Making next year's wish list

Januray 10, 2002 — Now is the time to make your list for next year. List of what you would like to see your Dealer carry. If you have a local dealer here is what you do. Check out all the bowhunting magazines on the newsstands.  Most have all the new widgets and bows and accessories that will be selling this fall. Ask your dealer if he is going to the AMO trade show.  Then if he is go through the magazines and make out a list of what you are interested in and ask your friends to do the same.  Get together with your hunting buddies and see if you can come up with a list of mutual accessories that you want your dealer to carry.  This will help you to get the items you want and your dealer to have them in stock  when you want them. This will do him and you a favor.

Most dealers do not want to carry over stock from the pervious year.  Most archers do not want to order something they have not seen. The catalog houses thrive on the ignorant and some times do not take it back. So there is an answer. If your dealer is going to the show and most do, then have him look at it for you. Most dealers can pick up the goods, look at them and tell if it is a quality item or a dud. They have seen things come and go or if it is worth the money you have to spend. Dealers want to make money. If they stock what you do not want they lose and it could put them out of business — that is not to the consumers advantage.

Sure you could buy a sight at 'ABC-Mart' and put it on but who can help you sight it in or tune your bow to make it work better… Sheila from ‘women’s wear’?  When you need a new bow string put on or help in getting the bow paper tuned…  Ralph from 'hardware'?

Many shops, believe it or not, are there for two reasons. 1) to make money and 2) to serve and help the customer with their problems most of the time for FREE. There exists one philosophy that says charge the customer for everything. Another mind set that says reward your loyal customers. I will guarantee you one thing - with out the local dealer where do you go for the help?  Support the local dealer in your area. Help him to know what you want and what you need. When he goes to the show he can look at the products and decide if they are worth the money and they are going to fit your wants and needs.

There are so many manufacturers out there so many items and accessories that it is mind-boggling. But your dealer could weed through them and see the main needs of his customer base WITH YOUR HELP.

The show is coming up shortly so get together with your hunting buddies and make a list for what you want your dealer to look at — it will help him, you and his business.   He is the main link between you and the manufacturers. Believe me when I say, “He, the dealer, IS THERE FOR YOU.”  With out you he would not be THERE when YOU NEED HIM. That is my view from behind the string.

Arthur Champoux has years of experience in the outdoors.  He is has served on many  advisory staffs and is a member in good standing of many outdoor organizations.  Art currently works for Big Al's Archery in Seabrook, NH and writes for several publications.