Does anyone buy direct from the manufacturer?

[AnthonyTX]

I havent had to buy a club in a long time because I've been out of the game for a while. Now it seems you can buy clubs anywhere with lots of customization options even on Callaway, TaylorMade, and Titleist etc. 

 

Is there any reason to buy directly from them versus someone like maplehill? Those that have purchased direct - what are the benefits and what drove you to go that route? 

 

Still undecided for me...

[Abh159]

If ordering something custom (non-standard lie or length, custom shaft or grips, and etc.) I would suggest ordering directly from an OEM. If you do that through a retailer then they are just going to turn around and order it from the OEM anyway. 

 

If ordering something stock then just order from wherever you can get it the quickest and or cheapest.

[TM_HOYER]

I can say with Callaway, if you know the custom spec of the clubs you want, you are better to order direct from Callaway. First, you get Callaway reward points that you can use to reduce the cost of a future purchase. Second, you can see the status of the order. You will know when it has been assigned to be built and can track the shipping. Finally if there is a need, your specs are on file with Callaway. I hit a tree root, bending the shaft on my iron. Callaway had my specs on file and sent me a replacement iron.

[stealthrt91]

I only order from TaylorMade Direct with a corporate account but from what I've seen it's 100% the same as their regular website, which means same as an box store.  I agree with the previous poster comment though, if ordering anything custom just go straight to the OEM source.  Customer service will be much faster without the middle man.

[brew4eagle]

Order through DD is the answer

[jeffrey r]

On 5/21/2023 at 9:26 AM, brew4eagle said:

Order through DD is the answer

 

Much of the time, yep.  Another time to do direct with an OEM is with trade-in bonuses. 

 

I happened upon the TM site today, and saw they were doing a 50% trade-in bonus on P series irons.  Looked at my stash of trade fodder, plugged a few in, and within a few minutes had a P790 irons order with MMT 105 shafts totally covered and in with TM.  I'd rather just deal with the OEM on those trade-in bonuses.

 

https://www.taylormadegolf.com/tradein/?lang=en_US

Edited May 22, 2023 by jeffrey r

[brew4eagle]

1 hour ago, jeffrey r said:

 

Much of the time, yep.  Another time to do direct with an OEM is with trade-in bonuses. 

 

I happened upon the TM site today, and saw they were doing a 50% trade-in bonus on P series irons.  Looked at my stash of trade fodder, plugged a few in, and within a few minutes had a P790 irons order with MMT 105 shafts totally covered and in with TM.  I'd rather just deal with the OEM on those trade-in bonuses.

 

https://www.taylormadegolf.com/tradein/?lang=en_US

Do trade in bonuses net more than private sale and then ordering through DD?  Or is it a bit more expensive, but way more efficient?

[jeffrey r]

45 minutes ago, brew4eagle said:

Do trade in bonuses net more than private sale and then ordering through DD?  Or is it a bit more expensive, but way more efficient?

 

I am a trader, not a seller, so not the best person to ask.  However, I was pleased with the values I was getting from TM today, and the 50% bonus really adds up. I was doing stuff like JPX 900 Forged irons, which are several generations old at this point.  Doubt I would have done much better with private sale. 

 

For me, the convenience of trading in with the OEM, getting shipping labels, and dealing with the transaction in one fell swoop, is worth it.

 

That said, when I recently ordered a set of Mizuno irons, I went through DD.  With no trade-in, they are the best to deal with.  YMMV.

[stealthrt91]

13 hours ago, brew4eagle said:

Do trade in bonuses net more than private sale and then ordering through DD?  Or is it a bit more expensive, but way more efficient?

It's hit or miss.  Look at PGA value guides trade-in vs. resale.  Depending on the items 150% trade-in can be much more convenient than selling 3rd party and be pretty close.  I couldn't get $500 on here for my P790s and sold them on eBay a week later for $800. Had this promotion on P series been going on, much rather have gone that route since I was funding a P770 purchase.

[TourSpoon]

I have bought from Cobra and was able to get a custom shaft offering (cut and weighted to my spec) that was not part of the retail deal for no upcharge. I have used them a few times and the last few times I took the best stock shaft and used my custom and put the shafts on eBay. They have some great closeout sales. I also ordered a custom MySpider from TaylorMade that is pretty cool because you can pick your color schemes and options. 

 

I have never done a trade in, I always sell online. I recently sold a 10 year old driver for $150 because it was spotless (Cally Razr Tour). I think the trade-in was not even worth the hassle. 

[Abh159]

14 hours ago, brew4eagle said:

Do trade in bonuses net more than private sale and then ordering through DD?  Or is it a bit more expensive, but way more efficient?

 

As already mentioned it's a toss up so it's always best the explore both options before diving straight into a trade in.

 

For example, I checked the TM site and they list the total trade in value (with the promotion) of my Sim driver as $96... That's kind of a joke. I mean it's a few years only but I have no doubt I'd get at least twice that much if not more by selling it myself.