i've tended to buy online based on the cost savings in comparison to buying from a store..

but have been thinking lately whether the extra cost in having the clubs fitted, various clubs tested to suit your game and swing speed, and knowing they are not fake is worth the additional $$

whats your preference and why?

QUOTE: aimr75 @ Dec 30 2006, 08:09 PM

i've tended to buy online based on the cost savings in comparison to buying from a store..

but have been thinking lately whether the extra cost in having the clubs fitted, various clubs tested to suit your game and swing speed, and knowing they are not fake is worth the additional $$

whats your preference and why?

I prefer online cos I don't have to deal with any f*ckwits in golf stores.

If fitting is what you want then there's no way you can buy online anyway. I prefer eBay personally because the price is too good to refuse.

Depends on the item. If it's something small, I prefer a store, but if it's something expensive I'll always look online because I have the chance to get it at a far cheaper price.

For golf equipment, generally a store - although I bought the driver and my last lot of balls over the internet, so maybe the tide is changing.

It does depend on the item. If it's something that you're planning on having for a year or more(clubs or clothing), get it at the store so you know its what you want, and it fits you well. Otherwise, something small like balls or tees are the same wherever you go, so buy 'em where it's the cheapest. For the most part, I'd say store...

I'm putting together a set of experimental component irons and having all the gear sent from the US. It basically comes down to price, range and customer service.
I can only assume that suppliers are ripping off our poor Aussie battler stores, because something is wrong when you can get the same gear, and shipped from OS, far cheaper.
I don't understand either why online stores in Aus don't reply to emails, how hard is it to answer an email when all you are asked is "do you have this in stock?". Or my favourite a site that says "contact us for the specials on ..." So you send an email and they don't respond. Okay
Then in comparison US stores answer email, provide shipping costs and are willing to sort iron heads so that you get them on spec.

Costs in Oz are higher as the goods are imported and taxed, meaning that the cost to break square is significantly higher for a local seller. That is not to say that their margins on top of all that are not a rip-off as well, but the reality is that the break-even price is lower for the US providers. When you buy the clubs, even with the import duty they are still cheaper than what the locals could sell them to you for. Add the differential wages costs, the locals really cannot compete.

Recently I have purchased components from America, and had them made up by for me by a local club fitter/maker, I find that @ ~$250 for a set of irons, made up it is quite good, and having them then fitted makes for and excellent set.

QUOTE: nearly @ Dec 30 2006, 07:12 PM

I prefer online cos I don't have to deal with any f*ckwits in golf stores.

You took the words right out of my mouth, i feel exactly the same. The cost saving is a no brainer but not having to deal with guys at the store who have no idea about equipment and just stand there talking crap is a huge reason why i buy online.

QUOTE: neesun @ Dec 31 2006, 06:28 PM

You took the words right out of my mouth, i feel exactly the same. The cost saving is a no brainer but not having to deal with guys at the store who have no idea about equipment and just stand there talking crap is a huge reason why i buy online.

Most will say anything to sell their stuff... very common in other industries.

QUOTE: LowFlyingHawk @ Dec 31 2006, 10:53 AM

Costs in Oz are higher as the goods are imported and taxed, meaning that the cost to break square is significantly higher for a local seller. That is not to say that their margins on top of all that are not a rip-off as well, but the reality is that the break-even price is lower for the US providers. When you buy the clubs, even with the import duty they are still cheaper than what the locals could sell them to you for. Add the differential wages costs, the locals really cannot compete.

Unfortunately, the costs of the components in Oz are such that it is very expensive to build clubs for a hobby as well. I would personally love to get some pieces and take up club building as a hobby, but it is just too expensive.

QUOTE: solarbear88 @ Jan 1 2007, 09:35 AM

Unfortunately, the costs of the components in Oz are such that it is very expensive to build clubs for a hobby as well. I would personally love to get some pieces and take up club building as a hobby, but it is just too expensive.

Hopefully we'll be able to do something about that in early 07, on heads anyway

The biggest problem in Australia isn't the tax (GST applies regardless and its claimed back so tax doesn't count) or the shipping, its that we are dealing with 3rd parties and not direct with distributors in the USA (on shafts/grips). Also our market out here is tiny in all sense of the word, be it components or OEM's. Australia does not do enough volume to command better pricing.

What's happening in '07 that may change the landscape?

QUOTE: Ben @ Jan 1 2007, 09:51 AM

Hopefully we'll be able to do something about that in early 07, on heads anyway

The biggest problem in Australia isn't the tax (GST applies regardless and its claimed back so tax doesn't count) or the shipping, its that we are dealing with 3rd parties and not direct with distributors in the USA (on shafts/grips). Also our market out here is tiny in all sense of the word, be it components or OEM's. Australia does not do enough volume to command better pricing.

Thats good to hear Ben.

I would sure like to experiment at building my own clubs, but the cost per head in Australia ($20+ average) compared to the US (can pick up heads on sale for prices less than $10 and often in the sub $5 range) has really kept me from experimenting at all.

It is a bit irritating that I could order and have shipped a completed set of irons from a clubmaker in the US significantly cheaper than I could buy just the components here.

Australia's market is not big enough to sustain a local component manufacturer . So we have a choice we can go to the USA or ASIA to source stock both deal in USD.

One of the things i try and do is pick up stock when the major component manufacturers have their end of US season sales. clubs can go for a fraction of their price like full sets of forged irons for 79 us plus shipping. plenty of these component suppliers have 40 to 50% off sales around nov dec each year.

But as Ben said some manufacturers have appointed distributors in this country and then they add on their bit and it just makes those heads too expensive to use even though they are good.

While I prefer to buy off my local club pro and do as much as possible, I tend to buy mainly off eBay as the savings are too much too ignore.

I try to buy at a store as much as I can. It helps support the local economy.

Last month a fellow club member asked me to price a Srixon 403AD 15° 3wood on eBay. I bought it on a Thurs. night from a lge eBay listing, a brand new 'in plastic' with headcover, it was del. to my front door Wed. am in time to take to golf. PRICE is everything! The pro had a demo that he wanted $225 for...landed in Aust. total cost for the new one was $119au...You tell me where you would buy which club? I do have loyalty to my pro-shop, in the past I had bought my 3rd set of clubs, a driver, a wedge and my elec. buggy. When I wanted my TM460 I asked him what price he could do? the answer... "You get the best price you can, and I will match it" he saw the disbelief in my eyes and added "not eBay though"...guess where I bought it? ...your damn right I did. He gets 600 members a week through his doors and wants full jam retail...retailers would kill for rent free pemises AND 600 'browsers', but thats another post.

The hell with retail stores, Ebay is the way to go!

I like shopping Online. Better prices. And you can get better answers from an email. Also, you can check over facts through google.

Face to face, I try too hard to be friendly to get a good deal. Also, I get tired of not getting straight answers to my questions.

ebay for me...all I have paid $1560 for my clubs if I had to buy new they would have cost $3190

example I wanted..a callaway fusion 3 + wood...new 450...ebay 160 slighly used...thats $290 saving

so long as you know what your looking for and but from 100% positive feedback with lots of sales your ok

I buy very little from pro shops...except putters...for some reason I like buy putters from a pro shop...you have to know what its like before you buy those...other than that ebay for mine

QUOTE: Sven @ Jan 5 2007, 01:07 AM

I buy very little from pro shops...except putters...for some reason I like buy putters from a pro shop...you have to know what its like before you buy those...other than that ebay for mine

i tried out a number of putters at drummond, and found the one i liked, then bought it a fraction of the cost on eBay

Ebay for stuff that doesn't really need fitting. Like golf balls, gloves, tees, and some clubs (eg wedges, drivers ... debatable but if you have launch monitor stats already, then its okay). Irons definitely through a clubfitter/ store minus the f***wit salesman.

QUOTE: aimr75 @ Dec 30 2006, 07:09 PM

i've tended to buy online based on the cost savings in comparison to buying from a store..

but have been thinking lately whether the extra cost in having the clubs fitted, various clubs tested to suit your game and swing speed, and knowing they are not fake is worth the additional $$

whats your preference and why?

I have bought online(ebay) and from stores. It just depends on what I am after and the price I want to pay. I have bought multiple items over the years from both areas. The guys in the store cannot always match ebay, but if they are close enough I stick with them ( a loyalty thing I suppose!). I have been fitted and do find that it makes a difference I currently use clubs 4 degrees flat and before I got fitted had to adjust my game to suit my old clubs. So there are pros and cons each way.