AEDP has been underway for almost a year. Manufacturers that have taken part in the program say the feedback has been very helpful. Darton Archery submitted its Exciter bow, a product targeting youth and women. “We had great feedback from it,” said Ted Harpham, the sales manager for Darton Archery. “What we’ve done from the feedback that we got, we were able to target what we wanted to go forward with this year.”
Field testers also reviewed Accubow. “I think our feedback was mostly 9’s out of 10’s,” said Matt Pell, Accubow’s CEO. Field testers found Accubow to be helpful during group instructions and appeal to a wide-range of users. “Our goal from day one has always been to cater to all groups,” said Pell.
Several of the AEDP-tested products are on display in the Member Services Area. Retailers are encouraged to stop by and see what products were tested, and see what field testers had to say. Retailers can also learn how to become product testers and get the opportunity to speak with manufacturers about their product needs.
Manufacturers should also swing by the AEDP area in MSA to learn more about how to get their products tested and how that can lead to improved marketing strategy, product improvements and the development of new products.
Manufacturers can also contact Jennifer Mazur, ATA’s director of bowhunting and archery programs, at (301) 580-1238 or Jennifermazur@archerytrade.org.