Knocked Over!
Knocked Off?!?
I often get asked whether or not I think it is smart (and by smart I mean safe) to purchase golf equipment online. I caution people that as with any purchase made sight-unseen, you need to ask yourself a few questions before making that buy.
This week I am going to give you a little playbook of tips to follow if you are looking to buy golf equipment -more specifically golf clubs- from either retailers or private sellers over the internet.
I do want to clarify that with so many offerings and scenarios in the marketplace it would be impossible to make these rules ironclad but if any of these 9 tips get you to ask yourself some crucial questions before making a pricey buy, they’ll be worthy of your attention.
1 – If something seems too good to be true…
I’m going to start with the one that is (typically) the easiest to dissect.
An online store is selling brand new irons at 50% off of any and every on-course golf shop you can find. Really??
While there is no surefire way to tell, this is a major red flag to me for what are (hopefully) obvious reasons. Yes, the store may have gotten a major break from the manufacturer for buying a mass amount of product, but that much? I’d be skeptical.
2 – Do your best to identify the product
It’s always good to ask the seller -whether retail or private- if the club(s) they are selling have any type of identification number. Most clubs are stamped with an ID number when they are built and this can be a tool for you to check authenticity by contacting the manufacturer and having them reference the number you give them. Remember, a number is easily copied so it is not a 100% failproof method.
3 - Know what’s current
If you are looking for a new driver online today, do you know if you are looking at a 2010 model or an ‘09 model?
Manufacturers introduce new products both in the spring and fall so it can get a bit difficult to determine what is the newest technology that they are offering at any given time. An easy solution? Go to the company’s website where you will find out whether or not what you are looking at is their latest model. From there you can conduct an apples to apples comparison of what pricing you are seeing both online and in stores.
If you are looking for a legitimate price break on name brand equipment, going with a year old model is typically the best way to save yourself a few dollars in my opinion.
4 - Ask around
There are many, many people within the global marketplace of buying and selling golf clubs that have their opinions and will share them. I’ve found that golfers look out for their own and the types of people who leave comments on blogs and websites are the ones that have had memorable experiences – both good and bad.
www.bombsquadgolf.com is a good example of a place where club nuts gather to discuss anything and everything in the world of golf clubs.
Seek out their wisdom.
5 - Are standard clubs what you are looking for?
Assuming the something you buy is authentic, is equipment that is “off the rack” what you want?
I’m amazed by how many people search for clubs online, save a few bucks, then bemoan the fact that they the equipment is wrong for them. As I pointed out in my December posts helping you to put your golf bag together, getting the right equipment through a dynamic club fitting can help you play better. That is the goal, right?
Of course…
6 - Knowing what are you really looking to get helps
A valid question is, do you care whether or not the product is custom fit or is even authentic?
Personally, I absolutely want something that is from a major manufacturer where the tolerances will be tighter and quality will be unquestionably higher. I do realize, however, that some people would rather save money than get the better quality. I don’t agree with it, but if you are a casual golfer it is something to ask yourself.
However…
7 - Does having a warranty matter?
If you do buy “knockoffs” there really isn’t a way to get replacement products or services once your purchase is final. Again, if paying the lowest possible price is the only goal this may not matter to you, but be cautioned that if you purchase something that is a knockoff most any major manufacturer will know the difference if you send it in to them to get fixed/replaced and you’ll be out of luck.
8 - The possibility of used
If you are looking for a deal, but would like to increase the likelihood of getting a name brand product, consider buying used.
Used clubs are much more likely to be authentic -counterfitters know that they can get a bigger mark-up on product that hasn’t been hit- and if you are OK with “off the rack” product, what do you really care if its been out for a spin or two.
9 – Are you sure that you don’t want to get fit??
I know, I know I have pushed the benefits of getting fit for your clubs ad naseum. But before you buy online, I do want to make sure that you ask yourself one last time, “wouldn’t I benefit from getting golf equipment fit to my specific specifications?”
You may very well find that the fitting is free with club purchase, but even if it is not at least consider the option of paying a one time fee to ensure that everytime you tee it up you know that the equipment you have is specifically made for you.
I’m just saying.
Greg