Tackle Unlimited Reel Repairs

So my ultra light reel recently broke and I took it to Tackle Unlimited to have them fix it. All that was broken was the bail spring, not even a minute fixing. They took probably around 15 minutes and when I was looking at it today I noticed that the bail was sitting weird. Took the bail and the covering off and found that they had cut down a spring that was to big for the reel and jammed it in there and that they had also bent my bail. I paid almost 10 dollars for this and im quite p*ssed that its messed up. Has anyone else had problems with them or am I just an unlucky one.

Did you try to resolve this with them, or just go straight to blasting them on the internet?

Not saying you shouldn't be ticked, and I don't like shoddy workmanship either. BUT- sometimes it is a good idea to try and resolve something before going off on the world wide web and saying things that could negatively effect a persons business.

After all, it wasn't too long ago that everybody was lamenting the loss of all the little guy tackle shops due to economic hardship. That hardship still exists to some degree.

Not trying to tear you a new one or anything. I understand that you are generally a well mannered poster and enthusiastic sportsman. Just asking that you think twice before doing something like this.

You are right, I should've tried to resolve it before posting on here. I was just ticked about the fact that I emailed the guy ahead of time asking about the part and he said they had them. Then I get there and they jam the wrong on in because they didn't have the right one. I will be calling or going out again this week to see what they can do.

And Leo, the reel broke opening day about 3 or 4 hours in, luckily I had a reel I was able to take off of my brother since he was done.

ORIGINAL: PeteM

Not saying you shouldn't be ticked, and I don't like shoddy workmanship either. BUT- sometimes it is a good idea to try and resolve something before going off on the world wide web and saying things that could negatively effect a persons business.

After all, it wasn't too long ago that everybody was lamenting the loss of all the little guy tackle shops due to economic hardship. That hardship still exists to some degree.

Not trying to tear you a new one or anything. I understand that you are generally a well mannered poster and enthusiastic sportsman. Just asking that you think twice before doing something like this.

To be completely fair, this isn't on him. Had they done what they said they would do, he'd have never come here with something negative to say about them.

While I'm all about supporting the little guy, he has to earn my support, he doesn't just get it automatically because he's the little guy.

More and more lately, I'm running into this sentiment that somehow we, the consumers, owe it to small businesses to cut them slack and give them repeated chances to make something right before we decide to go elsewhere or say something negative about them, and I think that's just enabling this kind of shoddy business practice.

Just picked up a repaired reel from there and it's in great shape and didn't cost me much at all, but it was only a spring that needed replaced. Their hours are whack for a baitshop, but bait is not their main business so it is what it is. The owner and the other older guy that works their are always real nice.

I get bait from TU when they are open because they have a better selection than Shadlures (most of the time) and I usually buy shiners which TU sells by the # rather than by the dozen like Shadlures. Plus, lately the guy that gets the bait out of the shack at Shadlures has been giving me 23-24 shiners when I get 2 dozen. If im paying almost $6 a dozen at least toss me a few extra fish. OTOH I usually get a few extra (sometimes waaay more) from TU but I still give both shops plenty of business. It just depends on my situation that day.

And I can't stop at Shadlures with an 18' boat on the back :)

TU rubbed me the wrong way the other day. I called and asked if they had small fatheads and if so, how much per dozen? They said yes, they have them but they wouldn't give me a price over the phone. To Shadlure I went. Dumb policy that just loses customers. I don't mind paying a slightly higher price if I don't have to drive through West Elizabeth when I'm in a rush on my way home from work but to not tell me a price...

They did do a good job on my Stradic 2500 rebuild and I have no complaints for the work or price. It was in pretty rough shape after a couple years use wadefishing in saltwater.

I love Shadlure! TU is easier to get to for me also but Shadlure treats me to good to go any where else for bait. Good People!

ORIGINAL: kill3ducks1deer

ORIGINAL: Mountian Man

Most good reels come with a diagram of all the parts and serial #s...Call da company and you'll either get the part for free or pay a small shipping charge, then learn to fix it yourself

I originally emailed the company about it but they didn't email me back till after I had already gone to TU and got it "repaired". I would have done it myself if I had gotten the part earlier. They are sending me the part now, but I am still a little POed about what TU did

And thus a lesson in patience, had a carp shatter and fracture guides on one of my chub stalker rods. Was about to attempt a fix on it but would have voided the warrenty. So it took over a month and a half before I had a new top section an a email from them. Sad part was the nearest greys headquarters(who also makes the chub series) was in Lancaster only guess was they had to contact the headquarters in europe to get the section LOL 
 
Not bashing them as they make some kickass rods, just check the inbox more often

It's always the right thing to do to try and handle a private dispute privately before going public with it. That said, I don't really have a dog in this fight because I'm rarely at T.U. simply due to the fact that I don't fish over that way often, but was very pleased with each visit I have made there.

Not a fan of tackle unlimited either. No problem coming from me with blasting them over the internet if they did it wrong then I'm glad you told people I won't be taking my reels there. I went in there to buy a baitcaster I stayed for about 5 minutes and walked out the door. very overpriced. Ed

Only ever been there for bait...they were fine but the bait was the most expensive around...and 2 dozen minnows was always exactly that...24 of them, compared to, say, Lock 3 where you usually get triple that value...

ORIGINAL: elko04

there is no substitute for personal service. big box corp. has run most out of buissness. shadlures is still standing only because of the personal servive. i really enjoy taking a few minutes and shooting the ****. its important, the man is getting much older and he wont be around forever.so take a minute and enjoy what he has to say.

He is a great guy who has always been kind to me and always has something interesting to say. Hopefully he's around for many more years.

ORIGINAL: Swans500

Only ever been there for bait...they were fine but the bait was the most expensive around...and 2 dozen minnows was always exactly that...24 of them, compared to, say, Lock 3 where you usually get triple that value...

Yeah, Lock 3 and O'Donnells near Lake Arthur aren't much of bait counters. At least with the fat heads. Can't remember the last time that I bought shiners though.

TU is a bit of a love/hate with me. It's somewhat convenient, although no North bound exit, adds an extra 5 minutes getting home. Their # minnow prices seem fair. The service is ok. The guy on the floor is very friendly and helpful. When he is with someone else, the guys in the back don't feel that it is their responsibility to give assistance. Maybe it isn't, but if you are in view of the customer, and you see them sitting at the counter for more than a few minutes, ANY good business would at least acknowledge them, instead of looking up then quickly looking back down... Although other times, I have had them get up and help.

I had a trolling motor fixed there as well. It works like new, so great work on it. I wasn't very happy about the price. But, I probably should have shopped around for prices. Kind of hard when you need it diagnosed, which is a good chunk of theirs or any others charges. It was cheaper than buying new, but not too much. Live and learn on that one.

All and all, if Lock 3 or O'Donnells were the same distance, I would never go to TU. I might have to run down to Shad Lure one of these days. I used to always go there as a kid, when we fished the river.

ORIGINAL: elko04

hey jeff do i know you.. i grad. sp in 86

Doubt it I was class of '01 :)

ORIGINAL: Porktown

I had a trolling motor fixed there as well. It works like new, so great work on it. I wasn't very happy about the price. But, I probably should have shopped around for prices. Kind of hard when you need it diagnosed, which is a good chunk of theirs or any others charges. It was cheaper than buying new, but not too much. Live and learn on that one.

was it under warranty? assuming one has a minn kota under warranty they should fix it free of charge? I was thinking about that the other day since I just bought a new Powerdrive V2 Bow Mount. Would be nice to be able to take it there for a no hassle warranty repair.