Has anyone successfully returned/exchanged a broken rod to Bass Pro without a receipt?  I have had the rod for about six months, is that too long of a time to return/exchange? Thanks!

Do you have a BPS Rewards card? If you do, they can verify your purchase in the computer and you won't need a receipt.

Before you could if it was a BPS brand rod. But as of yesterday they will be more strict on returns... but they also lowered the price of gear guards which is an extended two-year warranty. It is a premium  warranty and will cover accidents. Some stores will still probably exchange the rod but no promises.

@Stasher even with out the receipt they will take returns but you would only recieve the lowest price we have offered it for.

I've never had a problem doing it without a reciept.  But I was almost always exchanging it for the exact model as I was bringing in.  Only once did Bass Pro give me cash back, and that was for a reel that they did not have in stock. 

my experience at the manteca, CA BPS store is, without a receipt, they will look at the date code stamped on your rod blank and, if within 12 months, will let you exchange it for the same exact rod if it appears to be not your fault. if it is outside of 12 months, you're SOL. i had a prolite finesse rod where the trigger sheared off from my finger and it was 14 months old... the manager said he was "bending over backward" for me but couldn't do anything to help me.

Thanks for the info thus far. The rod is not a BPS brand rod, its an Abu Garcia Vendetta.  Would that have a factor in whether or not they could exchange it?

I think in that case you're stuck dealing with Pure Fishing. I don't think your BPS will help you out with another manufacturer's rod, unless it's part of the warranty...like Shimano's over-the-counter replacement deal.

I've never had a problem doing it without a reciept. But I was almost always exchanging it for the exact model as I was bringing in. Only once did Bass Pro give me cash back, and that was for a reel that they did not have in stock.

X2

I sat on an Extreme last year that was over a year old and brought it back and they gave me the same length and action, but the newer model, with no questions asked. Keep the little registration paper that's wrapped around the handle but dont send it in. Bring it with if you go to exchange it. Never broken a rod while fishing, just stupid stuff.

l have returned reels and rods at BPS... exchanged them out with no problems. They will even allow you to upgrade if you pay the difference..

I went to BPS yesterday and got no love...  They said they couldn't do anything because its past the 30 day period and I didn't have a receipt. They told me I had to deal with Abu Garcia themselves... Great Customer Service... >  I just sent my broken rod to Abu Garcia today, so hopefully I'll have a new one soon. 

I went to BPS yesterday and got no love... They said they couldn't do anything because its past the 30 day period and I didn't have a receipt. They told me I had to deal with Abu Garcia themselves... Great Customer Service... > I just sent my broken rod to Abu Garcia today, so hopefully I'll have a new one soon.

  why would you even exspect bps to warranty a pure fishing product?then you get mad because they say to go to pure fishing.think real hard about it.

They should take pride in the products they sell, BPS brand or not, and stand behind what they sell.  If they sell a faulty product, they should replace it.  That makes sense to me...  By the way, the person helping me was not the nicest person.  I have exchanged things at BPS before and never had anyone be that impolite/condescending to me.

the product is warantied by the manufacturer.

They should take pride in the products they sell, BPS brand or not, and stand behind what they sell. If they sell a faulty product, they should replace it. That makes sense to me... By the way, the person helping me was not the nicest person. I have exchanged things at BPS before and never had anyone be that impolite/condescending to me.

The reason they didn't exchange the rod is because Bass Pro has their own warranty program. It's called a "Gear Guard" and was offered to you when you purchased the rod.

I agree with dodgeguy. You had 30 days during which the retailer covered you if something happened. After 30 days it's your responsibility to take care of it with the manufacturer. I'd almost guarantee it also says that on your receipt from when you bought it. ALWAYS, ALWAYS keep a receipt for stuff like that.

ive seen both sides of the BPS return policys and still prefer to spend my money there. ive never seen them not at least try to go out of their way to provide top customer service.