First off, I think these postings are taking us nowhere. But I�ve taken
that trip before and might as well do it again.
Allow me to take the part of devils advocate. Not that I necessarily
disagree with the devil in this case.
The argument that local fly shops require subsidization via established
manufacturers prices is no longer valid. If you want to use your local shop
as an information source and are thus are willing to subsidize it by paying
full retail, fine. But, don�t require me to participate in that with you.
The fact that we are having this discussion over the internet proves the
point. People learn more stuff about fishing locations and gear via email
lists, BB�s and the many assorted publications then most shops can and will
provide. And you don�t need to buy a few $3.00 flies to get what doesn't�t
tell you much.
Lets say an individual, Mary, is in the market for a reel. She reads about
three options in the eight fly fishing magazines she receives. They all say
Abel, Bauer and Reddington are wonderful. She explores these options by
asking various internet groups, both salt and fresh water, and on both
coasts. She receives further endorsements that these three reels are great
choices. Even the Aussie�s on the list think these reels are great.
Now armed with this information she goes shopping. She fires up her $40,000
yuppie mobile that has with a gas guzzling redneck V8 in it and heads to the
fly shop. On the way there stops twice for lattes and arrives at the fly
shop after an additional pit stop. This shop carries only Bauers and Abels.
She looks them over, pets the shop dog and leaves. She needs to go to the
other shop across town to see the Reddington. On the way there she stops
off for beers at the local VFW. I forgot to mention she was an airborne
ranger in the gulf war. You couldn�t tell by looking at her, but you never
know what type of grit someone really has just by looking at the outside
package. She gets to the next shop, looks over the Reddie, kicks the shop
dog and leaves. Both shops offer full retail pricing and the ability to
look at the reels over the counter.
Or, she can mail order the reels from a larger national shop offering a 20%
internet discount (not Cabela�s). They also offer free shipping. The three
reels are sent to her house via UPS Blue. They arrive a couple of days
later and she looks them over at her leisure. The large retailer also
offers 800 service for technical questions and the same knowledgeable person
always answers the phone. Mary makes a choice and repackages the 2 unwanted
reels using the preprinted return shipping labels that came with the order.
She uses the local Safeway as a UPS shipping station for no additional
charge. The Safeway is also a lot closer then the 2 fly shops mentioned
above. Besides, she needed to pick up a six pack of Bud and a wheel of
brie.
What did the local shops offer her? Not much but the ability to interact
with a dog.
Counter arguments can and should be made. That is how new ideas come into
play. But times are changing and the local shops are going to need to deal
with it. Those that adapt will make it, and those that don�t, won�t. With
the economy slowing down we my find the answers to these questions sooner
then later.
