Best Archery Shops In the UK

[Flying Whale]

Originally Posted by scotstoxo

Looking down through the threads its interesting to note that people are voting mainly on location closest to them. One of the things that was in the back of my mind when I posted this Poll was the scale of mail order sales and that people would rate the shops on sales, service, speed etc hrmmm perhaps another poll is required.

As I said earlier I have the luxury of living within a couple of miles of a good shop. It is a luxury, and not one everybody has, hence the need for mail order.

I would however say that given the choice I would always go in to a shop because it reduces the chance of making a mistake in what you order (or in some circumstances finding there is something better for your needs)...the down side is I always almost come out having bought something "extra", but hey that is part of the fun of shopping.

[jojo]

Where I live, our nearest shop is approx 50 odd miles away and its a good 1.5 to 2 hours by car, unfortunatly most people in the West of Scotland all have to either travel a long distance or use mail order and the impression Im getting is its all mail order.

[WhitehartFB]

If you are going to do a poll like this please do your homework first then make sure that it is correct and includes all the dealers in the UK. This way it is fair on all, not biased and provides a true representation of the shopping habits and individuals experiences of the quality of service they have received and thus a useful tool to all. Perhaps that is why only 25 people took the time to vote.

Although not intentional this type of incomplete poll smacks of the latest WOM and can create a lot of misconceptions especially with people new to the sport.

Missing: Perris Archery, Ten Ring Archery, Quicks (are they still the biggest?), Carol Archery, The Archery Company,Targetcraft......

Wow what choice we now have not like 10 years ago.

[flamingbladerider]

Bowsport- advertise what they havent got. 4 returned orders
Quicks - always had what i've ordered and very quick delivery
Alt services - low stock, but doesnt charge till item sent.

You cant not have Quicks in the list. They are an Archery supplier and good at what they do and so far beat the rest. Whats size of business got to do with it. I'd like to bet nearly everyone has ordered something from Quicks. In fact i'd go as far as saying everyone i know uses their catalogue as a guide for pricing.

[Tarkwin]

If I need something in a hurry, or can't make it to Chiltern or even Quicks, I will order online. I will do the same for little things that I know will do what I need, if I have any doubt or want to fiddle with the item I will always visit a shop.

T.

[wingate_52]

Quicks have an excellent catalogue and range of product, at a price. I last visited them at Hampton Court in 1972.Must visit the Apps Court shop as my daughter is at Uni nearby.
Alternative have a really good website, their news page is a good feature. Their service has been exemplary!!!
Bowsports have a great range at really good prices(on the web) The service has once, and only once been poor.
Archery World are great. I have bought arrows from them.
Chiltern are great. I have bought arrows from them.

[Random_guy]

I've never bought anything from quicks just because without a car i can't get there and online they have never been the cheapest on anything that i've wanted (if they've had it in at all)

[whisky]

Originally Posted by Murray

I hate them all cos they make me spend my money!

Never a truer word of of a Scotsmans mouth

[Gibbon]

voted for Aardvark.

• Its one of the closest that i know of, and ive never had bad service when there.
• Have also shopped at a shop which is almost as good, but has a slightly less friendly atmosphere (ive found).
• I have never had any problems with Alt services either, and i buy a fair bit of kit from them. Downside, i cant go try things out.
• Bowsports have some nice prices, but ive heard enough from friends about the time they can take to complete an order that ive only ordered from them once... (incidentally, the order arrived in reasonable time... but longer than i would like)

[Rik]

Interesting to see the positive comments about Chiltern. I'm still stuck in 'avoid them like the plague' mode, but I guess change of management etc has had a good effect...

I've never had a problem with Bowsports. Delivery has always been prompt, and service/contact good, even when I've asked for something out of the ordinary. YMMV.