My bad experience: Archers Afield in Tigard

[TheRogue]

I purchased a Hoyt Magnatec in December from Archers Afield in Tigard, over the objections of several knowledgeable people. It's on my drive home everyday, which was pretty important, makes it easy. For those of you who don't know, Hoyt only allows sales through their "pro" shops (NO mail order), and regulates the sales areas. I could have gone over to Milwaukie to Broken Arrow, but wanted to stay local.

The bow came with a 75% letoff module....which is NOT legal for hunting in Oregon. I asked about that, and one guy there said, "Oh, that's the way we get them from Hoyt". That kinda seems stupid to get all the bows in the shop in a configuration that is not legal for hunting within the state?? Anyway, the other guy behind the counter said, "Oh, no-one ever gets checked anyway". Yikes!! Not for me!! I had them order modules for me, that's right, they didn't have any, even though the ones they carry aren't legal for hunting!!

They finally came in, and the service guy put them on. He got a piece of rubber caught in between the string and cam when he loosened the bow press back up....and he just yanked on the bow. The piece of rubber just popped off the press, and was stuck in the cam, he drew the bow and it fell out. Probably no big deal, but I was not terribly pleased.

I got home and the bow sat for 2 days. Went out to shoot, and I was checking everything to make sure it was tight...still trying to find an annoying noise. Well, what do ya know, one of the let-off modules was loose!! Glad I checked. Grabbed my tool to tighten it, and guess what?? It's stripped, not the bolt, but the CAM itself!!!!!! He had overtightened on that lightweight metal, and stripped it, and either didn't say anything, or just didn't know it. :whazzup: :whazzup:

Took it back in, and of course, they have to order the new cam. I called on Friday, which was 12 days after I took it back in. I was told the cam had not come in, and they didn't know when it would. Again going on advice from a local well-known shooter, I went in this morning to find out exactly what was going on. I was told that Hoyt had sent the wrong cam, so they returned it, and didn't know when the right one was coming in. (Gee, thanks for letting me know on the d*** phone!!) After a little more grumbling on my part, one of the guys behind the counter said, "well, we could take a cam off one of the bows on the rack". Gee, that took brains.. :whazzup: Would've been nice to have that done 2 weeks ago, and get to shoot during that gorgeous weather.

So, it took about 5 minutes to swap out the cams. I grabbed my bow, and was told, "too bad that happened to you" like it was something that was my fault. I guess it was my fault for putting up with this crap. I won't be going back, any other work which ever needs done will be done by Broken Arrow.

Should I be upset?

TR

BTW, I've been told other similar horror stories from this place.

[ 01-26-2003, 05:37 PM: Message edited by: TheRogue ]

[halfounce]

Hello TR, I think I would be very upset myself. I also wouldn't go back with that kind of service. I sure like Our local Keizer bow shop "Pacific Crest Archery shop" and I know Ray wouldn't ever pull a stunt like that. Sorry you had to go through all the garbage ...

[fishuntr2]

I also had a bad experience at archers afield. I took in a bow that I had bought from a friend and they couldn't be bothered with talking to me about getting started in the sport. I had several questions and it just seemed like they didn't want to spend any time with me, they instead pointed out other bows that i would be better off with. I now want to get some work done on my bows (I now have 2) but I refuse to give those folks any of my business. Is there somewhere else that I can do business with on the westside of Portland? I am trying to get me and my son into bow hunting and need to start praticing.
Bob

[Bait O' Eggs]

I live about a mile from Broken Arrow and have bought my last 2 bows at Archers Afield. (wave at me Kyle as we pass on the freeway headed to the opposite side of town )

I bought my bow from the guy with the limp, very nice guy and answered all my questions. The really big guy set up my bow. He spent what seemed like hours getting the cams to break over just right. My draw length is short and he would press the bow and put one additional twist in the string trying to get it just right. :smile:

I have had no problems with Archers Afield, and kind of liked the service I have gotten. I really wanted to buy at Broken Arrow on the last bow but just couldnt bring myself to talk to the guys in there after they all told me exactly what I needed, rather than show me all the bows and their pluses and minuses. I felt like I was at Circuit city and the guy only got a commission on one bow model

I like to shoot at On Target Archery in Milwaukie because they have a 30 yd indoor range, My buddie and myself call this place "Grumpies", those guys havent smiled in years. [img]graemlins/dork.gif[/img]

Lots of shops in the area, find one you like and stick with it.

[Jonah's Revenge]

You should be upset. For me, customer service is more important than price or location.
First, most local shops have a difficult time competing with large companies such as Cabelas, G.I. Joes, etc. in regards to price. But they cannot give the customer service that a local business can give.
Second, since customer service is very important to me, if you feel they are not being very helpful to you, you should go elsewhere.
When a friend of mine and I started our own small business, the most important thing we strived for was customer satisfaction. We tried our best to make our customers happy. And local shops should do the same. You shouldn't continue going there if you are unhappy with them.

[SLEDDER]

In Milwaukie you also have On Target Archery. They have been very helpful for me in the past. I haven't been impressed by Archers afield myself. If you want a arrow rest that beats all others contact me at 503-654-1223. It is the Muzzy zero-effect rest. Mine is not for sale but I would tell you what I know about it.

[Norm]

Here is my 2 cents on Archers Afield. I've been buying my equipment from them since it was in Jim's garage. I only deal with the older guys who own the shop. I've never had a complaint. I'm sure they have a pretty high employee turn over just like most retail businesses. If you have a problem, talk to the owners. I'm sure most of thier employees are pretty good, but like any other business I'm sure they get an ocassional pain. I've seen them strip new bows for parts to get someone back in action during bow season, but I'm sure it's not somthing they like to do.

[TheRogue]

BOE...I know what you mean about the guy at Broken Arrow wanting to sell you a specific thing. He was bound and determined I needed the $1000 package, even though I told him I wanted to stay below $600(several times) :whazzup:

Sledder...definitely need to change my rest, the piece of **** prong rest they sold me is already got problems.

fishuntr2...Kutch's Archery in Carlton. He's actually up in the hills, but has a pretty good shop. It's where I was told to go before I bought mine, but didn't :depressed: He's got a 3-D course and a inside shooting range as well.

Norm...which ones are the owners?? There's always 3-4 guys wandering around behind the counter.

I won't be going back, they lost a customer with a big wallet.

TR

[Joe]

Thanks for the info guys!

I am getting ready to buy new bows for my son and I and have been debating where I will buy. You just ruled out a few spots. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

Its a shame Wapiti in Balston shut down. I always got good service from Dean. Anybody know why they gave it up?


Halfounce,

Does Pacific Crest sell Mathews and/or Bow Tech?

BTW, let me know if you are interested in getting out for some Tilamook Bay Sturgeon action in the next few months.

[42F&H4LIFE]

here's my 2 pennies :grin: :grin: last fall my wife wanted to learn how to shoot a bow so she signed up for a archery class at archers afield i told her i would shoot with her because i shoot my self . we took two consecutive classes and the second class we also had our 4 year old son shoot because he was ready. chris the instructor was very good . toward the end of the second class we purchased a compond bow for my wife from the guy with the limp(jim)but we got the best service from the big guy (john) he was vey helpful and knowlegable,once you get to know him a little. against your better judgment i would give archers afield another chance but talk with john.

[alwyze fishin]

I have ben going to that shop in tigard for years and with what i know about them you have to be in the group to get and good customer service out of them if any at all
i have my reason i want buy there any more i cant prove what happened. so that is why I do all my own work on my bows and buy my stuff from Cabelas

[42F&H4LIFE]

hey rogue i forgot to tell you there is a archery shop out the other side of carlton and yamhill off of hootch road i think but the folks out there are suppose to be very good and i think they also have a 3-d range on site

[Gun Rod Bow]

Rogue,

Sorry about your bad experience. I have bought a couple of bows from them.

I think I recommended them in a thread recently.

I have got some surly responses over there, but my customers may say the same about me. I bought my Q-2 there and the sight system they mounted had fiber optic strands that ran right over the release. My knocks broke the strands...twice...(mike?...owner?) wasn't crazy about replacing it, twice..but he did.

Leroy (older-glasses) gave me some lessons in not only shooting, but also tuning and field maintenance (re-stringing, re-serving) of my Mathews prior to an Alaska and NM trip. Jim (limp) has always been helpful and friendly. John (big guy) is very good at tuning, attentive and always goes out of his way to help me.

I've been in the shop in mid august during the CRUSH and I could see that they couldn't get to everyone.

My buddy Keith (bear pic) uses a new drop away rest and loves it. I use a prong type from Savage and am happy with it. The prong types with the little plastic covers wear and change impact point. The Savage doesn't wear, but it'll squeek if I don't spit on it.

Glad you posted. I hope to hear if an employee or I **** someone off at my business. Hope they see this and reach out to you.

We'll have to have some ifish bow shoots this summer. How 'bout it guys? I can set bales at multiple distances and angles at my place in Sherwood.

GRB

[fishuntr2]

TheRouge...Thanx for the Carlton tip. I'll check it out soon.
Bob

[Killertraylor]

TR - after I bought your buddies PSE Baby G, I took it and my old bow to Archers afield and traded them both in on a new Mathews Legacy. They gave me an excellent trade in value, but they didn't seem interested in setting up my mathews. I went over to broken arrow and had them put on a Trophy taker drop away rest - it's the best - much like the Muzzy zero effect, but a little cheaper. I paid $80 for mine and it's worth every penny.

I liked the old guy with the limp - he's the one who gave me the good trade, but I much prefer the guys down in Keizer at Pacific Crest and will buy all of my accessories from them. I'm avoiding on target in Milwaukee - it's funny that BOE called them the old grumpies - they didn't have one good thing to say about that PSE Baby G or the Mathews I bought. Those type of guys just bring me down. I think you'll really like the service you get at Broken arrow - they set my bow up real nice, re-fletched a bunch of arrows for me, and were prompt, kind, and accommodating through the whole process. Good luck - and if you get tired of all of them, come out to St. Helens and shoot with me - I'm putting in a real nice range on my property where you can shoot out to 60 yards.

[Tanner]

I have only been in Archers Afield shop 4 or 5 times and have recieved outstanding service every time. I just purchased my Son's bow there this last summer and they did a great job of setting it up for us.

[whatugetemon]

I've been in Archers Afield several times, and have bought enough equipment to equal the cost of a bow, but I have a heck of a time getting assistance from anyone there.

Its funny, when someone who has purchased a bow or even better is currently considering buying a bow walks in they immediately get assistance. I only go there because it is the only place I know of on the west side.

I am surprised to here bad things about their quality of workmanship. I've always had good luck in that department.

[Gus Orviston]

Isn't the guy outside of Carlton on Kutch road,,,,not hootch.

I have been going in and out of Archers for years, shot league there as well as all my gadgetry....

Jim and others have always been helpful, no more quirky than any small family owned bussiness. I would have been annoyed too with the lack of attention or insight to take something off the shelf to satifsy a customers needs. I know it isn't always proper to canibalize shelf stock to make customer repairs, but after realizing they induced the issue ...they should help.

As for the comment on the illegal specs of a bow... and shrugging it off concerns me, and it should be brought to the owners attention.

gus

[Gobbaworms]

I'm sorry to hear about your experience at Archers Afield. Fortunately, I haven't had the same experience.
Jim (guy with limp) is always helpful, John (big guy) is nice once you get to know him, and Leroy (old, clean shaven guy with glasses) always seems preoccupied but seems to love getting kids dialed in...and is great at it.
I think the prices are fair, advice is good and they are not afraid to tell you what you may not want to hear, which is good.
I only deal with these three so couldn't tell you about the rest.

My .02 :smile:

[King Kong]

I have two words for you "ARCHERY WORLD" Vancouver WA. It is a bit of a drive but the staff is excellent at helping with problems, giving advice, recommendations, shooting lessons etc. I bought my Hoyt ultratec there. My brother bought his Martin Mag there. Excellent service. I went to Archery world three times and they wouldnt give me the time of day. I also walked in there with my uncle who wanted a new Mathews and they told him that they couldnt have it set up to shoot for at least two weeks!!! They lost that sale. They lost over $2500 in business from my family alone!!! I guess it doesnt matter too much to them. I have been saying this for years. They need some good competition down the road and maybe they would change there attitude.

[datsjeep]

I have purchased every one of my bows from archers over the last 10 years. Before I really got to know these guys there were times that I thought the customer service was lacking. Now I realize exactly how the operation works and I understand that they are extremely busy even when it does not appear that the shop has very many customers.

Jim (limp) is the owner. Anytime you have a problem that needs a swap out or return it is just best to deal with him. He is really the only one that can make the decision.

John (big guy) is by far the best at really dialing a bow up. He will always help but he wont necesarly drop what he is doing to help. If he is serving a string you will have to wait. Just say to him hey I need some help and he will hook you up.

Leroy (older with glasses) has literly spent hours with me trying to trouble shoot a broadhead problem.

I couple things that have happened to me, not all good, where these guys earned my business.
I purchased a martin couger magnum rated at 60#-80#. I had the H class limbs and had it cranked up to 84# These limbs are rated by martin at 80# but ususally a little more wont hurt. I shot the bow twicw a month for about an hour for 4 months . Starting August 1st I shot 4 times a week. Limbs broke first week. Jim ordered new ones and had them on my bow in a couple days. Couple days later they broke.Third set snapped in a week or so later. I bought this bow as my eastern Oregon bow and wanted it to shoot at 300fps. That is why I was pulling the weight. Anyways I was ****ed and Jim new it. Bow season started In a week and I wasnt sure what to do. Jim started making some calls to Martin, turns out the H series magnum limb is really rated at 70# with 80# an absolute maximum. I would never get to 300fps with this bow and really had lost all confidence with it.

Jim asked me if I would shoot the Mathews a few times to see if I liked it. I already new I liked it but outfitted it would cost $400 more than the Martin. I shot it a few times told him I liked it but couldnt afford another bow and what was I supposed to do with the Martin. He said leave the Martin with me, let me have John build the mathews tomorow and come back then. I cam back the next day and John instantly handed me an ultra 2 and said go shoot through the crono and at a few targets. I did, 306fps, smooth, fast and surprisingly quiet. When I was done Jim said you want it? Sure I wanted it but the cost was sure to be a problem. He said I will refund 100% of the purchase price on the Martin and all the components ( now 5 months later) sell you the Mathews and components at cost you owe me $275, pay me $50 a month till its paid off and bring me some meat.

Now that is customer service

[Wet Willie]

fishuntr2

Kutch Archery
21401 N.W. Kutch Rd.
Yamhill Or 97148

Owned and operated by Kenny and Ruth Payne 503-852-7537

[42F&H4LIFE]

hey gus thanks for the correction on kutch rd. hootch didn't look right but that was all that stuck in my head

[WildHawg]

I thought all the bows they got in were 75% let off?? How could they cannibalize a 65% letoff module??
Those guys have no business selling equipment that is illegal in Oregon --then trying to make you a poacher since "no one gets checked". What a crock.
They should request that ALL their bows come legal, and if they don't, should change 'em all out for free. I wouldn't do business with any outfit like that.
I am getting back to bow hunting, since my 13 year old is interested. KillerTraylor--if you ever want company on that new range, I'd love to try it. Nothing better than 3D's at unknown distances to hone your skills. I have a deer and an elk I could bring.

[TheRogue]

Wildhawg....

The let-off module and the cam are different pieces, so they took off another cam, and used the module that they ordered for me...sorry, kinda confusing.

Stopped at the On Target booth today at the Sportsman's Show. All of his Hoyts he had sitting there had the 65% modules...he said he ordered them that way. Hmmmmm, why didn't Archer's Afield do that??

TR

[ 02-05-2003, 06:45 PM: Message edited by: TheRogue ]

[steelhead_fishn]

If anyone lives in Seattle, Knock Point archery in Montlake Terrace is an awesome shop. I purchased a Hoyt MagnaTec from an individual not a shop, and I needed to get it set up. I took it in there and purchased some arrows, and a release from him. For 10 dollars he built my whole bow for me, including adding the rest, site, everything. He also had me shoot in his ranger to check my draw length, adjusted, shoot again etc. From this point forward I will buy all of my gear from this guy. This is my first bow, and the owner of the shop knew it. He took two hours showing me what all the different pieces, cams, etc are for, how to use it, how to shoot.

Jeff