Message Sent To Manns Bait Company

[flipin4bass]

Sent this message to Manns after discovering they had dramatically increased the price of their Jelly Worms.

I just visited your web site to order jellyworms for next season and was disappointed to see that you had increased your prices. I could understand a modest increase, everything seems to be going up across our economy (except my paycheck), but I feel this increase is extreme. Earlier this year a person could purchase a 100 pack of 9" Jelly Worms for $16 and change and now they are $24.49, an increase of $8.00 or 50%. On my last order dated 6/25/10, I was able to purchase the 20 count bags of 9" Jelly Worms for $3.59. Now they will cost me $4.99, an increase of $1.40 or 38.9%. I can not believe that your cost of production has gone up that much. If you have recently given your workers a pay increase, then I could accept this size of increase. I fully support improving the lives of working men and women in our country, howerver, I suspect that this increase is probably the result of corporate greed. What will your next change be, moving production to Mexico or China? It looks like I may have to rethink my use of your products, I can catch as many fish using Berkley worms.

[SirSnookalot]

Well said !!

[grimlin]

That's life...everything goes up and your paycheck stays the same.

I'm willing to bet the cost of supplies went up on them too.

[Catt]

Well said !!

Exactly

[Glenn]

I think that's commendable that you took it up directly with them, rather than merely ranting about it across Internet forums like so many do. 8-) 

While I can certainly understand your frustration and surprise at the sudden increase, I don't think you should have jumped to conclusions (e.g. "corporate greed") or accused them of planning anything "evil" (outsourcing jobs). It's quite possible that simply the cost of producing the baits went up for some reason.

In fairness to them, I trust that you'll post their response verbatim here as well.

[Lund Explorer]

If you are a fan of the old TV western Gunsmoke, perhaps you would recognize the saying that one of the grizzled old characters, Festus Hagen, repeated many times on that show; 

"I wouldn't slam a door that hard!"

Mann's Bait Co. has been a successful business for many years, and I can assure you that nobody in business survives with a reputation of gouging its customers.

Writing to the company with any concern about their products, whether its price, quality, or anything else is commendable.  A very successful client of mine once said that the best customers are the ones that bring complaints back to him, while the worst ones were those that simply left with no comment at all.

Having said that, I agree with Glenn in thinking you went a little overboard with some parts of your letter. 

Maybe it was due to anger, or perhaps not having first hand knowledge of what it costs to operate a business these days.  Wages for many employees have been stagnant for years, but that doesn't mean employee costs have stayed the same.  The cost of employee health care has been going up 10-15% a year for at least a decade or so.  "Rubber Worms" are actually made with plastic that is a by-product of petroleum.  Have you seen what the price of gasoline has done lately?  Of the three basic materials needed to make a worm, plastic, dye, and scent, I'm sure that plastic is by far the most used and more importantly, the most volatile.  While there are lots of variables that could be included in a price increase, the simple bottom line is that a company must remain profitable while not having control of many of the costs associated with it's business. 

Add several other factors that you may not have thought about.  First, when was the last time that the company had a price increase?  Its possible that the old price may have been sufficient several years ago when the cost of a barrell of oil cost $40, but not in today's market where that cost is double.  Second, many companies set a price that must be good for at least that current year.  This means that some padding needs to be put into a price increase to cover a possible jump in costs, ones that they have no control over.

Nobody likes to see the cost of the things they use rise.  No business, at least the ones I deal with, wants to raise prices if they don't have to.  But if I was going to leave you with one last thought, it would be to ask if you would have been as upset had they just closed their doors, laid off their employees, and forced you to find a new product all together.

BTW, I don't work for, nor am I associated with Mann's Bait Co..  I'm just a simple old accoutant that has worked with companies just like them for the last 30+ years.

[River Rat316]

I think its pretty sad that people jump on the corporate greed band wagon, all the sudden making money is a huge no no, why else would a business be in business if it wasn't to make money? You ever stop to look at the pay scale for all the "non profits" out there, every business exists to make money. There are other reasons to be in business, but if you are not making money, those other reasons don't matter!

I can also tell you that plastisol pricing has went up about 15% from my supplier, it might have been more for them since they buy in a way heavier bulk quantity than I could ever think of. Other supplies for me have raised there prices 10-40% along with increased shipping costs, and this is all in the last year! So if they haven't adjusted there prices in a couple years (which is likely) than this is just a cost of doing business increase.

My advice to you is to get used to the price increases, if you want to buy quality american made products, made by quality american made workers, who are getting paid a quality american wage, than you are going to have to pay for it. The cost of doing business in the US is constantly rising, and I know some won't believe this but profit margins are not always through the roof, so those costs are going to be eaten by the consumer, or worse yet the worker!

[Osprey39]

It has nothing to do with corporate greed and everything to do with the falling value of the dollar.  You can't inject $600 billion into the economy and not have inflation.  The prices are going to go up on everything until we start tightening the money supply again, be prepared.

[flipin4bass]

I think its pretty sad that people jump on the corporate greed band wagon, all the sudden making money is a huge no no, why else would a business be in business if it wasn't to make money? You ever stop to look at the pay scale for all the "non profits" out there, every business exists to make money. There are other reasons to be in business, but if you are not making money, those other reasons don't matter!

I can also tell you that plastisol pricing has went up about 15% from my supplier, it might have been more for them since they buy in a way heavier bulk quantity than I could ever think of. Other supplies for me have raised there prices 10-40% along with increased shipping costs, and this is all in the last year! So if they haven't adjusted there prices in a couple years (which is likely) than this is just a cost of doing business increase.

My advice to you is to get used to the price increases, if you want to buy quality american made products, made by quality american made workers, who are getting paid a quality american wage, than you are going to have to pay for it. The cost of doing business in the US is constantly rising, and I know some won't believe this but profit margins are not always through the roof, so those costs are going to be eaten by the consumer, or worse yet the worker!

40 - 50% and 38% per item increase......no, there's nothing wrong with a company making a profit, but, plllleeeaaaaaseee. Did the price of food go down after the price of diesel and gasoline fell back below $3 a gallon? In fairness to Manns I will post their reply Glenn, but I think their answer will have something to do with production costs. By the way River Rat, how's things there with the Northstar Custom Baits?

[NorcalBassin]

A 10-15% increase would be one thing, but these are way over the top. I'm sure they're struggling, but they should have implemented this more gradually.

[1234567]

I agree, 39% and 50% percent increases respectively are incredible.  Hopefully it is ONLY a sign of the economic times. 

[rboat]

I like it. A cost of business increase is one thing, but 50% smells like greed to me. Everyone can understand a moderate increase is sometimes needed to offset the increased cost of doing business. At least now they know that anglers are not stupid people and will not stand to be ripped off. If companies are not careful and become greedy they can easily price themselves out of business. In tough times, some profit is better than none.

[roadwarrior]

Hmm...

The Consumer Price Index is up .6% (less food & energy), 1.2%

all inclusive, over the last 12 months. This is the lowest increase

EVER recorded since the index was initially published (1957).

The solution is to simply walk away from price increases

whenever possible. There are plenty of soft plastic bait

alternatives. I don't believe there is ANY excuse for

the price change and suggest simply doing business with

someone else.

http://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm

:-?

p.s. Be wary of the "inflation mentality". The biggest threat

today, worldwide and domestically, is deflation not

inflation.

[River Rat316]

I think its pretty sad that people jump on the corporate greed band wagon, all the sudden making money is a huge no no, why else would a business be in business if it wasn't to make money? You ever stop to look at the pay scale for all the "non profits" out there, every business exists to make money. There are other reasons to be in business, but if you are not making money, those other reasons don't matter!

I can also tell you that plastisol pricing has went up about 15% from my supplier, it might have been more for them since they buy in a way heavier bulk quantity than I could ever think of. Other supplies for me have raised there prices 10-40% along with increased shipping costs, and this is all in the last year! So if they haven't adjusted there prices in a couple years (which is likely) than this is just a cost of doing business increase.

My advice to you is to get used to the price increases, if you want to buy quality american made products, made by quality american made workers, who are getting paid a quality american wage, than you are going to have to pay for it. The cost of doing business in the US is constantly rising, and I know some won't believe this but profit margins are not always through the roof, so those costs are going to be eaten by the consumer, or worse yet the worker!

40 - 50% and 38% per item increase......no, there's nothing wrong with a company making a profit, but, plllleeeaaaaaseee. Did the price of food go down after the price of diesel and gasoline fell back below $3 a gallon? In fairness to Manns I will post their reply Glenn, but I think their answer will have something to do with production costs. By the way River Rat, how's things there with the Northstar Custom Baits?

I still think you guys are missing the big picture, there are lots of reasons why prices are going up, I have watched my business costs increase dramatically over the last 2 years, you can quote a consumer price index all you want but I have watched real price increases for hooks, skirts, lead, plastisol, I actually can't think of anything that has stayed the same or fallen in 2-4 years. That is not even counting how much employee costs have went up. This whole time the manufacturers have been really weary of raising prices knowing the general public is already struggling to afford day to day living items let alone frivolous purchases like fishing tackle, so most have been eating these increases.

Its a sad world we live in imho when a person goes through the pain of starting a business, often working 14+ hour days to get their product on the shelf all while executing a marketing plan, often times putting everything they own on the line to keep the business up and running, then after years of blood sweat and tears they are in a position to finally enjoy the fruits of their labor and they get called greedy.

To answer your question about NorthStar Custom Baits, things are going great, I am right where I projected to be at this point in the business. I am still on the 14 hour day thing doing everything on my own, all while working another job and raising a family, but I wouldn't change anything at this point. I have no idea what the future holds for the business but right now I am optimistic that we will continue to grow, and add to our customer base!

[zero]

thats life suck it up

[Grey Wolf]

People who own  a business have a totally differant view than the working stiff does , it's just that simple fella's , so lets all agree to disagree and just quit trying to ram our views down each other's throats. .

[roadwarrior]

I actually can't think of anything that has stayed the same or fallen in 2-4 years. 

Home prices?

[River Rat316]

ughhhh don't even bring that up  >  I could have bought a new bass cat with a yammie show for what my home has dropped... and paid retail :-[

[roadwarrior]

Electronics in general, but especially television -75%.

More importantly, switch sectors...Fillet mignon is around

$17-$21 per pound, but Hormel pork tenderloin is only $9

and occasionally on sale. Man, I like the teriyaki marinade

more than the beef!

Be selective, buy "on sale". On a fishing note: I have bought

three new rods and reels this year for 30-40% off retail. Our

Flea Market has some great deals!

Don't buy your shirts and pants from catalogs, shop around.

$45 shirts are readily available for $15. I bought a pair of Wrangler

jeans at Macy's for $10; a $450 "designer" suit for $149 less 15%

on their card and then a 20% discount coupon! I have never

bought a suit any cheaper.

Shop around, great deals are available everywhere.

8-)

[River Rat316]

Thats all fine and dandy, but I was talking fishing wise... more specifically components.... now if you can find me 75% off on some of that then we might just be able to work a deal for free lures

[Bassn Blvd]

A 100 worm bag equates to just under .25 cents a worm. If that worm doesn't produce for you the way you expect it to then buy a different product.

Good Lord, don't ever consider buying Gary Yamamoto brand Senkos. I just bought 3 packs of 10 today at over 6 bucks a bag.

Also, Zoom 9 1/2 inch worm is roughly 3.5 cents cheaper than Mann's new price.

[J Francho]

Its very possible that Mann's has been losing revenue on every Jelly Worm sold.  Some companies resist price increases on certain products, simply because those products help them sell many of their other products.  My family's restaurant sells $1.99 cheeseburgers, which is less than the cost to expedite that sandwich.  They make it up with ither products.  Mann's probably decided to reposition that product in their lineup.  If its tough times for you, you can bet its tough times for a lure maker.

[piscicidal]

ughhhh don't even bring that up > I could have bought a new bass cat with a yammie show for what my home has dropped... and paid retail :-[

I could have bought a bass lake with the money I've dropped on my South Florida properties... 

[basshunter81]

flipin4bass,

Good call on the E-Mail. Can't wait for you to post the response.

[Btech]

Ya know regardless of who is "Right" in this I'm just glad to see someone still sending a letter to the company explaining why they are upset (or happy) for that matter.

Not many people take the time to do so anymore. They would have just said to Heck with it and found a new place to shop.

I think if you like the company and their products, than its not wrong for you to express your concerns and fight to get a lower price or explanation.

I cant wait to see how they reply.

I had a similar experience with Berkley, they ended up sending me a ton of promo stuff and coupons to fix our problem, so i stuck with them.

Good luck. I hope you get the results your looking for.