Why Are Clubs Released When They Are

[GB72]

With all of the new kit announcements I wondered why clubs are released or announced when they are. It appears that most are announced in the October/November time and hit the shops in February. Surely that can only impact on what is the biggest spending time of the year. Plenty of people I am sure would have the latest club release on their Xmas list if they were released in time. Furthermore, if Joe Bloggs is looking for a new driver and had the cash to pay RRP then he is going to be less inclined to spend that on what is in store now that he knows that the improved version is only a couple of months away.

I know that the aim is probably to have new kit on the shelves for the start of the season but it just seems counter productive to not only not have new product on the shelves for Xmas but also to announce that your current range is out of date just as people are looking to get their wallets out for presents.

 

[GreiginFife]

With all of the new kit announcements I wondered why clubs are released or announced when they are. It appears that most are announced in the October/November time and hit the shops in February. Surely that can only impact on what is the biggest spending time of the year. Plenty of people I am sure would have the latest club release on their Xmas list if they were released in time. Furthermore, if Joe Bloggs is looking for a new driver and had the cash to pay RRP then he is going to be less inclined to spend that on what is in store now that he knows that the improved version is only a couple of months away.

I know that the aim is probably to have new kit on the shelves for the start of the season but it just seems counter productive to not only not have new product on the shelves for Xmas but also to announce that your current range is out of date just as people are looking to get their wallets out for presents.

If I was a cynic Greg, I would suggest that the companies know fine well that most golfers will see through the 17 extra yards on the new release over the 17 already promised on it's predecessor and the predecessor will reduce significantly in price once the new kit is announced. Golfers will then see a 17 extra yard bargain and bag it quick sharp...

If I was a cynic that is.

N.B: 17 extra yards was used solely as an example, other ludicrous marketing claims are available.

 

[Brian_C]

I'm sure these big multi-national companies have done their market research and know when to release things. they'll have their reasons. they'd also need to have their release not at the same time as the competition either.

 

[One Planer]

They'll release new gear when their market research suggests they will have maximum exposure to create the best/most profitability.

Simple as that really :lol:

 

[patricks148]

I was under the impression that it was to do with a couple of Golf Trade show's???

I could be wrong though

 

[delc]

With all of the new kit announcements I wondered why clubs are released or announced when they are. It appears that most are announced in the October/November time and hit the shops in February. Surely that can only impact on what is the biggest spending time of the year. Plenty of people I am sure would have the latest club release on their Xmas list if they were released in time. Furthermore, if Joe Bloggs is looking for a new driver and had the cash to pay RRP then he is going to be less inclined to spend that on what is in store now that he knows that the improved version is only a couple of months away.

I know that the aim is probably to have new kit on the shelves for the start of the season but it just seems counter productive to not only not have new product on the shelves for Xmas but also to announce that your current range is out of date just as people are looking to get their wallets out for presents.

At least you can then buy last year's model (or in the case of Taylor Made, last month's model) at a discounted price!

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Don't you mean in the case of Calloway


And products get announced in October to allow companies to reduce the old stock and then people open their wallets for reduced stock

Then people sit waiting patiently with the money for the new model knowing that the anticipation will allow them to spend too dollar - as well as having the newest shiniest model at the beginning of the season to show off

 

[GreiginFife]

Don't you mean in the case of Calloway


And products get announced in October to allow companies to reduce the old stock and then people open their wallets for reduced stock

Then people sit waiting patiently with the money for the new model knowing that the anticipation will allow them to spend too dollar - as well as having the newest shiniest model at the beginning of the season to show off

You cynic you

 

[JezzE]

With all of the new kit announcements I wondered why clubs are released or announced when they are. It appears that most are announced in the October/November time and hit the shops in February. Surely that can only impact on what is the biggest spending time of the year. Plenty of people I am sure would have the latest club release on their Xmas list if they were released in time.

My friends and family would return the list and tell me there must be some mistake if I ever put anything as expensive as a golf club on my Christmas list...

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Surely the idea of releasing in February or March is to entice golfers to spend on new shinies in time for the start of the season. The prelude and promotional work is purely to whet appetites. Unless your TM or Callaway in which case you'll chuck another model out before the last advert has hit social media, the magazines and the online retailers

 

[duncan mackie]

I was under the impression that it was to do with a couple of Golf Trade show's???

I could be wrong though

this and model year designations

 

[Khamelion]

If I was a golf club manufacturer with a conscience, morals and didn’t feel the need to release new models of clubs every 2 mins, I would bring out my new model a few months before Christmas each year or two to take advantage of the power of Christmas present buying, thus allowing my buying public a chance to buy my latest model and practice with it beore the season started.

But then if I was a golf club manufacturer doing the above I probably wouldn’t be in business and would be bankrupt.

 

[rickg]

But then if I was a golf club manufacturer doing the above I probably wouldn’t be in business and would be bankrupt.

Or you would be called ORKA...... :thup: :clap:

 

[JCW]

I guest winter is the best time as golfers change clubs and practice with the new clubs and are ready to go in the comps come spring ...................YG

 

[JCW]

If you doing help for heros again , put me down Rick this year , love to play it now I have more time again ............last few years have been non golf friendly for me ...............thanks ...EYG

 

[Jake O'Reilly]

As somebody whose livelihood revolves around gear launches I can tell you that, on the whole, it simply comes down to when the product is ready.

Some brands like to improve their products in big increments and so have longer cycles, where as others follow the Apple mentality in wanting to have the best product on the market at all times, so that when you are looking for a club, they are always in with a chance of being chosen as they are not 8-18 months behind in terms of technology.

With regards to annual timings, of course the ideal is pre-qualifier season in Feb-April, but it would be a risky move to hold a good product in the wings for 3-4 months in case a rival brand comes out first with something similar.