Golf Stores vs Ebay

Just want to throw this one out and see what you all think. I notice that a lot of big discount golf store's come and go and rarely last more than a couple of years. I have a theory that this will get worse in the coming years as these stores will never pay jack S+*t for your trade in's but sell their trade in's at a high price and mark up the new gear a lot. Who walks into these stores and throws out $750.00 for a driver? If your like me and have been around the game all your life you always know someone or somewhere to get good deals, and now I buy everything on Ebay as I can get quality equipment much much cheaper as long as you know your stuff about the equipment and know Ebay. I always feel like I'm on a used car lot and I'm going to get screwed when I go into these stores. (at least in Canada anyway). It would be nice to see a local buisness that did not have a 300% mark up on all they sell to support but I have not found one place that can compete with Ebay. Let me know what you think.

DBD...

Welll i think ebay is good but i do you both! i have picked up some bargins from ebay, i got my driver second hand but great condition £25! i picked up my rac wege it is £70 brand new i got it brand new for £53! but with stores you can sometimes get deals, and you can try the clubs before you buy, but what i think is good to do is try the club at the shop, look at the price brandnew and then look on ebay for brand new one and see if you can get it cheaper

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If I Was Playing Golf For A Living I Would Be Poor!

I often go DNA's route - figuring out what they cost brand new, then try to get the 'steal of a deal' on eBay. If you know your gear, eBay can be a great place to go.

I've even purchased custom built clones from eBay... not bad clubs - fit me pretty well, and were a joy to hit.

But I've got no qualms about going into say, GolfTown, and trying out clubs there, then trying to get them cheaper on eBay.

I will admit, I love Ebay.

A few of my recent purchases on Ebay:
New golf bag retail $169.99, I paid new $89.00
New putter retail $199.00, I paid new $110.00

I also play the trumpet: Schilke Bb trumpet retail $1,999, I paid $1,000 for a used mint condition horn.

I just love Ebay, but you definately need to watch out for the scammers. I always check feedback and ask lots of questions.

I agree with Double D. There are very few places here in Canada (unless Golftown has a spectacular sale) that you can find a deal. Regular prices are rediculous and used equipment is priced almost as high as when it originally retailed. I have made quite a bit of money buying equipment off eBay and re-selling it for a marked up price in the Bargain Finder. I can usually make an extra $50 - $100 over what I payed on eBay (exchange, shipping and duty included!).

I think it just saves you money! yea sometimes the postage is steep but it still will save you pertrol driving there etc! and you can always steal a bargin but i just use the shops for trying them out

Ive done well with ebay. Most people there want good reputations(feedback) so they will do their best to make you happy. I got Cleveland TA5 irons $170 cheaper than retail at a local golf store.

I brought my clubs on a payby system, from my coach. He get his hands on clones which he sells around 1/3 the normal price of the brand labels. At the time of buying mine I got them for 1/4 the price of the brand label.

I am an EBAY addict, I have a user number of 667 100% positive. I have done around 800+ deals on EBAY (not everyone leaves feedback) and have had one unreceived item and two bad payers, Both on £2 vhs videos. The dearest thing I have sold is £3510 horse box and the dearest purchase a £634 watch from the USA no problems. All my golf gear comes from ebay, incliding my tees and balls. I have not bought from a golf shop for three years. Oh I tell a lie I bought a Mars bar and bottle of Lilt last week.

WOW! your a real lover! whats you ebay id? and do you use .co.uk or .com? and do you sell much?

My ID is Pindiddle.

Ya' shouldn't have told him, now he may be bidding against ya'.

Na just if he was ever selling golfing things and they were good maybe ill bid

Hi Guys,

I got a great Taylor Made driver ex-tour van from a guy on ebay a few months back direct from the states. I think ebay is changing the way people shop, they have just recently started to promote it heavily here in the uk on radio stations and bill boards. There are some great deals out there, but as mentioned check feedback and ask plenty of questions. if you guys see any great golf equipment deals on ebay that you may not necessarily want, but someone else here at GTO might then let us all know here.

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Greg Hutton
Director & Head PGA Professional
golftuitiononline.com | the global golf forum
3skillsgolf Instructor

Hi gandalf! i think you should make a room called EBAY ITEMS and all us folk will make a thrad of good cheapin golfing equp goin on ebay? you like the idea?