Was wondering your opinions on displaying work at outdoor stores. I have wall hanger fish displayed at two bait stores with no problems. I was thinking about taking in more mammals this year so I mounted a nice black bear. The main concern I have about displaying it at a local outdoor store is it may get damaged-- everyone wants to be touchy feely.
Should I write up a contract or agreement with the store? Do you think its a good idea? Would like to hear both positive and negative experiences. Thanks.
Andy
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It has been a positive thing for me. I make sure I have a large engraved plate stating my business name and phone number on it. That way they know my work and do not confuse it with some of the lower quality pieces. I have gotten alot of business from them. As far as a contract, I doubt you will get that. I do sign a paper with the mount information on it. That way they know it is mine when ever I want to pick it up. But you are pretty much on your own as far as liability of it. They do not ask for any money to put it there and advertise for you so they are not going to be liable in case of damage. Although they do everything possible to make sure it is taken care of.
Todd B
I guess we've all been enticed into this at one time or another and we all wise up to the fact that it's more trouble than it's ever worth. I tell them if they want them, they can buy them from me. That way I'm not upset when the hair gets pulled out or the cobwebs clog the throats of the fish.
Speaking from personal experience the results can be good and bad. The good......lots of new business and referrals from that business. The bad....as stated already.....damage to mounts, cobwebs, bugs. Make sure the store has a contract for bug spraying. We advertised in a lare sporting good store and received 50% of our work from there. Well, that store sold crickets for bait, therefore did not spray for bugs......guess what found all of our mounts? We lost 6 or 7 nice pieces to bugs in that store. Go in every couple weeks and make sure your mounts are being dusted. If you are looking to increase your work i would say go for it.
With George when I first started I found out that the store owners dont have any concern with your mounts. I even checked in on them once and a while cleaning them etc. Found out it is a big pain in the a!. I stopped doing this many years ago.
Sincerely
Tom B
Its been very beneficial for us, more so probably when we were just starting out. Kind of a pain to keep them clean. We got a lot of referrals from the guys at the store as well.
Andy,
Be careful if you do and DO NOT use any customer mounts. If you do make sure you get everything in writing. My local wally world had some of my mounts and when they updated the store, they had a silent auction among the employees with my mounts. I did get everything back except my brothers coyote but everything was damaged. So be careful,please.
Thanks to everyone who replied. I'm going to talk to the storeowner and express my concerns. If I get a good vibe then I'll go ahead a display the piece-- I bought the bear for experience and as an advertising tool. The bear is doing me no good if its not being seen.
Andy