Why Haven't You Signed Up Yet? 2024
MysteryTackleBox reply :
To those people who have not net signed up for Mystery Tackle Box for at least one box, why haven't you? We are just looking for feedback from people who have decided not to pull the trigger.
Part B: Were you aware of the GET499 coupon to try your first box for just $4.99? If you were, was that deal not good enough to get you to try it?
Thanks for your feedback!
rockchalk06 reply :
I've had a couple of friends say they didn't want to get signed up thinking the stuff was going to be Chinese knock offs that they can't give away.
Loop_Dad reply :
Not sure you are truly asking why, but I'm good with carefully handpicking what I use.
Phish reply :
So you want honest, I'll just think out loud. I can only speak for myself, but spending a great deal of time on high-end tackle sites/forums, I'm think many tackle addicts have similar feelings:
I think you're starting with a very tough business model that seemed to stop working (just guessing) with the North American Fishing Club type companies. Just has a bit of a hustle type feel to it, no matter how well package it (your product packaging and website are excellent, by the way).
For me, I'm very selective with tackle purchases and I bet most are. I'd rather spend $10 (or $5) on what I know I will absolutely like at Tackle Warehouse. I'd rather have one pack of Jackall/Roboworm/Megabass/Reaction Innovation anythings over a combined 10 packs/lures of offbrands or decent brands that I don't prefer or don't know much about. Also, I, like most people, am so brand loyal, it's tough to break those habits and perceptions.
If I'm going to take a chance on a product, I'll look through TW or other sites, see pics of the product, see user reviews. You can see if it's selling well, and if it's got mostly positive feedback. Why take a stab in the dark on the mystery stuff with the hopes there might be a winner? You can just read through TW and at least know when somethings already working for someone else.
Phish reply :
Some more thoughts, for the sake of constructive critcism, not trying to be negative. I'll also brainstorm a bit on this and see what I think could motivate me to purchase in the future.
With such incredibly informative tackle sites out there, full of tackle gurus and snobs (tackletour, wired to fish, etc.) there's really just no reason to gamble on unknowns. General perception likely is: If these are products that manufacturers are sending you at a discount to resell or promote, as opposed to sites like Tackle Warehouse, Bass Tackle Depot, Hooked Up Tackle, American Legacy Fishing and FishUSA, then it's a red flag.
It could mean either the products were not selling at orignal market price, or it means sites like tackleware house, who have a host of product testers and an entire staff of true fishing enthusiasts, weren't interested. Meanwhile, none if this may apply to most of what's available through your service. Maybe it's all genuinely new product that manufacturers want to receive feedback for? Either way, new products get the microscope treatment at ICAST and if they impress, there's going to be buyers signed up and editorial features all over the web - meaning product testing phase is likely complete, and these new releases are ready for market.
Not saying all of that is fair or right - but if it's the general perception, it doesn't matter if it's right. Who knows though I'm just guessing here. Also to answer the second question, I wasn't aware of the $5 deal, but I have been too busy to dig deep on this site the last few weeks. I probably just missed the posts about it.
rockchalk06 reply :
Phish,
You make valid points and I agree with most, but just to say, last month they had Strike King Space Monkeys and this month they had Strike King football jigs. Really not unknowns, discount products or uninteresting products where I come from. That's just a couple though.
SirSnookalot reply :
I don't need anything.
Will Wetline reply :
I agree with my chiropractor that I'm carrying enough gear as it is.
Also, after decades of bass fishing, there are brands I'm partial to. I'm not saying you're not offering quality stuff, but rather that I like to select my own and keep myself amused that I actually know what I'm doing. Ha!
Phish reply :
On 9/24/2012 at 4:10 PM, rockchalk06 said:Phish,
You make valid points and I agree with most, but just to say, last month they had Strike King Space Monkeys and this month they had Strike King football jigs. Really not unknowns, discount products or uninteresting products where I come from. That's just a couple though.
Great point, and proof the preceptions like I have need to be changed through outreach. The more I see people reporting back like you just did, the more interested I become. Of course, I ordered my first Strike King rage tail line product just recently during the Bass Tackle Depot Labor Day 20% off sale. I'm still more motivated to try new things when I know something about them, and they go on sale.
This puts MTB between a rock and a hard place - they know that if potential customers find out a proven/popular product is coming in the next box, then they are more likely to purchase. But then it defeats the unique selling point - the mystery. Not sure what to do on that. But here are some suggestions I'm thinking of below. They won't all be winners, but maybe they get the conversation going and spawn more realistic ideas for MTB.
Some promotional ideas that could entice a tackle nerd like me. And I can see you guys have put some thought and budget into quality video production, not just some shaky iPhone clips on YouTube like others do. So maybe these aren't unrealistic ideas if the budget is there?
- So you can't afford to put a Megebass Vision 110 in every box. Impossible, but I bet you could put 50 per month in. Bit of a contest feel to it. You have a shot at a $25, proven, pro's choice jerk bait. Value is increased.
- How about once per month (or more) somebody is going to open their box and find a shiny new Shimano Saros - just released, or a Shimano Core. Ya, that's not cheap, but only one. Well it adds a real contest feel to it, the gamble now has a little bit better payoff.
- Odds are against you, but eventually you score a nice lure that you'd buy anyway, to go along with the hopefully servicable tackle, I bet I'd stick around for a few months. The lure of a true high end or mid-range new in box reel - that could push me over the edge.
- How about product launches, partnering with suplliers and manufacturers each year for highly promoted/advertised products with great name recognition? So maybe you're taking out a little bit of the Mystery, but again, only so many people will get them. And what a great way to promote new product from suplliers point of view.
- How many people have tried the latest Trokar? What about the next time Rapala or Lucky Craft is getting ready to release a new product - it would be great if you could work out a deal to get those products right before they hit store shelves. Again, not every box, but maybe 10% of them, random draw?
- Then have a blog on the site with user submitted reviews. Manufacturers would get many more impressions there. Blogs are great at generating new/random search terms that lead people to the site. Should be some good cross marketing there.
- Doesn't always have to be tackle either. Sunline just launched a new braided line. You'd think they could spare a few dozen spools for the sake of self-promotion. If you can prove to the manufacturer that they are going to receive some real publicity from a contribution, maybe they'll take a chance.
- Apparel. Fishing dudes love hats, hoodies, long sleeves and Ts that promote their favorite companies. Suppliers love to promote thier products for "free" by having thousands of fishin dudes wearing their gear on the water. I would think you could beat down every manufacturer's door and get free or very low-priced promo gear. *** give theirs away for free half the time when you hit a certain price amount. They know by giving you gear, they're getting impressions, basically walking advertisements.
Man I hope I'm not coming off as a jerk genuinely trying to help with some ad/pr/marketing advice that would resonate with a tackle junkie like me.
Wayne P. reply :
On 9/24/2012 at 12:50 PM, MysteryTackleBox said:To those people who have not net signed up for Mystery Tackle Box for at least one box, why haven't you? We are just looking for feedback from people who have decided not to pull the trigger.
Part B: Were you aware of the GET44 coupon to try your first box for just $4.99? If you were, was that deal not good enough to get you to try it?
Thanks for your feedback!
I purchase fishing products for specific presentations and specific qualities, The chance that you would include any product that I would use is very low. I am not a lure collector, I am a lure user. Maybe your business will appeal to the neophyte, but not experienced anglers.
BrianinMD reply :
I am along the same lines as the guys above, I buy specific baits I need. While the box may have name brand items in it, they may not be what I use or colors I want. No use to me buying it if its just going to sit in a box somewhere.
Dwight Hottle reply :
On 9/24/2012 at 6:55 PM, Wayne P. said:I purchase fishing products for specific presentations and specific qualities, The chance that you would include any product that I would use is very low. I am not a lure collector, I am a lure user. Maybe your business will appeal to the neophyte, but not experienced anglers.
X2
K_Mac reply :
Since you asked and seem to be seriously interested, I will give my $.02. Over time I have found what tackle works for me. Brand, style, size, color, weight, strength, power, action are all preferences that have developed with experience. I will try other products based on the recommendations of some on this board. Again this is based on trust and experience. I have a limited fishing budget, and I am never going to spend a dime on a roll of the dice. I wish you well, I am just not your market section.
MysteryTackleBox reply :
Guys,
This is GREAT feedback so far and a lot of these comments are things we heard when starting the business. Some of the things we have tried to do to get around these concerns are:
1. Show past boxes on our site so people can see that we are sending out legit brands/real products AND a real value (over $20 worth of product in each box).
2. Create a coupon where you can get the 1st box for just $4.99, which is about the cost of one bag of plastics (unless they're Senkos 
). That way people don't feel there is a lot of risk to try it out.
3. Encourage subscribers to post videos of unboxings on Youtube so other people can see the experience.
I think we can do a better job of communicating #1 and #2 above so people are confident they are getting real quality stuff at a great price.
As far as people only buying specific baits and doing a lot of research, we see our service as part of that research. If you spend $50+ a month on baits, then why not devote $15 to a service like ours that will get you 3-5 baits, some of them likely being baits that you have never tried? Especially since new products hit the market all the time and we try and help introduce people to those products.
In fact, our last box is a great example of that. One of the products we featured was the WackOjig. This is a new product that has been featured in Bassmaster, In-fisherman, etc. Chances out 99% of people have not tried it yet. We featured it in our September box and it has gotten AMAZING reviews so far: http://mysterytacklebox.com/past-boxes/september-2012/wackojig'>http://mysterytacklebox.com/past-boxes/september-2012/wackojig , (Along with all the other baits we have featured: http://mysterytacklebox.com/past-boxes/september-2012 Most people also never tried the Xcite Raptor Tail Chunks, and those have been a huge hit as well. We even matched the colors up with the SK Football jigs we featured.
As far as our future growth, we have actually seen really amazing growth and a VERY small % of our subscribers unsubscribe. I think as people become more familiar with us and they see how happy our current subscriber are, they will be inclined to give it a shot themselves just to see what all the fuss is about.
I think this thread has given us some great ideas and clarified some of the obstacles we need to overcome. Thanks for all the great feedback and feel free to keep it coming!
MysteryTackleBox reply :
On 9/24/2012 at 4:40 PM, Phish said:Man I hope I'm not coming off as a jerk genuinely trying to help with some ad/pr/marketing advice that would resonate with a tackle junkie like me.
Not at all, great ideas and we are actually already actively working on a few of them 
Clint C. reply :
On 9/24/2012 at 6:55 PM, Wayne P. said:I purchase fishing products for specific presentations and specific qualities, The chance that you would include any product that I would use is very low. I am not a lure collector, I am a lure user. Maybe your business will appeal to the neophyte, but not experienced anglers.
I don't agree at all that this won't appeal to experienced anglers. I'm not a "beginner" and I think it's cool getting the new lures that I've never used before. No body ever found that new great secret lure by not experimenting. Mystery Tackle Box helps me do that with products I would not have bought if I went to buy my "specific" lures. I am not a lure collector, I use every tool in my box ,and getting new "tools" every month that may get the job done better is by no means just for a beginner angler.
MarkH024 reply :
On 9/25/2012 at 12:31 AM, Clint C. said:I don't agree at all that this won't appeal to experienced anglers. I'm not a "beginner" and I think it's cool getting the new lures that I've never used before. No body ever found that new great secret lure by not experimenting. Mystery Tackle Box helps me do that with products I would not have bought if I went to buy my "specific" lures. I am not a lure collector, I use every tool in my box ,and getting new "tools" every month that may get the job done better is by no means just for a beginner angler.
X2.
I can go to the store and buy the same things over and over, and catch fish. Part of the fun for me, is fishing with new lures, new applications. I am expanding my horizons by using the items they're providing at a really good discount. While there hasn't been anything yet that is WAY outside of the box, there are brands that I would probably pass up in the isle on a regular visit to BP or Cabelas, that I now have given much more consideration. There are a lot of nice products that just don't get the same advertising as some of the big competitors. So far it's been a nice mix of both popular brands and hidden gems. I think its a win/win situation.
McAlpine reply :
How about some positive feedback?
I originally thought the MTB idea was pretty darn brilliant and figured it would go over well with fishermen. Heck, look at the late night commercials for glow's in the dark bait, and flips around bait and whacky rigged bait...Um, I think one of those worked out...regardless, they have to be selling this stuff or they wouldn't keep up the commericals. However; I personally found the MTB to be a bit kitchy and wasn't going to do it myself. Like many guys I have my brands but at least I do keep an eye out for new stuff that looks promising.
Then I saw your last two boxes.
Then I saw your $4.99 try it deal.
A couple weeks ago I signed up and am now impatiently waiting for the October box. So your first two ad campaigns have worked well on me. Good ideas. On top of that, pay attention to what phish has to say. He has some very good ideas for you. Look to woot.com and their "bag of cr@p". All they had to do was throw in a television or digital camera to one out of every 50,000 sales and they were able to litteraly sell a paper bag with stuff they couldn't sell that nobody knew what it was. Everyone wanted to take the chance. You combine that with a regularly solid lineup in your boxes or "pre-sales" baits and you can knock it out of the park.
Good luck!
TNBassin' reply :
The only things I would change about MTB, is the silly "commercials", and allow customers to select preferred colors. We all don't fish in clear or stained water, so letting us choose colors that would work in our bodies of water would be great.
mikey5string reply :
IMO, Its like offering a mechanic a "mystery box of tools" I think that would be a tough sell.
You really have to get the customers before they become serious bass "anglers". The novices who dump tons of $$ into junk products before they find the good ones, the ones who havent been told what is the "must have" bait for the season, the ones who are just getting into shore fishing, not fishing in tournaments.
Maybe advertise in a boys magazine or even a mens mag. I dont know but Im sure there are sites, publications, events etc geared toward the beginner outdoorsmen. A lot of middle aged guys are "rediscovering" fishing. Middle aged guys with disposable income and a compulsive need to have "stuff"
I think you have an idea worth pursuing. Look for customers who will open each mystery box like its christmas morning, honestly thinking that every single item in that box might be the one that gets them their first "lunker". You dont want the jaded old bass veteren who opens it only to find one semi useful item and tosses the rest. Even if the items might be great, it is tough to compete with brand loyalty of a lot of us...i mean, them
mikey5string reply :
some tough love from a design & usability standpoint...
IMO your site is cluttered. The main message "Discover New Quality Baits Each Month..." is overwhelmed by the monotone color scheme and unnecesary graphics. Make your message clear and in text. Getting traffic to your site is difficult, getting people to click and watch a video explaining your business is even more difficult, the getting them to agree to a "subscription"? good luck.
It might be nice to look at from your stand point but ask someone who has never been to the site/heard of your company to open it and tell you what you are offering. If they cant do it in less than 5 seconds, time to rethink and redesign. Clean/clear/easy to navigate.
Also, same with your call to action. "See Subscription Options" is vague and the word "subscription" is a total turn off to new customers who might have been willing to try one month. You might offer one month but I wouldnt know because I left the site after I saw "subscription". Thats is, if I stuck around long enough to watch the video & discern exactly what it is you are selling.
The "Check out last months boxes" options are great. You are putting the customer more at ease knowing that they will be getting something of value for their money. Have your main message/statement of purpose right there plain as day when you get to the site. The "check out last months boxes" links should be right there as well and lead to pics and description of the contents The call to action should be right there, on this page. You have led the customer, and they are now in a position where they can see value. They feel like they are making a decision and not being sold something.
im not going to pick apart everything but I really think a redesign of your website and a expanded marketing strategy would pay off.
good luck!
ps
the site isnt horrible. I am finishing my degree in graphic/wed design and the nitpicking is built into me now
tholmes reply :
On 9/24/2012 at 10:31 PM, K_Mac said:Since you asked and seem to be seriously interested, I will give my $.02. Over time I have found what tackle works for me. Brand, style, size, color, weight, strength, power, action are all preferences that have developed with experience. I will try other products based on the recommendations of some on this board. Again this is based on trust and experience. I have a limited fishing budget, and I am never going to spend a dime on a roll of the dice. I wish you well, I am just not your market section.
K-Mac hit the nail squarely on the head. My fishing budget is pretty limited too, and I just can't justify spending any of it on the chance that I'll get something I can really use.
Tom
Curved reply :
I'm relatively new to bass fishing so perhaps I fall into neophyte territory, but I also have my set of lures I know work and am confident I can go out on any given day and catch a limit of fish in a couple hours. I subscribed to MTB because I like to see the newest lures and techniques. I see so much new stuff at ICAST each year that I wouldn't mind trying out, and I see MTB as a perfect way to do that on a budget.
So what I'd say really does it for me about MTB is "new stuff". I can get tons of info on proven techniques and lures, but the art/science of fishing is constantly advancing, and I like staying current. If I can get a few cool new pieces of tackle that have new features that make life easier, I like that because I probably wouldn't invest in them at MSRP if I wasn't sure they would work well.
PS, I really like the commercials and site. I hope you take it easy and don't burn out. I know how tough starting a business is!
rockchalk06 reply :
Another reason I might add that I like about it is, I love to do reviews on products. Product testing, reviews and Q&A is a hobby of mine and has been for years. Getting something new each month to test is kinda fun.
Scorcher214 reply :
Allowing to pick colors would be nice, or have an option to get natural colors instead of other colors. Also I love woots bag of crap. I always buy atleast one. Not saying your giving out crap because everything I've gotten in the two boxes is good stuff. But having the chance at a mega bass lure or an LC would be cool.
Getting a few quality random lures a month is also curving my lure buying. I'll certainly hang on to the subscription for a while.
Hi Salenity reply :
I may have to get in on this. It reminds me of the Christmas gift exchange that I love! The only difference is you buy your way in. I like to try baits I may NEVER buy for myself and see if they'll work for me.
I can see how everyone is skeptical but I liked the looks of last months box...
$5..................wth, I'm in! 
11justin22 reply :
On 9/28/2012 at 9:09 AM, Hi Salenity said:I may have to get in on this. It reminds me of the Christmas gift exchange that I love! The only difference is you buy your way in. I like to try baits I may NEVER buy for myself and see if they'll work for me.
I can see how everyone is skeptical but I liked the looks of last months box...
$5..................wth, I'm in!
+1000000000000
That is exactly why I subscribed, to try baits that I would not NORMALLY buy. Has nothing to do with my ability as a fisherman. Which by the way I been fishing for over twenty years or since the age of 6. I fish 1-3 tournaments a month. Has nothing to do with me being a novice, for me it's about to not getting stuck in a rut with "the baits I have that always work". What about when they don't...it's about staying on top of the curve.
Stepping off my soap box now...
As for helping the op, I think there are some great suggestions here, especially about throwing in random more expensive/desirable things. Also about redesigning the website, I had trouble understanding some of it when I was signing up. Don't change the commercials, I love them. Good luck!
deep reply :
Good inputs guys, I might actually have to try this out!
MysteryTackleBox reply :
More good feedback here! We were already actually in the process of a new homepage layout that changes things up a bit to clearly state what we do and also to build confidence by showing excepts of reviews from reputable fishing sites (almost like a movie poster calls out good reviews).
I think the new headline and subhead we are working on that has gotten the best feedback is this:
The most exciting way to discover new baits that work.
A monthly box stuffed with baits trusted by professional anglers - all for an amazing value.
What do you guys think? We are focusing on the "baits trusted by professional anglers" to really build the case that these are not some random crap baits. They are real baits being used by pro-staffers. In fact, we are going to start work on highlighting some of the pro-staffers using the baits we feature. You'll get to see a bit of that in the October box
As far as selecting colors, that's a tricky thing for us for a few reasons
1. We need to get the baits a month or so in advance in order to have them packed and ready. Since a lot of people subscriber after we have the baits, it's hard to forecast what colors we need.
2. Most manufacturers want to give us their top 3-4 colors. They don't want to give us random colors that are not very popular and they may not have a lot of stock for.
3. It makes packing boxes WAY more difficult. Instead of packing a ton of boxes at one and then putting labels on them, we will need to look at each person's color preference and then pack the box accordingly. This ads a TON of complexity on our end.
Not to say it's something we can't every try, but it's just not something we can do immediately with our small team. As we grow, things like that will be easier to do. Our first goal in terms of giving people preferences is letting people get lure for other species (saltwater, fly, etc). That's a little less complex and we have a ton of people who have asked for that, so we're working on it now.
SirSnookalot reply :
Visions of the Columbia record or book club come to mind, easy to get in, near impossible to get out. Money isn't the issue for me, it's being in control of what I want and when I want to purchase it. I've not spent much time perusing the site, but seems like most of what is for sale can be bought just by walking into a local store. The subscription service for a "mystery box" reminds me of when I was kid opening a box of cereal or cracker jacks in anticipation of my Buck Rodgers space ring.
Curved reply :
On 9/28/2012 at 10:54 AM, MysteryTackleBox said:The most exciting way to discover new baits that work.
A monthly box stuffed with baits trusted by professional anglers - all for an amazing value.
What do you guys think? We are focusing on the "baits trusted by professional anglers" to really build the case that these are not some random crap baits. They are real baits being used by pro-staffers. In fact, we are going to start work on highlighting some of the pro-staffers using the baits we feature. You'll get to see a bit of that in the October box
Not to say it's something we can't every try, but it's just not something we can do immediately with our small team. As we grow, things like that will be easier to do. Our first goal in terms of giving people preferences is letting people get lure for other species (saltwater, fly, etc). That's a little less complex and we have a ton of people who have asked for that, so we're working on it now.
For me, "Exciting" doesn't do as much as "Value" and "Quality" does. For me, Quality+Value=buy.
The quality of the lures is hard to communicate since they are secret. Just in this thread a lot of people get vibes that there is going to be bait and switch or things they would throw in the trash. I think its pretty clear quality is something MTB is going for, but its just difficult to show.
I like the idea of using professional anglers to show the quality of the lures. Maybe every month you could advertise which anglers have "picked" the box in advance? So it would be "pro-picked", which helps communicate that the quality and effectiveness is there? I don't think they have to be big names either.
TNBassin' reply :
I think MTB needs to showcase the brands that are providing baits for their boxes. If you go to spam's website and look at the brands on board with their service, you'll laugh. Getting PowerTeam, Strike King, and Zman items in comparison to the junk they provide is awesome. As a consumer I want to know who is providing me my items, and if I trust those brands I am more likely to trust your service. I am a subscriber already though, but getting quality baits from trusted, proven manufacturers is what is keeping me. Pimp those brands! Don't hide them. Put those brands on your main page, not buried in sub menus or screens.
MarkH024 reply :
On 9/28/2012 at 11:56 PM, TNBassin said:I think MTB needs to showcase the brands that are providing baits for their boxes. If you go to spam's website and look at the brands on board with their service, you'll laugh. Getting PowerTeam, Strike King, and Zman items in comparison to the junk they provide is awesome. As a consumer I want to know who is providing me my items, and if I trust those brands I am more likely to trust your service. I am a subscriber already though, but getting quality baits from trusted, proven manufacturers is what is keeping me. Pimp those brands! Don't hide them. Put those brands on your main page, not buried in sub menus or screens.
Keep in mind there has only been 2 boxes out. They do allow everyone to see what was delivered once shipments have been out. So, by telling everyone the exact companies they'll be distributing, defeats the purpose of "Mystery Tackle Box". After 2 boxes out, you can see that MTB is distributing quality products. 5 products for $15 bucks that would easily put you at over $20-30 retailed at the stores.
I understand where some guys here are strict on their budgets, what they consider "quality", lures they like, and the precise colors they want. Some people simply do not like change. MTB is not for them. I have my select brands, colors, and price ranges I like to shop for too. I tried this out, so far I've been very pleased. It's an opportunity for me to fish with things I don't generally grab for at the store. I'm also getting items that are familiar to me, just not the brands I'd put my pennies towards first.
The way I see it, it's forcing me to expand my game. If i'm putting money towards it, I surely won't let it waste. I'm going to force myself to give the stuff a try. If it doesn't work out, then I won't buy more of that product. I may find a new go to lure, or a hot bait. It's a chance. If you're not willing to take chances, then don't sign up. You can never find the next "hot" lure, with out trying for yourself.
Simply put...it's not for everyone. MTB has nothing to do with being an "experienced fisherman" or a "beginner". That comment there bugs the hell out of me.
bassin is addicting reply :
after reading all the comments....i can agree with most/if not all of them.
BUT... with the $4.99 offer... "and cancel any time", i signed up to see how good/bad it may be.
i'll be happy to report what i get....
bleedingshrimp reply :
Off topic...i need to change credit card info. One on file with mtb is old. If I update it today, will I be good for the october box?
TNBassin' reply :
Knowing that you're going to get trusted brands ruins the concept how? I'm not asking them to tell us exactly what baits we are getting, only to let the consumer know he/she is getting name brand stuff. I think that will go a long way to ease people's minds about their subscription.
MarkH024 reply :
On 9/29/2012 at 1:08 AM, TNBassin said:Knowing that you're going to get trusted brands ruins the concept how? I'm not asking them to tell us exactly what baits we are getting, only to let the consumer know he/she is getting name brand stuff. I think that will go a long way to ease people's minds about their subscription.
Trusted by who? By me? By Kevin Van Dam? By Joe down the street? By Bob's Tackle Shop?
I might have trust in a lure that you think is complete garbage and vice versa. Just because it's brand name in the fishing industry, doesn't make it a trusted lure by every angler. Your brand and my brand are not the same.
Those of use who bought in to the first 2 boxes where the guinea pigs. It was a gamble we chose to make. All that info is on the site now, so anyone joining now can see what kind of brands MTB are dealing. If they think what has been distributed already is garbage, then they won't sign up. If they like what they see, they'll take their chances. It's a rather simple scenario. MTB has already proven to be dealing brand name items, so why do they have to announce every brand they're dealing with? It takes the fun out of "Mystery", in which that is what I believe is one of the intentions of the company. I don't speak directly for them, they're welcome to correct me if I'm wrong.
Otherwise we'd be signing up for "Mystery Tackle Box: Brand Name Lures". Just doesn't quite work as well.
You can't satisfy everyone's needs and expectations. So in my opinion, if they took your advice to tell subscribers the brands, every time before they ship, it would ruin the concept of the MTB.
TNBassin' reply :
The "mystery" part of MTB is what TYPE of lure you will receive. Not the brand. Tackle Grab already provides a list of partners, and I haven't heard anyone complaining that the excitement isn't there because they know who is providing the contents in those boxes. Consumers want to know that the big brand lures is what you can expect, although they still won't know what TYPE of lure they will get. MTB has already stated that these are name brands and not China knockoffs or samples, so why not got the extra mile and provide a list or showcase who they have partnered up with? Yes. I know. Everyone's idea of "trusted" or "good" lures varies, but would you rather have a SK lure, or one of those no name bargain bin lures at the dollar store? You make some good points though.
MarkH024 reply :
You should subscribe to Tackle Grab then, if not already. Best of luck.
MysteryTackleBox reply :
On 9/29/2012 at 12:37 AM, bleedingshrimp said:Off topic...i need to change credit card info. One on file with mtb is old. If I update it today, will I be good for the october box?
Yes, you can update it in your account. Be sure to do it before October 1st so the current card does not get charged. You can email us if you run in to any problems. Thanks!
JigMe reply :
Truthfully, I like to know what I am buying. If I need few packs of Rage Craw, then I just go buy it. I have told my fishing buddies about the site, and I think that’s the number one reason we were not interested. I think it is a great idea, but it’s not for everybody.
BASSHUNTER1961 reply :
I don't like surprises. Out of the past 2 boxes the only thing I would have used is the Strike King jig, and to me that is a waste of time and money. I like what I like, and prefer to buy what I like, even if it costs more. Another thought is to rethink your commercials, as they are ridiculous and an immediate turn off (for me) and that alone would prevent me from ever considering.
sarcazmo reply :
Just signed up for your $4.99 trial.
I always like trying new things and this seems like a decent way to do so. If you guys continue to pack quality products that add up to at least the $15.00 a month I'll probably continue. Also as long as its something relatively 'mainstream' (IE no new unknown ways of catching fish) thats a big plus. I noticed last month you included enough product to try a new proven technique (as demonstrated by flukemstr on here the "Rage Rig").
McAlpine reply :
I need to chime in one more time. In response to some of the negative responses to your videos on the site. Personally, I think the advertising technique you are using is extremely effective. Humor and Sex sell product. You've got one. Now go get some models for KVD to reel in. On top of that, making fun of yourself is endearing to most customers. Keep it up, it's effective.
SudburyBasser reply :
On 9/29/2012 at 12:11 AM, MarkH024 said:The way I see it, it's forcing me to expand my game. If i'm putting money towards it, I surely won't let it waste. I'm going to force myself to give the stuff a try. If it doesn't work out, then I won't buy more of that product. I may find a new go to lure, or a hot bait. It's a chance. If you're not willing to take chances, then don't sign up. You can never find the next "hot" lure, with out trying for yourself.
Percisely the same reason I joined. I've been fishing for decades and like most long time fishermen I've grown set in my ways of what works and what doesn't. MTB allows me the chance to try stuff I wouldn't necessarily consider. Personally, fishing could potentially grow boring if I use the same damned things forever. Heck, until this year I'd never used frog lures because I never saw the need for them -- caught plenty of fish without them. Now? Game expanded.
QuoteSimply put...it's not for everyone. MTB has nothing to do with being an "experienced fisherman" or a "beginner". That comment there bugs the hell out of me.
True that, particularly when I remember interviews with professional anglers who state they constantly learn new techniques and use classes of lures they've never used before...well at that I have to laugh.
MysteryTackleBox reply :
Thank you for the continued feedback
MysteryTackleBox reply :
On 9/29/2012 at 5:45 AM, Lee.MD said:Truthfully, I like to know what I am buying. If I need few packs of Rage Craw, then I just go buy it. I have told my fishing buddies about the site, and I think that’s the number one reason we were not interested. I think it is a great idea, but it’s not for everybody.
But how did you discover the Rage Craws in the first place? There was a first time for every single bait you have in your tackle box. Most likely it was an impulse buy while walking through a bait shop, or maybe it was an ad you saw or an article you read in a fishing mag, but there was SOMETHING that influenced you to try something new.
Our service is the BEST way to decide if you should add something new to your arsenal. We get you a variety of baits in your hands every month for a GREAT value (i.e. less than the retail you would pay if you bought them on your own), plus it ships for free and there's no tax (outside IL). On top of that, we include information on how to use them and pair them with products that go well together (jigs+matching trailers, soft plastics with the appropriate hooks, etc). On top of all that, the first month's box is just $4.99 with coupon GET499. Not happy? Just cancel the service and you're out $5 and have $15+ worth of stuff. You could probably sell it on Ebay for a profit...
BASSHUNTER1961 reply :
On 9/30/2012 at 8:20 AM, MysteryTackleBox said:We can't please everyone and not everyone has the same sense of humor. If you are the type of person to not order something because you didn't like the video, even when that service has dozens of great reviews, than there is nothing we can do about that and we will not change our approach because of it.
You asked for input, and I gave mine. I did not ask you to change your videos, I just said they are rediculous, which I feel they are (unless your 15). Plenty of others said they did not like the videos, but you jumped on me right away for it and I'm not sure why.
I'll stick to my tried and true lures as I do not need a box of whatever, as I have enough of those already. In the future if you do not want to hear someones opinion, don't ask.
MarkH024 reply :
On 9/30/2012 at 9:45 PM, BASSHUNTER1961 said:You asked for input, and I gave mine. I did not ask you to change your videos, I just said they are rediculous, which I feel they are (unless your 15). Plenty of others said they did not like the videos, but you jumped on me right away for it and I'm not sure why.
I'll stick to my tried and true lures as I do not need a box of whatever, as I have enough of those already. In the future if you do not want to hear someones opinion, don't ask.
Where exactly did they single you out? Just because a post follows yours, doesn't mean they targeted you. Unless someone quotes your post or mentions your name in their post, don't jump down their throat by assumption.
I believe they were giving a response to all of those who don't care for their videos, as you were not the first to mention they did not like the commercials.
BASSHUNTER1961 reply :
On 9/30/2012 at 8:20 AM, MysteryTackleBox said:As far as our videos, we have purposely made an effort not to make boring/standard videos. For every one person that says they don't like them we get 10 people that tell us they love them. We think the strategy has paid off as we have over 31,000 views and 64 "thumbs up" votes on YouTube between the two videos, and tens of thousands of more views on facebook (fueled by thousands of likes and hundreds of shares).
We can't please everyone and not everyone has the same sense of humor. If you are the type of person to not order something because you didn't like the video, even when that service has dozens of great reviews, than there is nothing we can do about that and we will not change our approach because of it.
On 9/30/2012 at 10:24 PM, MarkH024 said:Where exactly did they single you out? Just because a post follows yours, doesn't mean they targeted you. Unless someone quotes your post or mentions your name in their post, don't jump down their throat by assumption.
I believe they were giving a response to all of those who don't care for their videos, as you were not the first to mention they did not like the commercials.
Well, This response was targeted at me...
MysteryTackleBox reply :
BASSHUNTER1961 thank you for your feedback on the videos.
TNBassin' reply :
I dismissed MTB when I first saw the commercial as well. Then my girlfriend's aunt got her box in the mail, and I was sold. Subbed that night.
ClackerBuzz reply :
On 9/24/2012 at 6:55 PM, Wayne P. said:I purchase fishing products for specific presentations and specific qualities, The chance that you would include any product that I would use is very low. I am not a lure collector, I am a lure user. Maybe your business will appeal to the neophyte, but not experienced anglers.
x2. I love the MTB idea, advertising, and BR support but I think the idea needs tweeking.
1-The price point is too high. My guess is most guys won't drop $150 a year on mystery tackle. Maybe offer a lower price point box @ $4.99 all the time.
2-Figure out who ur target audience is. ie New anglers, young anglers, experienced anglers w/ money to spend. I think you could easily market a $50 yearly gift subscription. Parents or grandparents could give it as a christmas girft for a young angler....who no doubt would LOVE the subscription.
Bankbeater reply :
I am good on baits right at the moment.
Curved reply :
On 10/1/2012 at 12:56 PM, ClackerBuzz said:x2. I love the MTB idea, advertising, and BR support but I think the idea needs tweeking.
1-The price point is too high. My guess is most guys won't drop $150 a year on mystery tackle. Maybe offer a lower price point box @ $4.99 all the time.
2-Figure out who ur target audience is. ie New anglers, young anglers, experienced anglers w/ money to spend. I think you could easily market a $50 yearly gift subscription. Parents or grandparents could give it as a christmas girft for a young angler....who no doubt would LOVE the subscription.
I highly bet that the $15/delivery is broken into: $5 shipping, $2-3 box & marketing collateral, $5 overhead, & a wee little bit of profit. The lures are sponsored -- free or super low cost. There is no room for a lower price because the value of the lures has to be a large percentage of the value of the package. In other words, if they sent less lures, subscribers would be paying for more shipping -- I bet a $10 package would be 1 or 2 items versus $15 for 5 or 6.
Going on that idea though, a yearly subscription of quarterly/seasonal deliveries might be a cool option. If I could get 3 MTB's worth of tackle in one package 4 times a year, and then have the reduction in shipping cost passed on to me, that'd be great. Say $120 for 60-70 units of quality tackle per year. I'd buy the year today, and get my Dad one for his birthday.
Edit: Also, MTB, I'd be willing to submit feedback about the lures I receive if that would help get the good ones. In other words, a product feedback survey/website for each lure might add to the sales pitch for manufacturers.
oxrageous reply :
I love to try new things, so I look forward to the box. I think it's a great idea.
However, how about something like a $50 swimbait randomly inserted every 100 boxes or so? You can mention every month what the "big ticket" item will be, and a few subscribers will win it. The chance to "win" a really high-end lure in the box may draw a few more people in.
JigMe reply :
On 9/30/2012 at 8:39 AM, MysteryTackleBox said:But how did you discover the Rage Craws in the first place? There was a first time for every single bait you have in your tackle box. Most likely it was an impulse buy while walking through a bait shop, or maybe it was an ad you saw or an article you read in a fishing mag, but there was SOMETHING that influenced you to try something new.
Our service is the BEST way to decide if you should add something new to your arsenal. We get you a variety of baits in your hands every month for a GREAT value (i.e. less than the retail you would pay if you bought them on your own), plus it ships for free and there's no tax (outside IL). On top of that, we include information on how to use them and pair them with products that go well together (jigs+matching trailers, soft plastics with the appropriate hooks, etc). On top of all that, the first month's box is just $4.99 with coupon GET499. Not happy? Just cancel the service and you're out $5 and have $15+ worth of stuff. You could probably sell it on Ebay for a profit...
I am definitely happy with the discount, but I still want to recap that most people shops differently. For instance, my wife shops everything online from shoes to Bras. But, I prefer to hit the store and check stuff out. At this point, I know what lures will be effective at my lakes. No need to change something that’s already working, since I got a tons of tackle as it is. I think it is a good idea for new fisherman, since they can try out different baits.
ClackerBuzz reply :
On 10/1/2012 at 11:56 PM, Curved said:I highly bet that the $15/delivery is broken into: $5 shipping, $2-3 box & marketing collateral, $5 overhead, & a wee little bit of profit. The lures are sponsored -- free or super low cost. There is no room for a lower price because the value of the lures has to be a large percentage of the value of the package. In other words, if they sent less lures, subscribers would be paying for more shipping -- I bet a $10 package would be 1 or 2 items versus $15 for 5 or 6.
Going on that idea though, a yearly subscription of quarterly/seasonal deliveries might be a cool option. If I could get 3 MTB's worth of tackle in one package 4 times a year, and then have the reduction in shipping cost passed on to me, that'd be great. Say $120 for 60-70 units of quality tackle per year. I'd buy the year today, and get my Dad one for his birthday.
Edit: Also, MTB, I'd be willing to submit feedback about the lures I receive if that would help get the good ones. In other words, a product feedback survey/website for each lure might add to the sales pitch for manufacturers.
hmmm not even close. if you have a store location, the standard mark up on retail is 50%. that means if u buy a lure wholesale for $2.00 you will sell it for at least $4.00 in ur retail location (imagine the mark up on name brand products=usually 100-1000%+). you have far less over head costs (rent, electric, insurance etc) with online retail so you can offer things much cheaper. that being said i'm a small business owner so i know and understand beyond 'overhead'. just having to pay my monthly health insurance is brutal.
boxes are more like .20-.30c.
you can do market research to find out what price point a customer would pay for a product. w/o any research i'd bet you need to keep the box under $10 to appeal to the masses....$9.99. at least keep it under $15. psychologically $14.99 sounds much better to the customer than $15.99. giant retailers use that technique all over america let alone people on CL or ebay selling for $99 instead of $101.99. you'll never see a TV commercial selling something for $21.99. its $19.99!
a lower priced $9.99 box would also fall inline with another business plan. offer ur product at a lower price (make less profit) until you create a buzz and establish customers. then raise ur price.
MysteryTackleBox reply :
On 10/2/2012 at 11:36 PM, ClackerBuzz said:hmmm not even close. if you have a store location, the standard mark up on retail is 50%
Standard markup in the fishing industry is typically only 30% from wholesale to retail. I don't even think Bass Pro Shops has a 50% margin on their items and they get the best prices of any retailer out there.
MysteryTackleBox reply :
On 10/1/2012 at 11:56 PM, Curved said:Edit: Also, MTB, I'd be willing to submit feedback about the lures I receive if that would help get the good ones. In other words, a product feedback survey/website for each lure might add to the sales pitch for manufacturers.
You can actually currently leave reviews for all the products on the website: http://mysterytacklebox.com/past-boxes/september-2012 click any product and "write review" on top
related General Bass Fishing Forum topic
most viewed General Bass Fishing Forum topic
© 2024 - fishing.qciss.net. All Rights Reserved.