BigJim asks, "What would you do?"

[COMBER]

BigJim,
If the riser is is still in new condition maybe out of the kindness of your big heart refund him for that. By all means make him pay for the damage to the limbs by either keeping his bow or his check (which ever covers the value of the limbs) if he hasn't stopped payment on it yet. I wouldn't even concern yourself with this person hurting your reputation because you're way beyond a stand up guy and this guy sounds like nothing but HUMAN GARBAGE! Just remember trying to make this guy happy is impossible and only going to cost you. Thanks,
Jake

[flyfish1]

I agree the limbs are his. When did it go from him being a customer to beng a competent bowyer in his mind I wonder. Part of life is picking and choosing your battles and I think I would take this one head on just out of principle. No one will ever question your reputation on here and he wont run that mouth very far before being set straight by someone who knows better in the traditional brotherhood. Sometimes you just have to make a stand for right over wrong. Anyway, wish you the best on this.

[YORNOC]

I cant imagine why anyone would alter before speaking with you. Tough situation for you I'm sure. As Raging Waters said, go with your gut. You know what you need to do.
If Bear can help you, great. Very kind of them and it wont hurt them as much as it hurts the small business guy like you.
As far as the guy getting his way, what goes around comes around. Get rid of all ties to him,then forget about him. Not worth your getting all worked up over. Not worth it Jim. You've got a solid business going for you.

[BigJim]

I apreciate all the kind words and really only posted this because of my frustration as of late.
I already knew what I was going to do and am a little ashamed that I lost my cool while on the phone with this guy (who will remain nameless).

I may not agree with someone, but I'm always polite or at least sarcastic in a fun kind of way.

As far as business goes, Bear knows as do those with experience that it is easy when there are no issues. A quality company can be measured on how they handle there problems. I commend them for there willingness to help, but this one's for me to handle.
thanks again, bigjim

[BWD]

Large, in my simple way of seeing things, he confirmed ownership of the Bear when he took it upon himself to alter the limbs. He had no reason to do that to a pair of limbs you still owned.

I don't see your reputation being harmed, if you decide to push back. Teach him a lesson and you just might prevent another bowyer from having to deal with same foolishness.

[COMBER]

BigJim,
You haven't made it this far by not knowing what to do. I'm sure whatever you do will be right.

[ChuckC]

My opinion.  as soon as he altered the limb(s) he bought the bow.  He could have sent it back and complained, sounds like he would have anyway.

To me this is a no brainer and I would personally be ashamed if anyone I knew pulled a stunt like that.

I wouldn't accept the bow back in return without some recompense for the ruined limb(s).
ChuckC

[sweeney3]

Bill him for the limbs at a minimum.  That sounds low to me.  But, I'm not in the business.  Best wishes!

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Originally posted by robtattoo:
Take a belt sander to his bow & mail it back to him. See how he likes it!

Funny this is what the guy on my right shoulder was saying even though i agree with every one else as far as altered merchandise.

If it wasn't what he wanted, he should have immediately sent it back or at least called before he sanded it.

[Tron]

BigJim I've never dealt business with you personally, but I've interacted with many people who have, none of whom could come up with anything bad to say about you and the way you do business.  I understand your frustration with the situation and can't understand how this man thinks he has a case for reimbursement after he knowingly altered the limbs, making proper assembly impossible.  I have faith you'll make the right call on this and am glad you shared this with us.  I have, as yet, never had a problem dealing with people in the traditional archery community, but I know my day is coming.  The best we can all do it remember that there is another person on the other side of every deal and honor our word in such deals.  This man chose to violate your trust and the way you conduct business.  In my mind you have no more obligations to him.  I wish you hadn't had to deal with this, but we all know not everyone is as honest as our closest friends.  Best of luck in resolving this situation.
-Nathan

[gregg dudley]

This guy is going to slam you no matter what you do.  But the people he will slam you to probably already realize the kind of guy they are dealing with.    

Your reputation is solid.  Take the course of action that you think is best for your business.  I applaud Bear for offering to work with you on this and I applaud you for not taking them up on it.

If this was a personal transaction I would say lesson learned don't interact with this guy again.  But if I was running a business like you are, I would be more inclined to hold his bow until he paid for the damaged limbs.

[buckster]

Amen Gregg, that's going above and beyond.  Good luck Jim and good for being the Man here.

[sawtoothscream]

im my opinion if there wasnt a correct fit he should have contacted you instantly with pictures and sent the bow back. However he went ahead and made them worse, or ruined them himself and that makes it impossible to know for sure what happened. If I checked it and knew there was nothing wrong with the bow and he went ahead and did this I would not refund his money or bow. Even if I did he would be repplacing the limbs he screwed up.

[Steve Clandinin]

As far as reputation and a stand up fella,they don't come any better than you my friend.With all your interactions with everyone on here no one will ever doubt your decision.If this person wants to knock heads with you and your intergrity he has as much chance as a dwarf in a slam dunk contest.
I applaud Bear,as they know which side to support and agknowledge.

[Caughtandhobble]

He modified the limbs without contacting you, IMO he just bought the limbs.

If he has already mailed the bow back, he needs to pay shipping and HANDLING fees for the safe return of his limbs and riser. Or he could pick them up at your shop.

The bottom line is he is going to bad mouth you no matter what you do at this point. You know that he has cancelled the check (if personal check). Sometimes you have to just go with your heart. You will win any small claim court case or at least I would hope so in today's world.

Good luck, I'll continue to do business with you!!!

[Blackstick]

The way I would handle this would surly get me in trouble, so I'm not even going to suggest what I would do to the customer.

There is, however, one other thing I'm thinking about. If you decide to except this as a loss, would it be possible to repair the damage, resell as  2nds and recover a little bit?

Just a crazy thought.  

[DWT]

Im sorry, but I was raised old school and I dont understand some of modern societys inabiltiy to take responsibility for their actions. The answer is black and white if the bow had not been sanded it would have been in the condition you sent it to him in, but alas it was not. This person sanded on a new product, not Big Jim bow company or Big Jim himself. You are entitled to compensation for your product, anyone who would suggest you or bear take it in the shorts for the stupiidity of another is just buying in to the socialist mentality of modern society.

[2fletch]

I'll address my comments to the "other guy". Fellow, the instant you started sanding on that limb you owned it. Now do the right thing and settle up. I have spoken with Jim at length on several occasions and he has always come across as being up front and honest. Also, Jim is b-i-g! Did you know that he played college football? I believe that he is fair and a gentleman, but I don't think you ought to get him aggravated. Big Jim, like the rest of us is just trying to make an honest living.

   

[coachA]

The right thing would be for the customer to take responsibility for what he has don't but we all know that won't happen. Unfortunately in today's society crap like this happens way too often and cause the honorable people to question themselves.
Jim,
This comes down to whether you care what this guy says or not. I know the worst thing for me is to question my word. As you can tell from all of the people on here, we are not questioning your word or your honor. We do all hate that you are in the situation that you are in, because we all know what kind of person you are. No one can really answer your questions for you, unless they have there own company and have been in a similar situation. I wish You and your company the best! Everyone that matters knows you are a great guy and an honorable business man.

[coachA]

Double post sorry