We've got a couple announcements. First off Frank LoPreste has been enticing us to do a few charters on his boats (RP and Shogun). So, we'll add a couple more 3 day trips to complement the 4 and 10 day trips we do on the Rooster in the fall.

We'll do a spring 3 day'r on the Shogun in spring, heading over to San Clemente Friday and returning Monday morning at about 6 AM. That will give us two full days AND NIGHTS at the island. Hopefully the Navy will be cooperative. If not, Frank might buy them out...
Next up will be a July trip on the RP, again 3 days targeting what's available, could be albies, YF or YT...we'll see. The costs for both trips seem quite reasonable. I'll post more info after Thanksgiving along with the dates for the '08 RRIII trips.

Next up, I have to admit that we did not do as well as we should have in the shipping department May and June. July was catch-up. Some orders were processed quickly, others were delayed unacceptably. With the exception of a few manufacturer-dependent back orders, we're caught up and doing well with shipping now and are back to the speedy service folks have come to expect. Much of the fault lies with me, staffing, setting up the new warehouse, new operating software... Well, we added two employees May and June who are now well trained, pulling, packing, order entry... We also moved two part timers to full time. As well, we moved Matt (a long time key guy here) from the shop to the warehouse. Matt knows the gear, can answer questions informativly, is a very good rigger too. With 3 new folks assisting the shipping department, one of 'em an old hand here, Tom and Beth have enough help to speed the processing times considerably. The new warehouse is also a big help, especially so since the stock level has increased so much. We've also fully integrated the new order/sales software...that was six month's of fun! Bottom line, we're good to go.

Last one, Nadiya and I visited the vet a couple days ago. Yep, she's really pregnant! No, getting around it. The ultrasound confirmed there's a new fish/bird/critter livin' inside her. I think the little tyke looks a lot more like her side of the family now, except for the hair-line which resembles my side... Due date: Fred Hall Show in March.

GS<
MS

Good to hear you got help in the warehouse! I placed a rather big order in May that I finally had to cancel in June because I wasn't going to be getting the items in time for my upcoming trip. It was a very disappointing experience for me, especially since the majority of my prior orders had been handled fairly well. I am sort of hesitant to use your company again, but I'm sure I will as you have some very competitive prices. Good luck with the expanding family and maybe I'll see you on one of your charter trips!

It sounds even better, for y'all, and for us'all. Sounds a lot worse for the fish, tho...

Thanks, Chark!

I can only say 'Congratulations!'

WOW - that's awesome news...

We've got number 2 due a month ahead of you in Feb.

I need to stop by next week and gear up - have a 4 day Tuna Club tourny out of Ensenada coming up - need some odds and ends...

Sounds like a Keeper! I am very happy for you, congratulations!

quote:

Nadiya and I visited the vet a couple days ago. Yep, she's really pregnant! No, getting around it. The ultrasound confirmed there's a new fish/bird/critter livin' inside her.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! WTG, Mark!

Wait, married and a daddy? Nice knowin' ya.

Congrats. A chark pup cruisin Momma's tank. way to go you two.

Congratulations Nadiya and Mark!

Cool!

Awesome news for the MS growing family. Congrats to Nadiya and condolances to you DAD. Just when you thought things were in shape in the wharehouse now your thinking about a nice family home in the OC...boy oh boy we better be buying lots of gear brother!

For what it's worth...Big Fish, you will not find a better man than MS and Charkbait for all your tackle needs. I have been a customer for 10 years and MS always stands behind his Charkbait reputation.

Yeah, I'm sure you're right...like I posted up until that last order I had a positive experience with them, but that last order left a sour taste in my mouth which I am not soon to forget, but I am willing to give thme another chance to redeem themselves when I get in the mood to purchase some equipment. I am hoping this was just a fluke incident and is not indicative of how things will be in the future.
P.S. I did have a rather positive experience dealing with Beth and it was because of her extraordinary efforts that I will probably make further purchases from them! Keep up the good work Beth!

BF,
Growth is a good thing but it can cause problems. My last order took a bit longer to prosses than I like, it got here two days after I left, but I've learned that if I want something "right now" then I should order it early. I'm sure the staff is getting things together now and will soon be back to what I've come to expect from them.

We do have 800/877 feebie lines, and real people to talk to here. So, if there's ever a concern about deadlines for trips...PLEASE give us a head's up. Even in the worst times (like May/June), the majority of orders were processed quickly and Tom and the boys met most expectations for delivery. One days and two days, crash-and-burn rushes were taken care of. Our average shipping time did slip, but when the folks knew of a trip or deadline, they busted a hump trying to make things happen. We received several positive emails back from folks saying thanks for accomplishing the extraordinary. But like I said, the average time of fulfillment slipped and there were more errors than there should have been. Unlike most places, we own up to mistakes, and we cover return shipping.... We have more than doubled the number of people working on the internet side of things, and pulled arguably our best product guy to the warehouse. Don't doubt the committment here to do things right. But, humans are human and humans can @#$*-up even in the best of times. With personal contact things can be made right.
GS<
MS
p.s. So I get a call from Nadiya a couple nighs ago. "Mark, can you bring home some blueberries and little pickles after work."
Hormones and cravings kicking in...kind of cute.

quote:

Originally posted by Chark:
"little pickles after work."

That's what got you in to this mess in the first place. j/k Congrats!