As we all know TFO makes great gear at a great price. We also know about their outstanding lifetime replacement plus $25 return shipping fee. What's new to me, having gone to the warehouse several times before, is a $15 "in person" processing fee.

This past Friday while I was driving through Dallas to Tyler I stopped and had my broken mini mag tip replaced. I will say that it's a little bit of a bitter pill as they have always generously replaced the piece for free if you show up. I have also heard many people say that they have received their $25 check in the mail with the replaced piece. SO maybe hard times are hitting TFO as well. Does it change my stance on TFO gear? NO. Does it make me think they should rename their $25 "return shipping fee" the $25 "shipping and HANDLING" fee? YES

Yeah, it sucks but like you said, Im sure they are getting hit with the hard times aswell! Take a look back at Sage and Winston and Redington. I remember when Sage used to charge $20 for "shipping and handling", now its $50!! Same with Winston!! TFO has hit the market pretty big with great gear at great prices.....as many of their fly rods that are out there, they probably cant justify the free replacement anymore.

Would you rather pay a few bucks for a replacement tip here or there, or would you rather pay more for every rod you purchase, whether you break it or not? I'd rather self-insure. I've only broken 2 fly rods in my life, but I've purchased a good many more than that.

Like I said, i have no prob with TFO gear and all, but a $15 handling fee for 2 minutes of work is a bit much. Call it a replacement fee then. Not a shipping fee or a handling fee. I am glad all my gear is TFO and appreciate the no fault replacement policy, but call the fee what it is I guess. I am certain there would be no fee for workmanship issues. The previous replacements I have had were for build quality issues.(but cap fell off and ferrule splintered) This is my first non workmanship replacement and maybe thats the difference. Maybe not...

If they are going to replace my rod for $15 I don't care if the call it the Fred Flintstones fee. That's still a pretty awesome return policy if you ask me.

+1

I have used many of my TFO rods for years before having to pay the $25 replacement fee after I broke them...

On the flip side, I can run up a 25$ bar tab in under an hour...

Its a lot of value for 25$

Co-Sign. Yabba dabba doo.

I agree with Zach, for my bar tab I can repair 2 rods.

25 dollar bar tabs?

(slackers)

Seems to me 15 bucks for hotshot repairsis a pretty good deal. Remember the repair dept probably had other projects scheduled before you dropped in. To their credit they had you quickly on your way with a smile on your face, and a working rod in your hands.

Call it what you want. Still the ultimate fly rods for preaching to the masses. I don't believe they've fallen on any hard times though. It's just that time has value, or it once did ... long ago, and far, far away.

If your hard up for 25 bucks to get your rod fixed there are probably more important things than fly fishing that you should be doing with your life. It's a deal at twice the price.

I did say in under an hour, that's not buying drinks for anyone else either...

You know they're reading this, right? Get ready for twice the price! I wonder just how many guys walk in their front door in a week's time? Someday they will shut that door to walk-ins. I was staring across the harbor at Bainbridge Island in Washington earlier this year, and wondering ... would Sage just let a Texan walk in off the street and into their warehouse?

Yes I am sure they are reading this. Stand by what I posted as I always do. And like I said they are a great company. I have always appreciated their CS. Like I said it was new to me. You've all made your points. I'm not hard up for cash, or a hater, or some d bag that just likes to rant. Anyway, y'all get back to fishing or what not.