Do you buy off the web or from a PGA Pro/ Golf Shop

[Hudvol]

Just curious

This came up off of another thread, and was wondering do most of the Golfwrx members buy off the web (ebay or other web stores) or from your PGA pro or the large retail golf shops?

My opinion is that the web has finally brought golf equipment down where the normal golfer can buy the better equipment. Who is going to pay $799 for a R7 tp 425 that is a rip off, but if you can buy it on ebay for a few hundred less thats not a bad deal. I guess the one draw back to buying off the web is that you have to know where and who you are buying from to watch out for fakes. But, Until golf stores and the PGA proshops bring down their cost, I am going to continue to shop the stores and demo the clubs and then go to the web and buy all my equipment. Just wanted to get some feedback from other members.

[rhnh7063]

I have no set pattern. I buy from my proshop, Dicks sporting goods, and online at golfsmith and TGW.com. Where ever I can find a deal. If it's cheaper on the web, I'll find somewhere I can test it out, then order it off the web if I like it.

[Leftygolfin]

The web for me. I go to the local shops and check the stuff out to see it first hand but 90% of the time I buy of the web weither it is off of ebay, tgw.com or Golfsmith. Thats just me.

[giogolf]

99% eBay, Brick and Mortars are for testing purposes only.

[Sam-Tee-Time]

I find it harder and harder to buy Retail, whether it's brickandmortar (golfsmith, GolfGAlaxy, etc.), or online (TGW, etc.). The prices simply are TOO HIGH, compared to........

 

eBay and the golf forum "for sale" sections. I tend to buy the Vast majority of my golf equipment from golf forums and eBay, and less and less from retail establishments. The ONLY time I'll buy from a retail source is when I can a terrific discount, or small-cost items like gloves, tees, etc.

 

Frankly - it's hard to ignore online pricing. Why should I pay $250 for a TaylorMade R5, when I could buy a slightly used one online for $150-$170?? I can find a pullout Diamana for less than $150, that retails for over $300. I found an Accra T60 shaft for only $40 that retails for over $150. These are all examples of why I find it hard to buy Retail anymore.

[lysaght68]

Balls - everywhere

Grips - Golfsmith & Golfworks

Clubs - Web and local 2nd Swing store (If I'm trading in OEM clubs to help fund a new OEM purchase 2nd Swing gives the best trade-in value I've found and they'll match other retail prices- other than drivers I don't keep my older equipment because I prefer to commit to whatever is in my bag).

[golfernut78]

balls: online and at store - big fan of target as they always have a good ball thats been discontinued for real cheap (precept u-tri tour $20/dozen, nike ta-2 lng/spn $10/dozen, strata tour soft $10/dozen)

 

gloves: store only. i try everyone of them on to make sure its right

 

clothers: online or store - where ever i get a great deal

 

shoes: mostly store becasue if the shoe has a problem the store will replace it free typically, but i did get a couple pairs not too long ago for next to nothing

 

clubs: mostly online or used club places. stores you are limited to what they have in inventory and not all stores can get you some of the options you can get online.

 

bags: stores - prices are competive and the shipping isn't worth it

[taylormadefan]

My brick and mortar guy (Bob's Golf Westheimer @ Voss for Houstonians) offers the same tag prices as online, for no extra charge he'll fit you dynamically for EVERYTHING you buy (which won't ever happen online) and on top of that if you're a repeat customer he'll shave off 10-20% depending on what you're buying.

 

He's a class act, very honest, and he ALWAYS gets first shot at my business.

 

With that said, if you're after a bargain, there's no better place than ebay. I don't see how you can beat that. But the risks associated are also fairly high and the hassles (sniping, misrepresentation, fake sellers) I've heard make it seem like more hassle than it's worth.

[dbleagleks]

The web for me. I go to the local shops and check the stuff out to see it first hand but 90% of the time I buy of the web weither it is off of ebay, tgw.com or Golfsmith. Thats just me.

 

 

99% eBay, Brick and Mortars are for testing purposes only.

 

 

See this was the kind of crap I was talking about on the other thread. I'll give you a for instance. I was at a Demo Day hosted by one of our local PGA Professionals. Guys were there hitting his balls, asking him questions (he was on the range helping people for six hours). He sells the stuff in his shop at MAP price(that's minimum advertised price for those of you not in the business) and was offering 10% off that. Most Big Box golf stores sell their equipment at MAP price. Still after all the time he put into his time into this day and had his range balls beat all day by guys that probably weren't going to buy anything anyway, I could still hear guys saying that well yeah I'm going down the street to Big Box or go online and buy it. This is just wrong. I know that everyone wants the lowest price possible but come on. How about supporting the guy that is supporting you. If you want to buy online or go to Big Box golf and get a Club Fitting by someone that doesn't know a Driver from a 3 wood then go buy equipment there. But after things go bad, don't take it to your local Pro Shop and expect the local Pro to help you out. Part of paying 10% or 20% more at a local Pro Shop, is that you are paying for the expertise that your local Pro is providing you. I know most of you think you know more than that person but you probably don't. Support your local PGA Professional or you may not like the results of a trend that has already become far too disturbing.

 

Just my .02

[RagingAardvark]

See this was the kind of crap I was talking about on the other thread. I'll give you a for instance. I was at a Demo Day hosted by one of our local PGA Professionals. Guys were there hitting his balls, asking him questions (he was on the range helping people for six hours). He sells the stuff in his shop at MAP price(that's minimum advertised price for those of you not in the business) and was offering 10% off that. Most Big Box golf stores sell their equipment at MAP price. Still after all the time he put into his time into this day and had his range balls beat all day by guys that probably weren't going to buy anything anyway, I could still hear guys saying that well yeah I'm going down the street to Big Box or go online and buy it. This is just wrong. I know that everyone wants the lowest price possible but come on. How about supporting the guy that is supporting you. If you want to buy online or go to Big Box golf and get a Club Fitting by someone that doesn't know a Driver from a 3 wood then go buy equipment there. But after things go bad, don't take it to your local Pro Shop and expect the local Pro to help you out. Part of paying 10% or 20% more at a local Pro Shop, is that you are paying for the expertise that your local Pro is providing you. I know most of you think you know more than that person but you probably don't. Support your local PGA Professional or you may not like the results of a trend that has already become far too disturbing.

 

Just my .02

 

I've bought stuff at a couple different places, but I went and got fitted and bought my new driver and irons from a local shop. The owner was real nice, very helpful, a good guy. Every time I've gone in since then he's been very very helpful. Has given me nice discount on a bunch of stuff and is never pushy. Now, sure, I'll buy balls anywhere when I find them for cheap, but Dave has gotten quite a bit of my money. I'll support the local guy that helps me out. :)

 

On the flip side, I almsot NEVER need ot buy antyhing from a local bike shop. Sicne the only things I can't do at home is facing and chasing threads (just don't own the tools), I don't need service and I know more about the equipment than almost any store wrench or sales guy. So, I get the stuff online or straight from the manufacturer. When a friend needs soemthing (who isn't as knowledgeable or skilled), I will give them suggestions and point them to only a couple shops that I trust (as most are filled with morons). :ok:

[hermes]

i really don't have a way of buying equiment.....i just want to get the best possible price.....so i shop around.........so the same club could be cheaper online....i buy online........or if it's cheaper at the retail store....there it is........just for example.....i purchase my cleveland halor 3i from tgw because the local shops don't have it in a steel shaft....all graphite....same with the vsteel......i wanted steel shaft and not graphite.......

 

so i look for best possible pricing and get it......golf is already expensive enough...........

[SwingBlade]

It's like the old Fram Oil Filter commercials. "Pay me now, or pay me later."

 

I have two local shops that have great folks who help me and other golfers out with problems, and give us an opportunity to try the latest stuff or even some old stuff. They usually try and give me a 10 to 20% discount without my even asking, sometimes even a little more or free tickets to a tournament etc...

 

I don't buy everything there and I do buy on the internet, but their time has value and should be compensated if I utilize it. When all the brick and mortars are gone where exactly do people think they are going to go and get to hit all the clubs they are curious about? Are we going to have to wait three months until a demo van shows up at some local course only to discover they are fresh out of the club we were interested in?

 

Most of the best people in golf work at relatively small local operations and they bring value added factors to the game of golf. If we don't support them they will go away and we will all be the poorer for it.

[cogi59]

I buy stuff from both my pga pro and online

usually the stuff I buy online is stuff I can't buy through my pro though

[kenfuji]

I buy new and current clubs locally, but i will look for good deals on older used gear like putters, forged iron sets and 3wds online(ebay)

[juststeve]

Whenever possible I support my club pro and buy from him.

 

Steve

[powaygolfer]

i bought my irons a few months ago at the local store, the guys helped me out a lot and gave my 15% off. I like to go to Golfsmith so that i can hit any club i want but i hate the service there, they are way to damn pushy, if i want your help i'll ask for it, if i don't ask, back the h*ll off. the guys at my local shop will always give me their honest opinion and not just try to sell me something. i get all my shafting done there and in return get the lowest price and at least 15% off whatever i get.

[bd8802]

I try to buy local as much as possible. There are positive externalities that you get by buying locally. Not only do you help the local economy, but if you ever need something they will usually go out of their way to help you out. It is little things for me. I just sold some wedges but did not have a box to send them in. I go in to Golf USA and ask for a box, and they come out with one for me.

 

I might be paying a little more, but overall I think it is worth it. I get quality service, and I know they will back up everything they sell.

[agoodgolfer]

I try to give my soft goods and ball business to the local guys. Thats where they make most of their money anways. The rest of my bag is normally purchased from the BST or ebay. There are very few times where the local BM actually has the exact club I'm looking for, but 9/10 I can find it online within minutes. I'm the type of guy that doesn't walk into a shop and waste the salesmen either - I go in, mind my own business and tape up my own wood if I wanna make a swing with it. I don't want to waste their time when I know they could be working with a customer that may offer them a full comission.

 

Chris

[Raggedclaw23]

I buy local provided the prices are in the same ballpark. I'm willing to pay a few dollars more for the convenience of having a shop nearby where I can try out gear, talk golf, or idle away a winter lunch hour on the putting green.

[Subsonic]

99% eBay, Brick and Mortars are for testing purposes only

 

That is common. Use their time and money and then order it off the web. :)

When all the shops are out of business where are you going to test stuff?

 

I buy all of my stuff from a local store. In the long run, I feel that it works out. They pass on a lot of great deals my way. EX: Last week, I picked up a lightly used set of Nike Slingshots for $150. They have always taken care of me and appreciate my business.

[Leftygolfin]

I wold buy locally but left handed equipment is next to impossible at every local place unless you want the junk stuff. The net has all the left handed equipment available. If a local dealer decides to sell more left handed equipment, I will buy from them then.

[Sisu]

When I need help, I buy from a local shop; example is my new driver. I needed to hit it so went to the shop and hit a bunch, then bought from that place. The way I figure, he needs to make a living so I can get help next time I need it.

 

Bought my irons off Ebay.

 

Usually buy balls from the cheapest source, generally online.

 

I don't believe in using a guy to get recommendations and expertise to buy somewhere else to save a couple bucks...IMHO, that's very low class. :)

[forrre]

I try to give my soft goods and ball business to the local guys. Thats where they make most of their money anways.

 

Cost on a doz proV's $32-$35 depending on terms

 

Retail is $38-$41

 

I make $6-$8$ a dozen!!!!!!

 

How am I going to pay any bill on that kind of profit?

You are right as far as softgoods go. Clothing is about a 100% mark up. The web has taken alot from my store as far as buis. I am only still alive because of my regs that come in. I am very thankful to them for supporting me.

[rama5]

I'm a loyal shopper be it a brand of car or laundry soap, however I want the best clubs I can afford. shopped for MP 30's local shop was very good to me however they would'nt break a set (exept for special order) as I only wanted MP 30 7-PW. Ebay came to the rescue. Local club selling hats same price as ebay so I bought. Purchased a hi fli from a dome golf store only cause he let me hit free all winter. How can you refuse to buy on ebay (good certified dealer) a Callaway X 19* fairway wood for $160 when my local club is selling the same club for $235

[happygolfer]

I buy from reputable sources on the forums, ebay, golfclubexchange.com, the local Golf USA since I do demo some of their equipment and their inhouse pcs certified clubmaker works on my clubs. I will not under any circumstances support my current club pro. My club previously had an unwritten policy of 15% above invoice. He told me he was quoting me 25% above invoice (new policy) when I asked him if the price quoted was 15% above cost to which I knew it was. In reality, it was almost 45% above cost. He quoted $115 per club (which is above MAP) based on an cost of $80 per club. If the price had actually quoted me 25% above cost or $100 per club, I would have ordered but once you lie to me, you are toast in my book and I won't believe another word out of your mouth. I ordered at least 2 sets of clubs a year for the past 3 years from the previous club pro.

[Hudvol]

I try to give my soft goods and ball business to the local guys. Thats where they make most of their money anways.

 

Cost on a doz proV's $32-$35 depending on terms

 

Retail is $38-$41

 

I make $6-$8$ a dozen!!!!!!

 

How am I going to pay any bill on that kind of profit?

You are right as far as softgoods go. Clothing is about a 100% mark up. The web has taken alot from my store as far as buis. I am only still alive because of my regs that come in. I am very thankful to them for supporting me.

 

Forre, As you might know you post earlier is what started this thread. I like buying from local shops, especially when I can get a good deal, today I went into a local shop and bought 3 dozen pro v1's for $90. Now these were logo over runs, but good as new. But like I mentioned earlier, if I can buy a brand new driver for $299 on the web vs $499 in the shop it is really hard for me to look at that $200 to justify the expense. Now if the difference is say $40 - $50 then I would buy from shops every day, but at $200 is very hard to justify. I have always supported the local stores, but the biggest problem is the Huge retail stores as much as the web. Golfsmith, Edwin Watts, Golf Discount are all running the little guys out of business, they did it here and I am sure doing it other places, along with the Web.

 

One question are balls all about like the Pro V1's in terms of profit? Or are they just because they are Titleist the worst at Profit dollars for the shops.

[DCIGUY]

I try to buy from my local pro as much as possible. We have a pretty good relationship when it comes to buying equipment. I go to the shop and tell him what I can buy a club for off the net. He then works out the best deal he can and then throws in a lot of free golf to make up the difference. Works for both of us. For example, just bought a 905R last month - he was selling for $399, I found it for $335- he sold it to me for $355 and through in 2 rounds of golf ($80 value). We were both happy, he keeps a customer and I play great equipment and we both win!

[forrre]

I try to give my soft goods and ball business to the local guys. Thats where they make most of their money anways.

 

Cost on a doz proV's $32-$35 depending on terms

 

Retail is $38-$41

 

I make $6-$8$ a dozen!!!!!!

 

How am I going to pay any bill on that kind of profit?

You are right as far as softgoods go. Clothing is about a 100% mark up. The web has taken alot from my store as far as buis. I am only still alive because of my regs that come in. I am very thankful to them for supporting me.

 

Forre, As you might know you post earlier is what started this thread. I like buying from local shops, especially when I can get a good deal, today I went into a local shop and bought 3 dozen pro v1's for $90. Now these were logo over runs, but good as new. But like I mentioned earlier, if I can buy a brand new driver for $299 on the web vs $499 in the shop it is really hard for me to look at that $200 to justify the expense. Now if the difference is say $40 - $50 then I would buy from shops every day, but at $200 is very hard to justify. I have always supported the local stores, but the biggest problem is the Huge retail stores as much as the web. Golfsmith, Edwin Watts, Golf Discount are all running the little guys out of business, they did it here and I am sure doing it other places, along with the Web.

 

One question are balls all about like the Pro V1's in terms of profit? Or are they just because they are Titleist the worst at Profit dollars for the shops.

 

 

I don't remember starting this post earlier.

 

Titleist is the worst as far as balls go. You will make more on a 15 or 18 ball pack from topflite. On the same note i am only talking about $10-$15 a box. The used clubs is where I can make the most but then again thats hard to do when you can buy them on ebay for 20%-30% less than the store front. I have been in the biz for almost 10 years and can truly say that the golf biz is not a biz to get rich in but most of us do it for the love of the game. I am in the PGA as an appren. and am still wondering if it is worth it. In my area alot of the courses are dropping there head pros for Directors of golf. This position is ussually not even a PGA position. I hope this helps and again I am sorry but I do not remember starting this topic?

[Hudvol]

I try to give my soft goods and ball business to the local guys. Thats where they make most of their money anways.

 

Cost on a doz proV's $32-$35 depending on terms

 

Retail is $38-$41

 

I make $6-$8$ a dozen!!!!!!

 

How am I going to pay any bill on that kind of profit?

You are right as far as softgoods go. Clothing is about a 100% mark up. The web has taken alot from my store as far as buis. I am only still alive because of my regs that come in. I am very thankful to them for supporting me.

 

Forre, As you might know you post earlier is what started this thread. I like buying from local shops, especially when I can get a good deal, today I went into a local shop and bought 3 dozen pro v1's for $90. Now these were logo over runs, but good as new. But like I mentioned earlier, if I can buy a brand new driver for $299 on the web vs $499 in the shop it is really hard for me to look at that $200 to justify the expense. Now if the difference is say $40 - $50 then I would buy from shops every day, but at $200 is very hard to justify. I have always supported the local stores, but the biggest problem is the Huge retail stores as much as the web. Golfsmith, Edwin Watts, Golf Discount are all running the little guys out of business, they did it here and I am sure doing it other places, along with the Web.

 

One question are balls all about like the Pro V1's in terms of profit? Or are they just because they are Titleist the worst at Profit dollars for the shops.

 

 

I don't remember starting this post earlier.

 

Titleist is the worst as far as balls go. You will make more on a 15 or 18 ball pack from topflite. On the same note i am only talking about $10-$15 a box. The used clubs is where I can make the most but then again thats hard to do when you can buy them on ebay for 20%-30% less than the store front. I have been in the biz for almost 10 years and can truly say that the golf biz is not a biz to get rich in but most of us do it for the love of the game. I am in the PGA as an appren. and am still wondering if it is worth it. In my area alot of the courses are dropping there head pros for Directors of golf. This position is ussually not even a PGA position. I hope this helps and again I am sorry but I do not remember starting this topic?

 

 

You didnt start the thread, it was a comment that you made about Titelist, and then I thought it would be a good topic to discuss. So what I meant by you starting it was in reference to you post from earlier. I am not trying to call you out or anything, I really appreciate your comments and actually they will influence my decision in the future on where to buy products. Hit em straight! :)

[bogeyk]

For me, I buy most of my clubs at off course retailers. This is because my pro shop has zero selection and doesn't offer any information or knowledge base. Selling equipment is just not a priority. I would prefer to support my club. For me I like to go to local businesses when I can. I very rarely go to chains, be it restaurant or retail. I feel that the Walmarts and Outbacks of the world are really killing our society. You can go anywhere in the country and eat at the same place and shop at the same store. Many good people have had to close shop because big business moves in. This means instead of money staying in your community. It is going to some headquarters where few people get a lot of money rather than many people making good money. I would never waste someones time demoing clubs with no intention of making my purchase there. It does seem low class. You pay a little more for service.