Just stopped by Ted's sports in Lynnwood to get my fishing license and it all came back to me why I don't shop there. A salesman was helping a customer with waders by the door when I came in. Another was stocking shelves by the counter. I don't know his name so I will call him Richard. Richard Head. In short, Dick. Mike was doing paperwork down at the end of the counter. I walked in and went straight to the counter unfolding my old license. Dick looked up and says "got a question?" I say no, I just need a new license. He stands up and says "cash only". I say fine. He gets behind the counter and asks what I want and I tell him. He says $40 something. I throw out a $100. He gives me change. Nothing said. Fairly soon, he throws the stuff on the counter and says "there ya go". I filed through it and signed where I was supposed to and said "here is my old punch card too. He says "we don't take those anymore, haven't for a couple years". Mike says "yep". I said "I don't remember that last year, Oh well, do I mail it in? Dick says "just like it says on the front". I said OK, see ya. I meant , see ya. They could care less if I needed anything else, where I fished mostly, If I was going out for the trout opener. If they don't care, neither do I. I will continue to shop elsewhere. As you can tell, I don't get on here very much, just had to vent a little bit. It really pi$$e$ me off when I am spending money and the vendor could care less. My 2 cents.

The same reason I don't spend money at Jerry'son Broadway. No service. There's too much competition for my dollars and these outfits don't really care. They make enough off the locals to keep them going so no extra effort is needed. Fine with me. I'll spend elsewhere with no hesitation.

Yeah, ok.

You bought a license and got one.

What exactly is or was the problem?

Not like they made any money on that transaction - and in all honesty, I'd bet they *lost* money from your license. The transaction "fee" probably doesn't equal the loss of time and wages spent on your license.

Now, take that $60 in change and go spend it on some gear there. If they don't seem to care at that point, you might have a gripe. But just a license?

It's kinda like those people that buys a new reel on the internet, or FishCo, and wonder why the people at Ted's are a little "pissy" when people want line put on it.

"Here's what I didn't buy from you, but can you put $3 of line on it."

Oh, and not that it really matters, but if you can READ THIS NOW, you probably should be buying your license on the internet.....

Here's even a handy dandy link to bookmark for future use.....

WDFW On-Line Licensing

"It really pi$$e$ me off when I am spending money and the vendor could care less. My 2 cents."

So they made a dollar or two on your license sale. I bet they have sold hundreds if not a thousand licenses in the last month. Alot of them to total strangers that only buy a license. Maybe if you'd been in there enough that they remembered you (or you would know the sale clerks name) you may of had a different sales experience. Or bought $5 of other items. You can buy your license on line, no fuss at all.

I buy my licenses online now. Seems easier. Don't have to wait for the clerk or get dispapproving comments.

there are plenty of places in the south sound area who dont mind selling licenses and will put line on a reel with no snotty attitude. and sometimes they actually smile and talk about fishing, a noble concept that is lost on some i guess.

if they require that you spend a certain dollar amount to get decent service then maybe they should post a sign on the door so we know before we walk in :rolleyes:

Hi All

This has bothered me for a while and almost came to a head last year at one shop when I watched how an older gentleman was treated.

It seems to me attitudes, lack of customer service, rudeness etc is a common theme in most of the Tackle Retail business. I or my wife have shopped at most of the shops in the North King County/South Snohomish County area as well as Holiday Market in Burlington(nice people). I must say, that over the last few years we have witnessed or received a lack of or bad customer service in pretty much all of them.

As someone who has worked in sales for 15+, with a wife who has worked in customer service for 15+ years we don't get it. At a time when more of us are buying on the NET or stores like GI Joes you would think that the owners would hire knowledgeble, helpfull people who understand what customer service is. They should look at what the Pizza chains or Mcdonalds are doing. If they did instead of just a License you would most likely of walked out with tackle as well. I would love to say that we have a favorite tackle shop, that has great stock and we don't mind paying a little extra for the service but we have not found it yet. Not sure if we will.

I do know that I will be buying a few things once the new regs come out and I also know if the comments are made to me like they were to the older guy I will be comming unglue'd.

Just a comment on Parker's post.

How do you know the guy your selling the License to may not need to spend $500 on new gear if you don't be nice and ask if the person needs anything else. It's called customer service. If the seller does not understand the concept they have BIG problems. I for one have walked out of stores not spending $$ I planned on because of attitudes, lack of help etc (and I'm easy to get along with).

I go back to the Pizza chains, Mcdonald's etc. How many of us have bought Bread Sticks, Soda etc or Super-Sized on top of our order after we were asked by a nice, polite Salesperson?

For most of us, all it takes is a little politeness, common courtesy and help for us to be happy and in a lot of cases spend more $$.

Bingo!

"KK," you covered it nicely ... you don't make a sale unless you ask. A smile would be good too.
:>)

Just got a new G. Loomis Steelhead rod and Daiwa reel from Ted's as a result of the recent drawing. Nice to know that Ted's supports what goes on on this board. I did not see G.I Joe's, Sportco or any of the "Big Boys" step up and contribute. My hat is off to Mike and Joe for what they have done. Thanks for your "service".

Captain

I feel I need to step up and defend Mike Chamberlain. I was reading all of this and remembered when my 20 year old daughter was 2 years old. She came to Ted's with me on a regular basis. She wanted a piece of gum from the gum machine...probably 2 cents or 5 cents...Mike told her that dad probably didn't have anything smaller than a $100 bill....He knew that dad had lots of cash and would spend a bunch of it at Ted's...and I did. Mike always took the time to address me by name which he does today and even if he is feeling how bad retail sucks on a given day he is polite. I still have a box set up for King fishing on the Kenai...set ups tied for me by Mike. I still fish to this day with a custom rod Mike gave me since he hadn't put an eye on one of my custom rods he had promised to do for 2 years...I was obviously patient. Anytime I needed advise he gave it....any time I ask for a donation for a good cause he stepped up....every time.

The prices have never been the lowest and I know how he feels about selling licenses. I totally disagree with how they handle licenses but I understand their frustration with the WDFW system. Believe me, dealing with the retail public sucks swamp water at times. So I work too far away to visit Mike often but I do when I can because I feel they have earned my business over the years.

With all that said I will say that some of my best customers give me all their work because I am willing to do the small stuff quickly. One of my biggest jobs came from 5 years of doing the small stuff without a complaint. As a very successful sales person I am very critical of sales people. The GI Joe's kids know nothing and I understand that going in. I like Outdoor Emporium for the selection but they could learn a thing or two about appreciation of my business (and my recommendations to others)...Still wish Mike well with the new store in Seattle... Sportco in Fife is a disaster of a retail store in my mind but they have selection ...as long as you don't mind searching for it yourself. I'm sure if I lived down by Tacoma I would shop there and eventually get better service.

In conclusion I will say that if I could shop at Bob's in Longview that is where I would go. They are excited about being good at what they do. They are interested in me and my business and they have come up with creative ways to get me to spend money there. They even have a special checkout line for licenses which is where I got my last one...slick and easy and pleasant. Now I bet they sell thousands of licenses and are glad to do so.

"So they made a dollar or two on your license sale. I bet they have sold hundreds if not a thousand licenses in the last month. Alot of them to total strangers that only buy a license. Maybe if you'd been in there enough that they remembered you (or you would know the sale clerks name) you may of had a different sales experience. Or bought $5 of other items. You can buy your license on line, no fuss at all.
Jerry, I realize that they have been very busy with new licenses lately and will be for a while. I might have went and spent my $60 change if he had cared. Imagine how much more they could be selling this time of year if they were courteous and asked "is there anything else I can do for you" or "Thank you". Maybe I will make plans for my next trip to that store next year just to get a license. LOL. No wonder there was only 1 customer in the store.

You know, I'm really torn on this subject. I remember as recently as 5 years ago when someone at Ted's knew my first name. I bet I spent $2k at Ted's the first year I got back into Steelheading and the way I was treated was the reason. Now service seems so bad everywhere (not just Ted's) that I'm inclined to shop online, both to save money and not be subjected to the ignorance at a G.I. Joes, or the "Are you dumb" attitude at some of the tackle only shops. I know how to fish, and I know what I need. I'd like to see my dollars go into the local economy, instead of seeing them go to some mid-western guy who never even touches tackle, but has a nice website and has the ability to have the manufacturer direct ship to my house at no cost. Some of the pricing locally is completely out of touch with reality though. As someone that sells for a living, I can't force myself to pay the sometimes 100% Margin some of the local shops are trying to get. Every time I make a major purchase I'm willing to put my dollars into the local economy, but the local retailer needs to show me he cares and wants my business. Otherwise, a URL can treat with just as well.

Quite a few different responses on this subject. I do not shop on the internet very often. Might be a good idea. I would also have to agree that is is not just Teds. It is also not just fishing gear. Wish I had a good Barber, Doctor, Grocery store, blah, blah. Had my say. Thanks, I'm done.

When I lived up North, Ted's was my store. 15 years ago and Mike was *****in and moanin back then about retail. But, they were knowledgeable and fun folks to shop with. I will always buy locally to support the local economy and support the local government with my sales taxes.

I did stop in at Ted's a year or two ago when I was in the area. Still gave me good service and they had the right selection.

In the South end, Auburn Sports & Marine gives me the same overall feeling as Ted's. I agree with Grandpa, Sportco is not the paragon of customer service, but has a lot of stuff.

I've pretty much got three requirements for a sporting goods store...

1. They stock what I want.
2. They stay out of my way and don't bug me when I'm there to buy it.
3. I don't ask questions hardly at all, but if I do, it's nice to have someone just gimme the answer.

I once shared a smallmouth honey hole on Lake Sammamish with a store owner, in confidence for him to fish, as he had given me a deal on a rod...only to find it in Fishing and Hunting Lies the following week, quoting said store owner as saying "a local Lk. Sammamish expert" had told him about the spot, and he had fished it, and it was even better than the "expert" (me) had told him.

That's right up there with one of your buddies calling your girlfriend and asking her on a date.

Doesn't get a lot of my business anymore...

Fish on...

Todd

P.S. Mike has been very good in the past at freely loaning the store for sport group meetings after hours, and has not missed a chance to donate for raffles or auctions that I have heard of.

Big wholesale places are bad in one way, but if you know what you want already they are fine. Whats sorta creepy is most fly shops I have been in. They all seem to have the one guy... who don't work there... is always there... Is something of an ass... wants to give you his opinion.. and never buys anything. Just sort of stops in every day to talk and waste time. His time, your time, the guys who run the places time. Wants to tell you all about the great day on the upper SlapaHoh river when 30 inch browns were jumping all over size 28 gerardea fly tied by a monk in Nepal using only the pubic hair from virgins.....etc etc etc.... You don't see "that guy" at sportsmans warehouse, or any other place that has crappie jigs and night crawlers.. its a fly shop thing

SH101
I am delighted to have served such a freindly and personable individual as yourself. :rolleyes:

Hold the phone
I travel 60 Minutes to get there.
Because I know they have what I'm looking for, if they don't they UPS it to me.
They have been nice to me every time I'm there.

Gotta jump in and say that I've had nothing but good service from Teds. For instance, last year someone at a PSA meeting was showing off one of those folding wallets for flasher storage. I went to Teds and asked about them. The counter guy said that they didn't stock them, but asked me to wait a minute. He got on the phone with his distributor, and 5 minutes later let me know that they'd have them in a few days. I do shop there reasonably often, but mostly for odds and ends, I'm not a big spender or anything. I also like John's Sporting Goods in Everett and Ed's Surplus. I agree that Jerry's is kind of anoying to shop at.

My WORST license experience was at a Wal-Mart. I had some folks in from out of town, and we decided to go fishing the next day. It was pretty late in the evening, and wally world was pretty much the only option to get a license for my visitors on short notice. It took shuffling through 5 employees in the sporting goods department to find someone who said they knew how to work the licencing gizmo. Took her 15 minutes or so to figure out what information they needed and put it in the computer. Then she went to print the stickers, and the machine was out of paper. She goes to put a new roll of stickers in, but didn't know that there was a button to open the cover on the machine, so she forced it open and broke the latch. Put the new roll in, then discovered that it wouldnt print with the cover open, and couldn't close it due to the jammed latch. I stepped in and managed to remove the broken bits of latch, so it would print as long as someone held the cover closed. She finally printed the licence, and it was for freshwater, when we asked for salt. Went though 10 minutes of trying to figure out how to do a return on a licence. Called the manager, who didn't know either, so they gave us a refund from the store till in cash, and FINALLY got us the two saltwater licenses we needed. All told, it took over an hour to get two licences, just as the store as about to close.

Dan

steelhd101,
I want to appologize for your bad experience at the shop today. And hope that you will give us the opportunity to serve you in the future. come on in and ask for me.
Joe Gallagher

steelhd101,
I want to appologize for your bad experience at the shop today. And hope that you will give us the opportunity to serve you in the future. come on in and ask for me.
Joe Gallagher

Hi All

In my opinion it is not just one place. I for one like dealing with Mike at Ted's but can't say I've been real impressed with all of the help he has working. I have witnessed rudeness etc. and a smile " hi how are you doing" goes a long way at any store.

My wife fishes and is well known for catching a TON of Salmon on some of the local rivers. I metioned the post to her tonight when we were driving to the hockey game. She reminded me of her experience last fall at a tackle shop in Burlington or Sedro Wooley (not Holiday). She went fishing on the Skagit and some of the guys she knows up that way had mentioned one of the local stores. She needed new waders and wanted some Humpie spoons etc. She went in, picked out the spoons and started looking at the Waders. None of the help said hi to her, can I help you etc. They did have time to bull**** and screw around in the front of the store, look at her sorting through the waders etc but didn't offer to help. She walked out, leaving the spoons and not spending any $$$. She was hoping it was a store she could frequent and feel comfortable in. She won't be back. She also went to get a 2nd punch card last fall (she filled the 1st one with kings). Different store, again she was not impressed with the help. Felt she was kind of ignored because she was a lady. With 15+ years of customer service for a great company, she knows what good customer service is and in both cases, she didn't get it.

So, I bought her Waders at GI Joe's for XMas along with a Lamiglas Certified Pro. I also bought myself some new boots. I upgraded after the guy working in Sporting Goods saw me looking and asked if I had looked at the Korkers (great boot & CUSTOMER SERVICE). After showing me the boot etc, I was sold. I spent $400 +. Yes, price was a factor. It was not the main factor. If I had loyalty to a Tackle Shop like I have to other businesses in my area, GI Joe's would not of gotten our $$.

I'm making these comments in hope that some owners will realize that customer service is an issue. The market is changing with the NET and companies like GI Joe's moving in. If they don't watch out, more and more people will go elsewhere and our choices will shrink.

In closing I want to give you all 1 example of what good customer service can do. A few years ago Home Depot moved into Bothell. I'm sure a lot of you have been there. McClendon's is less than a mile away. I was worried they would be driven out of business by Home Depot's marketing advantage. The opposite has happened. McClendon's is doing great and all of my neighbors go to McClendon's 1st (like a lot of other people I'm sure). Not because they are cheaper or are bigger. It's because of the great customer service/help. Try walking around the store looking at stuff for 5 minutes and see how many times a worker says "can I help you find anything". If the store my wife went to had done that, GI Joe's would not have gotten all of my $400.

Thanks for letting me vent!

My first time fishing the Puyallup, I went into that tiny tackle shop on River Road. the owner had no interest in me , but the other guy walked me through the whole store (tiny) and told me what drift fishing was about. He even told me where to go and his buddies name to latch onto. He was cool!

I hate Renton Walmart with a passion. It is mayhem on any given night and there is even regular police action on a regular basis. It is nuts, and I only go there if I feel I can stand the stress. I had to get my license, was going fishing and needed to be legal (good thing as the game warden did check that day!) the man at the sports section took special care to run up my trout items as well as the license. I felt bad as there was someone behind me, but he joined into the fishing talk too.the clerk was a fisherman!!!! Go Walmart for hiring someone who knows something. He's a nice guy, so if you're needing anything in Renton, he will help. If it's that gal, then she'll just flirt with the employees and ignore you and you just need to speak up as she won't do her job unless asked.

Service everywhere sucks these days. Perhaps it has something to do with the attitude of the public? People are not polite on the buying side of the counter either. In fact, the public has gotten downright mean and rude. When I go to Costco once in awhile I feel like shooting people....If I had to work in any retail environment again I would shoot myself. So maybe a kind word from buyers would go a long ways too.

Have to agree with KK and Grandpa. I have both a positive and negative story about Ted's.

Positive: I stopped by one day to pick up my usual $20 of Dick Nites and talked about steelhead leaders with an employee. He was very helpful and even tied a half dozen for me! He now works at Three Rivers and hopefully he's happier there.

Negative: I was leaving in a few hours for a trip to B.C. and I needed something from Ted's. I had my young son with me and it was just a minute or two before 9 am. The store was closed and Mike had just pulled into the parking lot. As he unlocked the door to go in, we got out of our car and started for the door. He frowned at me and said, "we don't open until 9!" So, we waited one minute then walked in. Why couldn't he say, "good morning, I'll be right with you" or something that would make the consumer happy to shop there?

I have been in sales for 24 years and I wouldn't have one client if I acted that way.

Ted is sorta hot and cold....sometimes they are cool...other times they can be out right ignorant...especially the owner...the worst ive run into was the guy in forks...i think its olympic sporting good...i went in there and spent some money and asked him 2 questions about the area and on the second question he told me he "should charge me a guide fee"...I almost wacked the social mutant. Just an out right ignorant hick that should kiss my butt for spending money in his crappy little store.

I don’t make it up to Ted’s that often but the times I have been up there, I was impressed with their inventory. I don’t know the people who work there but they were helpful and polite. A lot of people I know that do shop at Ted’s love it. I have never heard any one say anything negative about the place.

I understand customer service is important but at the same time people can have bad days. It seems that some of the employees are already apologizing to you for your experience in Ted’s. I would give them another chance and see what happens.

Sometimes people can be jerks (not referring to you Steelhead 101) and think they can do or say anything just because they are the customer. The customers not always right.

I do enjoy shopping on the internet, but after seeing my favorite shop go, it’s hard to find another one that can replace it.
I believe in keeping the money local more then ever, especially when having to deal with service, I don’t want to talk to some one on the phone from India who has no idea on the product I have other then the forum they are reading off.

This is a general statement and not aimed at Ted's:

IMO, when you are running a business, you have to decide what things/services you will and will not do. Once those decisions have been made, you do ALL the things you previously decided you would do with a smile on your face -- NEVER begrudgeingly.

For example, O/E openly admits that selling licenses is more trouble than it is worth - so they don't do it.

I like Ted's and still shop there, and I have one comment for ya'll work there who are reading this.

I think I can tap into what people are trying to say here.

One day one might come and buy $3.00 worth of swivels and a single pack of hooks. The next week or month one may come in and buy a $75- $100 rod. The next time one visits they might buy a $300.00 rod and alot of gear to go with it. I think some people are saying they don't feel like they get treated the same from your staff each time they visit, there is no consistency in service quality. Or maybe the quality of service is Dependant on what the customer is looking at buying?
We all know you guys know a ton about fishing, fishing gear, etc. The collective knowledge of the Ted's employees is immense. Your customer base looks up to you guys for the latest and greatest info about the products you carry.
I think some of what people are complaining about here is that they feel like you guys can, without knowing it, make some customers feel like they are stupid or inferior, and not worth your time to help if they are buying an inferior product, or some small change items.

Treat a customer the same if they are buying something that isn't "the best rod" or "the best reel" for that specific application.

I am not personally complaining about the services I have received, but I'm basing these comments from some accounts of a family member I referred there (my mother) and a couple buddies.

Nice post Jojo way to have the right additude that will get people coming back to the store. W hope you don't work there because that's not the right additude. Perseption has a huge impact on what people think. The smile and a hi goes along ways to make people feel comfortable and want to buy from you.

Tight lines

Kevin

Nice post Jojo way to have the right additude that will get people coming back to the store. W hope you don't work there because that's not the right additude. Perseption has a huge impact on what people think. The smile and a hi goes along ways to make people feel comfortable and want to buy from you.

Tight lines

Kevin

And they didn't even offer a hug!
Go to Jerry's, then you'll know what lousy service is.
The staff at Ted's have been ok by my standards. I don't need a clerk to hold my hand when I shop. They've even helped me out when I show up right before they close.

Years ago I went to a little store out in Duval, Doing some fishing and needed some yarn and hooks for leaders. Five bucks,maybe. Well I get up to the counter and the guy say's "Great now I can retire" So i said, "your right,hold on." took my five bucks back and walked out the door. Now that little place is no longer there.
My Point, I have 4 boats now, countless rods,reels, tackle boxes, yadda,yadda,yadda, Had i gotten good service I would have driven out of my way to go there.
Have run into countless "Richard Heads" out there and have no problem telling them that I will not be back, There are far too many places that will take my money and treat me right. Cabelas for one................

Wow, a chance to vent about the premadonnas at Ted's sport center. I've been going there for a long time and Mike is always very informed and very helpful to not only me but also my wife when she is christmas or birthday shopping for me. But there are a couple of arrogant asses that work there that really piss me off. I've been sts fishing since I was in the single digits and these guys want to talk to you like I'm an idiot! They have also been rude to my wife. She knows now that if Mike is not there, walk out. One big guy with short dark hair is the biggest ass of them all! There! I said my peace! Damn, I feel better.

I have had good customer service from the gentleman that runs Fish Country on Hwy 12 heading toward the Cowlitz. He took the time to help me when I was first learning to fish. I made it a point to always stop and buy something from his business. I got taken for a ride by the rudest fishing guide on the Olympic Pen a few years ago before I learned the real deal (sure, river's in, fishing are running). It was amazing anyone was that rude and disrespectful--- I understand there are days when you get skunked, but being the biggest a hole doesn't help a bad day.

I say talk to the owner first, give him a chance to fix it , that is only fair before venting on others. Everyone can have a bad day or make a mistake. I judge them on what they do once it has been brought to their attention. My experience; most stores go out of their way to make it right, especially in a business as a competitive as the tackle business.

I am surprised to read this about Ted's. I go into to Ted's at least once a month and cannot say enough good things about Mike and the crew. They have always been the exact opposite. I own and run my own business and know how important customer service is. I know quite a few tackle stores that refuse to carry licenses because they only make $1 per license. They have to have a person doing nothing but selling licenses when it is busy. This takes away from them being able to sell what brings them their income. They make absolutely nothing on these considering the time and effort it takes. It is just a favor they are doing for their customers. If you want to know anything just ask any one of them. They will be more than glad to help you out any way they can. They have a great inventory and can tell you how to use any kind of tackle. I am sorry that your experience wasn't what you liked, but I am sure given another chance you will really like them. They are a very friendly group. Ask them what works and what doesn't. I buy prizes from them for our PSA raffles and they give us a discount and sometimes donate prizes also. I remember one time getting really mad at Jerry's at an employee and did not go back for two years. I thought he was Jerry. Found out later, Jerry was no longer alive and Fabian was the owner. I talked to Fabian at the Sportsman show and found out maybe they weren't such bad guys and started going there again. Maybe it was partly my fault or the guy was maybe having a bad day. We all do. I know in business it happens. I cannot say enough good things about Ted's. In fact I have a hard time getting out of there after starting talking to them. Ask them a question and I bet you will be surprised. They really are a great bunch of guys with a great tackle selection. It is more like the TV Show "Cheers" where it is always the same guys behind the counter. It is a really neat local tackle shop. Mike must know how to treat the guys as they are still there. It’s better than the outdoor type warehouse stores where the kids that are hired weekly can't answer a single fishing question, excluding Outdoor Emporium. Just like Outdoor Emporium, Teds has a staff of sportsfishers that KNOW how to use the gear. Give them another shot, you will be surprised. I do not have one negative word to say about them. In fact, they let me put up our monthly PSA speaker poster on the front door of their store never asking anything in return. Even though I am not buying anything when I go in there, they are still very courteous and talkative. Just my $.02 worth. I feel I need to defend them as they are A number one in my book.
Sincerely
Ron Garner

Like any store, they can be hot and cold. I've only been into Ted's once or twice. A little out of my way. LOL. Have stopped when visiting friends up north.

I'd actually wouldn't call Sportco "sportco" anymore. The original store and owner have long since sold out. I've been going to Sportco since day one many years ago when they were a small store in a rollup garage. Was fishing/hunting only then, and service was top notch. They are now more of a wholesale store. And the service there is typicle, if not better, then most wholesale stores. I've never had a problem with service, and am always pleased going in there. Problem is, too much store and not enough to cover it at times. Plus they're always expanding, so store reshuffles once you've thought the "dust had settled". There is alot of good service. Sometimes though, you get the service you "imply" you need. When I say that, sometimes those who seem "pissy" or "disinterested" in hearing what you have to say are the ones a salesman will try to avoid. You may not "think" you're acting this way, but it may be the way you're "perceived". But, also you have those who aren't people orientated. Those are the ones who SHOULD NOT be working with the public. Like my job, I know lots of guys who do it just for the $$$. But their customers hate them, and their routes show this (by volume of packages delivered vs. picked up). On the other hand, I can do their route for a month or two, and build it back up quickly.

I for one can't comment on Ted's. But too many variables could've taken place. Plus, hard to get good help as well (not saying that it was bad at Ted's). Guess it really has to be a "been there and seen it" to really judge. What may be "bad service" to you, may be "great service" to someone else. But like I said, didn't actually see/hear what happened first hand, so hard to judge.

My $.02 on the subject....

Last night I was called at 7PM at home from a customer. They started yelling and hollaring at me, telling me how I screwed up and forgot part of their order. After they finished, I calmly reminded them that we had gone over this already, and how part of their order wouldn't be in for another week. They quickly apologized.

Moving along, they asked if they could add more to their order, and if possible, get it LAST NIGHT. I live in Enumclaw, the warehouse is in Auburn, and the customer is in Redmond (guess who). Typically, orders aren't delivered for around a week after they are placed. I told them I'd call them from the warehouse to see what we had in 30 minutes.

Well, we had plenty of what they needed (for the most part), and it turned out to be about $1200 more to add to the order.... which really isn't to much in the industry. When I got there at about 11PM, they handed me a case of beer as a token of their appreciation.

After I had helped them take the product up to their lab, they told me that because of this incident, they planned to use us for the next 149 labs they needed to supply.... Which is quite an order, and will definitely keep us busy.

What I mean by all this, was I had to leave my house at 7PM for work and spend the next 5 hours dealing with all this... I didn't get home until MIDNIGHT! This is a 8-5 job, weekdays only.

The guys at this store couldn't even SMILE or say "HAVE A NICE DAY" to their customer?? Their ENTIRE job is RIGHT THERE at the store. It opens and closes at a set time. What do they have to whine about? A buck or two lost on a license? If nothing else, keep the guy happy so he doesn't get on the internet and start raging about how lousy you are!

Respect isn't deserved, it is EARNED.

Curtis

You sure you were not at "Three Rivers"

I stop by Ted's occassionally, mainly to b.s. with Mike but usually spend a few bucks. I don't know the other guys but have chatted with them a little, never had any problem with them.

I don't know what went down there the other day and am not defending them, but if they've dealt with some of the people I've dealt with lately I can possibly understand there actions.
In the past week or so I've dealt with probably 3 or 4 guys who for 1 reason or another have decided that the week before opening day is the time to put their boats together, they come into the store (Boaters World) with a list and when you don't have everything they need, they get bent out of shape. I had a guy read me the riot act because he needed a certain seat for his boat and I told him it had to be special ordered and would be in Sunday or Monday, he needed them by today (opening day), I suggested a couple options but he didn't like them, I finally had enough of him and told him it wasn't my fault he waited till the last minute and there was nothing more I could do for him (which there wasn't since he wouldn't compromise) he stomped out and mumbled something about West Marine. I try to do whatever I can to keep customers happy but some situations are doomed from the beginning.

Hockana, how do you really feel about 3 Rivers? Never mind, after talking to you, I already know!

AKKings, you work at Boater's World? I shop at the Everett one, good bunch of guys there. They definitely go the extra mile to keep the customers happy.

Dan

Thanks Slacktide, if your in before May 12th (my last day before heading north) introduce yourself. I'm the good-looking, mid 30's, bald guy.

Been following this thread with some interest...time to put in my 2 centavos worth.

The #1 trait needed for anyone to work in retail sales is being personable...just an inborn like of people. Product knowledge is secondary to this, IMO. A pleasant demeanor and a genuine personality come first in my 25 yrs. experience in sales. The rest will follow.

Having a good attitude is not always possible...there are many factors we all have in our lives that can affect how we appear to other people...even if we try to hide those issues...they can still affect mood and attitude.

OK, so the guy was having a bad day, he was irked about something that was going on...but that does not mean it was personal to you...ie: most likely his bad mood had nothing to do with your purchase. Could be any of a thousand things that effected the way he dealt with you. (although in the long-run that's not really an excuse.)

Granted, you were the customer...but maybe this guy just needed a good word from somebody to brighten his day up..could have been you!

I have never shopped there..too far away, but I know my brother thinks highly of the place and people there.

Give them another shot, but don't go in with a chip-on-your-shoulder. People are people and we all have bad days.

Mike B

Ted's is great....nuff said.....

Been a Ted's customer for 15 years or so. In the days I still lived on the "other side", I lived just a few blocks away and spent an awful lot of time in there.

They've always bent over backwards to help me out.

As tackle shops go, it's ceratinly one of the best we have!

Teds has always treated me tops.

Retail is like this board or anywhere else. One customer doesn't want to be bothered and considers it an annoyance where the next is put off because he wasn't escorted through the store. How many stores have you been in where they pester you non-stop and then the one time you want help there's nobody to be found? No matter how good you treat your customers there's always going to be some that are just having a bad day.