Why the need to rip us off!

Stuart Dennis · Sep 7, 2001

Ok, so Mr. Lee Chapman knows a thing or two about carp fishing! hat off, respect and all that, but why-oh-why does his shop 'The Tackle Box' feel the need to charge 10% over and above the RRP on their products. I mean how stupid do they think we are? Its ok telling everyone who walks in there that” we discount for cash as a good will gesture to our regular clients”, when in fact the discount still amounts to more than the RRP. Just one example of thousands. A packet of E.S.P. Raptor hooks cost you ?3.25 in The Tackle Box but you can pick them up anywhere else for ?2.95 without shopping around! Now I’m not whinging on about 25p, I do allright for cash, but the young anglers wishing to move into fishing are not necessarily in the same boat as me. If that’s the mark-up on terminal tackle what the hell is going on with more substantial products. Come on guys, get your act together coz this is just daylight robbery!

What would you pay at your local tackle store for E.S.P. Raptor hooks? And does anyone know a good dealer online as I won’t be revisiting that shop? Obviously, gone are the days when customer loyalty was something to be cherished!

Cheers and I’ll now step down from my soap box!

Stuart Dennis · Sep 7, 2001

Just for the record and to sanity check my own ramblings, I've just found this link with more appropiate prices for ESP Raptors.

http://www.specialist-tackle.co.uk/shopping/esp2.htm

Grrrrrrr!

David Will · Sep 8, 2001

Stuart I except what you say but I do use the Tackle Box as I know 100% that if I can't get something locally it will be with me next day from the TB.I would NEVER buy anything like rods/reels/luggage etc from there as I prefer to wait and get discount elsewhere.For small hard to get items they are second to none though.I feel sorry for anyone on a budget or youngsters having it as their local shop though.

Stuart Dennis · Sep 8, 2001

I fully understand that they stock a wide range of product, but I spose my question is 'why the need to charge so much? Its not as if its location is expensive, its not based at Bluewater etc. They must no that they charge through the nose, its disrespectful to the sport and anglers and totally unacceptable. For that reason, I will not be revisiting.
Unfortunately, my questions still remains unanswered: 'Why the need to rip us off'?

Andy Nellist · Sep 8, 2001

Stuart, I think David answered your question in that they carry a large stock and that comes at a price.

My local shop doesn't carry the stock but is reasonably priced. When i really need something i know which of the two scenarios i would prefer be it more expensive!

GrahamM · Sep 8, 2001

Stuart said:
"Just for the record and to sanity check my own ramblings, I've just found this link with more appropiate prices for ESP Raptors.

http://www.specialist-tackle.co.uk/shopping/esp2.htm"

Specialist Tackle are one of Fishingmagic's shopping partners. A link to them can be found on the left hand side of this page, along with Angling Lines for used gear, and Haiths for specialist baits and particles.

Stuart Dennis · Sep 8, 2001

I'm sorry Andy, but 'Popy-Cock', being head of consumer affairs/retail for some eleven years now in the Internet world, I would like to think I know a thing or two regarding stock issues and the like. The fact remains, the more stock you carry, the more credit you receive from your suppliers. And in most cases we’re talking sale or return, not all but most.

The link that Graham refers to above was found on this site. I again state that The Tackle Box premises will not be expensive, I have over 3,000 sq feet just five miles away and this area is extremely cheap for both rates and rent. Why is it the above link can charge a reasonable rate when others feel its their given privilege to charge extortionate prices.

Sorry, I’m not wearing that one! I’m not shooting down the moral roads of ‘how tough it is for the youngsters’ for the sake of scoring points. I was brought up part of a struggling single parent family and actually experienced it.

Come on guys, don’t be scared of naming and shaming, I just want my question answered.

Sorry Graham, I’m not normally so passionate, and wouldn’t use this great service for personal vendettas, but I’m afraid charging rooftop prices because there's a big name behind the store is just not on!

Paul Williams · Sep 8, 2001

Stuart,
In my opinion the employ high profile anglers who demand high profile wages, it's as simple as that,some tackle shops just can't afford to pay "names"so i would guess there is a price to pay.
It is in my opinion a good tackle shop and it does carry a huge range but i agree they are very expensive.
Whatever is our "thing" there will be exteremes.......for instance a new PC shop has opened locally, gear that looks the same as a well known brand but with a different logo is on sale at a third of the price!!
I don't think anyone is being ripped off because we have the choice whether to buy or not.....i shop about!

Ray Bewick · Sep 8, 2001

Sorry in advance for this & its certainly not a 'dig' at Stuart, just comment-

There are to many fisherman. Much over priced unwanted tackle. Profits are proportionate to development, tooling,advertising, outlets, staffing. exchange rates etc.

Fishing can be too easy, fish can be paid for in purely finiancial terms, minimal watercraft,waters stocked to artificial levels, maximum copying, little invention for the common good - e.g. instant carp fisherman & lack of staying power.

No, it was not better in the 'old days'; I know thats what it may sound like but what I would say is that it was more satisfying, people did share & were inventive & stayed in the pastime far longer.

Unfortunately the only thing I cannot do is make hooks, otherwise I could still catch fish by Angling means - the rest is, you pays your money & takes your choice!

Sits back, & awaits flamming............

Stuart Dennis · Sep 8, 2001

There is a lot of truth in the fact that you have the choice, but some don't have the means to shop/travel in order to get their tackle, but I spose thts a nother story for another day.

I've had my say, I've voiced my opinions and I've made my choices, so I thank you for your comments and I'll now let this one rest.

Thanks Stuart

Kevan Farmer · Sep 9, 2001

I've never used the services of 'The Tackle box' and probably never will, however, i appreciate the pricing issue. There are two tackle shops local to me one with decentish prices the other rip off in some areas. I simply vote with my feet and use the one who charges more sensibly. Strangely enough the better one of the two - which I use - has more knowledgable staff and a far bigger range of gear. Flick through the angling comics and compare some of the prices from different retailers, you'll find some amazing discrepencies in prices.

Kevan

Carp Angler · Sep 9, 2001

The problem with the pricing on Stuarts hooks is that the RRP is ?2.85 and his were priced at ?3.25.

This is just a blatant rip off and they should be ashamed and exposed, nothing should be above the retail price, that's what it's there for.

Paul Williams · Sep 9, 2001

Perhaps the manufacturers should step in? they certainly do when shops try to undercut the RRP, and there lies the problem it is only a "recommended" price, but we all know that those who cut the price have difficulty getting stock, so why not those who up it!!......remember the cheap Mitchell reels from Billy Knott? Mitchell wouldn't supply him if my memory serves me well and he got stocks from a continental supplier.

Rob Brownfield · Sep 10, 2001

U lucky, lucky bast**rd...oh what wouldn't I give to be able to buy normal fishing tackle at near normal prices!!

if I have to order something as simple as a ring...I have to order 10..!!..The suppliers wont supply my local shop with just one!

Even reels like Shimanos are more expensive...unless discontinued. Things like the 6500c are FULL price..yet sea angler has them at up to 40% off for the same model.

U guys are so damn lucky. I have one tackle shop near me...next nearest proper shop is 120 miles away!!!

Stuart Dennis · Sep 10, 2001

Rob may I suggest you check out the link (online) as stated earlier in this thread. I've just spent about ?80 and probably saved ?30. Never again will I be shopping on foot!

Thanks for linking to that shop Graham, the response has been professional and I get all my goodies tomorrow! WaHaaa!

Rob Brownfield · Sep 11, 2001

Stuart, the problem is I have to buy "blind" I really dont trust some of the write ups I see in the carp mags as too many times it turns out the reviewer is sponsored by the company etc.

Too many times I have bought something via mail order only to be dissapointed when it has arrived.

However..i will check it out...cheers!!

Dave Rothery · Sep 11, 2001

A cynic would say this is a plug for one of your advertisers......................and will your online shop give you advice on rigs/bait/location/etc.etc.etc?? just for the record, i'm nothing to do with Tackle Box (I live in Devon),but if you were actually in retail, you would realise that its illegal for manufacturers to fix or recommend prices (hence the change from "recommended" to "suggested" retail prices) thats what Volkswagen got fined $150million a couple of years ago. retailers can charge what they like for products, and obviously if they dont sell a product, they can reduce it. I think you've blown this a bit out of proportion, you dont mention stuff they are cheaper on, and did you try talking to them?? maybe it was a pricing error? i don't see people moaning about mark up's in other area's (and i'm not even going to go there!!)

Rob Brownfield · Sep 11, 2001

Dave...fact of life mate...sell a product to a Carp or speciman hunter...u can charge what u want too...sell the same product to a sea angler...it will be discounted.

For example...crimps, fixed spool reels, multipliers, braided line, weights, soft lures, plugs etc etc. Pick up a copy of Sea Angler and a copy of Carp angler. You will be amazed!! I get nearly all my swivels, crimps, beads etc through sea angling mags and save a fortune. I am talking about branded names here...not inferior products.

My local dealer (salmon and trout) used to joke with me that if he wanted to sell an item he could not get rid of...he would advertise it as a "Carp...whatever" and it would sell straight away.

Stuart Dennis · Sep 11, 2001

Rob, my goodie bag came this morning and I must adnit, I was awaiting an accident to happen, but was pleasantly supriced by the quality, cost and speed of delivery.
I know what you mean though when you say about buying blind. May I suggest you look through your fihing mags then look for a comparison detailed description on the net and try a slowly-slowly catchy monkey approach. I say with honesty, that I'm chuffed and its so much easier matey!
good luck Rob!

Birds Nest · Sep 11, 2001

http://www.tackleshop.co.uk Raptors are ?2.54.. Free shipping too... I use them quite a bit..v good.

Why the need to rip us off!

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