Parting ways

[volzfan59]

In the past, several folks have messaged me about various Bass Pro Shop products or to ask questions about sales, rewards, return policies, etc.

 

I wanted to let everyone know that I resigned last week. I was not fired, given the option to resign or anything like that. I simply resigned. I absolutely hate that it came to that, as I really enjoyed working there and loved my coworkers. If anyone has product questions, etc, you can still ask and I'll try to help you. I still have numerous friends that work there. For now anyway. Most are looking for new jobs. 

 

It's just not the same BPS that I hired into several years ago.

[thinkingredneck]

It is different for customer's too.

[Brew City Bass]

I pretty much stopped going to the stores. They turned into the walmart of outdoors, pushing cheap brands and crappy selection. Hounded by people selling timeshares or vacations, and can't find a single employee who knew what the hell he was talking about. 

I can't go in there and hold a high end rod anymore, I can't get any of sizes or brands of plastics etc. 

If they have a sale, I'll maybe buy online, but usually I go to a mom and pop shop who has a smaller, but better selection to suit my needs. Tacklewarehouse is where I do the majority of shopping anyways. 

[thinkingredneck]

I hate the timeshare salespeople hounding me. Also, their emphasis seems to be on bps brands.

[Steve1357]

BPS brands, agreed. Plugs are what 2.99? Looks like junk I use to get on ebay for less than a buck each.

 

I did get some jigs this week. Use to be their markdowns were red price tags, now they are the same color as regular price tags, just have to look at every one. I try to stop in once a week and say high to friends that work there and scan the shelves. Takes money to fund that "atmosphere" ask the casinos...

 

imho, Academy getting worse too, and Gander is gone. (yeah, I know it's back, big whoop lol)

 

Good luck volzfan59, I bet it's for the best.

[Brew City Bass]

33 minutes ago, Steve1357 said:

BPS brands, agreed. Plugs are what 2.99? Looks like junk I use to get on ebay for less than a buck each.

 

I did get some jigs this week. Use to be their markdowns were red price tags, now they are the same color as regular price tags, just have to look at every one. I try to stop in once a week and say high to friends that work there and scan the shelves. Takes money to fund that "atmosphere" ask the casinos...

 

imho, Academy getting worse too, and Gander is gone. (yeah, I know it's back, big whoop lol)

 

Good luck volzfan59, I bet it's for the best.

I know you said you know, but Gander came back as Gander Outdoors and I just went there last week. I like it better than what it was. It's less "camo everything up in your face" and more just regular store. The selection in the store I visited had some decent mid range rods with a little section of high end, which I was excited about because it was mostly brands I use (st. croix, Daiwa, G loomis). The reel section was pretty tick poor, but whatever, I get my reels way discounted on Ebay when they have coupon codes like yesterday. Got a Tatula HD for $90.

The hardbaits and plastics were pretty decent, plenty of good brand hardbaits and plastics. Prices were cheaper than Cabelas or BPS by 50c - 1$ on a lot of stuff. That was cool. 

I just can't really justify spending cash at brick and mortar stores because everything is flatout cheaper online. I just really prefer buying rods instore because I can feel them before I pull the trigger on a $100+ rod. Getting harder and harder to find stores with any decent rods that aren't a St. Croix mojo or Veritas anymore. 

[the reel ess]

The more things change, the more they never seem the same.

[WRB]

Hope you lined up another job before quitting.

Good luck,

Tom 

[islandbass]

I’m with WRB. Hope you have something lined or get something lined up soon. 

 

There is a BPS about 20 miles away and I’ve been meaning to check it out. I honestly don’t know why they expanded to this part of the Pac NW where salmonids rule, but they did. 

 

 

 

 

[Steve1357]

2 hours ago, Brew City Bass said:

I know you said you know, but Gander came back as Gander Outdoors and I just went there last week. I like it better than what it was. It's less "camo everything up in your face" and more just regular store. The selection in the store I visited had some decent mid range rods with a little section of high end, which I was excited about because it was mostly brands I use (st. croix, Daiwa, G loomis). The reel section was pretty tick poor, but whatever, I get my reels way discounted on Ebay when they have coupon codes like yesterday. Got a Tatula HD for $90.

The hardbaits and plastics were pretty decent, plenty of good brand hardbaits and plastics. Prices were cheaper than Cabelas or BPS by 50c - 1$ on a lot of stuff. That was cool. 

I just can't really justify spending cash at brick and mortar stores because everything is flatout cheaper online. I just really prefer buying rods instore because I can feel them before I pull the trigger on a $100+ rod. Getting harder and harder to find stores with any decent rods that aren't a St. Croix mojo or Veritas anymore. 

Good to hear for you about Ganders. Old Ganders here is now a discount furniture store, they never came back. The new owners probably noticed the Academy across the freeway that killed the original Ganders.

[NittyGrittyBoy]

BPS lost my business to tackle warehouse long time ago

[FishTank]

Most of the big box stores have gone down hill.  It's kind of disappointing.  Most of the gear is over priced and not on the higher end of things.  Most of the selections have been of their own brands.  I am not sure what is going on with this trend but I miss the way it used to be. 

[volzfan59]

WRB and islandbass, I did have something. I deliver auto parts part time for a small, family owned auto parts chain. I deliver only to dealerships and garages. It's not BPS management money but I really don't care. My wife and I are both blessed to have really good pensions after over thirty years each in law enforcement. BPS basically paid for my fishing. Sounds crazy, but at this point I really don't care about the money.

 

For the guys talking about the time shares, it's only going to get worse except it's now credit cards. That's the main reason I walked. Since the Cabela's purchase, credit cards, excuse me, Club Cards are now the focus. All associate's, in each department, are required to sell c/c's. All managers are required to ensure that associates are selling c/c in addition to selling them themselves. All associate's have a quota. Before I left, customers were complaining about being asked 4 or 5 times if they wanted a c/c. I agreed with the customers.

 

I had two problems, four actually. None of them will make sense to some of you.

1. I don't believe in credit cards, heck I don't believe in debt. To many people get in serious trouble with debt. Proverbs 22:7 speaks to it. I personally refuse to have anything to do with them. Sadly, people have to have mortgages and car payments, they don't have to have c/cs and BPS sells nothing that they have to have.

2. I absolutely refuse to make an associate do something that I won't. Even when I was in L.E., I wouldn't make my guys do something I wouldn't do or hadn't done myself.

3. I won't be given a quota. I never had quota's in over 35 years in L.E., believe it or not.

4. When I hired in, selling c/c was never a requirement. Gear guards were.

 

When I spoke to my supervision, I was told it was non-negotiable. I guess I agreed. Before you say anything, I realize they are 100% within their rights to require employees to do things, including selling cards. I'm just not going to be a part of it.

 

Thanks for the good wishes!

 

[blckshirt98]

8 hours ago, thinkingredneck said:

I hate the timeshare salespeople hounding me. Also, their emphasis seems to be on bps brands.

This drives me insane, I avoid walking near that area by about 20 yards.

[Wurming67]

Going to bass pro shops now is like going to a crowded shopping mall,I use to love going to bass pro shops before, now I only go if I absolutely need something and it will be out of stock. Thank God for Tackle warehouse.

8 hours ago, blckshirt98 said:

This drives me insane, I avoid walking near that area by about 20 yards.

When you walk by them just growl loudy that works for me

[NYWayfarer]

19 hours ago, Brew City Bass said:

I just can't really justify spending cash at brick and mortar stores because everything is flatout cheaper online. I just really prefer buying rods instore because I can feel them before I pull the trigger on a $100+ rod. Getting harder and harder to find stores with any decent rods that aren't a St. Croix mojo or Veritas anymore. 

 

I feel the best option is to find a brick and mortar that has a price match guarantee. Like DSG. I can find the reel for a lower price online, walk into the store and walk out with the reel of my choice at that lower price.

 

The advantage is I can actually look at and handle the actual product I am purchasing and not have to wait for it to be delivered. 

[sully420]

I just had a terrible experience at cabelas last Friday. I purchased one the there tournament zx rods last spring because the salesman told me they had a life time warranty. Well last week i broke the rod setting the hook on a 2lb bass. So i went it to exchange it and came to find out that the salesperson lied to me about the warranty and that it ended when bass pro bought cabelas. I informed them that the only reason i bought the rod was the warranty and the staff at the door when i walked in on friday told me it was under warranty. So when i went to customer service and was informed that they weren't honoring there warranty i informed them on the 3000 dollars i spent there last year on a tm and electronics they didn't care and asked me to leave bluntly. So ill never be shopping at bass pro or cabelas ever again, i can't believe they would loose a customer over a 100 dollar rod that they make. Guess I'll have to get my power poles and helix 10 elsewhere.

[Boomstick]

21 hours ago, thinkingredneck said:

I hate the timeshare salespeople hounding me. Also, their emphasis seems to be on bps brands.

I never had timeshare people hounding me at a BPS, but I am aware of the timeshare salespeople who are like sharks. Years ago, when I made around $40k/year, they'd sit there deciding if they should lose interest or not, so now I tell them I make $30k/year (which is partially true only I make a lot more than that now) and they quickly move onto the next person. Better if done while browsing boats...

 

I was just at Cabela's yesterday and what I couldn't get over is they now charge $6 for RoboWorms. tacklesupplydepot.com or tacklewarehouse.com here I come...

[WRB]

When a job is secondary income you have more options.

Tom

[Eric J]

I madw a trip to the Ct location yesterday and tbh it was a great experience. Spent 69 bucks on lures. 

 

However... I was approached no less than 7 times to be told about their credit card.  When we first walked in we were approached by a woman. Who seemed very helpful until we realized she was just trying to get us to sign up for the card.

 

It bordered on harassment. 

 

Outrageously annoying.

 

 

[Log Catcher]

1 hour ago, sully420 said:

I just had a terrible experience at cabelas last Friday. I purchased one the there tournament zx rods last spring because the salesman told me they had a life time warranty. Well last week i broke the rod setting the hook on a 2lb bass. So i went it to exchange it and came to find out that the salesperson lied to me about the warranty and that it ended when bass pro bought cabelas. I informed them that the only reason i bought the rod was the warranty and the staff at the door when i walked in on friday told me it was under warranty. So when i went to customer service and was informed that they weren't honoring there warranty i informed them on the 3000 dollars i spent there last year on a tm and electronics they didn't care and asked me to leave bluntly. So ill never be shopping at bass pro or cabelas ever again, i can't believe they would loose a customer over a 100 dollar rod that they make. Guess I'll have to get my power poles and helix 10 elsewhere.

Sorry to hear Cabelas is doing people that way. I thought about buying one of their fish eagle rods when they put them on sale again. Guess i will stay away if they are going to be that way about it.

[Eric J]

1 hour ago, sully420 said:

I just had a terrible experience at cabelas last Friday. I purchased one the there tournament zx rods last spring because the salesman told me they had a life time warranty. Well last week i broke the rod setting the hook on a 2lb bass. So i went it to exchange it and came to find out that the salesperson lied to me about the warranty and that it ended when bass pro bought cabelas. I informed them that the only reason i bought the rod was the warranty and the staff at the door when i walked in on friday told me it was under warranty. So when i went to customer service and was informed that they weren't honoring there warranty i informed them on the 3000 dollars i spent there last year on a tm and electronics they didn't care and asked me to leave bluntly. So ill never be shopping at bass pro or cabelas ever again, i can't believe they would loose a customer over a 100 dollar rod that they make. Guess I'll have to get my power poles and helix 10 elsewhere.

This is why I love my local Dick's. I had a rod snap and a Week later a reel with a bad magnet. On both instances they didn't blink and replaced both items.

 

Every time I walk in there I have a pleasurable experience and as a result spend the bulk of my fishing budget there. 

 

It's simple... Invest in your customers and the return is enormous...

[sully420]

I like Dicks but there fishing selection is limited where i live.

[Brew City Bass]

On 7/1/2018 at 11:41 AM, NYWayfarer said:

 

I feel the best option is to find a brick and mortar that has a price match guarantee. Like DSG. I can find the reel for a lower price online, walk into the store and walk out with the reel of my choice at that lower price.

 

The advantage is I can actually look at and handle the actual product I am purchasing and not have to wait for it to be delivered. 

This would be great if DSG stocked half of what I wanted to buy. I've yet to go in there and even see a reel I would consider. 

Also, do they even price match ebay? I've never had a store price match ebay.

On 7/1/2018 at 12:04 PM, sully420 said:

I just had a terrible experience at cabelas last Friday. I purchased one the there tournament zx rods last spring because the salesman told me they had a life time warranty. Well last week i broke the rod setting the hook on a 2lb bass. So i went it to exchange it and came to find out that the salesperson lied to me about the warranty and that it ended when bass pro bought cabelas. I informed them that the only reason i bought the rod was the warranty and the staff at the door when i walked in on friday told me it was under warranty. So when i went to customer service and was informed that they weren't honoring there warranty i informed them on the 3000 dollars i spent there last year on a tm and electronics they didn't care and asked me to leave bluntly. So ill never be shopping at bass pro or cabelas ever again, i can't believe they would loose a customer over a 100 dollar rod that they make. Guess I'll have to get my power poles and helix 10 elsewhere.

That rod probably only costed them $15-20 to be honest. 

I just returned a reel to cabelas, nothing wrong with it, just wasn't what I expected. No problems on the return. I just bought a cabelas rod when I was there doing the return as well. Hopefully I have no issues if it ever breaks. 

Sorry to hear they shafted you over some bull like that.

[volzfan59]

Our DSG in Knoxville, TN got rid of "The Lodge" when Academy came to town. 

 

Eric J and others, please don't get mad at the associate's. I promise you, they are being forced to ask about the credit cards. As I was told, every associate in every department is to ask.

At my former store, most are trying to feed their families on their salary. I was fortunate in that I wasn't. If you want to complain, and please do, ask for a store manager or call 1-800 basspro.

Edited July 1, 2018 by volzfan59
Forgot something