So, Who Has Done This When Buying Golf Kit ?

[DCB]

Read this and thought it might also apply to golf kit. Who's spent the time in a shop and been shown all the benefits of a piece of kit and then gone on to order it online ?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22098575

Would you pay a charge to browse and try in a golf shop ?

 

[moogie]

Re: So, Who Has Done This When Buying Golk Kit ?

If I go try some golf gear locally, I've already done my online price research, so I don't try then go home and buy, but would try then give the local guy the chance to price match

As for the idea of paying a fee to browse or try.....as suggested in the article
Well.......this is exactly what is already done in the golf game now, pay a custom fitting fee to have a fitting session, then if u buy, that fee is deducted from your purchase, to stop u having a freebie on the local pro and going home and purchasing online etc.......

 

[Chrisb83]

Re: So, Who Has Done This When Buying Golk Kit ?

I wouldn't be parting with my money for trying something.

Not ashamed to say I've been into American golf tried all the putters out then went on ebay and found the one I liked for half the price.

One thing that the above doesn't mention is that you can normally buy the same product from the same retailer at a lower price online curry's and sports direct are two examples or by using some online discount code.

 

[mykweb]

Re: So, Who Has Done This When Buying Golk Kit ?

I do sympathise with retailers over this, as I regularly do this, but as said above I have already done my research online and know the prices and then go with the aim to haggle. Granted I might not get the exact price but itinerary can get as close to the price and take it home today I am happy.

however I think we will see what the future holds. Prime example of this is hmv. There prices were horrendously overpriced, complained to asda,tesco and online retailers. Why pay £14.99 for a cd when you can get the same cd in tesco for £11.99 or £9.99. The hmv in Edinburgh has just announced its staying open after having a closing down sale just weeks ago. I went in the other day and the new paramore album was £13.99 which was £4.00 more expensive than I bought it for in tesco. If hmv go to the wall again which might happen if they continue charging over the odds for goods. Yes I know they have store, staff, heating, rent, power, bags, council tax etc... To pay but the prices are crazy. The government are to blame as well with the 20% tax and also start promoting high street spending

mike

 

[DAVEYBOY]

Re: So, Who Has Done This When Buying Golk Kit ?

I do it all the time and even more so with golf kit, half of the actual clubs in stores like AG and DG look second hand already as they have been hit by half of the town. If I see some cloths I want I also buy them online as its so much cheaper. For example the Belfry wanted £55 for a Nike shirt I wanted recently, I got it for £35 from DG. The stores shouldn't try to do us over in the first place, £20 I saved by going online.

Golf is a very competitive market and the guys who are over charging aren't going to last very long.

 

[AmandaJR]

Re: So, Who Has Done This When Buying Golk Kit ?

If I am given the chance to try in the pro shop, especially on the launch monitor, then I'll buy there. I know my pro is competitive in his pricing but if it was a bit more then I think it's fair to pay it for the chance to try before I buy. I'm going to hit a 7 wood on Monday evening and if I hit it well then I'll buy it there and then and not go home and hunt the net for it cheaper. Clothing etc I buy online and usually Ebay so take the chance on having to return it/resell it or put it in the charity bag if it doesn't fit.

 

[Jon321]

Re: So, Who Has Done This When Buying Golk Kit ?

I always try and find the cheapest price for anything, not just golf gear. Why pay more than you have too. Unless you have more money than sense.

 

[One Planer]

Re: So, Who Has Done This When Buying Golk Kit ?

I used to buy everything online. Even balls.

It's quite often significantly cheaper to buy good online rather than supporting a pro.

However,

After being fitted for everything in my bag, except woods, I will more than likely visit a reputable fitter and buy there and then in future.

Things like balls and such, I'd probably buy in store if the prices were right, if not, back to the old t'interweb

 

[6inchcup]

Re: So, Who Has Done This When Buying Golk Kit ?

i work in retail (heating and bathrooms) and with the sudden interest in solid fuel/wood burning stoves i get 5 or 6 people a week asking for names of companies if they have a web site etc etc and how to fit the stoves,some even admit to only coming into the shop to see what the stove gas fire etc is like and waste my time to get all the information before buying on the internet and getting someone out of the paper to fit it,to all you who think this is ok firstly YOU set up a business spend thousand in rates,rents and wages,pay the bills then see if you think it is ok,look at all the shops that have closed because you wish to same a few pounds,what would happen if you had nowhere to go to see anything before you bought it?,i dont give advice anymore,i ask if the wish to have a technical survey done at a nominal cost that is returned when the job is accepted and deposit paid,soon sorts the tyre kickers out.

 

[Jon321]

Re: So, Who Has Done This When Buying Golk Kit ?

i work in retail (heating and bathrooms) and with the sudden interest in solid fuel/wood burning stoves i get 5 or 6 people a week asking for names of companies if they have a web site etc etc and how to fit the stoves,some even admit to only coming into the shop to see what the stove gas fire etc is like and waste my time to get all the information before buying on the internet and getting someone out of the paper to fit it,to all you who think this is ok firstly YOU set up a business spend thousand in rates,rents and wages,pay the bills then see if you think it is ok,look at all the shops that have closed because you wish to same a few pounds,what would happen if you had nowhere to go to see anything before you bought it?,i dont give advice anymore,i ask if the wish to have a technical survey done at a nominal cost that is returned when the job is accepted and deposit paid,soon sorts the tyre kickers out.

I think everyone will appreciate it costs to run a business but surely you can see that people want to pay the least amount possible for anything? I'm sure you shop around to get the best prices for your stock? If a store was happy to price match then I'd happily use them.

 

[DAVEYBOY]

Re: So, Who Has Done This When Buying Golk Kit ?

i work in retail (heating and bathrooms) and with the sudden interest in solid fuel/wood burning stoves i get 5 or 6 people a week asking for names of companies if they have a web site etc etc and how to fit the stoves,some even admit to only coming into the shop to see what the stove gas fire etc is like and waste my time to get all the information before buying on the internet and getting someone out of the paper to fit it,to all you who think this is ok firstly YOU set up a business spend thousand in rates,rents and wages,pay the bills then see if you think it is ok,look at all the shops that have closed because you wish to same a few pounds,what would happen if you had nowhere to go to see anything before you bought it?,i dont give advice anymore,i ask if the wish to have a technical survey done at a nominal cost that is returned when the job is accepted and deposit paid,soon sorts the tyre kickers out.

Bad luck, if people can get it cheaper then that's your problem. Why should they line your pockets?

 

[louise_a]

Re: So, Who Has Done This When Buying Golk Kit ?

I think retailers should try to offer a price match or close to it, paying a bit extra is worth the hassle of havign to stat in to await a delivery.

AG are very good, they will match web prices, I got £100 off their price for a Garmin when I showed them the price Amazon were doing it for.

 

[Scottjd1]

Re: So, Who Has Done This When Buying Golk Kit ?

i work in retail (heating and bathrooms) and with the sudden interest in solid fuel/wood burning stoves i get 5 or 6 people a week asking for names of companies if they have a web site etc etc and how to fit the stoves,some even admit to only coming into the shop to see what the stove gas fire etc is like and waste my time to get all the information before buying on the internet and getting someone out of the paper to fit it,to all you who think this is ok firstly YOU set up a business spend thousand in rates,rents and wages,pay the bills then see if you think it is ok,look at all the shops that have closed because you wish to same a few pounds,what would happen if you had nowhere to go to see anything before you bought it?,i dont give advice anymore,i ask if the wish to have a technical survey done at a nominal cost that is returned when the job is accepted and deposit paid,soon sorts the tyre kickers out.

Bad luck, if people can get it cheaper then that's your problem. Why should they line your pockets?

Bad luck ??

I think the point is do one or the other, for those that want the online cheaper cost, then go for it. But don't go and look in the flesh and then buy online, or guess what, there will be no high street and ALL retail will be online.

Where are you going to go to look at items before purchase then?

Good luck....

 

[Jon321]

Re: So, Who Has Done This When Buying Golk Kit ?

Bad luck ??

I think the point is do one or the other, for those that want the online cheaper cost, then go for it. But don't go and look in the flesh and then buy online, or guess what, there will be no high street and ALL retail will be online.

Where are you going to go to look at items before purchase then?

Good luck....

But if the option is there to view it first why not use it. There may well come a day when everything is online but until then shop owners have to be prepared to either price match or just have people looking around with a view to buy somewhere else.

 

[6inchcup]

Re: So, Who Has Done This When Buying Gold Kit ?

I think retailers should try to offer a price match or close to it, paying a bit extra is worth the hassle of having to stat in to await a delivery.

AG are very good, they will match web prices, I got £100 off their price for a Garmin when I showed them the price Amazon were doing it for.

loise it is ok saying retailers should offer a price match,don't forget most of the online stores DONT pay tax in this country DONT have the overheads of a high street store and the wages are min wage or zero hours contracts so the margins for them are far greater than for my shop,but as others have stated it is your choice,either use your local shops or lose them its a simple choice.

 

[DappaDonDave]

Re: So, Who Has Done This When Buying Golk Kit ?

i work in retail (heating and bathrooms) and with the sudden interest in solid fuel/wood burning stoves i get 5 or 6 people a week asking for names of companies if they have a web site etc etc and how to fit the stoves,some even admit to only coming into the shop to see what the stove gas fire etc is like and waste my time to get all the information before buying on the internet and getting someone out of the paper to fit it,to all you who think this is ok firstly YOU set up a business spend thousand in rates,rents and wages,pay the bills then see if you think it is ok,look at all the shops that have closed because you wish to same a few pounds,what would happen if you had nowhere to go to see anything before you bought it?,i dont give advice anymore,i ask if the wish to have a technical survey done at a nominal cost that is returned when the job is accepted and deposit paid,soon sorts the tyre kickers out.

Understand what you mean, but surely the salesman in you should see the opportunity and say, let's do a deal here right now. Not, it's £1000 here and £750 online, ill let you go home and buy it...

Reduced profit margins are better than no profit!

Red laser is one of my most frequently used apps!

 

[Tiger]

Re: So, Who Has Done This When Buying Golk Kit ?

Understand what you mean, but surely the salesman in you should see the opportunity and say, let's do a deal here right now. Not, it's £1000 here and £750 online, ill let you go home and buy it...

Reduced profit margins are better than no profit!

Red laser is one of my most frequently used apps!

The problem is you are confusing what's happening in relation to profit. If I buy something online the online store has lower overheads meaning they can take the costs for running the premises and lower staffing costs off the price they charge you. They still make the same profit on the item as the local shop you've just benefitted from the fact they have lower operating costs. The growth of Amazon has meant that we are now more patient and are willing to wait a day or two for things to come in the post and with Pre ordering you can get things on launch day.

But if I and the other members of my club continually try the demo versions of clubs in our pro shop but buy the majority of our purchases online, soon we won't have a golf pro...

So I'll ask my pro what's the best price he can do rather than expecting a price match. If it's reasonable he gets my money but if there's a big difference I buy online, but given my past experiences I'd much rather buy off my pro...

 

[DappaDonDave]

Re: So, Who Has Done This When Buying Golk Kit ?

If he sells nothing he gets nothing if he sells something he gets something. Surely if the fire bloke takes £50 off the top of his price to get the sale it's better than not getting anything

 

[Ian_S]

Re: So, Who Has Done This When Buying Golk Kit ?

But if I and the other members of my club continually try the demo versions of clubs in our pro shop but buy the majority of our purchases online, soon we won't have a golf pro...

The role of the golf pro, as you currently know it, may cease to exist but there will still be a demand out there for people to try out clubs, get advice etc.

One of the more remarkable features of the market is its ability to create a supply to fulfil practically any demand. The successful pro's will be the ones who can answer the question of how to make money in a world where people don't buy clubs from them.

The reason Jessops etc failed is because instead of accepting that people bought off Amazon because it was cheaper, they complained about it. Change is always painful, but there is a demand out there for people to try out things before they buy them. The prize is finding a profitable way to provide the supply.

 

[6inchcup]

Re: So, Who Has Done This When Buying Gold Kit ?

If he sells nothing he gets nothing if he sells something he gets something. Surely if the fire bloke takes £50 off the top of his price to get the sale it's better than not getting anything

like most businesses my shop has had to reduce the margins,if i were to knock £50 off a fire in effect i would then be working on a 15% uplift as it takes a 22% uplift to break even how long before we go bust?