Jensen
Tour Rookie
Always price matched for me on numerous occasions from a range of online stores. ðŸ‘
AG up for sale
- Thread starter spongebob59
- Start date
Jacko_G
Blackballed
Not sure how true it is as I've not checked but I heard every store in Scotland bar East Kilbride is for the chop?
Parsaregood
Head Pro
As far as I know it's only giffnock and Bearsden that have closed
SammmeBee
Journeyman Pro
At least half of all AG outlets will get closed I reckon.
need_my_wedge
Has Now Found His Wedgie
I'm sure I read in one of the online reports that 30 stores will close, but according to these it's 20 stores saving 900 jobs.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/business/american-golf-shop-closures-full-13408924
https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blo...scued-administration-endless-saving-900-jobs/
According to both links above
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/business/american-golf-shop-closures-full-13408924
https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blo...scued-administration-endless-saving-900-jobs/
According to both links above
need_my_wedge
Has Now Found His Wedgie
I'm sure running a physical shop is more exepensive than running a wharehouse based business. Store front property is more expensive to rent than wharehouse property, along with the marketing paraphenalia, staff required to man the store and other overheads e.g. fitting bays and trackman systems etc. Having said that, they will always price match, as many businesses do these days.
Excellent post but you missed one of the biggies, business rates. Rates that have increased significantly in the last 2 years and are much greater for shops in high street locations. It is the same with all virtual retailers against physical retailers, the virtual shops have a huge advantage.
For those that go into the physical shops to try but then never buy, what will you do when the physical shops are no longer there? Where will you try then? I'm not saying always pay more for your gear but if you try in an AG, or equivalent, then you should give them the opportunity of matching or coming close. After all you are using their facilities, their expertise to help you make your choice.
Bunkermagnet
Journeyman Pro
That’s all very good, but if they went altogether because they don’t make money then what will you do?
So you can buy it cheaper online by a couple of quid, what will you do if you don’t like it and want to return in and likely having to pay return postage along with the hassle?
I’m no lover of AG, but I have no problem with them or any physical shop being a few pounds dearer than online. They have lots more to pay for that online warehouses don’t, plus you can try something first and that has to be rewarded
LIG
Q-School Graduate
This.
I wouldn't quibble over a few pence either (or pounds for something significant). But then, I'm firmly of the opinion that nothing I buy is going to improve my play - only practice will do that.
dankiz
Assistant Pro
I must admit, I have never asked about price matching! As a superstore, I didn't think it was doable! Do they price match with like for like stores like Clubhouse golf for instance?
Jensen
Tour Rookie
Yes, they've price matched for me with Clubhouse golf and Golf Support ðŸ‘
They also advertised in store and online about price matching.
They also advertised in store and online about price matching.
dankiz
Assistant Pro
Ah that's great to know, that changes everything! Thanks J. There is a decent guy in my local branch who is always helpful, loves Benross stock! Can't believe I never asked before
Bunkermagnet
Journeyman Pro
Forgive me for labouring this but you appear to suggest that you wouldnt buy from this AG store, even though they have helpful and decent staff, because they are a few pounds dearer than basement on-line prices?
The staff have to be paid, so surely the benefit of dealing with good staff is worth that very small extra in the purchase prices?
dankiz
Assistant Pro
To be fair, I have bought putters and various items over the years from the store in the past but tended to wait for sales due to budget constraints. It just stemmed from a while back when I was looking to buy a white hot pro putter and it was £20 more expensive than other outlets. Good customer service is important and I would like to support them
shortgame
Tour Rookie
In my experience they'll usually price match.
Also worth knowing that if you're spending a fair few quid they may throw in some freebies etc.
Last time I made a substantial purchase (Motocaddy, shoes, clothes & other bits n bobs), I was given 50% off the shoes and clothes, saving £100 or so plus a free trolley storage bag.
Have also had free balls when buying clubs.
Just have to have the nerve to ask if the store manager can do you a deal and see if they'll play ball... obviously can depend on the individual store, how badly they need your business, how close they are to their monthly/quarterly targets etc.
Also worth knowing that if you're spending a fair few quid they may throw in some freebies etc.
Last time I made a substantial purchase (Motocaddy, shoes, clothes & other bits n bobs), I was given 50% off the shoes and clothes, saving £100 or so plus a free trolley storage bag.
Have also had free balls when buying clubs.
Just have to have the nerve to ask if the store manager can do you a deal and see if they'll play ball... obviously can depend on the individual store, how badly they need your business, how close they are to their monthly/quarterly targets etc.
D
Deleted member 18588
Guest
I am sorry but reference to "good staff" when talking about AG is a massive generalisation.
Many that I have had contact with display little or no knowledge of the products and no interest in being there.
Bunkermagnet
Journeyman Pro
His words were "There is a decent guy in my local branch who is always helpful, "
I agree with with your finding of AG staff, but in this case he has found someone who he likes and is helpful. Why wouldnt you want to reward this chap with a sale or two?
HomerJSimpson
Hall of Famer
I have used AG to test clubs but I'd definitely not go down their custom fit route. I'll simply use my local range (although their limiting their new stock) or go to Silvermere to try. I actually think it's a great chance for AG to clear the deadwood and really up their game. For clothing and accessories they are really good, just the clubs I had problems with but if they turn it around I'd be happy to give them a go again.
PJ87
Journeyman Pro
I think they have really improved their game fitting wise. The dedicated fitting bays at the range I go are suppose to be brilliant
They fitted my 11 handicap mate with a driver.. he loves it, been cut to like 9 now after being on 11 for a few years
Not saying it’s the driver ofc but was a good fit
I really enjoyed the fitting when I went, test me on graphite , steel, diff clubs.. used my own aswell, compared flight , distance etc.
I was open to graphite because I said I’d go for the best for me, he said steel are best for me (even though graphite would cost more) and also even said My current would fit me fine so no need to change. However I wanted to treat myself so went for a set that would fit the same just pleased me to get them.
D
Deleted member 18588
Guest
Don't get me wrong I am always prepared to give them a chance and hope that the business can be saved without too much pain.
It's just that I think that, as a business, they need to choose their staff more carefully and try to avoid those that think that they ought to be playing on the Tour rather than serving paying customers.
