Thread: Kerr Scott bait store prices

I sold minnows for a long time and know I know that healthy active minnows are your best repeat business. I also know that the customer is very critical. I always gave one extra bass minnow. The small minnows are very cheep wholesale. If a customer got crappie minnows they would get 2 or 3 extra. The more they got the more extras they would get. Time is money, so if you count slow you burn time. If you count fast you have to error on the side of the customer. My 2 cents.

When Gander Mountain sold minnows here in Greensboro, that was the place to get them. They were $.50-$.60 more than anywhere else, but if you went in right before closing the kids they had working there would usually throw in twice as many as you asked for. Of course, they no longer sale minnows either. LOL We usually by 10-15 dozen when we use them (winter) and the guy usually throws in at least an extra dozen to a dozen and a half. Like others have said, they are not making their living off of minnows and extra minnows in the tank will bring you back and few go in without buying drinks, snacks, tackle, etc.
Mike

Take a kid outdoors!

Guys all I know is im becoming a lot better jig fisherman year round . I use minnows in winter and am about the only man on the water up here fishing for crappie. When I buy them I come out of the store with more than just minnows.

I guess I'm just from the old school and have always believed you could sell more to people coming in the door than going out the door. I came out with more than minnows in both places. His counting technique will not cause me to stop crappie fishing, I do know how to toss jigs and I go to other lakes to night fish so all is well that ends well. He's happy, I'm happy, and I wish each of you happy crappie, from the pappy

Originally Posted by ATM

If the store employee asked you how many minnows you expected for three dozen, what would you answer?

I'd say, "Enough to ensure I have 36 good minnows when I get to the lake." That's the expectation that has been set by bait shops everywhere. So, now, if they getting counted out, it has the perception of being "stingy" instead of good will towards the customer.

I don't know the markup on minnows, but it doesn't really matter if the majority of people don't want to come back because of it. "Perception is reality" especially applies to a business and customer service.

Originally Posted by blugrasmaniac

I'd say, "Enough to ensure I have 36 good minnows when I get to the lake." That's the expectation that has been set by bait shops everywhere. So, now, if they getting counted out, it has the perception of being "stingy" instead of good will towards the customer.

I don't know the markup on minnows, but it doesn't really matter if the majority of people don't want to come back because of it. "Perception is reality" especially applies to a business and customer service.

Minnows are about 6 cents each. They are sold by weight. I usually buy them twice a winter and they drive them right to my doorstep. They are really easy to keep as long as you have an aerator. You can keep them in a large cooler or a barrel. As cheap as they are, you really aren't saving any money by buying bulk, but it sure is convenient not having to drive to find minnows. I order my crickets by the case too. Do a search for minnow or cricket farm!

I have the best of both worlds. A good friend who raises bass and bream commercially for sale. He will always buy 30 or so pounds of minnows when he gets a few hundred pounds of fingerlings, to stock his ponds. I let him use my beach houses a couple of times a year, and he usually has plenty of free minnows for me. Just have to call him a day or to in advance so that he can catch them from pond. He does not sale to the public. On the times that I do not call him or he is out, I usually get mine at the Citgo in Lexington. (Hwy 8, and 47 int.)I buy by the pound and they always add a few extra, and you can see the scales when they weight them, know going into the back room to count. If they are so tight as to count them 1 at a time, I can only speculate as to how many I get, and I do not have the time to wait for them to count 20 dozen or so. (Simpleman sure does use a lot of minnows) lol.

I'll just say this. Stores stay in business by selling things and making profit. We all need to understand that. They also spend money on advertising with the purpose of getting people in the door. Best advertising is word of mouth. Its free and effective. So when you get someone to visit your store thats your chance to make an impression. Be friendly, provide good products at a reasonable price (ie don't gouge) and make the customer want to come back. Not saying give away the store but you are not the only choice in town so don't try to squeeze every penny out of them. If your selling what they need and want you will make it up on repeat business. If it were my bait shop I would not like what I am hearing on this thread and would make some changes. I think every body like a deal. No matter how small.