Thread: Got a question for you good folks!

get with arkie for best price

and you'll ALWAYS be working. No time for fun

Some fish and animal mounts are good to have around if space permits. Maybe monthly or weekly drawings for some fishing gear. Maybe a bulletin board that people can put their pictures on, business cards, notices, etc. Bottom line is to do things to stay in peoples minds. Agree with all the above posts. Good luck.

Make sure you keep your minnows healthy, If I get sickly minnows from a bait shop (die quickly) then they don't have to worry about my business anymore.. or do like Speck said and then it probably wouldn't matter that much

Main thing is first impression...have someone there with a smile on their face and make folks know you genuinely appreciate them being there. Look em dead in the eye and thank em for coming in. Then, most of the suggestions above will work, but no one likes a surley, grumpy retailer. Also, when customers ask about... "are they bitin", or "where would you suggest to go", always have an honest, thought thru answer. Don't know your situation, but if 'lake maps' are available, have them on hand and have one opened and marked up on where they have been bitin. Folks like good information. Your suppliers can give you some advice on marketing, but I've always found "you pay for what you get" really applies in hunting and fishing. I would contact C.Com members who make jigs, rod holders, etc., and see if you can use their products. Maybe have some proto types available to sell or order from. When I go somewhere new, I always ask if anybody is a member. Healthy fresh minners....a must. Keep iPilot batteries, and other batteries available. Jus a few suggestions.........Good luck, and you can probably kiss fishin good bye, you gonna be toooo busy. lol

Or.....
What else do fisherman and boaters stop to purchase? I would not open a tackle store but what can appeal to this traffic regardless of rain or shine?

Fisherman, boaters, and everyone else have to eat too. Food is more appealing and better business than the tackle.

My $0.02 worth.

Doubt that the money you make will justify the loss of your free time. Had a buddy that had a big bait shop. He always complained that when they were biting he had to work cause that is when he made his money. When things slowed down he could go but had missed the hot bite.

Originally Posted by Speck

If you have pretty ladies in low cut tops dipping minners for you, they will be lined up out the door and no one would care about the count!

This is the best advise offered so far, facts is the facts!!!!

Promote promote promote, gotta keep something going on all the time to draw people.