Buying Irons Local vs. eBay

[kfowler]

I recently decided to purchase a new set of irons over the winter break. I settled on the new Mizuno MP-58's. I would have been find with finding a good used set but was also looking at new. I've been watching some of the auctions on eBay over the last couple of weeks. From what I saw, I could get the irons for about $200-$300 less than buying new. I've been buying and selling off of eBay for years and have never had any issues. However, I do realize there are risks in buying new clubs. I know counterfeits are big issue. I also new I really needed to be fitted again and was unsure what specs I needed.

So yesterday, I went to my local store where I bought my last irons. Mile of Golf in Ypsi if anyone's interested. After some discussion with the staff, I decided it was more important to have the piece of mind that the clubs are legit and they were fitted properly. My fitting was very thorough. It lasted about an hour and a half. Funny thing was I ended up with standard lie and the standard DG S300 shaft. However, being able to try the different shafts and lie angles was a huge benefit. We did end up making some small adjustments to the grip size.

So end the end, it did cost me several hundred dollars more. However, the piece of mind that the clubs are the right fit and legit goes a long way. Especially since I plan on keeping these for a while. My new irons are ordered and should be in by next weekend. In the end, it's kind of like buying a tv. Once you pay for it, stop looking at the prices.

[Nickynoodles]

I have never had a problem on Ebay with purchasing clubs. You can normally spot the fakes right away. I bought a set of Callaway Irons on there last year for $100. The x-14's. They were in pretty good condition. I used them for 2 rounds and re sold them on Ebay. They sold for $140 so i ended up making $40. I also bought My Driver on there. When it first came out they wanted $399 for it and i got it brand new in box and rapper for $120. It then dropped to $299 and $199 since then but i still got it cheaper then that. If you really know what you want and its a trusted seller theres really nothing wrong with getting em from Ebay. I have never had any problems.

[wmiller]

The trick so to speak, is that if you are wary of Ebay, go with a trusted seller, someone with tons of feedback, and guarantees no fakes. Lots of sellers like that.

The exception: Bought my current driver from a young man who bought more club than he could hit, and decided to sell it after about 5 rounds. Had him send me a photocopy of the sales receipt, and got a $350 driver for $140. Stuffed my White Board in it and it's the best driver I've ever hit. Bought my 3 and 5 woods the same way.

Oh, and patience is required to get the really good deals. It took me almost two months of watching auctions to find one that everyone else missed.

[Fat Slice]

I got my mp57 set brand new on eBay for $350 (500 - 150 ebay rebate). That was too good of a deal to pass up.

[Big_M]

I'm familiar with Miles of Golf, and you didn't make a bad move. They do a really thorough job fitting and they are a good store. I always went to Carl's when I lived in MI, but that's because it was closer to me, and they are also a really good local store. I bought my irons new because I am NOT standard and I knew that... it was worth the extra money. I always buy cheap (used or last year... usually online) when buying drivers, woods, and putters, but when it comes to irons I just shell out a little extra. I might consider Callaway Pre-owned for irons if Callaway ever made irons I like, but most likely I'll get some KZG, Scratch or other custom irons next.

Since you are standard... you could have just paid them after the fitting, said thanks, and went to ebay or some other online dealer. Being non-standard is what keeps me from buying online, but knowing how much I could save it would be difficult if I was you and was standard.

That being said... I like to put some money back into my local golf shop... Carl's and Miles are great stores and I would hate to see either one close. Down here in NC we mostly have Golf Galaxy and Edwin Watts, and I don't really care about them, but there are a few smaller shops and I am trying to find one I like that also has enough selection to be worth my time, so I can support a local business with regrips, shoes, hats, an occaisional club, etc.

[kfowler]

Big_M, that's kind of my feelings as well. I actually take lessons at Carl's. Both are great stores that I like to support. I bought my driver from Carl's. I thought about doing that with their fitting but it's $75. You add that to what you find on eBay and you're not too far from what you pay locally. Assuming you find a trusted seller on eBay, you can't go wrong either way. Golf is such a mental game and there is something to be said for knowing what you're getting.

BTW, I lived in Raleigh for a couple of years. They only shops I know down there now is Golfsmith. I've always wandered why they don't have anything like Miles or Carl's. Seems like a great idea to put a full service pro shop, range and learning facility all in one spot.

[enis750]

i bought my MP-57's from ebay just before the season ended for me...and a majority of my clubs r from ebay
they were half price from Golf Town, brand new in the box, never opened

i dont really believe in fitting
i have always hit OTS clubs and never had an issue - these sit a lot flatter than my Nike's PC's did..i just adjust things slightly to make em work
i'll save that extra few bucks for green fees or tournament entry fees

my problem, is that i seem to know more about the clubs im buying, that the stupid arse sales guys do.....when i was hitting the MP's in golf town, dude didnt even know Mizuno had new ones coming out
??? really...?????

anywaysm great club selection and I hope u hit em straight