I would be annoyed.  I am unsure what kind of restitution is available or appropriate, but you would think a store manager could offer you something.  

I would have been upset. Probably said something when I saw them drop it. It’s not the end of the world.  I know my stuff will get used and scratched. That’s the point it’s mine. I want to be the bonehead to ruin it. Unless something would have broke on it. I wouldn’t have been complaining to a manager. 

Should’ve just spooled it on yourself. You don’t need any “tools”. Never understand why guys do this. 
 

At this point, you’re SOL. Should’ve brought it up right then and there. In fact, why WOULDN’T you?

 

 

Yea that sounds pretty annoying. 

That said, no way I'm making them give me a new reel because of a cosmetic scratch. Kinda ridiculous imo.  

I might take it up with a manager and preface I'm not trying to get the dude fired, but is there anything you can do, yadda yadda, and probably walk away with a gift card. 

Stuff happens.  If the reel still works as it should… not a big deal.    
 

do yourself a favour and don’t get a 21 zillion sv.    They’ll scratch just from looking at them.  LoL.  But they’re one heckuva a reel!

It’s not too late to do something about it. Cabelas doesn’t have the high quality service they used to before BPS acquired them, but if you speak to a manager they might be willing to offer something.

 

I’ve taken my reels to Cabelas every spring for 15 years and I’ve never had anything like this happen. So it would appear your experience is an isolated random event. Some of you guys make it sound like they burned down the house. It sounds like a simple accident that anyone could have made.

I had an archery pro shop but my bow in a vice and forgot to let the tension down. The bow exploded while I was watching. $*** happens. In my case the guy was embarrassed took an identical bow off the rack and said sorry brother, here ya go. 
 

I’d relay my experience to the manager in an fyi manner. If I’m him , you’ll leave happy or at least satisfied. 

Ahhh the 'ole man should have invested wisely and been long retired ?.

Honestly though, cosmetic is just that, cosmetic and doesn't effect performance.......go fishing with it.

It's happened to me, which is why I spool my own reels. I have an old Berkley spooling station. Works great but the new version stinks. It's easy to use and is quicker than going to the store to have it done. 

 

I have never trusted the store spooling machines. I even bought a used one from a closed Gander Mountain but sold it to buddy. I just liked using the much simpler and less accident prone Berkley. 

I used to work those spooling stations as a kid. Spooled up thousands of reels.  I'm sure I have a flung a dozen of so off the station from not tightening down on the reel seat good enough.