All Star Rods - Now Shakespeare

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

just me wrote:
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

Glen,

Do you mind if I forward this to someone I know, who is a Shakespeare
rep? I started purchasing Pflueger reels, but if this is the kind of
service I am going to get, then I am definitely going to reconsider!

Chris

"Chris Rennert" wrote in message
.. .
just me wrote:
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

Glen,

Do you mind if I forward this to someone I know, who is a Shakespeare rep?
I started purchasing Pflueger reels, but if this is the kind of service I
am going to get, then I am definitely going to reconsider!

Chris

I sure would like to hear the final outcome of this from Shakespeare. I've
used Allstar rods for years now and had planned on purchasing "one more rod"
in the next few weeks. If they've been bought out and service is not going
to be the same, then I too will change (sadly, but I will).
--
Da Chief,
All outgoing mailed scanned by
Symantec Anti-virus

Da Chief wrote:
"Chris Rennert" wrote in message
.. .

just me wrote:

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


Glen,

Do you mind if I forward this to someone I know, who is a Shakespeare rep?
I started purchasing Pflueger reels, but if this is the kind of service I
am going to get, then I am definitely going to reconsider!

Chris


I sure would like to hear the final outcome of this from Shakespeare. I've
used Allstar rods for years now and had planned on purchasing "one more rod"
in the next few weeks. If they've been bought out and service is not going
to be the same, then I too will change (sadly, but I will).
I forwarded it to the guy I know. I am anxiously awaiting his reply.

Chris

Chris didn't the Castaway company come from ex All-Star folks?
"Chris Rennert" wrote in message
.. .
just me wrote:
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

Glen,

Do you mind if I forward this to someone I know, who is a Shakespeare rep?
I started purchasing Pflueger reels, but if this is the kind of service I
am going to get, then I am definitely going to reconsider!

Chris

In article et,
says...
Chris didn't the Castaway company come from ex All-Star folks?
"Chris Rennert" wrote in message
.. .
just me wrote:
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

Glen,

Do you mind if I forward this to someone I know, who is a Shakespeare rep?
I started purchasing Pflueger reels, but if this is the kind of service I
am going to get, then I am definitely going to reconsider!

Chris



Chris

No, if it'll help wake someone up in the Shakespeare Co., maybe some
good will come from it.

Glen

I was not impressed when I called Pflueger customer service about the
plastic spacer built into the handle falling apart in the handles of a
couple of Plueger Supreme spinning reels within a couple months of
purchasing them. The plastic spacer disintegrates basically making the reel
worthless because you can't turn the handle when you tighten it down. They
referred me to a place where I could buy new handles and refused to even
consider that it was just a poor design that should be warranted. I would
have been happy to just get some new handles so I could use them another
month or two. I guess I am going to have to look at a couple of those
Shimanos to replace my spinning reels next time. In the mean time I guess
I'll run down to the hardware store and see if I can find a nylon bushing
that will do the trick.

I wonder if this is going to be typical of the general attitude of
Shakespeare owned companies and product lines? I hope not. Pflueger used
to be a name to be reckoned with in the industry.

You can not beat St Croix Rod warranties and diawa reels. I lost a part to
one of my reels when cleaning and Diawa sent me a new part FREE. Browning
is the same way as All star. Browning wants you to send a receipt in.
"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

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

"Bob La Londe" wrote in
:

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.

It's a pretty stupid policy. It goes well beyond proving original
ownership to have to produce a piece of paper that you got with your rod.
It should be enough that your name matches the name on the registration
form.

Scott