I asked Shakespeare myself and got the following strict response.



Dear Mr. La Londe,

Thank you for writing. We appreciate any and all feedback from our
consumers. To address your concerns, The All Star warranty has not changed.
The limited Life Time warranty card states that to receive warranty service,
submit your rod along with the owner's portion of the warranty card and
$15.00 for return postage. The only thing that has changed is the location.
I think the difference the public may feel is that we are now adhering to
our policy, whereas the staff in Houston did not. The policy of replacing
rods, at minimal or no cost, oft times with no questions asked is the
reason the All Star company got into the red and was made a takeover target.
Our service center in Columbia, SC has no problem honoring a warranty
provided that the consumer can produce all the required documentation. Our
warranty is made clear on all of our products and we will continue to
process all claims as the policy states. The Shakespeare Fishing Tackle
Co.and Pflueger has been in business for over 100 years. Our products are
popular and are loved by many consumers worldwide. We will continue to make
quality products and provide quality service for many years to come. For
more information on our products, service and warranties, please visit our
websites:

www.allstarrods.com www.pfluegerfishing.com www.shakespeare-fishing.com.



Regards,

Patricia Walker

Consumer Services & Warranty

"just me" wrote in message
bal.net...
I broke the front section of an All Star rod - good rod, probably $100 -
$125 or thereabouts. In the past I have been able to go to the factory
here in Houston and get immediate service. All Star had been fantastic
for years, either replacing the item at minimal or no cost or repairing
it for a very reasonable price.

I went by their site today and it is closed with a sign showing a 1.800
number. I called it. It is a Shakespeare service number, as
Shakespeare bought All Star a few months back. I explained the problem
and was told I'd have to go back thru the store where I bought the rod
to get any service, warranty or otherwise. I asked if I could at least
buy a replacement section, directly. I was told, in no uncertain terms,
that Shakespeare did not provide that service.

When I explained that I had been a big fan of All Star because of their
great products and fantastic service, the lady commented, "That's the
reason they aren't in business anymore.".

I haven't had any dealings with Shakespeare or bought any Shakespeare
products for a bunch of years because this is the same experience I had
with them "back when" - their service was LOUSY then and doesn't appear
to have changed.

Castaway, you just gained a customer.

BTW, Shakespeare also owns Pfleuger (sp ??), so I'll be avoiding them,
too.

Anyone else had this kind of experience with Shakespeare?

Glen