posted
Hey Eddie, I really should apologize for calling you a whiner. i think if i got the same story about spraying limbs 3 times, in 3 weeks, I'd feel like i was getting the run around instead of the straight poop myself too.
But you really can't stereotype all bowyer's as being eccentric and poor businessmen even if it may be true in some cases.
I could give you a whole list of logical reasons how easy it is to get behind schedule that has nothing to do with the business part of it. That's not even mentioning personal problems..... Stuff happens....machines break down at inopportune moments, or some warranty issues pop up that always get 1st priority... it's endless..
I'm running a bit behind schedule myself, as much as i hate to admit it. Fortunately I've got a pretty good bunch of guys that are being patient with me, and good honest communication is a must.... i refuse to rush through a bunch of bows and lower my standards because I've had some issues develop. i really hate having to give excuses but there are only so many hours in the day.
posted
Eddie, I certainly agree with most of your posts and sentiments. One of my pet peeves is how much license that bowyers have been given and seems like it has become an acceptable thing. I came into this from the construction business where not meeting deadlines was unacceptable and on larger construction jobs penalties were accessed for not meeting them. Excuses were unacceptable unless a change order was applicable.
A change order in this business could be as simple as Kirk described in communicating the time problem to the customer instead of lying and saying the bow is in the spray booth when it really isn't.
When a bowyer starts doing that then there is a very real reason to become fearful of the outcome and to question what is actually going on.
I certainly appreciate the bowers side too as I are one. We are all human and we all make mistakes/. When I have done that I have found that the truth is appreciated and there is not a better bunch of folks in the world than the customers I have had. Hers's my take , I would rather the customer have a lower expectation on time of delivery than to be disappointed. When you deliver three months ahead of time most folks are thrilled. There are even exceptions to that though and I actually had to tell one guy that I would hang his bow on my rack until he wanted it delivered. He actually complained because I built his (custom) bow too fast and he became convinced that I had cut corners to do it. All without seeing the bow or shooting it. That experience taught me to say this. I require six months but expect your bow anytime from two to four months out. That has worked pretty well.
Kirk has layed out how to properly handle the situation when a bowyer gets behind a bit.It is the ethical and moral way to do business and we should not expect or accept less than that. God bless you all, Steve
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