Costco Putters are in... (MOD EDIT - NO CORONAVIRUS, POLITICS, BUY/SELL/TRADE POSTS)

[raynorfan1]

> @Rory4Pres said:

> When you guys compare this new Kirkland Putter to those companies, just realize the difference. The kirkland will likely be made in China with Chinese stainless. They will have zero R&D (think about the latest golf ball release), zero feedback from professional golfers, etc. I don't know if it will be CNC'd or cast. If it's cnc'd you can probably expect wide tolerances being accepted, them rushing their machining as fast as possible, along with a lower quality paint finish.

>

> It'll be a great putter for a lot of people. Just don't go comparing Hamburgers with Steak.

 

Can you provide other examples of Kirkland Signature products that were of sub-standard quality to the thing that they were competing against?

 

I have direct experience with a Kirkland Signature product, and can tell you that it is actually _made_ by the OEM that it "competes" against, and is literally the highest quality SKU that the OEM produces (including those sold under its own brand name). Costco's buyers do their research and they are tough.

 

For a high-profile product like a putter, I would bet on production to be of unassailable high quality. Remember, they're perfectly willing to lose money on "treasure hunt" Kirkland items if they think it will get deep pockets into the store for higher margin stuff.

[Rory4Pres]

> @raynorfan1 said:

> > @Rory4Pres said:

> > When you guys compare this new Kirkland Putter to those companies, just realize the difference. The kirkland will likely be made in China with Chinese stainless. They will have zero R&D (think about the latest golf ball release), zero feedback from professional golfers, etc. I don't know if it will be CNC'd or cast. If it's cnc'd you can probably expect wide tolerances being accepted, them rushing their machining as fast as possible, along with a lower quality paint finish.

> >

> > It'll be a great putter for a lot of people. Just don't go comparing Hamburgers with Steak.

>

> Can you provide other examples of Kirkland Signature products that were of sub-standard quality to the thing that they were competing against?

>

> I have direct experience with a Kirkland Signature product, and can tell you that it is actually _made_ by the OEM that it "competes" against, and is literally the highest quality SKU that the OEM produces (including those sold under its own brand name). Costco's buyers do their research and they are tough.

>

> For a high-profile product like a putter, I would bet on production to be of unassailable high quality.** _**Remember, they're perfectly willing to lose money on "treasure hunt" Kirkland items if they think it will get deep pockets into the store for higher margin stuff**_.********

 

To debate your last statement, if that were true, why has costco released the vast majority of their new and previous model golf balls on costco online rather than in stores. Personally, I have never seen the golf balls in their stores, except maybe the 3pc once, yet I've bought tons of them online.

 

Secondly, regarding golf products, I don't think costco buyers are that tough. I think they like deals. Switching to alcohol, most costco shoppers that by a hard alcohol under the kirkdland branch aren't buying it because it's their favorite hard alcohol, it's because it's cheaper and usually decent quality. They want more bang for their buck.

 

There are actually tons of products costco sells for a higher price rather other suppliers but people still buy them because they don't do their research but rather think it's a good deal because costco sells it. Example, fruit and prepackaged salads are usually cheaper at aldi.

 

Lastly, to answer your first question, the latest release of kirkland golf ball is a perfect example of sub-standard quality. If that embarrassment happened to Srizon, Titleist, Taylormade, etc, you'd see a huge windfall of skepticism from customers thinking all their products were inferior from that point on.

[chetterchez]

> @raynorfan1 said:

> > @Rory4Pres said:

> > When you guys compare this new Kirkland Putter to those companies, just realize the difference. The kirkland will likely be made in China with Chinese stainless. They will have zero R&D (think about the latest golf ball release), zero feedback from professional golfers, etc. I don't know if it will be CNC'd or cast. If it's cnc'd you can probably expect wide tolerances being accepted, them rushing their machining as fast as possible, along with a lower quality paint finish.

> >

> > It'll be a great putter for a lot of people. Just don't go comparing Hamburgers with Steak.

>

> Can you provide other examples of Kirkland Signature products that were of sub-standard quality to the thing that they were competing against?

>

> I have direct experience with a Kirkland Signature product, and can tell you that it is actually _made_ by the OEM that it "competes" against, and is literally the highest quality SKU that the OEM produces (including those sold under its own brand name). Costco's buyers do their research and they are tough.

>

> For a high-profile product like a putter, I would bet on production to be of unassailable high quality. Remember, they're perfectly willing to lose money on "treasure hunt" Kirkland items if they think it will get deep pockets into the store for higher margin stuff.

 

Kirkland's beer is fairly lackluster, IMO

[Rory4Pres]

> @chetterchez said:

> > @raynorfan1 said:

> > > @Rory4Pres said:

> > > When you guys compare this new Kirkland Putter to those companies, just realize the difference. The kirkland will likely be made in China with Chinese stainless. They will have zero R&D (think about the latest golf ball release), zero feedback from professional golfers, etc. I don't know if it will be CNC'd or cast. If it's cnc'd you can probably expect wide tolerances being accepted, them rushing their machining as fast as possible, along with a lower quality paint finish.

> > >

> > > It'll be a great putter for a lot of people. Just don't go comparing Hamburgers with Steak.

> >

> > Can you provide other examples of Kirkland Signature products that were of sub-standard quality to the thing that they were competing against?

> >

> > I have direct experience with a Kirkland Signature product, and can tell you that it is actually _made_ by the OEM that it "competes" against, and is literally the highest quality SKU that the OEM produces (including those sold under its own brand name). Costco's buyers do their research and they are tough.

> >

> > For a high-profile product like a putter, I would bet on production to be of unassailable high quality. Remember, they're perfectly willing to lose money on "treasure hunt" Kirkland items if they think it will get deep pockets into the store for higher margin stuff.

>

> Kirkland's beer is fairly lackluster, IMO

 

Agreed. I enjoyed their American pale ale, not nearly as much as Drum roll but it's decent. The rest weren't anything special to me. There's a reason they are 25% cheaper than all the other craft beers in the beer isle.

[trackcoach13]

> @Rory4Pres said:

> > @"James the Hogan Fan" said:

> > > @"BIG STU" said:

> > > > @drbonesvt said:

> > > > > @"BIG STU" said:

> > > > > > @drbonesvt said:

> > > > > > > @Nessism said:

> > > > > > > > @drbonesvt said:

> > > > > > > > > @Nessism said:

> > > > > > > > > > @J13 said:

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > > My guess is China Blanks with Kirkland stamped in them. Dirt cheap, stainless steel, probably getting them for $10 a piece if that. And my guess is Anser style and no other option

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > LOL dude. $10 putter being rebranded by Costco??? Haha!

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > It seems clear that it will be Anser style. Nothing wrong with that! Costco owes us nothing. They will put a product out there and if people like it they will buy. End of story.

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > We can only hope they utilized the Finest child labor and the best lead lined grips , lastly, that there’s enough mercury in the head cover

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > The bees ? knees would be Some CGSS - Chinese German stainless steel , wait their is no such Patent or astm steel grade they can’t copy it

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Maybe they will be made in the same Chinese factory as your Titleist irons and wedges?

> > > > > >

> > > > > > > @Nessism said:

> > > > > > > > @drbonesvt said:

> > > > > > > > > @Nessism said:

> > > > > > > > > > @J13 said:

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > > My guess is China Blanks with Kirkland stamped in them. Dirt cheap, stainless steel, probably getting them for $10 a piece if that. And my guess is Anser style and no other option

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > LOL dude. $10 putter being rebranded by Costco??? Haha!

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > It seems clear that it will be Anser style. Nothing wrong with that! Costco owes us nothing. They will put a product out there and if people like it they will buy. End of story.

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > We can only hope they utilized the Finest child labor and the best lead lined grips , lastly, that there’s enough mercury in the head cover

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > The bees ? knees would be Some CGSS - Chinese German stainless steel , wait their is no such Patent or astm steel grade they can’t copy it

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Maybe they will be made in the same Chinese factory as your Titleist irons and wedges?

> > > > > >

> > > > > > “Your titleist irons and wedges “ am I supposed to be shocked by this revelation or offended by this, **** my whole **** bag is people’s republic of china ?? hand/mass manufactured

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Sans my BB8 betti , milled in USA, However bet that billet of steel is prob import though

> > > > >

> > > > > That steel may not be imported trust me--- We still make steel in the good old United States of South Carolina------ I know of at least 3 locations in SC--- I haul scrap steel on a daily basis to one of the 3 locations I speak of

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Well aware of them

> > > >

> > > > Nucor steel , is the largest steel maker in the US. I worked in material development in Detroit for 5 years. If they used a domestic source , the MTR (material test report ) for a bettinardi would read “M&M “ melted and manufactured in the use

> > >

> > > WOW man you know your steel---- Nucor is exactly who I haul for most of the time Darlington and sometimes Berkley ( Charlestown). Now Liberty Steel currently operates the plant in Georgetown SC and I do haul some to them but they are mostly doing really high grade stuff so our scrap has to be really clean and high grade. I know a little more about steel than the average truck driver because of seeking knowledge from messing with race cars and golf clubs all these years. I also seek knowledge from folks like you. I have learned about high and low carbon content steels etc.. I have also learned a lot in the last 6 years working for the recycling company I work for. The owner of the company I work for is a very smart guy and tells me a lot of stuff pertaining to steel--- He likes talking about stuff like that and likes the fact my mind absorbs new information like a sponge. Really glad you replied

> >

> > Nucor? I've toured their Seattle plant, and I file the rolled form production hall as the coolest single room I've been in.

> >

> > As for the thread, this has to be the most anticipated essentially box-set putter release of all time.

>

> I may go ahead and chime in on this topic. So Scotty Cameron and Bettinardi and many other high end companies aren't going to use chinese material, (or low quality material in general). It doesn't make sense. The raw material isn't whats costly, it's the machining time to CNC the head. They do 1 at a time. Running that machine is what's costly. Why would you want a cheap piece of metal that may have issues being machined, or give an impression of poor quality afterwards. That makes no sense. So on their stainless heads, they will most likely use 303 cold finished annealed bar. It's great for machining and very high quality (as you'll see in their end product.) That material will more than likely come from Valbruna (Italy) or a handful of other outfits (UK), etc.

>

> When you guys compare this new Kirkland Putter to those companies, just realize the difference. The kirkland will likely be made in China with Chinese stainless. They will have zero R&D (think about the latest golf ball release), zero feedback from professional golfers, etc. I don't know if it will be CNC'd or cast. If it's cnc'd you can probably expect wide tolerances being accepted, them rushing their machining as fast as possible, along with a lower quality paint finish.

>

> It'll be a great putter for a lot of people. Just don't go comparing Hamburgers with Steak.

 

Give me the price on the Costco putter, and I will tell you what the quality will be like. Costco has a commitment to their item markup to their customers. Typically it is around 10% or less and CANNOT EXCEED 14%. So if it sells for $149 like mentioned in the thread, then the cost to Costco will be around $135. No way are they buying cheap chinese putters in bulk with their incredible price negotiating skills for $135. I can buy an Odyssey putter for $200 so the cost to the seller is probably around that same $135.

 

If the Costco putter is $149, it will be made by an OEM and high quality. If it is $59 then it will be very questionable.

[TheMoneyShot]

> @ASN21 said:

> Kirkland Stainless Steel (KSS)

 

Hey, I like the sound of that:)

[storm319]

> @chetterchez said:

> > @raynorfan1 said:

> > > @Rory4Pres said:

> > > When you guys compare this new Kirkland Putter to those companies, just realize the difference. The kirkland will likely be made in China with Chinese stainless. They will have zero R&D (think about the latest golf ball release), zero feedback from professional golfers, etc. I don't know if it will be CNC'd or cast. If it's cnc'd you can probably expect wide tolerances being accepted, them rushing their machining as fast as possible, along with a lower quality paint finish.

> > >

> > > It'll be a great putter for a lot of people. Just don't go comparing Hamburgers with Steak.

> >

> > Can you provide other examples of Kirkland Signature products that were of sub-standard quality to the thing that they were competing against?

> >

> > I have direct experience with a Kirkland Signature product, and can tell you that it is actually _made_ by the OEM that it "competes" against, and is literally the highest quality SKU that the OEM produces (including those sold under its own brand name). Costco's buyers do their research and they are tough.

> >

> > For a high-profile product like a putter, I would bet on production to be of unassailable high quality. Remember, they're perfectly willing to lose money on "treasure hunt" Kirkland items if they think it will get deep pockets into the store for higher margin stuff.

>

> Kirkland's beer is fairly lackluster, IMO

 

Recently had Kirkland frozen pizza that tasted like a hot circle of garbage

[storm319]

> @Rory4Pres said:

> To debate your last statement, if that were true, why has costco released the vast majority of their new and previous model golf balls on costco online rather than in stores. Personally, I have never seen the golf balls in their stores, except maybe the 3pc once, yet I've bought tons of them online.

 

Agreed that it is no longer about the “treasure hunt” (it may have been initially), but a customer does need a membership in order to purchase these balls online. The goal is to keep you continually renewing that membership every year.

[drbonesvt]

Any full pictures of this thing yet or release date

[erock9174]

Wondering if they are waiting for Black Friday to release it??

[a-B]

> @capking said:

> > @blink3665 said:

> > > @Buckets2 said:

> > > J13 only tests the finest equipment, ovanight...from japan.

> >

> > You almost had me? You never had me. You never had your putter.

>

> I live my life 18 holes at a time.

 

You know you owe me a sleeve of Gen1 K-Sig's right?!

[TheMoneyShot]

> @storm319 said:

> > @Rory4Pres said:

> > To debate your last statement, if that were true, why has costco released the vast majority of their new and previous model golf balls on costco online rather than in stores. Personally, I have never seen the golf balls in their stores, except maybe the 3pc once, yet I've bought tons of them online.

>

> Agreed that it is no longer about the “treasure hunt” (it may have been initially), but a customer does need a membership in order to purchase these balls online. The goal is to keep you continually renewing that membership every year.

 

Balls were actually in my store this weekend. Never seen them until then. I wonder if the putter will be online only?

 

[jpdx]

> @J13 said:

> > @nlinneman20 said:

> > > @J13 said:

> > > > @nlinneman20 said:

> > > > Everyone on here saying they arent buying a Costco putter.....I'll bet anyone here any amount of money that an existing brand is making this putter and stamping kirkland on it. BUT BUT IT DOESNT SAY SCOTTY ON IT...O NO!!

> > > >

> > > > Just like Kirkland vodka is made in the same **** facility as some of the high end vodkas.

> > > >

> > > > Just like almost every single TV is made in one of two factories overseas just get stamped with a diff name.

> > > >

> > > > You think Costco opened up their own golf club making facility to manufacture a putter that may or may not sell well? Some people need business school

> > >

> > > So like they hired some garbage manufacturer to make and stamp Kirkland Sig onto their ball ? That worked out well huh?

> >

> > uhh ya it did with the 4 piece

> >

> > I dont think Titleist sues someone cuz their ball sucks so bad, they sue because its significantly cheaper and performs similarly to what they are peddling for $40/dozen.

> >

> > Now what happened between the lawsuit, three piece and the new 4 piece I couldnt tell you.

> >

> > But yes if the original 4 piece was still being made it would be selling like crazy.

>

> But it's not made because they chose the wrong business partner and factories. Which is my original point. You are saying they are working with Odyssey or Scotty Cameron to make these putters. History in golf for Costco says otherwise. My guess is China Blanks with Kirkland stamped in them. Dirt cheap, stainless steel, probably getting them for $10 a piece if that. And my guess is Anser style and no other option

 

Anyone recall the Kirkland margins? If it costs $10 to make. Include costs to transport to the warehouses, we should be paying..what about $20?

 

[BigUrsus]

> @jpdx said:

> > @J13 said:

> > > @nlinneman20 said:

> > > > @J13 said:

> > > > > @nlinneman20 said:

> > > > > Everyone on here saying they arent buying a Costco putter.....I'll bet anyone here any amount of money that an existing brand is making this putter and stamping kirkland on it. BUT BUT IT DOESNT SAY SCOTTY ON IT...O NO!!

> > > > >

> > > > > Just like Kirkland vodka is made in the same **** facility as some of the high end vodkas.

> > > > >

> > > > > Just like almost every single TV is made in one of two factories overseas just get stamped with a diff name.

> > > > >

> > > > > You think Costco opened up their own golf club making facility to manufacture a putter that may or may not sell well? Some people need business school

> > > >

> > > > So like they hired some garbage manufacturer to make and stamp Kirkland Sig onto their ball ? That worked out well huh?

> > >

> > > uhh ya it did with the 4 piece

> > >

> > > I dont think Titleist sues someone cuz their ball sucks so bad, they sue because its significantly cheaper and performs similarly to what they are peddling for $40/dozen.

> > >

> > > Now what happened between the lawsuit, three piece and the new 4 piece I couldnt tell you.

> > >

> > > But yes if the original 4 piece was still being made it would be selling like crazy.

> >

> > But it's not made because they chose the wrong business partner and factories. Which is my original point. You are saying they are working with Odyssey or Scotty Cameron to make these putters. History in golf for Costco says otherwise. My guess is China Blanks with Kirkland stamped in them. Dirt cheap, stainless steel, probably getting them for $10 a piece if that. And my guess is Anser style and no other option

>

> Anyone recall the Kirkland margins? If it costs $10 to make. Include costs to transport to the warehouses, we should be paying..what about $20?

>

 

I thought the margins were percentage based? Last i read they profit only on Membership costs. Id imagine they have a percentage margin on items that accounts for operating expenses.

[jpdx]

> @mgm101990 said:

> > @jpdx said:

> > > @J13 said:

> > > > @nlinneman20 said:

> > > > > @J13 said:

> > > > > > @nlinneman20 said:

> > > > > > Everyone on here saying they arent buying a Costco putter.....I'll bet anyone here any amount of money that an existing brand is making this putter and stamping kirkland on it. BUT BUT IT DOESNT SAY SCOTTY ON IT...O NO!!

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Just like Kirkland vodka is made in the same **** facility as some of the high end vodkas.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Just like almost every single TV is made in one of two factories overseas just get stamped with a diff name.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > You think Costco opened up their own golf club making facility to manufacture a putter that may or may not sell well? Some people need business school

> > > > >

> > > > > So like they hired some garbage manufacturer to make and stamp Kirkland Sig onto their ball ? That worked out well huh?

> > > >

> > > > uhh ya it did with the 4 piece

> > > >

> > > > I dont think Titleist sues someone cuz their ball sucks so bad, they sue because its significantly cheaper and performs similarly to what they are peddling for $40/dozen.

> > > >

> > > > Now what happened between the lawsuit, three piece and the new 4 piece I couldnt tell you.

> > > >

> > > > But yes if the original 4 piece was still being made it would be selling like crazy.

> > >

> > > But it's not made because they chose the wrong business partner and factories. Which is my original point. You are saying they are working with Odyssey or Scotty Cameron to make these putters. History in golf for Costco says otherwise. My guess is China Blanks with Kirkland stamped in them. Dirt cheap, stainless steel, probably getting them for $10 a piece if that. And my guess is Anser style and no other option

> >

> > Anyone recall the Kirkland margins? If it costs $10 to make. Include costs to transport to the warehouses, we should be paying..what about $20?

> >

>

> I thought the margins were percentage based? Last i read they profit only on Membership costs. Id imagine they have a percentage margin on items that accounts for operating expenses.

 

Yeah, I keep reading they are. Just don’t recall the percentage. But if the cost to produce, ship etc was $18 and Margin is 10% then we’d be paying about $20 ($19.80)

 

[Bill Broderick]

> @Rory4Pres said:

> > @raynorfan1 said:

> > > @Rory4Pres said:

> > > When you guys compare this new Kirkland Putter to those companies, just realize the difference. The kirkland will likely be made in China with Chinese stainless. They will have zero R&D (think about the latest golf ball release), zero feedback from professional golfers, etc. I don't know if it will be CNC'd or cast. If it's cnc'd you can probably expect wide tolerances being accepted, them rushing their machining as fast as possible, along with a lower quality paint finish.

> > >

> > > It'll be a great putter for a lot of people. Just don't go comparing Hamburgers with Steak.

> >

> > Can you provide other examples of Kirkland Signature products that were of sub-standard quality to the thing that they were competing against?

> >

> > I have direct experience with a Kirkland Signature product, and can tell you that it is actually _made_ by the OEM that it "competes" against, and is literally the highest quality SKU that the OEM produces (including those sold under its own brand name). Costco's buyers do their research and they are tough.

> >

> > For a high-profile product like a putter, I would bet on production to be of unassailable high quality.** _**Remember, they're perfectly willing to lose money on "treasure hunt" Kirkland items if they think it will get deep pockets into the store for higher margin stuff**_.********

>

> To debate your last statement, if that were true, why has costco released the vast majority of their new and previous model golf balls on costco online rather than in stores. Personally, I have never seen the golf balls in their stores, except maybe the 3pc once, yet I've bought tons of them online.

>

> Secondly, regarding golf products, I don't think costco buyers are that tough. I think they like deals. Switching to alcohol, most costco shoppers that by a hard alcohol under the kirkdland branch aren't buying it because it's their favorite hard alcohol, it's because it's cheaper and usually decent quality. They want more bang for their buck.

>

> There are actually tons of products costco sells for a higher price rather other suppliers but people still buy them because they don't do their research but rather think it's a good deal because costco sells it. Example, fruit and prepackaged salads are usually cheaper at aldi.

>

> Lastly, to answer your first question, the latest release of kirkland golf ball is a perfect example of sub-standard quality. If that embarrassment happened to Srizon, Titleist, Taylormade, etc, you'd see a huge windfall of skepticism from customers thinking all their products were inferior from that point on.

 

When raynorfan1 wrote "Costco buyers do their research and they are tough" he was talking about Costco employees who source the products that are subsequently sold by Costco. He wasn't talking about Costco customers.

[storm319]

> @TheMoneyShot said:

> > @storm319 said:

> > > @Rory4Pres said:

> > > To debate your last statement, if that were true, why has costco released the vast majority of their new and previous model golf balls on costco online rather than in stores. Personally, I have never seen the golf balls in their stores, except maybe the 3pc once, yet I've bought tons of them online.

> >

> > Agreed that it is no longer about the “treasure hunt” (it may have been initially), but a customer does need a membership in order to purchase these balls online. The goal is to keep you continually renewing that membership every year.

>

> Balls were actually in my store this weekend. Never seen them until then. I wonder if the putter will be online only?

>

 

**Tour Performance** - aka KSig. original 4-piece ball that started the craze. Produced in South Korea by Nassau. Available physically in limited stores initially, but once the craze started, they were pretty much only available online with limitations per membership.

 

**Performance +** - aka K3. 3-piece. Produced in China by Phantom. Available online and commonly in stores. Costco seems to be struggling to sell these.

 

**Performance One** - new 4-piece. Produced in China by Phantom. Online only (sold out in hours), mass refunds due to cover issues. TBD on when/if we will see these again.

 

 

I definitely agree that the initial strategy was for these to be a door buster, razor thin margin/loss leader product. However, the fact that they can sell the 4 piece ball out in minutes online without shipping to a physical store is a dream for them considering that the main focus is on membership renewals. If the goal was to make money on the balls in isolation, they would sell these without restriction (not members only and no limits per membership).

 

We'll see with the putters, although $150 sight unseen will be a tougher pill to swallow for most people. I also cannot imagine them stocking that high of volume in each store.

[trackcoach13]

> @jpdx said:

> > @J13 said:

> > > @nlinneman20 said:

> > > > @J13 said:

> > > > > @nlinneman20 said:

> > > > > Everyone on here saying they arent buying a Costco putter.....I'll bet anyone here any amount of money that an existing brand is making this putter and stamping kirkland on it. BUT BUT IT DOESNT SAY SCOTTY ON IT...O NO!!

> > > > >

> > > > > Just like Kirkland vodka is made in the same **** facility as some of the high end vodkas.

> > > > >

> > > > > Just like almost every single TV is made in one of two factories overseas just get stamped with a diff name.

> > > > >

> > > > > You think Costco opened up their own golf club making facility to manufacture a putter that may or may not sell well? Some people need business school

> > > >

> > > > So like they hired some garbage manufacturer to make and stamp Kirkland Sig onto their ball ? That worked out well huh?

> > >

> > > uhh ya it did with the 4 piece

> > >

> > > I dont think Titleist sues someone cuz their ball sucks so bad, they sue because its significantly cheaper and performs similarly to what they are peddling for $40/dozen.

> > >

> > > Now what happened between the lawsuit, three piece and the new 4 piece I couldnt tell you.

> > >

> > > But yes if the original 4 piece was still being made it would be selling like crazy.

> >

> > But it's not made because they chose the wrong business partner and factories. Which is my original point. You are saying they are working with Odyssey or Scotty Cameron to make these putters. History in golf for Costco says otherwise. My guess is China Blanks with Kirkland stamped in them. Dirt cheap, stainless steel, probably getting them for $10 a piece if that. And my guess is Anser style and no other option

>

> Anyone recall the Kirkland margins? If it costs $10 to make. Include costs to transport to the warehouses, we should be paying..what about $20?

>

 

I just provided that info a few posts above yours.I guess you did not see my post.

[Rory4Pres]

> @"Bill Broderick" said:

> > @Rory4Pres said:

> > > @raynorfan1 said:

> > > > @Rory4Pres said:

> > > > When you guys compare this new Kirkland Putter to those companies, just realize the difference. The kirkland will likely be made in China with Chinese stainless. They will have zero R&D (think about the latest golf ball release), zero feedback from professional golfers, etc. I don't know if it will be CNC'd or cast. If it's cnc'd you can probably expect wide tolerances being accepted, them rushing their machining as fast as possible, along with a lower quality paint finish.

> > > >

> > > > It'll be a great putter for a lot of people. Just don't go comparing Hamburgers with Steak.

> > >

> > > Can you provide other examples of Kirkland Signature products that were of sub-standard quality to the thing that they were competing against?

> > >

> > > I have direct experience with a Kirkland Signature product, and can tell you that it is actually _made_ by the OEM that it "competes" against, and is literally the highest quality SKU that the OEM produces (including those sold under its own brand name). Costco's buyers do their research and they are tough.

> > >

> > > For a high-profile product like a putter, I would bet on production to be of unassailable high quality.** _**Remember, they're perfectly willing to lose money on "treasure hunt" Kirkland items if they think it will get deep pockets into the store for higher margin stuff**_.********

> >

> > To debate your last statement, if that were true, why has costco released the vast majority of their new and previous model golf balls on costco online rather than in stores. Personally, I have never seen the golf balls in their stores, except maybe the 3pc once, yet I've bought tons of them online.

> >

> > Secondly, regarding golf products, I don't think costco buyers are that tough. I think they like deals. Switching to alcohol, most costco shoppers that by a hard alcohol under the kirkdland branch aren't buying it because it's their favorite hard alcohol, it's because it's cheaper and usually decent quality. They want more bang for their buck.

> >

> > There are actually tons of products costco sells for a higher price rather other suppliers but people still buy them because they don't do their research but rather think it's a good deal because costco sells it. Example, fruit and prepackaged salads are usually cheaper at aldi.

> >

> > Lastly, to answer your first question, the latest release of kirkland golf ball is a perfect example of sub-standard quality. If that embarrassment happened to Srizon, Titleist, Taylormade, etc, you'd see a huge windfall of skepticism from customers thinking all their products were inferior from that point on.

>

> When raynorfan1 wrote "Costc'o buyers do their research and they are tough" he was talking about Costco employees who source the products that are subsequently sold by Costco. He wasn't talking about Costco customers.

 

oh ok, thanks for clarifying. Yeah, I'd agree with that.

[blink3665]

> @"Bill Broderick" said:

> > @Rory4Pres said:

> > > @raynorfan1 said:

> > > > @Rory4Pres said:

> > > > When you guys compare this new Kirkland Putter to those companies, just realize the difference. The kirkland will likely be made in China with Chinese stainless. They will have zero R&D (think about the latest golf ball release), zero feedback from professional golfers, etc. I don't know if it will be CNC'd or cast. If it's cnc'd you can probably expect wide tolerances being accepted, them rushing their machining as fast as possible, along with a lower quality paint finish.

> > > >

> > > > It'll be a great putter for a lot of people. Just don't go comparing Hamburgers with Steak.

> > >

> > > Can you provide other examples of Kirkland Signature products that were of sub-standard quality to the thing that they were competing against?

> > >

> > > I have direct experience with a Kirkland Signature product, and can tell you that it is actually _made_ by the OEM that it "competes" against, and is literally the highest quality SKU that the OEM produces (including those sold under its own brand name). Costco's buyers do their research and they are tough.

> > >

> > > For a high-profile product like a putter, I would bet on production to be of unassailable high quality.** _**Remember, they're perfectly willing to lose money on "treasure hunt" Kirkland items if they think it will get deep pockets into the store for higher margin stuff**_.********

> >

> > To debate your last statement, if that were true, why has costco released the vast majority of their new and previous model golf balls on costco online rather than in stores. Personally, I have never seen the golf balls in their stores, except maybe the 3pc once, yet I've bought tons of them online.

> >

> > Secondly, regarding golf products, I don't think costco buyers are that tough. I think they like deals. Switching to alcohol, most costco shoppers that by a hard alcohol under the kirkdland branch aren't buying it because it's their favorite hard alcohol, it's because it's cheaper and usually decent quality. They want more bang for their buck.

> >

> > There are actually tons of products costco sells for a higher price rather other suppliers but people still buy them because they don't do their research but rather think it's a good deal because costco sells it. Example, fruit and prepackaged salads are usually cheaper at aldi.

> >

> > Lastly, to answer your first question, the latest release of kirkland golf ball is a perfect example of sub-standard quality. If that embarrassment happened to Srizon, Titleist, Taylormade, etc, you'd see a huge windfall of skepticism from customers thinking all their products were inferior from that point on.

>

> When raynorfan1 wrote "Costco buyers do their research and they are tough" he was talking about Costco employees who source the products that are subsequently sold by Costco. He wasn't talking about Costco customers.

 

Ha! That was my thought exactly. Just wasnt sure enough to call him out.

[jpdx]

> @trackcoach13 said:

> > @jpdx said:

> > > @J13 said:

> > > > @nlinneman20 said:

> > > > > @J13 said:

> > > > > > @nlinneman20 said:

> > > > > > Everyone on here saying they arent buying a Costco putter.....I'll bet anyone here any amount of money that an existing brand is making this putter and stamping kirkland on it. BUT BUT IT DOESNT SAY SCOTTY ON IT...O NO!!

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Just like Kirkland vodka is made in the same **** facility as some of the high end vodkas.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Just like almost every single TV is made in one of two factories overseas just get stamped with a diff name.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > You think Costco opened up their own golf club making facility to manufacture a putter that may or may not sell well? Some people need business school

> > > > >

> > > > > So like they hired some garbage manufacturer to make and stamp Kirkland Sig onto their ball ? That worked out well huh?

> > > >

> > > > uhh ya it did with the 4 piece

> > > >

> > > > I dont think Titleist sues someone cuz their ball sucks so bad, they sue because its significantly cheaper and performs similarly to what they are peddling for $40/dozen.

> > > >

> > > > Now what happened between the lawsuit, three piece and the new 4 piece I couldnt tell you.

> > > >

> > > > But yes if the original 4 piece was still being made it would be selling like crazy.

> > >

> > > But it's not made because they chose the wrong business partner and factories. Which is my original point. You are saying they are working with Odyssey or Scotty Cameron to make these putters. History in golf for Costco says otherwise. My guess is China Blanks with Kirkland stamped in them. Dirt cheap, stainless steel, probably getting them for $10 a piece if that. And my guess is Anser style and no other option

> >

> > Anyone recall the Kirkland margins? If it costs $10 to make. Include costs to transport to the warehouses, we should be paying..what about $20?

> >

>

> I just provided that info a few posts above yours.I guess you did not see my post.

 

Yup. Sure did miss it. Sorry. I replied before seeing all the pages and saw it later when I got back to read the rest.

[trackcoach13]

> @jpdx said:

> > @trackcoach13 said:

> > > @jpdx said:

> > > > @J13 said:

> > > > > @nlinneman20 said:

> > > > > > @J13 said:

> > > > > > > @nlinneman20 said:

> > > > > > > Everyone on here saying they arent buying a Costco putter.....I'll bet anyone here any amount of money that an existing brand is making this putter and stamping kirkland on it. BUT BUT IT DOESNT SAY SCOTTY ON IT...O NO!!

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Just like Kirkland vodka is made in the same **** facility as some of the high end vodkas.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Just like almost every single TV is made in one of two factories overseas just get stamped with a diff name.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > You think Costco opened up their own golf club making facility to manufacture a putter that may or may not sell well? Some people need business school

> > > > > >

> > > > > > So like they hired some garbage manufacturer to make and stamp Kirkland Sig onto their ball ? That worked out well huh?

> > > > >

> > > > > uhh ya it did with the 4 piece

> > > > >

> > > > > I dont think Titleist sues someone cuz their ball sucks so bad, they sue because its significantly cheaper and performs similarly to what they are peddling for $40/dozen.

> > > > >

> > > > > Now what happened between the lawsuit, three piece and the new 4 piece I couldnt tell you.

> > > > >

> > > > > But yes if the original 4 piece was still being made it would be selling like crazy.

> > > >

> > > > But it's not made because they chose the wrong business partner and factories. Which is my original point. You are saying they are working with Odyssey or Scotty Cameron to make these putters. History in golf for Costco says otherwise. My guess is China Blanks with Kirkland stamped in them. Dirt cheap, stainless steel, probably getting them for $10 a piece if that. And my guess is Anser style and no other option

> > >

> > > Anyone recall the Kirkland margins? If it costs $10 to make. Include costs to transport to the warehouses, we should be paying..what about $20?

> > >

> >

> > I just provided that info a few posts above yours.I guess you did not see my post.

>

> Yup. Sure did miss it. Sorry. I replied before seeing all the pages and saw it later when I got back to read the rest.

 

No reason to apologize it happens to all of us. Costco's markup policy is one of the reasons their loyal supporters are so rabid. They negotiate good prices and then pass the savings on to their customers.

[TheMoneyShot]

I wonder if these will sell as hot as the golf balls did?

[BlkNGld]

IMO, it all depends on the price.

 

I can see some people, having seen what happened with the price of the ball, trying to buy the initial ones up and flip at a profit.

 

But, unlike the balls that most in the know were aware would be a limited run, I'm sure they're prepared to get as many of these as they can sell. One just has to be patient and not overpay on the bay.

 

[GeorgeHWB]

> @TheMoneyShot said:

> I wonder if these will sell as hot as the golf balls did?

 

There's no way they sell as well as the balls. I think they're apples and oranges. Balls are cheap and consumable. Golfers need to keep buying them to play. Putters are expensive and most people don't buy new putters all the time. Well, non-wrxers that is. Also, the balls were statistically proven to be as good or better than tour balls that cost way more. There's no way any statistics will prove that for a putter.

[Scotty1140]

> @storm319 said:

> > @chetterchez said:

> > > @raynorfan1 said:

> > > > @Rory4Pres said:

> > > > When you guys compare this new Kirkland Putter to those companies, just realize the difference. The kirkland will likely be made in China with Chinese stainless. They will have zero R&D (think about the latest golf ball release), zero feedback from professional golfers, etc. I don't know if it will be CNC'd or cast. If it's cnc'd you can probably expect wide tolerances being accepted, them rushing their machining as fast as possible, along with a lower quality paint finish.

> > > >

> > > > It'll be a great putter for a lot of people. Just don't go comparing Hamburgers with Steak.

> > >

> > > Can you provide other examples of Kirkland Signature products that were of sub-standard quality to the thing that they were competing against?

> > >

> > > I have direct experience with a Kirkland Signature product, and can tell you that it is actually _made_ by the OEM that it "competes" against, and is literally the highest quality SKU that the OEM produces (including those sold under its own brand name). Costco's buyers do their research and they are tough.

> > >

> > > For a high-profile product like a putter, I would bet on production to be of unassailable high quality. Remember, they're perfectly willing to lose money on "treasure hunt" Kirkland items if they think it will get deep pockets into the store for higher margin stuff.

> >

> > Kirkland's beer is fairly lackluster, IMO

>

> Recently had Kirkland frozen pizza that tasted like a hot circle of garbage

I think you’re confusing Costco with Pizza by Alfredo.

 

 

[USCHawks31]

> @Scotty1140 said:

> > @storm319 said:

> > > @chetterchez said:

> > > > @raynorfan1 said:

> > > > > @Rory4Pres said:

> > > > > When you guys compare this new Kirkland Putter to those companies, just realize the difference. The kirkland will likely be made in China with Chinese stainless. They will have zero R&D (think about the latest golf ball release), zero feedback from professional golfers, etc. I don't know if it will be CNC'd or cast. If it's cnc'd you can probably expect wide tolerances being accepted, them rushing their machining as fast as possible, along with a lower quality paint finish.

> > > > >

> > > > > It'll be a great putter for a lot of people. Just don't go comparing Hamburgers with Steak.

> > > >

> > > > Can you provide other examples of Kirkland Signature products that were of sub-standard quality to the thing that they were competing against?

> > > >

> > > > I have direct experience with a Kirkland Signature product, and can tell you that it is actually _made_ by the OEM that it "competes" against, and is literally the highest quality SKU that the OEM produces (including those sold under its own brand name). Costco's buyers do their research and they are tough.

> > > >

> > > > For a high-profile product like a putter, I would bet on production to be of unassailable high quality. Remember, they're perfectly willing to lose money on "treasure hunt" Kirkland items if they think it will get deep pockets into the store for higher margin stuff.

> > >

> > > Kirkland's beer is fairly lackluster, IMO

> >

> > Recently had Kirkland frozen pizza that tasted like a hot circle of garbage

> I think you’re confusing Costco with Pizza by Alfredo.

>

>

 

Always go with Alfredo's Pizza Cafe.

[TheMoneyShot]

Still nothing at my Costco store.

[jpdx]

I wonder how we could get the product code before release. Lol.

[TheMoneyShot]

> @jpdx said:

> I wonder how we could get the product code before release. Lol.

 

Yes exactly, lol.