James
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Post by James on Jan 6, 2016 5:57:47 GMT 10
Hi guys.
Thought I'd start a new discussion on this. It seems more and more local tackle stores aren't stocking Alvey for various reasons.
Would you guys like to see Alvey sell direct to public? Surely some retailers would get upset, but if you look at many other brands that have done this they have thrived.
For example I work in the bicycle industry. Many brands have gone this way and are doing well. Rumours are that big bicycle brands are planning to sell direct to public, however a customer must choose a local retailer to send their new purchases to. That way the retailer gets a commission for the sale and doesn't need to stock the item, and can sell accessories to the customer.
If I was working at Alvey I'd be definitely considering this to ensure the brand survives.
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GeneB
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Post by GeneB on Jan 6, 2016 7:41:05 GMT 10
I agree James. I am starting to see more and more rod and reel companies doing the on-line direct. As much as we like the see it and hold first, chances are the tackle shop doesn't have the model you are interested in. Over the years, maybe due to economic conditions, our tackle stores in the USA are getting very picky about what stock they invest in.
An example is my latest Okuma rod purchase. A Steelhead rod for fishing 2000 km from me. Just happens that they are Alvey style and a great action for fresh and light saltwater. I was able to buy direct.
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Post by Makar on Jan 6, 2016 7:45:24 GMT 10
Hi guys. Thought I'd start a new discussion on this. It seems more and more local tackle stores aren't stocking Alvey for various reasons. Would you guys like to see Alvey sell direct to public? Surely some retailers would get upset, but if you look at many other brands that have done this they have thrived. For example I work in the bicycle industry. Many brands have gone this way and are doing well. Rumours are that big bicycle brands are planning to sell direct to public, however a customer must choose a local retailer to send their new purchases to. That way the retailer gets a commission for the sale and doesn't need to stock the item, and can sell accessories to the customer. If I was working at Alvey I'd be definitely considering this to ensure the brand survives. Agree, if Alvey has any hope of surviving an increasingly competitive fishing tackle market, especially with inherent prejudice towards their brand from retailers, particularly in the Southern states, then Alvey needs to seriously consider direct selling to the public. Further, consideration should also be given towards promoting their product on fishing TV programs. The adventure fishing programs which currently appear on television are awash with direct and indirect advertising of brands like Shimano and Daiwa. These manufacturers are of course well aware of the impact images of massive fish being caught on their fishing tackle has on the public and the fishing culture in this country. Alvey can't rely on a small band of enthusiasts in Queensland and New South Wales to support their business into the future. They need to compete more effectively at a national level and part of thistle strategy needs to focus on changing the fishing culture in this country which is currently biased towards brands like Shimano, Daiwa and Abu. |
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Post by Mauricio on Jan 6, 2016 7:58:06 GMT 10
Hi guys. Thought I'd start a new discussion on this. It seems more and more local tackle stores aren't stocking Alvey for various reasons. Would you guys like to see Alvey sell direct to public? Surely some retailers would get upset, but if you look at many other brands that have done this they have thrived. For example I work in the bicycle industry. Many brands have gone this way and are doing well. Rumours are that big bicycle brands are planning to sell direct to public, however a customer must choose a local retailer to send their new purchases to. That way the retailer gets a commission for the sale and doesn't need to stock the item, and can sell accessories to the customer. If I was working at Alvey I'd be definitely considering this to ensure the brand survives. Agree, if Alvey has any hope of surviving an increasingly competitive fishing tackle market, especially with inherent prejudice towards their brand from retailers, particularly in the Southern states, then Alvey needs to seriously consider direct selling to the public to increase their market share share. Further, consideration should be given towards promoting their product on fishing TV programs. The adventure fishing programs which currently appear on television are awash with direct and indirect advertising of brands like Shimano and Daiwa. These manufacturers are of course well aware of the impact images of massive fish being caught on their fishing tackle has on the public and the fishing culture in this country. Alvey can't rely on a small band of enthusiasts in Queensland and New South Wales to support their business into the future. They need to compete more effectively at a national level and part of thistle strategy needs to focus on changing the fishing culture in this country which is currently biased towards brands like Shimano, Daiwa and Abu. Or, maybe, to try new places out Aust.  |
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Post by Makar on Jan 6, 2016 8:06:46 GMT 10
As you are aware Mauricio, Alvey have been trying to promote their product internationally, however l am not confident that these attempts will be sufficient to save the company in the medium to longer term. They have a marketing advantage in Australia over the imports which may not be as relevant internationally, in terms of being 'home grown', a widely recognised Australian icon, built for Australian conditions and arguably the manufacturer of the best Australian surf fishing reel on the market.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2016 8:52:10 GMT 10
I have spoken with Bruce / Glen Alvey with regards to direct selling online in the past, he clearly stated that this isn't a consideration at the moment. The company supports bricks & mortar retailers directly & its up to the retailers to sell their products ' be it instore or online', Alvey will continue to be a manufacturer & not get into direct online selling of it's reels, rods, accessories, although they do direct sell T'Shirts etc on their supports store online. Alvey supporters store - alvey.myshopify.com/p.s. MoTackle have supplied Alvey products online & at good prices. www.motackle.com.au/fishing/reels.html?manufacturer=15957 |
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Post by Mauricio on Jan 6, 2016 9:08:10 GMT 10
As you are aware Mauricio, Alvey have been trying to promote their product internationally, however l am not confident that these attempts will be sufficient to save the company in the medium to longer term. They have a marketing advantage in Australia over the imported brands in terms of being 'home grown', a widely recognised Australian icon and arguably the best Australian surf fishing reel on the market and these factors need to be exploited. You right, pal, first to make solid groundwork in the own Country. |
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Post by Makar on Jan 6, 2016 9:19:48 GMT 10
I have spoken with Bruce / Glen Alvey with regards to direct selling online in the past, he clearly stated that this isn't a consideration at the moment. The company supports bricks & mortar retailers directly & its up to the retailers to sell their products ' be it instore or online', Alvey will continue to be a manufacturer & not get into direct online selling of it's reels, rods, accessories, although they do direct sell T'Shirts etc on their supports store online. Alvey supporters store - alvey.myshopify.com/p.s. MoTackle have supplied Alvey products online & at good prices. www.motackle.com.au/fishing/reels.html?manufacturer=15957I think this approach is misguided, particularly if most of the fishing retailers in this country are not supporting Alvey! It would be different if they had widespread support but they don't! Motackle is an excellent retailer for Alvey gear, however they also sell a host of other brands which are often heavily discounted which may serve to distract potential Alvey customers. The other point I would make is that if you search for 'Alvey reel' on the internet, then the Alvey owned site appears at the top of the list. It seems natural that an on-line shop be appended to this site to efficiently guide customers to potential purchases. The second on the list is BCF which have a fairly poor range of Alvey goods and excellent Alvey retailers like Motackle appear way down on the listing. If a potential Alvey customer is interested in seeing a good range of Alvey products at a good price, then Motackle may not be found. For example, I was tipped off about Motackle some years ago by word of mouth from another Alvey angler. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2016 13:57:19 GMT 10
^^ Alvey do have a feature 'buy now' on their main website, that directs you to a store that sell the Alvey reel your viewing or researching. alvey.com.au/products/6500bcvrrt/ |
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James
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Post by James on Jan 6, 2016 17:08:21 GMT 10
You guys make some valid points. I just hope that Alvey do something more than what they are now.
Clearly some forum members aren't even able to find Alvey gear in their local tackle store. Personally I'd like to see them become a bigger player and be more active rather than a small player in the marketplace.
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Post by Fishin Dan on Jan 6, 2016 22:05:16 GMT 10
I work closely with the company that developed the Alvey websites... I know it would be easy enough to do, but it is a very different business model for Alvey to go into... I know I'd be happy to talk to them about it if they want someone qualified to help them out to run it for them |
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GeneB
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Post by GeneB on Jan 7, 2016 9:39:49 GMT 10
If I may add a USA observation, when our economy went down a couple of years ago, supporting Alvey tackle stores stopped taking chances on what to keep in stock. They are still around but, now just special order on request. They have told me that the big dollar advertising and promotions from the large, now conglomerates, fishing tackle corporations is driving demand and, what they can afford to stock (knowing turn over will be fast). Sad but, it also explains why many of the smaller manufacturers are embracing direct sales.
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James
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Post by James on Jan 7, 2016 19:49:19 GMT 10
Well my fear is that Alvey Reels may go down the same path if something isn't done. Online shopping has changed the way we all shop. Along with huge brands having large advertising budgets and sponsorship deals with pros dealers. I hope Alvey can somehow increase market awareness and drive more sales instead of relying on retailers to sell.
Just imagine if Apple were relying on third party retailers only to sell iPhones, iPads, and computers. Instead they sell direct in store and online and charge full price compared to resellers. Yet people go to them directly because of the customer service and experience.
I'd certainly rather buy from Alvey direct rather then wait for tackle shop to place a special order, wait for Alvey to send to tackle shop and then for tackle shop to call me to say items have arrived. Perhaps an Alvey concept store would be best with the huge Alvey reel on top of the building like someone shared a pic of a tackle store making on for outdoor display.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2016 22:12:13 GMT 10
^^
It be nice to buy direct & place orders with the factory & the reel dispatched from the factory to the customer, maybe in the future ?
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Post by Makar on Jan 8, 2016 7:41:14 GMT 10
There are real advantages for small manufacturers to sell direct to the public. I have had dealings with a small iron foundry in central Victoria, which improved their commercial viability by selling goods including camp ovens directly to the public. Their camp ovens are significantly more expensive than Chinese imports which was one of the reasons why some
retailers were reluctant to stock their goods , however the superior quality and design of their traditional Australian camp ovens seems to have a special appeal with the public and their turnover has subsequently increased. They also provide a discount for sales at the factory door which helps them cut down on handling and freight costs.
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James
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Post by James on Jan 8, 2016 20:21:50 GMT 10
Just imagine the same happening to Alvey. Reckon they would do well and catch the attention of other major brands.
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Post by Mitchography on Jan 9, 2016 18:15:09 GMT 10
A bricks and motor store right on the alley site perhaps.....
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Post by Fishin Dan on Jan 10, 2016 11:03:06 GMT 10
One issue with an online store is that you can't pick up the goods. You can't feel them, turn them over, spin them a bit, test drag, feel the weight, test the balance, etc. If you know exactly what you want, then an online store is fine, but if you're trying to work out if you want a 625B or 55B on the rod you've got, then being able to walk into a store is much more productive. You can also ask the staff for their opinions (Even if some of it is biased) which can help.
I've got a couple of local stores that know me by name and are more than willing to help me out, because they know I look after them. If you're local store isn't wanting to help YOU, then find another one that is.
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GeneB
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Post by GeneB on Jan 10, 2016 11:31:22 GMT 10
I totally agree Dan. I will always shop at my local fishing tackle store, even if I have to pay a bit more. It will be a sad day when we realize that they are all gone because we searched for the best deals on-line. I like the one-on-one talking fishing. I know, this is not about Alvey but, a similar situation that is evolving.
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Post by Mauricio on Jan 10, 2016 19:58:41 GMT 10
Nothing like manipulate the real thing in real time, not just do mind over an image.
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Post by Makar on Jan 13, 2016 6:26:21 GMT 10
I agree Dan, there's nothing better than a local tackle shop which provides good customer service. I unfortunately don't know of any Alvey friendly local stores in Victoria and l have tried quite a few. My only option is to utilise the internet. I agree it is always nice to handle and test goods before buying, however angler reviews, forums, manufacturer advice and commentary on the net also provides some guidance.
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Post by Fishin Dan on Jan 13, 2016 21:58:38 GMT 10
I agree Dan, there's nothing better than a local tackle shop which provides good customer service. I unfortunately don't know of any Alvey friendly local stores in Victoria and l have tried quite a few. My only option is to utilise the internet. I agree it is always nice to handle and test goods before buying, however angler reviews, forums, manufacturer advice and commentary on the net also provides some guidance. Maybe you have a new business venture ahead of you Although, I would love for this forum to be able to help fill in that gap a little too... |
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Post by Makar on Jan 14, 2016 7:30:02 GMT 10
It would be a good business venture FB, however it's not for me. I'll be retired in 12 months and my prime focus then will be fishin, fishin and more fishing. My plan is to catch up on all the fishing l missed while working for the past 45 years.l may die before l succeed but l'm going to give it a go!LOL
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Post by Mauricio on Jan 14, 2016 9:37:34 GMT 10
It would be a good business venture FB, however it's not for me. I'll be retired in 12 months and my prime focus then will be fishin, fishin and more fishing. My plan is to catch up on all the fishing l missed while working for the past 45 years.l may die before l succeed but l'm going to give it a go!LOL Eita!!  |
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GeneB
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Post by GeneB on Jan 14, 2016 11:21:11 GMT 10
Good for you Makar, 45 years is an awesome accomplishment.
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Post by Makar on Jan 15, 2016 7:18:36 GMT 10
Good for you Makar, 45 years is an awesome accomplishment. Thanks Gene, l'm looking forward to my retirement. |
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James
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Post by James on Jan 17, 2016 4:48:41 GMT 10
It would be a good business venture FB, however it's not for me. I'll be retired in 12 months and my prime focus then will be fishin, fishin and more fishing. My plan is to catch up on all the fishing l missed while working for the past 45 years.l may die before l succeed but l'm going to give it a go!LOL Mate your retirement plan sounds awesome. Wish I could join you. |
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Post by TwoBeachNuts on May 25, 2016 22:29:08 GMT 10
I am coming in late on this post and am not sure if any changes have happened since. I had to purchase my rig on the internet and the process was very easy; however, I did lack the ability to hold the product (s) available. The only reason I took the chance was because I knew somebody who had an Alvey rig.
I think there is an inherent problem for Alvey here in the USA in that there is such a huge selection of traditional rods/reels that everybody is comfortable with. Many people are afraid to go outside the box and try something completely different. I think it would be hard to convince traditional bait and tackle shops locally to stock anything unless there was a demand for it which means the problem is more an awareness problem than a distribution problem.
I believe if Alvey wants a piece of the US market they need to have a number of Manufacturing Representatives or Alvey Ambassadors working to provide awareness of the products. There are lots of fishing clubs and tournaments to promote the Alvey products. I get a lot of inquiries when I am on the beach about my Alvey and people are really impressed. The two markets I would promote in Florida would be either the kids market (let them grow up with Alvey) and the retired market who has the money to buy and curiosity to try something new.
I love my Alvey but I also love some of my traditional rigs. I am not sure I will see the day when I see a fisherman on the beach solely fishing with Alvey's.
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Last
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Post by Last on May 26, 2016 5:30:04 GMT 10
I think if Alvey had planned on selling a lot of reels for years to come they should ( not ) have made there reels to last a fisherman a lifetime and maybe his sons and grand son. most fishermen here in US just go fishing, they dont go to catch fish and the simplest and cheepest thing they can buy serves the purpose because they dont catch crap anaway some days I fall into that catagory tooooooo. |
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Post by Mauricio on May 26, 2016 8:08:20 GMT 10
I am coming in late on this post and am not sure if any changes have happened since. I had to purchase my rig on the internet and the process was very easy; however, I did lack the ability to hold the product (s) available. The only reason I took the chance was because I knew somebody who had an Alvey rig. I think there is an inherent problem for Alvey here in the USA in that there is such a huge selection of traditional rods/reels that everybody is comfortable with. Many people are afraid to go outside the box and try something completely different. I think it would be hard to convince traditional bait and tackle shops locally to stock anything unless there was a demand for it which means the problem is more an awareness problem than a distribution problem. I believe if Alvey wants a piece of the US market they need to have a number of Manufacturing Representatives or Alvey Ambassadors working to provide awareness of the products. There are lots of fishing clubs and tournaments to promote the Alvey products. I get a lot of inquiries when I am on the beach about my Alvey and people are really impressed. The two markets I would promote in Florida would be either the kids market (let them grow up with Alvey) and the retired market who has the money to buy and curiosity to try something new. I love my Alvey but I also love some of my traditional rigs. I am not sure I will see the day when I see a fisherman on the beach solely fishing with Alvey's. For me, was more hard. Never saw no one here using Alveys before. My experience was with common spinning and casting reels. Daiwa, Mitchell, Penn and Dam were my aspiration for years, at 70's and 80's. And my first contact with this different and original fishing tackle was by internet. In Brazil, everything imported is expensive, and hard to get. I think if Alvey had planned on selling a lot of reels for years to come they should ( not ) have made there reels to last a fisherman a lifetime and maybe his sons and grand son. most fishermen here in US just go fishing, they dont go to catch fish and the simplest and cheepest thing they can buy serves the purpose because they dont catch crap anaway some days I fall into that catagory tooooooo. He he he he. Second here! |
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