Risk of ordering rods online

[Travis Gasper]

I ordered a rod and reel combo (a Lew's Mach 1) and was highly disappointed by the packaging. A couple inches of the rod was sticking out of the box! All my other rod and reels I've bought in store, but found a deal online I couldn't pass up. This was from a well-known retailer. Luckily the rod was not damaged from what I can tell, just some marks and scratches. Does anybody else shy away from ordering rods online because of packaging? The best compensation they could offer me was a $15 credit.

[NYBasser]

Never had any problems with Ebay or Tackle Warehouse. I buy probably 90% of my rods and reels online.

[racedad]

The Dobyns I purchase come in a PVC tube and rod wrapped in bubble wrap, the Lew's Custom Lites come in a heavy cardboard tube. I haven't had any issues with ordering on line.

[Retired@176]

never had any issues with tackle warehouse or cheaper than dirt, sorry hope everything is ok

[buzzed bait]

most of mine have been fine from online retailers, but BPS actually was the worst.  they just stuck a rod in a cardboard tube and shipped just like that.  no cover, no bubblewrap, no taping the handle.... nothing.  of course that rod arrived with the insert missing from the tip guide from bouncing around like crazy.

[EvanT123]

Yes....I worry every time but it's a risk I accept taking. 

[Fishin' Fool]

I've ordered at least 15 rods online in the last year. The only one I had a problem with was ordered on Amazon and came in a flimsy rectangular cardboard box. Everything ordered through Ebay came is a sturdy circular tube. Maybe just a coincidence, I'm not sure but I was happy with all my Ebay orders.

[MassYak85]

Only online rod orders I have experience with is two through tackle warehouse. They use extremely thick and sturdy cardboard tubing. I did actually have one of those rod tubes come broken, which I cannot fathom how UPS managed that because it takes some serious smashing against a pine tree to get those tubes to break so I can fit it in the trash. Rod was fine though luckily. 

[new2BC4bass]

I've ordered a few Online.  Usually they are shipped decently packed.  I did get one that came in a flimsy triangle cardboard tube.  Tube was bent a little, but no damage to the rod.  I have also bought several rods from individuals.  Two rods arrived with tips broken off.  Both tubes were in excellent shape.  One in a PVC tube had no end cap on one end....and nothing around the rod to keep it in place.  Other in a heavy cardboard tube looked perfect until I opened the tube.  The rod hadn't been protected at all.  It had been allowed to slide back and forth inside the tube.  Seller said he had shipped 8 rods that way with no problem so I guess you can figure out the kind of luck I always have. 

Sooooooooooooooooooo although Online has shipped in the flimsiest packaging, poor packing by individuals has cost me two rods....Online none.

[Travis Gasper]

1 hour ago, buzzed bait said:

most of mine have been fine from online retailers, but BPS actually was the worst.  they just stuck a rod in a cardboard tube and shipped just like that.  no cover, no bubblewrap, no taping the handle.... nothing.  of course that rod arrived with the insert missing from the tip guide from bouncing around like crazy.

Yikes, I was just thinking of ordering a rod from BPS with a gift card I have. Maybe safer to order a reel from there?

59 minutes ago, MassYak85 said:

Only online rod orders I have experience with is two through tackle warehouse. They use extremely thick and sturdy cardboard tubing. I did actually have one of those rod tubes come broken, which I cannot fathom how UPS managed that because it takes some serious smashing against a pine tree to get those tubes to break so I can fit it in the trash. Rod was fine though luckily. 

I used to work for UPS, I could tell you a thing or two lol. I try to avoid using UPS at all costs. 

[Penguino]

All of the rods I have ordered other than those from TW have slight defects.

 

From Gander, they only put foam on either ends of the rod tube. A bunch of the guides got misaligned and pressed by the tube. Furthermore, the tip guide somehow broke off and I had to return it.

Amazon's shipping is a joke. Don't order a rod from there and expect it to be perfect. They use a cheap ass carboard box that has no packaging material and unless the postal company is extremely careful, the rod will undergo a lot of stress. The guides on my rod thankfully were alright, but never again lol.

  

[blckshirt98]

I've ordered a few rods online and every TW rod has arrived to me in perfect condition because they do a great job packing their rods with bubble wrap in sturdy tubes.  The only times I've received a snapped rod was when I bought them from places that don't specialize in fishing so aren't as careful with packaging - Sierra Trading Post, Sport Chalet specifically.

[Choporoz]

I've received about a dozen rods in the mail the last 3 years from at least five different vendors.  All were perfect except one.   That one was from a less than fishing-focused retailer, packed in a flimsy box.  I received a replacement within a couple of days that was packed extremely well -- along with a 15% coupon for next purchase.  I would not hesitate to buy another rod from them, or from anyone else through the mail. 

[OnthePotomac]

Ordered a 7' Carbonlite rod from BPS two years ago and the rod was packed properly, but when UPS brought it to the door, three quarters of the way up the tube they had bent it out on a 30 degree angle.  Needless to say I was convinced the rod would be trashed, but it survived and I am still using it.  It boinged right back into shape.

[Darren.]

I wouldn't worry so much about ordering from BPS, 
especially if you have it shipped to the store for free.
You can open it there at the front desk and if there
is a problem, they'll take care of it there.

Personally I've had good luck ordering rods online,
but it is not common for me, in fact, I've only ordered
two, the first a St. Croix Avid from a highly ranked
store on eBay, and the other was the replacement 
for that directly from St. Croix. Actually, three, I ordered
a Shimano Compre off eBay, which arrived in new
condition.

[Mr Swim Jig]

Every rod I have ordered on-line has always came in either a PVC tube or heavy duty cardboard tube...

[S Hovanec]

I'd order online long before buying off the shelf.  Have you seen what the customers do to rods in a store?

[EllisJuan]

The rods I want I have never seen on a shelf for less than full price.  I have ordered every one in my rod locker.  Only one arrived broken and the vendor was quick to send a replacement.

[RafaelM]

I've had no issues ordering rods online. I always contact the sellers I'm buying from to make sure they package it correctly, even if it costs a little more. I can vouch for tackle warehouse and various ebay sellers with a good rating. They always come in nice cardboard tubes, rod tips wrapped, and a generous amount of bubble wrap. Most sellers also offer returns if the package comes damaged.

[Travis Gasper]

I'm encouraged to see mostly positive experiences ordering online. I won't let my first time being a bad experience prevent me from ordering again. Maybe just not from Dick's Sporting Goods again lol. I was just shocked by the poor packaging, not even taping the ends so the rod wouldn't slip out. 

[kickerfish1]

I have ordered most of my rods online. Sure there is always a chance of a rod getting damaged or broke while in transit but for the amount of rods shipped vs the number broke I am sure the broken rods are less than 1%.

[Jeff H]

3 minutes ago, kickerfish1 said:

I have ordered most of my rods online. Sure there is always a chance of a rod getting damaged or broke while in transit but for the amount of rods shipped vs the number broke I am sure the broken rods are less than 1%.

I certainly would not enjoy being part of that 1%.  I have bought rods online several times but I am one of those who worry about it too much to make it a habit.  I have a way around it now, somewhat.

[kickerfish1]

Don't get me wrong, I cringe a bit every time I have a rod on its way or ship one out. It is even worse when the rod being shipped is a custom. Should something happen it is not something that can be re-ordered and had in a week. You have to start the build process again while salvaging whatever components from the broken rod can be used.

I just don't like the rods that the local BPS and Cabelas carry to buy them local...

[Sam]

On ‎7‎/‎26‎/‎2016 at 7:55 PM, Travis Gasper said:

I ordered a rod and reel combo (a Lew's Mach 1) and was highly disappointed by the packaging. A couple inches of the rod was sticking out of the box! All my other rod and reels I've bought in store, but found a deal online I couldn't pass up. This was from a well-known retailer. Luckily the rod was not damaged from what I can tell, just some marks and scratches. Does anybody else shy away from ordering rods online because of packaging? The best compensation they could offer me was a $15 credit.

Who in the world did you order the rod from?

I have ordered rods and all have arrived in their correct length tubes in excellent shape.

Travis, it is time for a strong letter to the retailer, telling them what happened and what you want done, such as returning that rod and having another sent; or returning that rod and getting a credit on your credit card.

Or give the retailer a phone call, if possible, and make copious notes with names of the individuals you speak with. Be clear on telling them what you want.

Remember, retailers do not want bad publicity. One dumb employee can create havoc for a retailer and the retailer does not want this.

You rod was probably packaged by someone who has no idea of how to handle a fishing rod and once the retailer understands that "you mean business" you will surprised at what they will do for you.

Let us know what happens after you contact the retailer.

[Travis Gasper]

3 hours ago, Sam said:

Who in the world did you order the rod from?

I have ordered rods and all have arrived in their correct length tubes in excellent shape.

Travis, it is time for a strong letter to the retailer, telling them what happened and what you want done, such as returning that rod and having another sent; or returning that rod and getting a credit on your credit card.

Or give the retailer a phone call, if possible, and make copious notes with names of the individuals you speak with. Be clear on telling them what you want.

Remember, retailers do not want bad publicity. One dumb employee can create havoc for a retailer and the retailer does not want this.

You rod was probably packaged by someone who has no idea of how to handle a fishing rod and once the retailer understands that "you mean business" you will surprised at what they will do for you.

Let us know what happens after you contact the retailer.

It was from Dick's Sporting Goods. And believe it or not, I went through a week's worth of emails and phone calls between 3 different customer service people. They sent out a replacement one (without my approval) but I had already started using the original one and didn't want to bother with a return, seeing as I don't have a printer to print their return label off and no UPS store nearby to drop it off. It was more of a mess than anything because they said if I didn't send it back they'd charge me for the new one too! I told them to re-rout the new one back to them and I was done with them. I got $15 credit back but that isn't nearly enough in my option. What they should have done is sent me a replacement one free of charge and told me to keep them both.