Be clear and transparent
One of the first things you and your builder will do is discuss your project details, what type of water you like to fish in, the type of custom fishing rod you’re looking for, any personalization you need, your budget, timeline, etc… When you provide this information, make sure you are as clear and transparent as possible. Even if you don’t know all the details, let your builder know and they will guide you in the right direction.
Our builders have decades of experience crafting custom fishing rods. They have designed rods for all levels of anglers and can help you decide on all the features you want to include with your new pole.
Timeline, Warranty, Price, Payment Terms
Timeline
Some custom fishing rods take longer than others to build, depending on your features and level of personalization. Some of our rod builders specialize in creating intricate multi-layered thread wraps or color blending and marbling which has to be applied in layers and phases. Ensure you and your builder are on the same page regarding the timeline. Do you have a specific trip planned that you’d like your rod by? Or is the custom pole a gift for a family member or friend’s birthday? These are factors that can determine if you need the delivery by a certain time and whether your builder can create a rush order.
Ultimately, the more transparent and clear you are about what you’re looking for and when, the better your rod-buying experience will be.
Warranty
A warranty can protect against unforeseen damages or breaks while out on the water. Builders offer different warranty options, so be sure to ask your builder about what warranty program they have available.
Most builders utilize the warranty that the blank manufacturer has provided to them, and they’ll be able to provide more specifics on the warranty details.
In most cases, if there is damage to your rod while you are using it, Rod Seek’s custom rod builders will ask for the rod to be shipped back to them so they can work with the rod blank manufacturer to either replace the blank or repair the blank.
Price
Price will fluctuate depending on many factors, but that’s part of what makes custom rods so superior to store-bought rods. You have control over what you want and how much you’ll pay to get your perfect fishing rod.
Once you’ve given your builder all your details and the project is understood, ask them for either a range or a quote for how much your rod will cost. Having this conversation early helps both you and your builder and prevents confusion or roadblocks later on.
Payment terms
Another benefit of a custom rod vs. a store-bought rod is the option to use a payment plan or set up payment terms with your builder. Store-bought rods require the full amount up-front, but that’s not always the case with a custom builder who can provide you with more flexible pricing options, such as 50% upfront and 50% when your rod is finished.
Again, check with your rod builder to see what they prefer, and work together on terms that suit you both.
Contact & shipping information
There’s nothing worse than an order that comes late or a breakdown in communication between a buyer and seller. That’s why it’s imperative to check that your contact information like your email address and telephone number and your shipping information is correct and up to date. This will facilitate a smooth delivery of your new rod, so you can get out on the water faster.
When you receive your new rod
There are few things more exciting than unboxing a new custom rod! We’re certain you’ll be happy with what you receive. At some point, after your rod arrives, send your builder a message and let them know our order has shipped. That will help your builder mark the project complete, and will initiate any follow-up conversations you’d like to have.
Tell others about your experience
Happy with your new custom rod? Leave a review for your rod builder to help them get more business and to help other anglers match with expert rod builders for their best fishing experience.
Rod Seek’s mission is to connect as many rod seekers with custom rod builders as possible and bring to light the amazing custom work being done by skilled, independent builders here in the USA.
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