One last comment from me on this thread- maybe. I'm glad to see that the thread has broadened in scope to look at the issues rather then expound on fly-shop "gouging" and bargain-basement buying.
Like everything in capitalism, market dictates success, following, of course, decent management. We've had threads on 'good guides vs. bad guides', 'good customers(clients)vs. bad customers(clients)', now 'good shops vs. bad shops'. You'll never change the 'bad' aspects of the local flyshop unless you COMMUNICATE to the management (not bitch) what would make you WANT to spend your money there. If he's in it for the long haul, he'll listen. If not, he'll show it, then it's reasonable and desireable to shop elsewhere. Work on being a good customer. My shop will bend over backwards for me because they know I'll do the same for them. Try to have a 'partnership' attitude. It is actually a lot of fun that way. And they never begrudge me the outside purchasing that way. A few thoughts, DonO
