Why so many bad taxidermist experiences?

[Deer Tamales]

Seeing 32drawlength's thread of longest wait times for taxi work got me thinking of this again. Why do so many taxidermists seem to be some shady characters and over promise and under deliver? I've had quite a few animals mounted and can luckily say i've never been on the outs with a taxi. I've had some work that was subpar but been lucky to have taxidermists that communicated and set expectations. Eveyone seems to know of a taxidermy that screwed alot of people or is in the process of doing it. We had one local here in Ellis County that ended up stealing a large amount of money and left the state, i think there were threads here and other forums/pages about him.

Is it just the nature of the business? Curious to hear your thoughts.

[Cajun Blake]

Because most newbies who enter the profession have little to NO real-world training, no business management experience, and think they can make $100,000 / yr. working out of the garage at home. Easy for "Billy Bob" to claim he's the new taxi in town and charge $349 for a shoulder mount while taking business away from the true artists with years of experience. Some customers strictly shop price, while others want the best job done regardless of price. If you've been around long enough, you know who are the best, and who to avoid. just my opinion

[friscopaint]

I used a very well known and respected one for birds and he "lost" my pheasant. Another very well known and respected one did 2 of my bobcats, first one was awesome and second one was ok.....wife's Axis was fantastic on recommendation on here, can't remember name but he was in Haslet and now in Decatur. I never went cheap on any of them.

[Aggiehunter08]

I'll keep the answer simple: most try and get a good deal and don't do their due diligence.

[Low Fence]

I too think it boils down to extreme poor business management skills. They under price, which over books …. Which burns them out and they don’t make any money… they take their ball and go home. The great ones know their worth and “don’t need practice”. If they can charge 4x cause they are worth it, and do 1/2 the volume. They stay motivated and have the time to make em all as good as possible

[flywise]

Over their head and like said, never had any idea what it meant to take in 100 deer

[Drycreek3189]

Because most newbies who enter the profession have little to NO real-world training, no business management experience, and think they can make $100,000 / yr. working out of the garage at home. Easy for "Billy Bob" to claim he's the new taxi in town and charge $349 for a shoulder mount while taking business away from the true artists with years of experience. Some customers strictly shop price, while others want the best job done regardless of price. If you've been around long enough, you know who are the best, and who to avoid. just my opinion

I'll keep the answer simple: most try and get a good deal and don't do their due diligence.

I too think it boils down to extreme poor business management skills. They under price, which over books …. Which burns them out and they don’t make any money… they take their ball and go home. The great ones know their worth and “don’t need practice”. If they can charge 4x cause they are worth it, and do 1/2 the volume. They stay motivated and have the time to make em all as good as possible

IMO, these are all good answers.

[CWKATTNER]

Because most newbies who enter the profession have little to NO real-world training, no business management experience, and think they can make $100,000 / yr. working out of the garage at home. Easy for "Billy Bob" to claim he's the new taxi in town and charge $349 for a shoulder mount while taking business away from the true artists with years of experience. Some customers strictly shop price, while others want the best job done regardless of price. If you've been around long enough, you know who are the best, and who to avoid. just my opinion

This. Also, it’s amazing how many hunters drop their animals off at the nearest taxidermist, and can’t remember the name of the place the next day. I guided for several years, and that was a common question, “Where is the nearest Taxidermist.” I have a group of folks I trust at Safari Studios, and can’t imagine taking an animal anywhere else. I know what to expect on wait time, and know what my animal will look like when I pick it up. Back in college I took a 42 lb bobcat to a guy that was recommended as “Good and Cheap”. Those two things don’t go hand in hand when it comes to a true trophy. I also cringe when folks are getting their shoulder mounts back a month after shooting it. A reputable tannery is backed up 8-10 months in most cases. Just my 2 cents…not worth much.

[Leemo]

Kinda like buying a steak
You get what you pay for

[Deer Tamales]

I too think it boils down to extreme poor business management skills. They under price, which over books …. Which burns them out and they don’t make any money… they take their ball and go home. The great ones know their worth and “don’t need practice”. If they can charge 4x cause they are worth it, and do 1/2 the volume. They stay motivated and have the time to make em all as good as possible

The poor business managment skills is probably one of the biggest issues. Some may be amazing artist but have zero business skills and it quickly turns into a mess they can't get out of without bailing out.

[Snowflake Killa]

Live above there means. Rob Peter to pay Paul

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[Mule Skinner]

I'll keep the answer simple: most try and get a good deal and don't do their due diligence.

Yeah it’s a shame that some taxidermists operate this way to hose their clients.

[K. Lane]

Because a lot of folks are cheapskates and impatient
Fast and cheap ain't good

[kyle1974]

Because they can’t handle all that deposit cash responsibly.

[S-3 Ranch]

Because they can’t handle all that deposit cash responsibly.

Yea their usually flaky, need a wife to support them and when their wife has a kid
That second income disappears and then they disappear