Lately I have noticed a lot of companies are selling their gear direct, instead of how they once went to the local shops for distribution and support. This hurts fly shop a lot worse than some think. We, anglers see we can get the rod or whatever peice of gear for maybe 5 dollars cheaper from the factory and we jump on it not realizing the problems we are causing. For those who work, own, or now how a shop works this bad. It also hurts the company who is selling them direct; say for example Nice Drag Reel Co. decides to go into Acme flyshop and wants to sell the new reels through the shop. The reel company now has an "allie" might one say. The shop is now selling this great new reel and in return the reel company is doing very well and is earning a good reputation in the angling world. Hypothetically, if the reel company goes into financial trouble the shop at least can back them and the customers who bought the reels. Now lets say the reel company had originally decided to sell their reels strait from the factory. Not only is this hurting the local shops, but it also puts a potential danger to the reel company and its soon to be customers. So for the first year or so the reel company is not doing so good because lack of exploitation and word just hasnt got out enough to really have good enough profits to keep going. But then the fly fishing show rolls around and everybody is going nuts about these new Nice Drag reels. Now everybody wants one and goes strait to the maker to get them. Not only do shops see a decline in reel sales but the reel company is having to keep up with demand now that word has gotten out. So the company now needs so and so amount of reels out pronto and no money to build them. And one thing leads to another and they go bankrupt. Now all those who have already bought the reels are stranded on a desert island that doesnt have any fishing. So when the drag goes out on little Timmys reel where is he going to go to get it fixed? Nobody except the designers KNOW the reels, and they are done for. So Tim takes it to Acme Flyshop and wants it fixed. But John Shopowner doesnt know the reel nor does he want to fix it since the company decided to go with the "more money is better then happy customers" option. If you ask any long time shop owner or worker he will tell you sales of rods, reels, ... have gone a lot in the last ten years. All the major successful companies are still here because they are supported by the shops and thus are aloud to have awesome customer service because they know that the shops need them and want their products in the store. Sometimes customer service and the support of shops can make a company. Ross, Sage, Winston, Tibor, ... didnt get where they are today because they told shops to hell with you I will go independent. Orvis' quality has been questioned in the past few years, but one thing is for certain and that is their customer service and help is awesome. This problem can eliminate the shops that are new but have great potential and may destroy shops that have been around 10+ years and have been a second home to people like you and me. I do realize that there are way to many fly shops out there, I mean 7 shops in west yellowstone? That is insane, some of those shops are legendary in their own rights and montana probably wouldnt be the same without them but to have that many in a small tourist town is out of control. I am not saying these shops or companies are bad but if you walk into montana and say "I want to build a fly shop right here," not only are you joining the masses but you hurt those great shops down the street that fly fishing and the town wouldnt be the same without them there.
There are other reasons shops go down besides the previous couple, like short siding you guides and not paying them their deserving amount. Our "second homes" are declining in sales and have caused some of the biggest shops in the fly fishing world to be put up for sale and all those new small shops that have great people running them to be rejected and put to sleep. If a small difference in price makes you go through the company and not your local shop than you need to take this into consideration. I realize some companys dont want anything to do with fly shops and you cant get the new rod from your shop, then fine. Usually if a shop doesnt carry it, it is for a reason. Either the company is to caught up in the money to sell them throught the shop or they dont think the shop will carry it. The shop owners has undoubtably seen it, that is not the reason they dont carry it, it is usually because the shop doesnt think it is good enough for their prized long time customers or the company simply wont sell it to the shop. I realize there are exceptions in everything, but those "exceptions" dont become that way by shooting out into the market and selling all they can at one time, they do it by excellent service and quality which in turn keeps the customers happy and coming back. Next time you buy a peice of gear from an independant company ask them why they dont sell through shops and make sure you get an honest answer. And it if is not a good reason or they are pulling you leg encourage them to go through shops and help out the fly fishing community, not their own wallets. I know that I would rather pay 300 bucks for a new rod from my favorite shop than 265 bucks through the maker because I have seen what it does to shops when customers start buying direct. Just something to think about when you are shopping for new gear next time. :ray1:
But on a better note, lets remember this sport isnt about the money, because if it was about the money none of us would be here as this sport isnt cheap. :beer2:
There are other reasons shops go down besides the previous couple, like short siding you guides and not paying them their deserving amount. Our "second homes" are declining in sales and have caused some of the biggest shops in the fly fishing world to be put up for sale and all those new small shops that have great people running them to be rejected and put to sleep. If a small difference in price makes you go through the company and not your local shop than you need to take this into consideration. I realize some companys dont want anything to do with fly shops and you cant get the new rod from your shop, then fine. Usually if a shop doesnt carry it, it is for a reason. Either the company is to caught up in the money to sell them throught the shop or they dont think the shop will carry it. The shop owners has undoubtably seen it, that is not the reason they dont carry it, it is usually because the shop doesnt think it is good enough for their prized long time customers or the company simply wont sell it to the shop. I realize there are exceptions in everything, but those "exceptions" dont become that way by shooting out into the market and selling all they can at one time, they do it by excellent service and quality which in turn keeps the customers happy and coming back. Next time you buy a peice of gear from an independant company ask them why they dont sell through shops and make sure you get an honest answer. And it if is not a good reason or they are pulling you leg encourage them to go through shops and help out the fly fishing community, not their own wallets. I know that I would rather pay 300 bucks for a new rod from my favorite shop than 265 bucks through the maker because I have seen what it does to shops when customers start buying direct. Just something to think about when you are shopping for new gear next time. :ray1:
But on a better note, lets remember this sport isnt about the money, because if it was about the money none of us would be here as this sport isnt cheap. :beer2:
