Many people associate eBay with buying equipment for golf, especially used clubs. There are other options for purchasing golf clubs online.
SITES OF AUCTION
eBay is the best online auction site. eBay offers the most variety and highest volume. If you aren’t careful, eBay can be very tempting. These are other sites that you may want to check out:
A US Online Auction – There are about 200 items for sale here. Majority of the items for sale are golf balls, gloves, and other bits and parts not many clubs. This may be worth considering.
Golfbidder is a UK/European website that sells secondhand clubs. They are mostly sourced from professionals in the UK, with a few % sourced direct from the public. Most clubs are sold in a ‘Instant buy’ format, but some go up for auction. You might be able find good deals on 30-plus items at auction.
Grays Online (Australia), a site that allows sellers to sell excess stock ……not to consumers to auctions. This is not necessarily a problem as it reduces risk but also decreases the price range. There were still some great deals, even though there was only 40 items available for auction at the time I checked. Take a look
I avoid purchasing new golf equipment via online auctions. Although you should take precautions it is difficult to tell if you are buying genuine equipment or a copy. This is a rare exception.
MAJOR ONLINE STOCKES
There are many well-known online shops that sell high quality equipment. There are some that excel over others but they shouldn’t surprise you. You can expect prompt delivery and quality customer service. These are some of the best:
The Golfsmith
The Golf Warehouse
o Callaway Golf
Rockbottom Golf
Golf Outlets USA
Golf Discount
Austad’s golf
Golf Galaxy
Snainton golf
Online Golf
ONLINE GOLF FORUMS
Over the years, there have been many great online communities for golf. You can choose to join one of literally hundreds of forums. Some have an area to trade, buy and sell golf equipment.
Golf forums are small groups of people who share a common interest. This makes it a safe and supportive environment to sell and buy equipment. You can ask fellow forum members if you are unsure if a golf club seller is real.
These forums have a lot to offer, and it’s easy for bad people to be discovered quickly.
They are the best, and I think they have a great buy/sell/trade area.
Golf WRX – approximately. 79,000 members, mainly US
Golf Magic – approximately. 77,000 Members (primarily UK/Europe).
o iseekgolf – approx. 75,000 members (mainly Australia)
RECENT STORES FOR USED GOLF EQUIPMENT
Used equipment stores are an excellent alternative to eBay, Classifieds, and other online auction websites. Online stores that sell larger quantities of used equipment will typically offer the following: (1) A used club inspection and certification, (2) No Questions Asked Returns Policy, (3) 12 Month Warranty, and (4) Shipping Damage Guarantee.
There are several online shops that offer used equipment.
SOLD ONLY
Callaway Pre-Owned can also sell brands such as Titleist, Ping and TaylorMade. You get a 12-month guarantee with money back and a 90-day buyback.
TaylorMade Preowned – 14 day guarantee or your money back
o Golfbidder UK: -7-day ‘no hassle’ return policy, 12-month warrantee, and good buyer’s guides to help choose the right club.
USED & NEW
Golfsmith offers a 30 Day Returns Policy. They do not warrantee the product, but they will rely on the warranty provided by manufacturer (most likely expired).
Edwin Watts Golf 30 Day Returns Policy They do not warrantee the product.
Direct Golf (UK), used clubs purchased from Trade-ins in Direct Golf Stores 14 day money back guarantee. Guarantee not available
AMAZON
Amazon’s marketplace is large ……..very important. You’ll find a lot of quality used and new equipment for your game here.
Amazon Marketplace is similar to eBay, in that all sellers can register on Amazon to offer their used or new golf equipment. However, the products aren’t listed for auction and they can be purchased at the price advertised. Amazon also offers an Amazon purchase guarantee, which means that you can get your money back if the item isn’t as you expected or you don’t receive it.
Amazon offers free memberships to Golf Digest and Golf World for those who spend over US$25
Amazon Golf.
SITES OF EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER
Callaway is the only top club manufacturer that sells online. Titleist and Nike have web sites to promote their products, while Nike sells clubs in retail shops.
While not all manufacturers sell online equipment, a few of them provide tools and information that could be useful to buyers online.
Titleist – This site gives a detailed description of all their products, including a. Vokey wedges or Scotty Cameron putters, as well as an inventory of the previous models. Information on how to spot fake Titleist gear is also available.
Ping has an online tool to help you find the right size for your Ping gear. Ping provides information regarding spotting counterfeit gear.
Odyssey: This is a great online tool that will help you find the perfect putter. Callaway has Odyssey putters available for purchase
Callaway can be purchased equipment at their online shop.
ONLINE CLASSIFIEDS
You can also find used golf clubs on the internet using online classifieds sites. You will likely find an online classified site for your area, as the local paper has gone online. Although you might not be able to find the largest selection of golf clubs online, you will still have the option to visit the sellers in person if they are close.
Craigslist offers classified ads which service all of the world. With 50 million visitors per month, it’s 8th most visited website in America.