Only a small percentage of bowhunters never leave the ground in pursuit of whitetails, so it makes sense for you to stock full-body safety harnesses in your store. Sure, this is an item a hunter can order online or pick up at a larger outdoor retailer. However, your pro shop has a distinct advantage: You can display various harnesses so consumers can try them out in your store.
In an Archery Business article about stocking and selling tree saddles, I recommended installing a tree trunk in your shop so customers could test a tree saddle and platform in a realistic setting. There’s no other way to know whether a tree saddle is comfortable.
The same tree trunk could be used for customers testing out full-body safety harnesses. The only modification needed is adding a hang-on portable treestand a foot off the floor. Having a tree trunk in your store would enable customers to see how easily various tree straps (included in the purchase of a full-body safety harness) attach to the trunk.
Even without a tree trunk mounted in your store, at the very least you could display the most common sizes of full-body harnesses so customers leave your store knowing they have the right one.
There’s no reason to stock a multitude of models. Many times you can offer too many product choices and as a result, customers won’t pull the trigger because there’s too much to consider. You don’t want them completing their harness research (features, etc.) online at home and then buying from Amazon or elsewhere because it’s convenient.
It also makes sense to stock treestand-related items such as the Hunter Safety System Lifeline, HME Folding Bow Hanger, Hunters Specialties Reflective Treestand Rope, Hunter Safety System Bow & Gear Hoist, Pine Ridge Archery Hunt-N-Gear Equipment Hanger, and more.
Finally, don’t forget to stock harnesses designed specifically for youth hunters. Such products are ideal birthday and Christmas gifts.
Several companies offer top-notch safety harnesses. To get you started in the right direction, consider stocking the two below.
Hunter Safety System X-1 ($59.99)
Available in three sizes (S/M, L/XL and 2X/3X), the X -1 from Hunter Safety System is an affordable and lightweight (2.5 pounds) full-body harness that eliminates dangling straps and tricky weave-through buckles. It can be worn over the top of warm-weather hunting clothing, or under heavier jackets and parkas during colder temperatures.
Muddy Diamondback Harness ($69.99)
Weighing only 2 pounds, the Diamondback Harness from Muddy Outdoors features lightweight padded nylon construction, an adjustable chest strap, and an air-flow mesh design for breathability. This harness is quick and easy to put on and remove thanks to two quick-release leg buckles and one chest buckle.
