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I also think it's unfair …………….to be held responsible if a 3rd / 4th party is envolved transferring your trophies. ……... I also have seen that they recommended the taxidermy to you and this normally occur probably because of using them often or perhaps of their credibility in the fraternity… ………....
Patrick this is the great underlying issue.
When is an Outfitter to be held responsible?
I think it depends on the business relationship that is present within the referral chain.
Let's go to the front end of the hunt for a moment to aid the discussion. This is where everyone tends to be more clear about what the responsibilities are.
Are agents to be held responsible for poor or unsatisfactory hunts that take place?
If an agent is selling a hunt and have a business relationship (making a commission) with the outfitter they will be held accountable to aid in the resolution of any conflict that arises. They have a contract with the hunter and will be held accountable.
Are Outfitters responsible for what Agents "sell" to the hunter?
They may not have directed the agent to "over sell" the hunt but they get the result and are held responsible in the field. (or the PH will be)
Are Outfitters responsible for the skinning job (field prep) on the trophies? or they hire a PH that can't find his boots?
It is pretty obvious that this is well within the Outfitters normal scope of responsibility and they will be held accountable.
When does the Outfitters responsibility end?
When the money is exchanged at the end of the hunt and the hunting account is paid? or when the trophies are delivered to the taxidermist? or the hunters home?
I sincerely doubt that the referral to the taxidermist and then shipper in this situation is being done as a kind, arms length gesture. There is a business relationship in place. A direct specific recommendation is being made and the hunter is directly relying on the Outfitters referral. Therefore in my mind the Outfitter bears some responsibility.
Does the chain of responsibility go further down the line?
Shipping company to the Taxidermist, etc. Legally, not likely. Perceptually, certainly.
This will always come down to customer service and customer satisfaction. At minimum, all the post hunt services reflect on the Outfitter. (when they make the referral)
If the Outfitter does not care after the hunting account has been paid, they do so at their own peril. I have yet to personally encounter an Outfitter that does not understand this relationship with their hunters.
They want return customers and they all know it is much more costly to obtain new customers than to maintain the good relationships you already have.