Advice on bow/bowyer predicament

[pdk25]

Posted a response that made no sense because I was confusing posts from two different people.  I deleted the post.

[Orion]

It's beside the point, but most folks here are assuming the bow was damaged during the weight reduction process.  In fact, we have no way of knowing that.  The bowyer might have accidentally run over it with his truck, of set it down on the table saw, which just happened to be running at the time.  Who knows.

He agreed to take 5# of weight off.  That's not a lot of weight for a 74# bow. Before starting the job, he no doubt had an opportunity to inspect it and could have declined the job if the bow looked suspect.  

IMO, he broke your bow and owes you a replacement or your purchase price.  However, if you don't have an agreement in writing, there's not much you can do about it.

[Boone the Hunter]

For him he has a business decision to make as well, I run a small business (painting) I sometimes get into situations or make decisions I regret later but I believe in doing good business you sometimes take a hit even if it hurts a lot. It's not always about what's "fair" your the customer and in this situation I think he owes you a replacement bow and should then learn and change how he does things moving forward. I have this happen from time to time and it's honestly the mistakes or just unpredictable stuff that makes you good at what you do. He risks loosing a good customer and his reputation here. I believe if he'd gone all the way he'd probably keep you as a returning customer as well as probably sell a few bows from others hearin about it. I've had bad situations literally turn into good work in my business because of how I handled a bad situation my fault or not. Does he "legally" owe you a replacment bow? maybe not but with the information you laid out I'd say it would have been wise.

[Bill Kissner]

I know the bowyer you are talking about. I purchased a beautiful bow from him a few years ago and after having it a while I found a serious defect. He took the bow back and built me a new one and that was that. He is a well respected bowyer and has been in business many years. I believe he is sincerely trying to settle with you and I would do as others have said, negotiate the best deal you can get and forget it.

In this case, the customer did nothing wrong.  He hired someone to do a job.  Not only was the job not completed, the customer's bow was ruined in the process.

In my opinion, at a very minimum the bowyer should offer to apply what the customer had in his bow (450.00) toward the purchase of new bow.

In other words, the customer should be made whole for something that the bowyer had in his "care, custody, and control."

[The Whittler]

If I borrow something from you and I break it I will buy you a new one, but I guess that's just me.

The bowyer should pay the OP what he payed for the bow or offer that amount towards a new bow.

[nineworlds9]

I've had some more time to chew on this topic.  I stand by a few of my earlier assertions, but I am starting to lean more toward full 450 credit on a new bow.  I think the 250 is basically a bare minimum...I could accept that if it were my used bow he blew up and I would walk away and never work with him again UNLESS he really convinced me it was beyond his control, aka a glue failure etc or something traceable to prior abuse of the bow AND I'd need the broken bow in my hands for inspection.  But really the right and true thing to do since he accepted and attempted the job is to give you full credit, risk or not, if he's that well known a weight reduction should be no big deal.

[TDHunter]

Certainly an unfortunate situation. I was about to pull the trigger on a bow order from this bowyer and I will certainly be taking so time to rethink my decision. Customer service is beyond important  .  Would certainly be informative to hear the bowyers side of the story and how he saw it.

[Mike Mecredy]

here's my 2 cents, if a guy sent me a bow to reduce the draw weight:

1) I would never charge a couple hundred dollars to take off 5# of draw weight.

2) If I destroyed the bow in the process I would find out how much he/she paid for it and pay them that much for destroying the bow.

3)  Yes, absolutely, it would suck big time, but right is right.  

4) I normally don't pipe up too much about how another bowyer conducts business, especially when I read only one side of the story. If this one side I read is the absolute fact, then the customer was treated wrong concerning the second hand bow that got destroyed.

Originally posted by Mike Mecredy:
here's my 2 cents, if a guy sent me a bow to reduce the draw weight:

1) I would never charge a couple hundred dollars to take off 5# of draw weight.

2) If I destroyed the bow in the process I would find out how much he/she paid for it and pay them that much for destroying the bow.

3)  Yes, absolutely, it would suck big time, but right is right.  

4) I normally don't pipe up too much about how another bowyer conducts business, especially when I read only one side of the story. If this one side I read is the absolute fact, then the customer was treated wrong concerning the second hand bow that got destroyed.

The longer people continue to make excuses for things like this, the longer things like this will continue to happen and continue to erode confidence in a small, niche industry.  


I for one commend you for speaking out.  When I am in the market for a new bow, you sir, will be at the top of my list.

[LBR]

Spot on Mike and Tooner.  Well stated.

[Jarrod Reno]

Being sure to make things clear. His reply for compensation was left open ended asking for my thoughts... Tht is why I had posted on here to get some feedback before I replied.

I started out feeling taken advantage of and didn't want to reply harshly or out of bounds.

In the end I've learned some things. First, used bows are risky which leaves me with some responsibility here, totally understandable. Second, forum posts are a double edged sword that can fester. be careful about posting on a forum    I didn't want this to become a witch hunt. But on the other hand got some great points which smoothed out my expectations so I was able to reply in a respectable fashion.

In the end this is working out fairly and I am excited for my next bow from this bowyer.

[Mike Mecredy]

One thing is for sure, not including the company or the name of the bowyer in your comments, is very commendable of you.  I've had a few unsatisfied customers myself and they all took their matters directly to me and I have the upmost respect for those who do that.

[Archie]

Originally posted by Jarrod Reno:
Being sure to make things clear. His reply for compensation was left open ended asking for my thoughts... Tht is why I had posted on here to get some feedback before I replied.

I started out feeling taken advantage of and didn't want to reply harshly or out of bounds.

In the end I've learned some things. First, used bows are risky which leaves me with some responsibility here, totally understandable. Second, forum posts are a double edged sword that can fester. be careful about posting on a forum     I didn't want this to become a witch hunt. But on the other hand got some great points which smoothed out my expectations so I was able to reply in a respectable fashion.

In the end this is working out fairly and I am excited for my next bow from this bowyer.

Thanks for following through and providing this explanation.  I've been following this thread, and always get nervous when the other guy's side of the story doesn't factor in.  There's always another side.  That being said, I think it was very good of you not to give any information as to who the bowyer is, because a simple thread like this could destroy his business.  But based on what I've read here, my conclusion was that he needed to make it good with you, and it sounds like he did.  Best of luck, sir!

[K2]

Glad everything worked out for you.  I also commend you for not naming the bowyer and keeping it between you both.  Ken

[JamesV]

This guy has been described as a "Reputable Bowyer" If he destroyed my bow for any reason and refused to pay me in cash for the full price I payed for the bow then he is not Reputable and for that matter, if he can't reduce the poundage on a bow he built he isn't much of a bowyer either. I would have posted his name and company business on the first post if I didn't get my money back in full.

James

[pdk25]

Relax James.  The OP is satisfied, so there is no reason to be insulting to the bowyer.

[STICKBENDER98]

I was following this post with interest as well.  I think your choice not to name the bowyer was commendable, and done with good taste as well as respect.  I'm glad you could work out a fair deal for both of you.  Far to often we (myself included) tend to get upset or mad over certain situations and over react.  I think by posting here and getting others input gave yourself the time needed to stop and clear your head and think the situation over, and be able to solve the problem to a happy conclusion.  Happy shooting with your new bow.

Jason