Has the BST gone too aggressive for deal “hunters?”

[njmack]

I think I discovered golfwrx for the BST forum about 10 years ago because it felt more like a swap meet rather than a marketplace, if that makes sense. To my memory it's definitely lost that feel.

 

Now, unless you have a niche item to list here, I've found it's nearly easier to trade through the retailers/2nd hand stores. Sure, you're only getting PGA superstore values & maybe a 20% premium for store credit which still winds up being less than what you "could" make here, but man... it saves weeks of dealing with tire kickers and posting, re-posting trying to find the "right price". And as others said, once you eat PayPal fees and shipping, your "premium" for selling peer to peer might be like... < $100? Yeesh

[eddiebigeddie]

Agree with what most people have said here. Been here since 2014 and this year especially everyone wants or expects everything for super cheap. I am about done selling here because it’s not even worth it anymore and the tire kickers or people that don’t reply drive me nuts. 

[Anser3]

I'm ok with tire kickers.  People who never reply drive me crazy, but I guess that's to be expected.  I don't even mind lowball offers as long as the person doesn't try to guilt shame over a listing (see my earlier post about people acting entitled). 

[skaarsgard]

On 8/9/2022 at 2:33 PM, Rory4Pres said:

For the past couple of years, new and used golf clubs have been much higher value than in past history.  Maybe it's a sign that the market is slowing down.

 

In 2017-2018, one could regularly get a great conditioned used scotty cameron for $175-250 (talking about OTR newer models like the futuras, etc).  Over the past couple of years, if you try to offer $200, you'll piss off the seller and either be ignored or cussed out.

 

 

 

 

I have been wondering along the same lines why it's getting harder to sell here.  I continue to buy, buying more than I ever have before because I can't help myself.  Though with selling, my last ad was the only I've been unable to sell everything posted.  Granted, I had over $7k of products on the BST in that ad, what I realized is that plain and simple - the market itself has changed and some of us have less money to play with. 

 

We in America are looking at high inflation, doubled home energy and gas prices, crazy grocery bills, and petro all severely limiting Americans' recreational spend.  The financial future is becoming more and more uncertain for a lot of people and I think this is the simple reason we are having a tough*er time selling stuff than the past couple of years.

[jblough99]

I’ve been selling on here for 10+ years and have noticed that this is just the “slow season” for selling.  Early summer through the fall is a tougher time to sell because most have their bags sorted out and aren’t really looking for anything.  Most will grab something for a steal of a price but arent looking to spend top dollar, especially with all the new releases right around the corner.  

 

I always tend to pick up a lot of stuff in the fall/winter to test during the off season.  Then I just hold off until spring to sell what doesn’t work.  Never had anything I’ve listed last more than 24 hours in the spring.  Absolutely  the best time to sell.  All the new gear is out and people are looking to rework their setups.

 

I’ve also noticed as of late a lot of ppl are still asking “Covid” prices for used stuff when supply was low and demand was through the roof.  Those days are over but some haven’t realized it yet.  

[Brooky03]

I have very limited BST experience here.  That said, you're competing against listings on eBay and other online retailers.  If a club is $200 here and $220 at Callaway Preowned, the peace of mind with Callaway is worth the premium.  Likewise, with eBay, you get an extra level of protection as the customer over just the PayPal protections, and usually more customer reviews to base your decision off of.

 

Outside of the niche stuff that's hard to find, there isn't much/any advantage for a customer to buy something here vs. elsewhere if it's not priced at a decent discount.

 

BST's value is in niche stuff and trades.

Edited August 17, 2022 by Brooky03

[third-times-a-charm]

2 hours ago, Brooky03 said:

I have very limited BST experience here.  That said, you're competing against listings on eBay and other online retailers.  If a club is $200 here and $220 at Callaway Preowned, the piece of mind with Callaway is worth the premium.  Likewise, with eBay, you get an extra level of protection as the customer over just the PayPal protections, and usually more customer reviews to base your decision off of.

 

Outside of the niche stuff that's hard to find, there isn't much/any advantage for a customer to buy something here vs. elsewhere if it's not priced at a decent discount.

 

BST's value is in niche stuff and trades.

 

Tbh Callaway Preowned is like 'your own personal BST store' most times. I dont know how retailers keep up with them, or people trying to BST Callaway stuff. The prices are always so cheap, things are always like 30% off, tons of deals even with upgrade shafts and etc. Plus they carry other brands and do 20% off those every other month or so. Top that off with hassle-free trade-ins with free shipping labels and no 'grading' of the trade-ins it's crazy how they do it.

 

95% of the time I would rather lose out on $40-60 on selling a club myself here or on ebay and just trade it in to CPO with their high values they give.

[HoosierHacker89]

I think the BST is still a fine place to buy and sell gear. I do feel like WRX has gotten so big that it has sort of lost its family feel. 10-15 years ago this place had fewer members, but the members that were on the here posted often. I talked to several members on a regular basis back in the day. The boards still offer tons to content, but it seems like members like to bicker and argue more than ever. I still enjoy it here, but I am not sure how to get the "small" feel back. I don't think it ever will be back. 

[Phabs]

I posted a few wtb’s and some of the offers were hilarious.  One guy offered to sell me his used head only with face wear for 30 more than I could get a new one.    Some people just don’t get it I guess.   I’m fine with paying a fair price, bought a head only for 60 less than a complete club.  
 

I agree selling things on here has been a little stale until you low ball yourself then offers go through the roof … I just move my price back up when that happens 🤣🤣🤣

[Bad9]

I think many of us forget (or ignore) just how much shipping costs have increased in the last few years. I know there are cheaper alternatives like pirateship but they may not be available to everyone or some may not want to use them. Most people selling in the BST also aren't commercial entities with cheaper shipping rates due to high shipping volumes.

[Valtiel]

Agreed. I've definitely noticed some folks will ask questions, want shipping quotes, but then ghost you and leave the conversations without even so much as a "no thanks, changed my mind". 😅

[DFS PFD]

Amazing how many lefty's bought 1-2 right handed Scotty "jet setters" and now decided not to keep them! Must be 70% of right handed buyers were left handed LOL 

[Rory4Pres]

36 minutes ago, DFS PFD said:

Amazing how many lefty's bought 1-2 right handed Scotty "jet setters" and now decided not to keep them! Must be 70% of right handed buyers were left handed LOL 

always....

 

Great putter but just can't knock my gamer out the bag.... (meanwhile they haven't taken the plastic off of it, hints they never tried to knock the gamer out the bag).

[stimpmeterp]

“Too hot for me”

 

Saw this one recently.

[Buzzkill]

On 8/18/2022 at 7:33 AM, Bad9 said:

I think many of us forget (or ignore) just how much shipping costs have increased in the last few years. I know there are cheaper alternatives like pirateship but they may not be available to everyone or some may not want to use them. Most people selling in the BST also aren't commercial entities with cheaper shipping rates due to high shipping volumes.

My golf course is now using pirate shipping, cheaper then their commercial account.

[llewol007]

Every seller has a number in their head regarding the value they place on a item they are selling. Does that mean they will get a bite. In simple words NO. But that’s what the Pm’s are for. Funny how some get bent out of shape for what people ask. I’ve done a double take more than a few times on the prices but all I do is pass em over. I tell people all the time, If I can get about 80% of what I purchased something for, it’s a good day. Kinda like leasing clubs.