Can't We All Just Get Along?

[Grubber]

All I can say is...it would have taken me two weeks to type all that

[Chief Grey Bear]

Why don't any of you do your research before going to the store?

I always scan the net and ask my questions there. After spending a few hours probing both pros and cons on a product, I process the information and apply it to how I will use the product. If I believe it is what I want, I will then go to the store and review the product in person.

If a salesperson comes by, I decline their offer of help. I don't really want their opinion. I don't mean that in a negative way either. It is just by the time I get to the store, I have pretty much made up my mind.

[cnr]

It is just by the time I get to the store, I have pretty much made up my mind.

+1 on this

[Flysmallie]

Why don't any of you do your research before going to the store?

I always scan the net and ask my questions there. After spending a few hours probing both pros and cons on a product, I process the information and apply it to how I will use the product. If I believe it is what I want, I will then go to the store and review the product in person.

If a salesperson comes by, I decline their offer of help. I don't really want their opinion. I don't mean that in a negative way either. It is just by the time I get to the store, I have pretty much made up my mind.

I'm the same way usually but what happened to customer service? Or any knowledge of what they are selling. I watched a male employee of BPS try to help a lady decide on a waist pack for her husband. It was funny watching them try to figure out the extra straps on a chest pack. He had the lady trying to step into the straps and pull it up like a pair of shorts. It was really sad.

You can brag all you want about having your mind made up before you get there but customer service really stinks in this country anymore. And I'm not just talking BPS here. Some of the worst service you can find is in the mom and pops. Too bad these business owners don't respect their own businesses enough to give their customers the best service they can.

[Chief Grey Bear]

Brag? I wasn't aware that is what I was doing.

I was stating what I do so that you and others didn't have to deal with the kids working their way through collage.

[powerdive]

Too bad these business owners don't respect their own businesses enough to give their customers the best service they can.

Well, I agree that many companies, BPS included, don't invest enough in their front-line employees to ensure a positive customer experience every time. In fact, they fall far short. Whether it's a sales floor position or a rep working in a call center, you'd think it'd be worth giving those people the training AND financial incentive to do great work for the company and their valuable customers. Unfortunately, most companies consider these to be bottom-rung positions...and it shows. Brother, does it show.

[rs00765605]

I have a boat that I like, equipment that does the job, and I have as much of my tackle custom made locally as possible. I will go to Bass Pro if I need something else. If they don't have it, then I go to where has it, like SFO or Tackle Warehouse. There is one local shop tho that always seems to be quite annoyed when a customer goes in, so I don't bother him.

Ya know, this reminds me of a dumb little squabble that our club got into a couple years ago tho. I asked one of the old timers in the club what he thought, his response, "Tell everyone to shut up and fish."

[Bill Babler]

And again the debate rages. Would it not be great if this were a fishing forum and persons that wished to contribute here would do so about the topic of fishing, just once in a while, instead of trying to influence and bias others toward certain retailers. For that matter no more than a advertisment for a retailer. And better yet if your going to advertise do it under your own name.

Let me make my position perfectly clear at this time. Crystal.

I love to shop a BP in Springfield. They are wonderful and have a huge selection of merchandise from every major manufactor that wishes for BP to carry their lines.

When I first started guiding every piece of equipment that I owned was BP. Our resort on Lake O. used Tracker boats it last few years of operation.

Since that period thru trial and error, mainly error I have chosen to use other brands of equipment. This is of course a personal preference. For me they have fit my style of fishing and the way that I like to see equipment preform in a more lasting and functional manner. Not saying they are far superior to the BP equipment, but they are just what I prefer to use. I use Diawa Steez Bait caster, along with some Lews Tournament pros. I use Shimano Sustain and Stradic and Diawa Cenderi spinning tackle. This is just my preference. I just love Falcon Rods and they are available at BP. On my fly gear I use 100% Orvis.

Our luck with the tracker flat bottoms at our resort for rentals did not work out quite as good as it could have. We were replacing some very old Lunds and Richline Guide Specials. We thought maybe the welded trackers with the very easy to move around in flats would be just what we needed. We were wrong, it was our fault. I know the company had not been making boats long, and we should have known better. It just kind of left a twinge of bad taste.

I know these boats are very much improved and would not hesitate to own one. I also know the Nitor and I'm not going to say improved as it in many peoples eyes needs no improvement. Again, that is a personal decision. I have chosen a different brand and have many reasons for doing so. I'm on the water 300 plus days per year in all conditions, and I feel my choice for me is a better fit.

Our guide community is very close here and we use each others boats from time to time. I have used the Z9 and frankly driven the Pee Water out of it. Dry Ride safe as a baby in its mothers arms priced to suit the most discriminating shopper, but just not exactly what I am looking for.

I would never begrudge a single person from spending all their fishing dollars with BP. It is just not what I chose to do.

As has been stated. I feel no ill will to anyone that shops at BPand buys their personal brands. I have no idea why people hold Ill will on those of us that do not tend to use their products.

As far as their sales staff in the Springfield store, there are some really good people in there and some personal friends of mind that know fishing and can more than put you on the right stuff. You get a newby and they and this is thru training will pretty much just want to sell you BP lines. This is not their fault, they are told to do this. Its not working.

Another deal and this has been mentioned is the timeshare people. It is completely out of hand. I more than respect Johnny, and cannot believe he knows how bad it is, or I truly belive he would adress this. Really makes you want to just get out of there.

BP is a fantastic part of this community and we would miss them If they were not here. They have many loyal employee's and I appreciate their dedication and loyalty to the brand. To their followers good luck in your fishing endevors and great success. To those of us that use other brands, we hope they feel the same toward us.

Good Luck and God Bless

[snakem]

The only problem I have with your post is this:

"Legal consequences could come into play, so I suggest that anyone should consider their comments carefully when making comments about product to be sold in the future."

Threatening legal action on a public forum of local fishermen and outdoorsmen is ridiculous and uncalled for. You'd be a pretty busy attorney (and broke) fighting rumors found on the internet. C'mon, man!

Amen to that brother, I agree

[Mr. Smallfish]

This is starting to remind me of the Harley vs every motorcycle debates on my motorcycle forum. I ride a Victory and just try to ignore it all. I went to BP today and bought a new Hummingbird fishfinder. The guys at the desk were very helpful although the lady from the nursing home that rang me up had some problems that were straightened out. I looked at the Nitros. They looked great to me. I'd gladly trade my 2001 16' Procraft for one straight up. Might even add some to boot. I have a Sun Tracker pontoon boat. I've looked at some others that are nicer and costlier. It serves my family well. Now back to looking at other people's pictures of fish that are bigger than my pictures of fish.