Question for other string makers and others in general?

[KentuckyTJ]

I disagree with just about everyone so far. I have had two string from Josh, both were exactly what I ordered. Even if his old string had stretched all he had to do was twist it down until the BH was where he wanted it and then taken it off and measured it. The guy is way off base thinking you owe him anything. We run into that situation all the time at my work when people won't admit they need help.  Not your place to check his credentials.  What's next people wanting refunds from string makers because they don't know what BH all our bows shoot the best at? Offer to make him another one for a $20 shipping and handling fee.

Your service and product are Top Shelf and you don't have enough money in strings to be replacing something for free a customer asked for in the first place. If I were this guy I would man up and admit it when I am wrong and mark it up as a lesson learned. Why in the world would I expect someone to pay for my mistakes. It really urks me to see good folks taken advantage of.

[Bud B.]

When making strings for myself I measure an old string that is set to the proper brace while the bow is strung. I make the B55 string to that length with as minimal twisting as is safe and start there. Twist up as it stretches. I realize the FF stuff stretches less and there is less room for error but it may help you to get measurements from both on and off, under load and relaxed.

But, I'd try to get your other string back and then make a new one and let it go.

I have not breeched the FF world yet.

[bsoper]

You made the string the length he told you to. If he wants one of another length, he can order and pay for another one.

I don't understand how it could ever be your fault for him giving you incorrect information.

[huntin_sparty]

Josh
I think you make a great string and I am a repeat customer.  

A couple of things,  I think you should clarify that the string should be measured braced and unbraced, and material of prior string.  

I had ordered a couple of strings from you and was guilty of the same mistake.  The difference was I manned up and said I told him to make xx.x length string shame on me and my ignorace.  I figure that I have some cool sunset orange tie material for nocks now!
So you may want to add that for future clarity to potentially idiot proof transactions but this person shouldnt expect a free ride. He put garbage in and got garbage out is the way I see it.  And he is responsible for bad info.  You cant know the specs for every bow made!

[glass76]

I have to agree with Kentucky TJ. The business I have had with Josh is strictly professional and friendly. The strings he produces are top notch and I'll give him a call when I need more strings.

[Swamp Yankee]

Let me say what I expect as a consumer from a string maker.  I measure the total length of my current string under light tension as Rob describes above and give you that length along with loop sizes and serving lengths.  What I expect from the string maker is to know their material and methods well enough to build a string that will hit that total length AFTER IT STRETCHES.
Too bad more bowyers don't comply with AMO standards when they mark their bow lengths.  If they did this conversation wouldn't be necessary.

[Rob DiStefano]

realize that none of this business of bow lengths and bowstring lengths is all that accurate or "standardized".  

start offering custom bowstrings and you'll see precisely what i mean.  it's not at all about just making the bowstring, it's about making a bowstring that'll fit yer customer's bow.  and trust me, AMO is NOT yer friend.  you will learn to help yerself and customer by gathering as much info/data as possible, and even that will not guarantee "hitting the numbers".

i've spun up many thousands of strings and the art isn't in the spinning itself, it's in learning how to "hit the numbers".  not all that easy.  quite comparable to a bowyer hitting the precise draw weight ordered.

and the customer is always right even if he/she is absolutely dead wrong.  more so these economic downturn dayze than ever.

josh, you did all the right things.  yer learning about customers ... glad i don't have those kind to deal with any more.

[Oliverstacy]

Thanks all who have responded via a post or PM…all were greatly appreciated!

I have probably given away close to 80+ strings over the last 2.5 years…some were to friends and some were to complete strangers, I don’t have a problem doing this and some have lead to orders.

After I got home last night and before reading many of the replies I decided that I would make a string and send it to him free of charge…not what I want to do but what I guess needs to be done.  I do not need the other one back and will tell him what I’ve told others…try to give it away when you find someone that can use it.

I ran out of gas one night out in the middle of nowhere and walked up to a farm in the area and asked if I could buy some gas from an older gentleman that answered the door…he said sure but when I went to pay him he refused and said the following “just do something nice for someone down the road”!  That was 16+ years ago and I still remember to this day those exact words…I try to remember that statement at all times of my life.

I am going to send the string out when I get it built either tonight or tomorrow night and when I reply that it’s in the mail I’m going to attach a link to this thread and leave it at that.

After 7+ years of waiting tables while I was in the Air Force and College I understand the “Customer is always right” rule.  Not the greatest rule but I guess one in the service/merchandise world applies at all times.

I will be adding the following question to my (standard questions):  What is the current string material on the bow?  

Thanks again to everyone!

Josh

[pauljr]

Josh I respect your decision but agree with TJ. Your strings are the best ive seen and you will continue to build mine and everyone i can influence as long as your willing. Keep your head up!

[frank bullitt]

Josh, you did what your "Heart" says, not necesarily what is good buisness!

Those who say the "customer is always right", are "customers", not in business for them selves!

Education, is key in every business and is the responsiblity of said, period.

The gentleman asked for a 10" pizza and you delivered! The toppings fell off, when he put it in the car! Your fault?

My father always, stated... "you appreciate working for someone else, when you have worked for yourself".