Question about buying Clubs on Ebay..sorry I'm new

[md2002]

Sorry if this is redundant but I'm a newbie....

Let me say that I really didn't know there were fake clubs on Ebay until I won some on Monday. After I won I started googling clubs and found that it's a pretty big business.

I got TM Burner Plus Irons for $440, which I thought was a pretty good deal. I questioned the guy and he tells me he buys 10K worth of equipment from a Pro Shop and that is how he gets his equipment. He went on to give me the name of the Pro Shop. The Pro Shop says they do sell in bulk to clear inventory. I thought TM had price protection? Does it make sense that Pro Shops would sell in bulk to clear inventory.

I haven't recieved them yet but I called TM and they told me 90% of clubs on Ebay are fake and that is probably what I am going to get? NOW I'm really worried!! Anyway, I was very naive and had no idea this was going on.

The buyer gaurentee's they are authentic with full warranty and offered to return them if they are found to be fake. How can I tell if they are fake? TM said even a valid serial # doesn't mean anything and that some fakes are so good that Pro Shops can't tell the differnce. I'm just worried about what I am going to get. Any advice would be appreciated. I feel sick to my stomach.

Thanks

[rangerat]

From what I have seen, heard, learned from reading various articles is that most of the clubs that are fake tend to be drivers. I am sure that there are fake irons but it is a little less common. In my opinion, I think that the 90% of clubs on eBay are fake statement is inflated. Also from what I have learned, most clubs can be distinguished from fakes. Some are very good fakes but rarely perfect. If they are "perfect" then you have nothing to worry about anyway, lol. Good luck, keep us posted. Some pics when you get them might be helpful for comparison purposes.

[Gambler]

Once you get the clubs you should be able to call to see if they are in fact fakes.

[md2002]

From what I have seen, heard, learned from reading various articles is that

THANK YOU! I will post pictures when they come in. Hopefully it will work out.

[clearwaterms]

it might help to post the ebay link for the completed transaction - people might be able to look at them and see if they have any reason. Also, check the ebay's feedback.

[lumpuckeroo]

I agree with rangerat, if that were the case you would be getting knock offs from any of the major retailers.

More then likely the Pro Shop is selling to an individual because if they sold products that low on eBay, TM would stop selling to them.

[DavidFehertysBike]

Ive bought used equipment from indvidual sellers and never had a problem. I tend to stay away from buying new stuff and the "ebay store" type wholesalers. My driver, 3wood, and 21 hybrid were bought used on ebay. My pro is a titleist staff player and he says there are no problem with the clubs. When you ask for info, they should give you direct awnsers. If they give vauge awnsers, i would stay away from that seller.

[powerfader]

All the nightmare stories I've heard about ebay fakes have been regarding putters and drivers. I really think you'll be okay buying a set of irons, I'd be gobsmacked if they were in fact fake; think how expensive it would be to fake a whole set! If you put yourself in the fraudsters position what would you fake, if it was me I'd be making scotty cameron's and Tm R9's that's the only way you could make any money. Plus the guy has been in contact with you, that's a good sign.

[Trav]

Ive bought used equipment from indvidual sellers and never had a problem. I tend to stay away from buying new stuff and the "ebay store" type wholesalers. My driver, 3wood, and 21 hybrid were bought used on ebay. My pro is a titleist staff player and he says there are no problem with the clubs. When you ask for info, they should give you direct awnsers. If they give vauge awnsers, i would stay away from that seller.

This has been my experience, too. I have bought a lot of clubs on eBay - in fact, I rarely buy new at stores, usually very slightly used clubs which can be had at greatly reduced prices on eBay, to the point my wife laughs about it - and if they are fake, they play as well (or I still play as badly) as with the genuine article. I would guess most of the time individual sellers selling their personal clubs are not selling fakes. I have not generally used the eBay Stores because the prices are higher, and unless you are really impatient you can almost always get a better price for a club in great condition through the normal auction process.

I do read feedback carefully, but having seen several threads now about fakes on eBay I suppose I should be more careful about asking questions of the seller beforehand.

[md2002]

it might help to post the ebay link for the completed transaction - people might be able to look at them and see if they have any reason. Also, check the ebay's feedback.

It's a stock photo and not of the actual clubs. Which is what people say to stay away from.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=350197001601 The guy seems legit and sells more than just clubs. I pretty much told him I was going to send them to TM to verify and he said " Please do, they'll tell you their real" and assured me I could return them and HE would pay for the shipping back if they were found to be fake. He told me straight out that they were authentic Taylor Made from Taylor Made. I spent so much time hitting clubs to find the ones I really liked. It would be a shame if they turned out to be fake. I have enough problems with my swing, and don't need to be worried about thinking if my clubs are real Thanks for all the responses. I REALLY appreciate it. I will just take them to a pro shop and hope they give me the OK. That should be good enough.

[Surefire]

It looks like the guy is shipping from within the US too, I would take that as another positive sign.

Its no guarantee of anything, but if the clubs were being shipped from China, it would be another warning sign.

[Mr3Putt]

Based on his history and feedback, you're fine.

I do lots of "Ebaying", I wouldn't hesitate to buy from that seller.

[SandyFeet]

As many have stated, experiences with ebay have been good with proper research. It looks like your stuff is pretty legit.

And that 90% business....yeah, that's the probably overstated.

[md2002]

I hope I made the right call. They should be here Thursday... I'll let you all know.

[wrx_junki]

I'm pretty sure you have nothing to worry about. Enjoy them and hit em well~

[Leftygolfer]

My whole set is from ebay except my driver, 5 wood and lob wedge and I have verified that they are authentic. They were all new except the 4 iron.

[Shorty]

I called TM and they told me 90% of clubs on Ebay are fake

That is a complete lie and a ridiculous statement.

A lot of clubs are second hand or ex demo or discontinued lines. If someone is offering current model clubs at half retail you have to be very wary and some of the sites advertising knockoff clubs are scary because a lot of the clubs look very good (at least in the pictures). If someone os offering new Vokey wedges at $50 each or Cameron putters for $100, I'd run a mile, but to say that 90% are fake is just nonsense. Buyer beware. Unless you are left-handed, possibly!

[md2002]

That is a complete lie and a ridiculous statement

I figured that is a little inflated. I had some pro shops and Sporting Goods stores tell me the same thing. I imagine it is to their advantage to say that because that will keep you away from Ebay and other Discount internet golf shops.