"Poor" service at "Poor Richard's"

"Poor" service at "Poor Richard's"

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"Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 12:03:52 AM

euphoboy

Posts: 49
Joined: 10/11/2004
Status: offline

Hi all,

A few friends and I made the trip to Erie for our annual fall steelhead trip this past weekend. Once a weekly endeavor, I can only make it up at most twice a year to spend quality time on the tribs with good friends and family since taking a job as a teacher in Atlanta, GA. I flew into Pittsburgh Thursday night and we braved the blizzard up to Erie excited to get into some steel!

The tribs were great and we had a blast Friday morning on 12 mile hitting them left and right under the bridge. My buddy landed a 12 1/2 pounder that he decided to take in to "Poor Richard's" for a citation and to get smoked. I thought "great, I need to pick up some supplies anyway." Normally we look forward to our trips to this establishment to rub elbows with fellow fisherpeople and talk about the sport we come to enjoy. I don't mind spending the inflated tackle prices to help out a small business. Especially considering I grew up working in a family-owned boat/tackle shop in Western PA.

I was shocked/embarrassed/outraged however at the service I received this day. I had a question about some flurocarbon line I was interested in purchasing, but before I could complete my question I was interrupted by a rude, inconsiderate and very unprofessional comment from the man behind the counter. It was followed by laughter from another man filleting fish in the back remarking "a stupid question will get a stupid answer." Shocked by such "Poor" business etiquette, I dropped the $40 in merchandise in my hands on the counter and walked out. The man shrugged his shoulders, gave me a "doesn't bother me" grin and proceeded to put the items back on the shelf.

Now, I can empathize the monotony of working long hours, hearing the same questions over and over, and answering the same phone calls regarding fishing conditions. I've been there. It sucks. But, treating a paying customer with such disrespect is completely unacceptable! I would expect more from a place regarded so highly on this board.We are your livelihood man! Talk about biting the hand that feeds you. Instead, I took my business to "Gander Mountain" where I found the same line for $8.99 compared to your $16.50. The employee there was happy to answer my question and I was pleased that my bill totaled $25 instead of the $40 I had intended to spend at "Poor Richard's." I will never step foot in your smelly hut again and hope any sensible/intelligent readers will do the same. Get over yourself...you work in a bait shop...

< Message edited by euphoboy -- 11/25/2008 1:14:54 AM >

Post #: 1

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 12:07:29 AM

pghmarty

Posts: 4476
Joined: 12/5/2004
From: Bradford Pa then Pittsburgh
Status: offline

But:
Can Gander fillet or smoke fish?

(in reply to euphoboy)

Post #: 2

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 12:08:20 AM

rapala11

Posts: 2950
Joined: 3/5/2006
Status: offline

ouch. have only been there once and it was for a minimal purchase. sorry it happened to you. had always heard decent things about the place.

_____________________________

silence means consent.....

..."Old men start wars...young men die in them."

(in reply to euphoboy)

Post #: 3

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 12:10:03 AM

rollcaster

Posts: 175
Joined: 9/4/2008
From: portage
Status: online

What was the question?

(in reply to euphoboy)

Post #: 4

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 12:10:06 AM

gobyking

Posts: 1005
Status: offline

What was the question? Sorry you had a bad experience anyway.

(in reply to rapala11)

Post #: 5

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 12:18:15 AM

grimm reaper

Posts: 84
Joined: 9/12/2008
Status: online

i heard that before about the place

(in reply to gobyking)

Post #: 6

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 12:25:53 AM

spoonchucker

Posts: 6194
Status: offline

How was it that the man filleting fish heard, and laughed at the comment from the man behind the counter? The fillet station is outside, far from hearing distance.

_____________________________

Get Informed, Get Involved, And Make A Difference.

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The next time you say "Somebody should do something", remember that YOU are somebody.

GL&TC

(in reply to grimm reaper)

Post #: 7

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 12:34:53 AM

Rainbow1

Posts: 74
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: euphoboy

Hi all,

A few friends and I made the trip to Erie for our annual fall steelhead trip this past weekend. Once a weekly endeavor, I can only make it up at most twice a year to spend quality time on the tribs with good friends and family since taking a job as a teacher in Atlanta, GA. I flew into Pittsburgh Thursday night and we braved the blizzard up to Erie excited to get into some steel!

The tribs were great and we had a blast Friday morning on 12 mile hitting them left and right under the bridge. My buddy landed a 12 1/2 pounder that he decided to take in to "Poor Richard's" for a citation and to get smoked. I thought "great, I need to pick up some supplies anyway." Normally we look forward to our trips to this establishment to rub elbows with fellow fisherpeople and talk about the sport we come to enjoy. I don't mind spending the inflated tackle prices to help out a small business. Especially considering I grew up working in a family-owned boat/tackle shop in Western PA.

I was shocked/embarrassed/outraged however at the service I received this day. I had a question about some flurocarbon line I was interested in purchasing, but before I could complete my question I was interrupted by a rude, inconsiderate and very unprofessional comment from the man behind the counter. It was followed by laughter from another man filleting fish in the back remarking "a stupid question will get a stupid answer." Shocked by such "Poor" business edicate, I dropped the $40 in merchandise in my hands on the counter and walked out. The man shrugged his shoulders, gave me a "doesn't bother me" grin and proceeded to put the items back on the shelf.

Now, I can empathize the monotony of working long hours, hearing the same questions over and over, and answering the same phone calls regarding fishing conditions. I've been there. It sucks. But, treating a paying customer with such disrespect is completely unacceptable! I would expect more from a place regarded so highly on this board.We are your livelihood man! Talk about biting the hand that feeds you. Instead, I took my business to "Gander Mountain" where I found the same line for $8.99 compared to your $16.50. The employee there was happy to answer my question and I was pleased that my bill totaled $25 instead of the $40 I had intended to spend at "Poor Richard's." I will never step foot in your smelly hut again and hope any sensible/intelligent readers will do the same. Get over yourself...you work in a bait shop...

What was your question?

Gander does not clean or smoke fish, and usally only have general fishing notions. You should have stoped at FISH USA

(in reply to euphoboy)

Post #: 8

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 12:38:02 AM

euphoboy

Posts: 49
Joined: 10/11/2004
Status: offline

I was intending to ask a question about the diameter and durability of 4lb "P-Line" compared to 6lb and how it compares to the "Berkley Vanish" I have used for years. I had read some positive posts about the product and was interested in this man's "expert" opinion and experience. He stopped me mid-sentence, pulled the box out of my hand and said with a sarcastic grin "see this right here, it says four pound test. That means a four pound fish will break it and a six pound fish will break that one on the wall" Now, I am a very articulate person with a masters degree in teaching. That was not the question I was asking. I pick and choose my words wisely as you would expect from any educated person and was very clear with the man behind the counter. I hear dumb questions everyday from people interested in my expert opinion, and would never belittle them for trying to ascertain them. I fish very regularly and have a sound understanding of what the numbers refer to on the package. For some reason, a paying customer was the outlet for this man's daily frustration or social incompetence.

I understand that many/most of the people on this board have had positive experiences and opinions of this establishment. As stated, this had continued to be my experience for many years. However, I felt this "Poor" display of business etiquette merited a post on this highly visited board. I don't post often here and I'm far from anyone who is interested in causing any trouble. I just think things like this shouldn't go unwitnessed. Tight lines all.

(in reply to gobyking)

Post #: 9

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 12:41:17 AM

euphoboy

Posts: 49
Joined: 10/11/2004
Status: offline

It was "too cold" outside from what the man had explained. My buddy took his fish straight back when entering the door where fish were being processed.

(in reply to spoonchucker)

Post #: 10

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 12:51:56 AM

euphoboy

Posts: 49
Joined: 10/11/2004
Status: offline

Thanks for the suggestion. I have no interest in eating steelhead or having them smoked, thus the trip to Gander Mountain. It was my buddy who was looking for that service. I'll look forward to exploring my options for tackle purchases during my next trip.

(in reply to Rainbow1)

Post #: 11

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 12:52:25 AM

2Bonthewater

Posts: 302
Joined: 10/16/2002
Status: online

I was in there one time and they were bashing the PFBC........it was funny........cuz at the time I was employed by the PFBC..........................

_____________________________

You can get away with a lot of **** if it looks like that's all you know how to do.
Henry Rollins

(in reply to euphoboy)

Post #: 12

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 12:54:16 AM

FiveMilePete

Posts: 885
Joined: 10/13/2004
Status: online

You came from Atlanta to fish in a tunnel, and you complain about poor service? Poor baby.

Why didn't you complain to the owner?

And you could have gotten smoked fish at East End Angler, which you drove by on your way to PR.

I would guess they were just having a little fun with you, not knowing you
were so up tight. I don't think they are going to shut down because they lost your 40 bucks worth of business.

You could have stopped at FishUsa on your way to PR, it's right on the way. You know? The sponsor of this site?

(in reply to euphoboy)

Post #: 13

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 1:09:51 AM

euphoboy

Posts: 49
Joined: 10/11/2004
Status: offline

Maybe because I chose not handle such a sophomoric comment with another sophomoric comment. Much like I'm doing right now with the one you just gave. I went there for the service offered and got something much different. I figured this board was a better outlet as it reaches more people. Again, thanks for your suggestion about Fish USA. I've never been there because the friend who drives while I'm here visiting has frequented "Poor Richard's" since he introduced me to steelhead fishing years ago.

(in reply to FiveMilePete)

Post #: 14

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 1:57:33 AM

krott243

Posts: 1327
Joined: 10/7/2002
Status: offline

Always got great service from Gary and Dot, them two never really are in the shop much though. There is one newer guy there that I have never seen, shorter, short dark hair, probably mid 30's-40's, not a fan. Wish I could work there. I'd sell bait and flys like penny candy to fat kid.

_____________________________

"There's a fine line between fishing and standing on the shore like an idiot."

"Your least confident fly, will catch the most fish"

(in reply to euphoboy)

Post #: 15

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 7:34:31 AM

Stillhead

Posts: 2881
Joined: 12/19/2003
Status: offline

I'm sure they were just busting your chops a little bit duud. If you would have hung around a second instead of running and crying like a whiny little girl I'm sure they would have given you a better answer to your question.

As for the question, you could ask that question to 100 different people, and you'd get 100 different answers.

(in reply to krott243)

Post #: 16

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 7:44:27 AM

Mr.Slickfish

Posts: 295
Joined: 3/11/2008
From: The greatest place on earth....Erie
Status: online

I've been going there for 35 yrs with no complaints. Try to keep in mind those people are SLAMMED with questions and phone call questions 24hrs a day, 7 days a week. If they roughed you up a little, i am pretty sure it was unintentional. They r pretty good people overall.

_____________________________

You can always tell a fisherman...
But you can't tell him much

(in reply to euphoboy)

Post #: 17

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 8:02:33 AM

MackJ

Posts: 348
Joined: 10/25/2007
Status: offline

Surely what you experienced represents poor business practice and should be guarded against by any smart small business owner. I probably would have done the same as you in both refusing to patronize the business then, in the future and in sharing the experience with others, but only after I was certain that the attitude you received was a genuine insult or merely a forgivable miscalculation on their part as to how their attempt at humor would be received.

(in reply to Mr.Slickfish)

Post #: 18

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 8:06:01 AM

dealinsteel

Posts: 181
Joined: 11/16/2006
Status: online

An educated man like yourself would have stopped using Berkley Vanish years ago

(in reply to MackJ)

Post #: 19

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 8:14:21 AM

genieman77

Posts: 1649
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: MackJ

but only after I was certain that the attitude you received was a genuine insult or merely a forgivable miscalculation on their part as to how their attempt at humor would be received.

egg-zacally...

BTW, don't tell Gary, but I'm love with Dottie

..L.T.A.

(in reply to MackJ)

Post #: 20

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 8:18:19 AM

bingsbaits

Posts: 1023
Joined: 3/1/2007
From: spartansburg,pa
Status: online

quote:

ORIGINAL: Stillhead

I'm sure they were just busting your chops a little bit duud. If you would have hung around a second instead of running and crying like a whiny little girl I'm sure they would have given you a better answer to your question.

As for the question, you could ask that question to 100 different people, and you'd get 100 different answers.

Listen to you people..All the man did was relate a bad business experience he had..

Now you call him names a whiny little girl..Were you there still?? How bout you Pete??

Why try to belittle the man for giving a heads up about piss poor service..

Talk about a bunch of uptight MF...

_____________________________

......"Don't Piss down my back and tell me its raining!"....

(in reply to Stillhead)

Post #: 21

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 8:21:37 AM

pxatim

Posts: 1194
Joined: 10/22/2006
From: dahn rahn ah rocks
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: dealinsteel

An educated man like yourself would have stopped using Berkley Vanish years ago

The was the real root of the problem!

(in reply to dealinsteel)

Post #: 22

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 8:23:14 AM

SilverKype

Posts: 3939
Joined: 1/24/2005
From: State
Status: offline

Ahhh come on bings... PR can do no wrong.

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Post #: 23

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 8:23:22 AM

Bughawk

Posts: 6103
Status: offline

I have always had very good service at Poor Richards and stop by often during the steelhead season and at other times of the year as well. I can not defend their actions, but I do realize that if the place was really busy as it can be this time of year and they were a bit stressed out. That is no excuse for poor service. Also, I do know in some of the smaller tackle shops there is a much more relaxed environment and sometimes the guys like to kid around some and this can be misinterpreted as an insult. There is a small sporting goods shop in my town and if you go in there you better have a pretty thick skin and be ready to get ripped on. It is kinda strange, but the more they like you, the more they rip on you. OF course, you have every right to give as good as you get and that is expected. It is a way of being accepted. Strange, but it can be very off putting to some folks. I have a friend who will never go back into that store because they did not like the atmosphere.

I am sorry you had a bad experience at Poor Richards and am sure that if Gary or Dot knew that you were displeased with their shop, they would have done whatever it takes to make it right.

_____________________________

pax vobiscum +

(in reply to dealinsteel)

Post #: 24

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 8:24:41 AM

CRANKMASTER

Posts: 102
Joined: 8/6/2008
From: Mercer,Pa
Status: online

I usually stop there more during the walleye bite of summer. I have done business with them for a while now. I have been there when theres hardly any room to sqeeze by other people and even on those days I've witnessed nothing of the sort. I have seen them busting their nads trying to help people as best and as fast as they can and have heard lots of jokes and laughter while doing so. I think you may have passed judgement prematurely on this one incident. And I hope you didnt buy the Berkely Vanish, I just had a bad experience with the stuff, not good in cold conditions.

_____________________________

"One likes to beleive in the freedom of music"

(in reply to MackJ)

Post #: 25

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 8:31:42 AM

Stillhead

Posts: 2881
Joined: 12/19/2003
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: bingsbaits

quote:

ORIGINAL: Stillhead

I'm sure they were just busting your chops a little bit duud. If you would have hung around a second instead of running and crying like a whiny little girl I'm sure they would have given you a better answer to your question.

As for the question, you could ask that question to 100 different people, and you'd get 100 different answers.

Listen to you people..All the man did was relate a bad business experience he had..

Now you call him names a whiny little girl..Were you there still?? How bout you Pete??

Why try to belittle the man for giving a heads up about piss poor service..

Talk about a bunch of uptight MF...

No I was not there. I'm in there often enough though. Read bughawks reply. That's the way it is man. They are called jokes, most people with a sense of humor understand. Whiny little girls don't.

(in reply to bingsbaits)

Post #: 26

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 8:35:57 AM

kilbasi kid

Posts: 70
Joined: 11/13/2008
Status: offline

In todays times,employees and owners should be concerned how a customer was treated.See,we all get to make our own call on what happend to you at this establishment.I tend to believe you.You have to be careful today.As of 8:30 this morning you had 223 hits on this thread.Will this cause any lost sales to pr.I would tend to guess yes.I'm sure they rather hear good comments than negative,exspecially on a site like this.If this really happend and continues, sales will be lost. I feel places like this feel they have it all wrapped up and nothing to loose.If they feel 40.00 was no big loss,well their loss.

(in reply to Bughawk)

Post #: 27

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 8:40:50 AM

chartist

Posts: 151
Joined: 10/18/2008
Status: online

"Will this cause any lost sales to pr.I would tend to guess yes."
Kilbasi Kid

In case you haven't noticed, the man is from Georgia. The civil war wasn't that long ago.

(in reply to kilbasi kid)

Post #: 28

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 8:48:24 AM

rapala11

Posts: 2950
Joined: 3/5/2006
Status: offline

chartist, i believe that he was originally from up here. i think he has a right to question and then sit back and read the feedback. i may have done the same as him in the store. a lot of you guys who frequent pr think it is a quality establishment. could be that one employee has hurt their reputation with a moment of putting his foot in his mouth. we all do it from time to time. i would lean towards giving them another chance, and write the experience off to the employee just making a dumb mistake.

_____________________________

silence means consent.....

..."Old men start wars...young men die in them."

(in reply to chartist)

Post #: 29

RE: "Poor" service at "Poor Richard's" - 11/25/2008 8:57:48 AM

chartist

Posts: 151
Joined: 10/18/2008
Status: online

I think I know what happened to Euphoboy at Poor Richards. Having moved away to a nearly foreign country ( Georgia), he acquired their manner speech and totally forgot his roots. So he starts a question with y'all, instead of the locally accepted vernacular yins, and they gave it to him with both barrels, so to speak.

(in reply to rapala11)

Post #: 30

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