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Buying clubs off of eBay?


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What are your thoughts on buying clubs from eBay? The reason I ask is because I want to get a set of Mizuno MX-300 irons, but at big retailers they still seem to be about $600. I looked on eBay for some and there seem to be many sets in the ~$400 range. I keep hearing about counterfeit clubs, but I am wrong in thinking that a person with 99.9% positive feedback on 7,000 things should be pretty legitimate?

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Just pay with paypal and then contact Mizuno after they arrive to confirm the serial number on the clubs. If the # doesn't check out, contact paypal and report the clubs as counterfeit. Ebay reimburses buyers of counterfeit clubs, so long as they pay through paypal.

Cheers

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someone will follow me up on this but check the box it was shipped in, drop shipment boxes from china are a big tip off that you just got robbed.  Do a search on here about counterfeit items on ebay, all the info is there.  Tread lightly, use paypal, and be thorough in questioning seller.  Good luck

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If you buy clubs on eBay, you don't get to test-hit them. Also, if the eBay clubs are a little out of tolerances when they arrive, you'd have to pay someone to tweak the loft and lie. And if you need a half-inch cut off the shafts, you'd have to pay somebody to do this unless you have a club factory in your garage. If the eBaby clubs need some tweaks, chances are you won't save much by going the eBay route.

An exception: If you already own a 52* CG16 wedge, and decide you want the 56* and 60* also, this might be something to buy on eBay. If the 56* and 60* are real - not counterfeit - this could be a good deal.

Focus, connect and follow through!

  • Completed KBS Education Seminar (online, 2015)
  • GolfWorks Clubmaking AcademyFitting, Assembly & Repair School (2012)

Driver:  :touredge: EXS 10.5°, weights neutral   ||  FWs:  :callaway: Rogue 4W + 7W
Hybrid:  :callaway: Big Bertha OS 4H at 22°  ||  Irons:  :callaway: Mavrik MAX 5i-PW
Wedges:  :callaway: MD3: 48°, 54°... MD4: 58° ||  Putter:image.png.b6c3447dddf0df25e482bf21abf775ae.pngInertial NM SL-583F, 34"  
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Originally Posted by FaldoPrecison

Just pay with paypal and then contact Mizuno after they arrive to confirm the serial number on the clubs. If the # doesn't check out, contact paypal and report the clubs as counterfeit. Ebay reimburses buyers of counterfeit clubs, so long as they pay through paypal.

Cheers


Okay thanks, I'll do that. It's cool that they do that.



Originally Posted by Swampy79

someone will follow me up on this but check the box it was shipped in, drop shipment boxes from china are a big tip off that you just got robbed.  Do a search on here about counterfeit items on ebay, all the info is there.  Tread lightly, use paypal, and be thorough in questioning seller.  Good luck

Ahh, I didn't think about this. Thanks.

And I'll use Paypal for sure.



Originally Posted by WUTiger

If you buy clubs on eBay, you don't get to test-hit them. Also, if the eBay clubs are a little out of tolerances when they arrive, you'd have to pay someone to tweak the loft and lie. And if you need a half-inch cut off the shafts, you'd have to pay somebody to do this unless you have a club factory in your garage. If the eBaby clubs need some tweaks, chances are you won't save much by going the eBay route.

An exception: If you already own a 52* CG16 wedge, and decide you want the 56* and 60* also, this might be something to buy on eBay. If the 56* and 60* are real - not counterfeit - this could be a good deal.


Yeah, I see what you're saying. However, I've never been to have clubs tweaked or changed. I just play them as is. I'm using some $100 irons right now so I'm sure I won't have a problem with the Mizunos.

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So long as you are strait forward, prompt with payment, and promptly check and complain if you find you've been douped Ebay.com has a very good track record with setting it right.

It is also a very very safe bet that if someone's rating is anywhere north of 5000 and they have more then a 50-100 positive responses that they would have been removed and banned by now if they were peddling fake goods.

Just be smart man if the deal looks too good to be true it probably is. If you can buy from an established merchant do it. Many reputable sites 3ballsgolf, dallasgolf ect. ect. auction off surplus on ebay. If you can buy an item from an Ebay Store. Opening a store on ebay requires certain checks that posting an auctions doesnt. Always get a tracking number on shipments and if it is not shipped from inside the US dont buy it. My biggest tidbit of advice is below:

PAY WITH A CREDIT CARD!!!!! this is a big one because even if Ebay and paypal fail you, which is not likely, you can deny the charges as fraudulent.

Good luck and happy bidding friend!

nickent.gif4DX Evolver Driver, ping.gif Rapture 3 Wood, taylormade.gif Burner 08 5 Wood, nickent.gif 3DX RC 3-4 & 5DX 5 Hybrid,
nickent.gif 6-PW 3DX Hybrid Irons, cleveland.gif High Bore 09 GW-SW, touredge.gif 60* Wedge, maxfli.gif Revolution Blade Insert Putter
 
Yes I'm Aware That's 16 Clubs!
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Originally Posted by LankyLefty

So long as you are strait forward, prompt with payment, and promptly check and complain if you find you've been douped Ebay.com has a very good track record with setting it right.

It is also a very very safe bet that if someone's rating is anywhere north of 5000 and they have more then a 50-100 positive responses that they would have been removed and banned by now if they were peddling fake goods.

Just be smart man if the deal looks too good to be true it probably is. If you can buy from an established merchant do it. Many reputable sites 3ballsgolf, dallasgolf ect. ect. auction off surplus on ebay. If you can buy an item from an Ebay Store. Opening a store on ebay requires certain checks that posting an auctions doesnt. Always get a tracking number on shipments and if it is not shipped from inside the US dont buy it. My biggest tidbit of advice is below:

PAY WITH A CREDIT CARD!!!!! this is a big one because even if Ebay and paypal fail you, which is not likely, you can deny the charges as fraudulent.

Good luck and happy bidding friend!




Thanks Lanky, good tips there. I'll definitely be smart about it and follow everyone's tips.

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Just make sure you buy off a seller with good feedback, and you should be fine.

I bought my Burner 2.0 irons off eBay, aswell as my R11 driver. My clubs are legit. Retail prices are for suckers. If I purchased those 2 locally I would of paid over $1000. I got both for less than $800.

taylormade.gif - Taylor Made R11 Driver, 9*
taylormade.gif - Burner 2.0" 4-AW Steel
vokey.gif - Vokey 56*, 60*, 64*
odyssey.gif - Odyssey ProType PT 82

titleist.gif - Pro-V1  taylormade.gif - TMX Stand Bag
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Ive bought many clubs off of Ebay and have never had an issue.  Just make sure you buy from a seller who has at least 1,000 points and at least a 99.7% positive feedback rating and you'll be fine.

Whats in my :sunmountain: C-130 cart bag?

Woods: :mizuno: JPX 850 9.5*, :mizuno: JPX 850 15*, :mizuno: JPX-850 19*, :mizuno: JPX Fli-Hi #4, :mizuno: JPX 800 Pro 5-PW, :mizuno: MP T-4 50-06, 54-09 58-10, :cleveland: Smart Square Blade and :bridgestone: B330-S

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Originally Posted by TitleistWI

Ive bought many clubs off of Ebay and have never had an issue.  Just make sure you buy from a seller who has at least 1,000 points and at least a 99.7% positive feedback rating and you'll be fine.


My favourite ebay seller only has a 99.4% rating.

Mizuno MP600 driver, Cleveland '09 Launcher 3-wood, Callaway FTiz 18 degree hybrid, Cleveland TA1 3-9, Scratch SS8620 47, 53, 58, Cleveland Classic 2 mid-mallet, Bridgestone B330S, Sun Mountain four5.

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Here's how they keep positive feed back selling fakes:

1.  I don't notice clubs  fake - can't play well enough to tell - I'm happy - positive feed back

2. My clubs  fake - contact paypal - paypal says contact seller - seller says, sorry, mistake make, keep clubs for $ XX  price,and make golforsuckers3 good feedback.(they refund the rest and still make a profit at $ XX) - positive feed back.

3. I know  fake and don't care - positive feedback

4. They send much clubs to me in the USA. (through E-bay)  I makes re-listing and USA shipping - 2 positive feedbacks.

5.My clubs from HappyMaoGolf3 feel dead, so I relist them as genuine slightly used XXXX that I got for my birthday.

6. There's more!   (Notice my wording - that's a tip off.)

A club came into a local store for trade in that didn't look right to the manager.   It was sent over to the fitter for that brand who had to study it then hit with it before calling it legit.

Here's my favorite:  Buy my chewing gum for $1.00 and receive positive feedback!

PS: I use E-bay and Craigs List.   But not on anything fakeable.

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Originally Posted by Mark5

Here's how they keep positive feed back selling fakes:

1.  I don't notice clubs  fake - can't play well enough to tell - I'm happy - positive feed back

2. My clubs  fake - contact paypal - paypal says contact seller - seller says, sorry, mistake make, keep clubs for $ XX  price,and make golforsuckers3 good feedback.(they refund the rest and still make a profit at $ XX) - positive feed back.

3. I know  fake and don't care - positive feedback

4. They send much clubs to me in the USA. (through E-bay)  I makes re-listing and USA shipping - 2 positive feedbacks.

5.My clubs from HappyMaoGolf3 feel dead, so I relist them as genuine slightly used XXXX that I got for my birthday.

6. There's more!   (Notice my wording - that's a tip off.)

A club came into a local store for trade in that didn't look right to the manager.   It was sent over to the fitter for that brand who had to study it then hit with it before calling it legit.

Here's my favorite:  Buy my chewing gum for $1.00 and receive positive feedback!

PS: I use E-bay and Craigs List.   But not on anything fakeable.


You my friend are overly paranoid. There are certainly counterfeit clubs on ebay, however if your smart they arn't hard to pick out.  Its just common sense if someone is saying "Brand New Never Been Used 2011 $600 Dollar Driver for Only $199" then dont buy it why would anyone sell a brand new in the packaging $600 driver for $199? Dont buy it. If someone is saying "100% Money Back Guarantee mines S&H;" and their S&H; is very high and a round number. Dont buy it, SH from Cali to NY is never going to be $20.00 on the dot. Look into it get your own estimate. Google the sellers ID along with the word fake, see what comes up. Fake sellers like to remain Low Key so if their is a website listed or a phone number posted, visit the site and call the number. Visit http://valueguide.pga.com/ and look up the used value. If the deal looks to good to be true... it probably is. Check out some of the sellers other auctions. If they claim to be just a dude auctioning off his driver but they have 200 other active auctions for golf clubs... dont buy it. If the seller has a lot of varied auctions of different type items at a range of prices thats a good sign. No one sells fake Golf clubs as well as fake power tools as well as fake computers. Just follow up its really not that hard and you can save a lot of $$.

nickent.gif4DX Evolver Driver, ping.gif Rapture 3 Wood, taylormade.gif Burner 08 5 Wood, nickent.gif 3DX RC 3-4 & 5DX 5 Hybrid,
nickent.gif 6-PW 3DX Hybrid Irons, cleveland.gif High Bore 09 GW-SW, touredge.gif 60* Wedge, maxfli.gif Revolution Blade Insert Putter
 
Yes I'm Aware That's 16 Clubs!
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Originally Posted by LankyLefty

You my friend are overly paranoid. There are certainly counterfeit clubs on ebay, however if your smart they arn't hard to pick out.  Its just common sense if someone is saying "Brand New Never Been Used 2011 $600 Dollar Driver for Only $199" then dont buy it why would anyone sell a brand new in the packaging $600 driver for $199? Dont buy it. If someone is saying "100% Money Back Guarantee mines S&H;" and their S&H; is very high and a round number. Dont buy it, SH from Cali to NY is never going to be $20.00 on the dot. Look into it get your own estimate. Google the sellers ID along with the word fake, see what comes up. Fake sellers like to remain Low Key so if their is a website listed or a phone number posted, visit the site and call the number. Visit http://valueguide.pga.com/ and look up the used value. If the deal looks to good to be true... it probably is. Check out some of the sellers other auctions. If they claim to be just a dude auctioning off his driver but they have 200 other active auctions for golf clubs... dont buy it. If the seller has a lot of varied auctions of different type items at a range of prices thats a good sign. No one sells fake Golf clubs as well as fake power tools as well as fake computers. Just follow up its really not that hard and you can save a lot of $$.


The fake guys are getting smarter.  They know if they list the price too low it's a red flag, so instead of listing a $400 driver for $150, they list it for $300 - $325.  We're all conditioned to believe that golf stores have huge markups, and everything is less expensive on eBay, so it looks like a good deal, especially if the local golf stores aren't discounting it or putting it on sale.  It's great for the fake resellers, because now they only have to sell 1/2 as many clubs to make the same profits.

They also offer 100% Money Back Guarantee, that's how they keep their rating up.  Most golfers (SandTrap excluded) aren't very aware of fakes, and wouldn't know how to spot one if it's a good quality fake.  Those that are smart enough to figure it out contact the seller who profusely apologizes and offers their money back, in exchange for no negative feedback.  Buyer gets his money back, seller is still positioned to sell a ton of fake clubs....win - win.

Understanding how fake resellers can maintain high seller ratings isn't paranoia it's being an educated consumer.

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Joe Paradiso

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  • 3 months later...

Lanky Lefty is 100% right. I bought a putter on EBAY that turned out to be fake.  Seller sold 10,000 items and had 99.9 rating.  The price was $10 cheaper than the retailers so that wasn't a trigger.  He sold 20 of them at the same time and 2 of the 20 buyers caught the fake and the seller got 18 positive ratings.  My personal opinion get the clubs from the retailers and play with confidence knowing that you have legitimate clubs.  Agree also with NewToGolf.  The counterfeiters have the process down and have stopped low balling and as Lanky said ship the clubs to the USA and then relist.  How could someone from SmallTown USA be a fake????  GOOD LUCK!

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I've gotten a couple of fake Nickent hybrids (the titanium crown shouldn't have a magnet stick to it)  and a really nice set of genuine Wilson Staff Di9 irons, gently used for a good price.  I got a refund on the fakes, but like Lucky Lefty said, USE A CREDIT CARD.  Debit cards have no protection on PayPal.

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I have bought (and sold) several clubs on ebay.  I've bought from some of the bigger 'retailers' on ebay with thousands of transactions/feedback, and also from individuals with a hundred or so.  Everything in my bag currently came from ebay.

I have had good luck, at least as far as I know.  I have never been suspicious of fakes, so I've never had any clubs inspected or verified for authenticity.

I am not buying the hottest and 'latest and greatest' clubs.  I usually buy clubs that are a little older, and ebay has been great for that.  I can use/test different clubs (that you can no longer go to stores and hit), and usually re-sell the ones I don't keep for nearly the same amount I paid for them (a couple times more).

Driver:  :callaway: Diablo Octane
Fairway Wood:   :adams: Speedline 3W
Hybrid:   adams.gif A7OS 3 Hybrid 
Irons:   :callaway:  2004 Big Bertha 4-LW

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I'm currently bidding on a set of new irons on eBay...have had pretty good luck in the past but the good news is eBay/PayPal almost always sides with the buyer in transaction disputes in a very timely manner.  I'm tired of paying ridiculous retail prices and if you try to buy from a place like Golf Smith who occasionally offers discount codes, the discounts exclude almost every desirable brand.  Dick's is the only place that seems to offer legitimate sales.

Always changing:

 

Driver: Cobra S2/Nike VR Pro 10.5º

Irons: Callaway X-20 Tour 4-9i

Hybrid: Titleist 910H 19º & 21º

Wood: TaylorMade R11 3w

Putter: Odyssey White Hot

Wedges: Titleist Vokeys - 48º, 54º, 62º

 

First round: February 2011

 

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I've only bought a wedge (my 60˚ below) on ebay, and I had a good experience.  I'd just say like others have to buy from dealers with excellent reps and pay with credit through paypal and you should be fine.

Matt

Mid-Weight Heavy Putter
Cleveland Tour Action 60˚
Cleveland CG15 54˚
Nike Vapor Pro Combo, 4i-GW
Titleist 585h 19˚
Tour Edge Exotics XCG 15˚ 3 Wood
Taylormade R7 Quad 9.5˚

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