Service & Repair Policy
At Goose Creek Rods, every project is handled individually with an emphasis on quality workmanship, honest evaluation, and old-fashioned craftsmanship.
As a small, owner-operated shop, these policies help keep work organized, protect the time required to do each job properly, and make sure customers understand what to expect before work begins.
Service Charges & Payment
For standard fishing rod repair and refurbishing work, service labor is due at check-in.
Parts, materials, and other applicable charges must be paid according to the current Goose Creek Rods payment policy before unnecessary expenses are incurred on a customer’s behalf.
Vintage rod and reel restoration projects require payment in full before work begins.
Parts & Materials
When replacement parts or materials are required, availability and cost will be determined as part of the repair or restoration process.
Some older, discontinued, or unusual equipment may require parts that are difficult or impossible to obtain. When practical, alternative components, repair, adaptation, or fabrication may be considered.
Additional labor required for unusual repairs, fabrication, or modification will be discussed and charged accordingly.
Additional Work
Occasionally, problems are discovered after work begins that could not reasonably be identified during the initial inspection.
If additional work would substantially change the scope or cost of the project, we will contact the customer before proceeding.
Minor work necessary to properly complete an authorized repair may be performed when it falls within the reasonable scope of the original job.
Older, Corroded & Vintage Equipment
Age, corrosion, previous repairs, fatigue, hidden damage, and deteriorated components can make older equipment unpredictable.
During normal disassembly, repair, testing, or restoration, screws, fasteners, components, finishes, or other parts may fail despite reasonable care and proper workmanship.
Goose Creek Rods cannot assume responsibility for failures caused by pre-existing corrosion, deterioration, fatigue, hidden damage, age, previous repairs, manufacturing defects, or other conditions beyond our control.
If an unexpected problem significantly affects the project, the customer will be contacted to discuss available options.
Fishing Rod Breakage & Hidden Damage
Fishing rod blanks can contain damage that is not visible during intake.
Normal inspection, guide alignment, static load testing, and repair procedures may reveal previously undetected damage.
Goose Creek Rods is not responsible for blank failure resulting from pre-existing damage, manufacturing defects, age, misuse, impact damage, high-sticking, deterioration, or other conditions beyond our control.
If a blank fails during the repair process because of such a condition, the customer will be notified and available options will be discussed.
Work Order & Scheduling
Work is handled in the order received.
Because projects vary considerably in complexity and parts availability, Goose Creek Rods does not guarantee specific completion dates.
Rush service may occasionally be available when shop workload permits and may be subject to an additional rush-service charge. Acceptance of rush work is entirely dependent on current shop capacity and will not unfairly displace previously accepted projects.
Completed Work
Customers are notified when their equipment is completed.
Invoices are due upon receipt, and completed equipment must be paid for and picked up within 15 days.
Beginning on day 16, a $20 late fee applies, along with a $2-per-day storage charge. Equipment not paid for or picked up within 30 days will be considered abandoned and may be sold to recover outstanding charges, in accordance with the Goose Creek Rods Payment & Pickup Policy.
Please review the Payment & Pickup Policy for complete details.
Routine Reel Service
Goose Creek Rods no longer accepts routine customer reel cleaning, maintenance, troubleshooting, or general reel repair.
Selected vintage or collectible reels may be accepted when they are part of an appropriate restoration project. These projects are evaluated individually.
Our Commitment
Goose Creek Rods is not a high-volume repair facility.
Each accepted project receives individual attention and is approached with the goal of doing the work properly—not simply getting equipment out the door.
We’ll be straightforward about what can reasonably be repaired, what the work is likely to involve, and whether we believe the project makes practical or economic sense.
Quality workmanship. Honest evaluation. Old-fashioned craftsmanship.
That’s how we do business at Goose Creek Rods.