My Current Order is mostly a resupply, hooks, chenille, thread, etc... Talked to Bob last night and he said it would ship today but I am thinking Monday. Yes I have heard all his explanations, but Business is Business and yes, I realize this is his evenings hobby and therein lies the problem. He has gotten too big and has too many interests and something has got to give and unfortunately I think I know what that is going to be.
OTOH price shopping my order with other vendors
Grandpas = 107.54 with shipping
Vendor A = 174.88 with shipping and handling (do not know why I have to pay extra for them to pull and pack the order)
Vendor B = 194.56 with shipping
Vendor C = 226.88 with in store pick up or 17.99 shipping.
The numbers are obvious and the decision is simple to make just got to plan ahead and maintain an inventory and order before running out. I am not a vendor but do make a lot of jigs and cranks for friends and friends of friends. Since May of last year, 18,000 jigs, 325 cranks. I pass the costs straight to my friends and basically pay for my fishing and equipment with their generosity. But, if my costs were doubled, many of those guys would be going elsewhere to spend their $. Bad for me, good for the bait shops....
Yes, I like GPB but am with a lot of others and know if I need it right away, I better go elsewhere. A few weeks ago talked to a buddy that makes 500 or so very custom jigs every year and he ordered all his materials from Do-It. My Jaw hit the floor when he told me the costs and I told him he was wasting his money. He said he never has a problem with them and always gets his materials. Last night he called needing some items that were on backorder... I had plenty in my stash and he is back in business.
In the last year I have ordered placed 50 some odd orders and less than half were shipped complete and only 1 did I have to call to get materials that were never received. Sure, some items arrived 6-8 weeks late so this is not just Bob, You get what you pay for and when looking for bargains, you get a lot of bitter before the sweet.