Fencing.Net - Your Guide to Fencing & Fencing Equipment

sallearmourer · 05-02-2002, 04:58 AM

Craig,I need to post this.

After what happen in Louisville this past weekend any coach who get in my face about not getting his fencer equipement ready to use 20 mins before he fence will be banned from my service. If the coach is banned so is the whole club. When a coach allows a fencer to show up with 5 non working weapons and expect me to fix them in 20 mins is not looking out for his fencer. I know there are places and clubs that don't have a armourer and I make allowences for them and parents that don't have any Idea what going on.

Tim

Ye Olde Armourer

Maestro · 05-02-2002, 08:45 AM

In my opinion you should be commended for even fixing them... I would have given him back his blades and asked him to go elsewhere.

It · 05-02-2002, 10:45 AM

I agree. But I'd have my limit to 3 non working weapons at one time. And would not take any face. If given any grief, I personally would refuse service to them for a period of time. Until they settle down and can apologize cordially. I would also inform the tournament reps why such actions were taken. (just to cover my end)

Rick · 05-02-2002, 11:17 AM

How does one get to that level of fencing by being soley dependent on other people for equipment maintenance?

Some clubs have armourers, fine. But that is still no excuse to not know if your foil is working or not... geez, what were they doing the night before? We're they watching TV instead of doing an equipment check?

For anyone who reads this who can't tell the difference between a non-working weapon and a hole in the ground, do yourselves a favor and learn how to do it... buy a book, sit next to an armourer at NACs, Sectional, Divisional, or local tournaments, or talk to people who know.

Trust me, you'll have more confidence in your weapon plus it helps relieve those anxious moments the night before a big tournament (not to mention limiting your yellow and red cards during weapon check before a bout).

Mr. Foilist · 05-02-2002, 12:30 PM

[quote]Originally posted by Rick:
How does one get to that level of fencing by being soley dependent on other people for equipment maintenance?<hr></blockquote>

It's called being LAAAAAZZZZY. <img src="graemlins/jester.gif" border="0" alt="[Jester]" />

 [quote]Some clubs have armourers, fine. But that is still no excuse to not know if your foil is working or not... geez, what were they doing the night before?<hr></blockquote>

Probably drinking and taking "performance-enhancing" drugs.

Catlady · 05-04-2002, 01:12 AM

[quote]Originally posted by Rick:
[QB]How does one get to that level of fencing by being soley dependent on other people for equipment maintenance?

I'm equally puzzled. Around my club, you get maybe one or two free repairs and then you're on your own. There might be an exception if you're under twelve or so, but other than that, it's tough luck. Even during the "free repairs", it's generally expected that you'll at least hang around and watch so you know what to do next time, if not help, or do most of the hands on work yourself, with the more experienced fencer/armourer telling you what to do.
If something really bizarre or hard to fix comes up, you might be able to have someone more experienced work on it for you, although again, it's usually either watch me do it, or I'll guide you through the process, but you're doing it yourself. That's not to say that they're not willing to help you diagnose the problem, or make suggestions, or give advice mind you.
I admit I had a few really hair-raising armory sessions when I first started, but now I'm happy to say that I can handle most of the routine repairs pretty painlessly and efficiently on my own.
Frankly, I think it's a good idea to know how to fix your own stuff even if there is a club armorer to take care of it. After all, you're sort of at the armorer's mercy. To be fair, they only have so much time to fix weapons, and they can't always get to your weapon as soon as you'd like, or even as soon as you need it. I've discussed this on other threads, but the essence of what I said is, if nothing else is pressing, yes they should be able to do a rush job for you, but if they've got a whole bunch of other weapons that need to be done right now--even if that's the owner's assessment not the armorer's--then you just have to wait your turn--heaven forbid you may be the one who only thinks it needs to be done right now.

S.A. I commiserate. I worked customer service for a while--and I assure you I never will again-- and I know how unreasonable people can get. Sometimes, I swear they think they're the only person in the world, or at least the only person who matters. Of course they always seem to forget that you are neither a robot that requires no rest, or leeway for making mistakes, nor a miracle worker, who can somehow just wave a wand and just that easily fix everything for them instantaneously.

KShan5[PrFC] · 05-04-2002, 11:37 AM

Does anyone know a site where you can learn to repair a weapon?

135711 · 05-04-2002, 07:23 PM

speaking from some experience, i bought screws, screw drivers, tape, extra wires, glue and sat down like a nice person, hoping for a little instruction, the competition is so terrific no-one want to show anyone how to repair anything for fear they may beat them, i had also asked for workshops in my area, like informal settings where we could bring broken stuff and learn how to fix them, but no-one ever wanted to bother, it was amazing, the 'coach' or whatever that person is, should reconsider his occupation.

MikeHarm · 05-05-2002, 09:50 AM

Instead of being angry about what happened and banning the coach/club involved, why not just charge an inflated fee for rush jobs? If you don't want to do them at all, just jack it up to some ridiculous level. Lazy people are often cheap too, so you probably won't get bothered more than once by the same person ever again. You'd be rid of a pest, get even for being hassled at the last minute and make a handsome profit all at the same time.

Stryder · 05-05-2002, 11:09 AM

Salle armourer-

I assume this was at your private repair booth, right? Since the USFA armourers are supposedly free from fixing people's weapons.
If this happened at my place of business, I wouldn't get mad or tell them to get lost. I would kindly tell them there is an extra fee of $75 per weapon for expedited service. If they want their weapons done in a hurry, they can pay for it. If not, they can wait.

Customer service is simple. Just keep smiling and charging them for every little thing you can think of.

Purple Fencer · 05-05-2002, 12:31 PM

[quote]Originally posted by 135711:
speaking from some experience, i bought screws, screw drivers, tape, extra wires, glue and sat down like a nice person, hoping for a little instruction, the competition is so terrific no-one want to show anyone how to repair anything for fear they may beat them, i had also asked for workshops in my area, like informal settings where we could bring broken stuff and learn how to fix them, but no-one ever wanted to bother, it was amazing, the 'coach' or whatever that person is, should reconsider his occupation.<hr></blockquote>

See, that's now how I think. I happily pas on the info I know, and I've run a clinic in Palm Springs so people can rewire their wn weapons. Does it cut down on my armoring work? Not that I've noticed. If you're ever in SoCal, look me up, & I'll do my best to overload your brain!

sallearmourer · 05-05-2002, 04:32 PM

I do charge a extra fee of 30.00 per weapon for rush service. He thought I was out to rob them. Because of the fact that I have to put them ahead of other pepole. Anybody can come by my booth and ask question of me. I have a self test area setup were you can check your weapons and even fixed them. I been know even to loan tools out has long it's at the booth.

On repairs and rewire I have parts at the booth or you can but them at any vendor and I put them on.

Tim