retail situation. Truely good businessmen stand out, because there are so few of them. This is especially true in a business, like archery, that attracts so many owners from the hobbyist ranks.

Len you hit the nail on the head!

there isa big difference between a archery technician and a retailer who dabbles with bows a little on the side and yes many people are self proclaimed "Pros"

I have never considered my self a pro per say but I would rather say that I am a factory trained and authorized technician which deals with total bow assembly to fine tuning this also includes being able to build strings, arrows or any other aspect related to bow mechanics.

I am also certified Instructor so all bases are covered at the shop I manage.

I always put quotes around PRO just for that reason Len....

BTW...since when do Pros use pink? How about green or blue or some other manly "I kill animals" color? Hard to take you serious when posting in Pink. I feel like I'm talking to the Avon Lady

Hey Jeff, Leave Len alone on the pink not being manly... Pink just so happens to be a cool color in my book plus, I've killed quite a few deer with pink and blue feathers...


P.S. I know I just opened up a can...

Did they die laughing?

LOL

Jeff:

FYI, this is pink. That was purple.

Careful. People might start questioning you when you notice such things.

Heck, I don't need a Pro Shop.
I order my bows and accessories from Pinwheel Products.com and just work on them myself. LOL


Sag.