Cosmetic Scratches in a New Fly Rod

[UltraLightIdaho]

So I purchased a new fly rod and when it came in the mail I had to put it together to give it the shake. Upon doing so, I noticed that one of the sections has some scratches in the clear coat. Very small, but visible at an angle in the light. Also one is actually deep enough to feel, but not into paint or graphite per se. I'm pretty sure that they wouldn't affect performance at all, and in fact, most people probably wouldn't notice them if I didn't point it out.

I've been torn as to what to do. I called the shop from whom I've ordered the rod, they'll replace it, but I'd have to pay to send it back. I'd also feel kind of stupid as the scratches are basically cosmetic and shipping would cost me, not to mention be a hassle. Maybe I'm just over zealous here?

What would you all do? Ever had this situation before?

[Flydaddy]

You buy a car just to drive back and forth and they dont come with scratches, id be hot! Jmho! why wont they pay for the return shipping?
Roy

Sent from my LGL55C using Tapatalk

[davechina]

I don't know what you paid for it, and who knows, maybe that's why you're tempted to send it back - but if it's purely cosmetic it's a no-brainer for me. I fish with fly rods - they're not for show. I'm gonna scratch it on a tree branch somewhere anyway during my first day with it. As long as there's no chance that there's a stress fracture somewhere on it I'd forget about it.

[Halliday]

I like to be the one who puts scratches in my new stuff. I can see if they want you to pay to send it back to them if they are a small outfit
and I would pay the shipping if this was the case. However, with shipping costs being virtually built into the prices of things and if small (or larger) shops all want to be involved in e-commerce they should pony up.

[SherpaB]

I would say it depends on the warranty and if the scratches are going to bug you. If the scratches bug you I would call the dealer and explain the situation. See what they say. The other thing would be to decide based on the warranty. If the warranty is awesome and the scratches dont bother you then you are good to go. If the warranty costs you more than $20 or has a short time limit to do an exchange I would ask for some sort of exchange.

[Johnny Utah]

I agree with halliday, I like to be the one who puts the wear on my gear. Buyer beware on discounted gear and materials. I also agree with sherpa, they should pony up on the shipping. The item you purchased is damaged, whether it is cosmetic or not, it is still damaged. They should pony up on the return. But if you dont mind the scratches then go pound fish with it and put some scratches of your own on it!

[AaronJasper]

If its new and is scratched, call up give them some real crap, and smame them into giving you an unblemished one. Let them deal with the manufacturer.

[whheff]

Is this a name brand rod or a custom built rod? If it is name brand, call the seller and the manufacture. If it is custom build, they should stand behind their work and replace it for free. I agree with Aaron. It was sold as new and not sold as is right?
If I'm paying for new I want new.
Bill

[Johnny Utah]

Whats the name of this fly shop? I dont want to get hosed by them.

[catchm]

New is "new", no scratches or blemished cosmetically or otherwise. Whoever the shop is should take care of this issue, with no cost to the buyer. If the shop does not do this then they deserve to be called out on it. The shop is making money on the sale/transaction. let them earn their profit.