Equipment financing for new Golf Store?

[JimMurphy99]

So I was asked not so long ago by a friend of my who wants to set up a retail golf store whether there are any financing companies out there who specialize in equipment financing.  Basically he wants to be able to purchase clubs from the top manufacturers etc. but as a startup apparently he cannot get "credit" from the manufacturers/distributors so he is looking to finance them.  I told him I thought that getting into the golf retail business was probably not a good idea but of course my advice not quite listened to.  Anyway I am still going to help of course so just putting this out there to see if anyone has any ideas.

Thanks

[Mr3Wiggle]

Typically you need a lot of cash or a sizeable bank loan to get into the golf retail business.  That is, if you want to have a store loaded with merchandise and not have to special order each customer's clubs.  Also, I'm not sure how willing the major manufacturers will be to open an account with a non-golf course entity that is going to special order one set at a time.

I suppose if a few of the companies are willing to let him open an account and just run with special orders, he could really push the custom fitting angle and just carry a fully stocked demo line.

[Fozcycle]

Check out the Small business Association start up loans.

The only thing they will not loan $$$ for is a book store or video store.  Because they cannot control the print and do not want adverserial matter being sold....LOL

[newtogolf]

Your friend might be able to make arrangements with Callaway, TM, Adams, Nike if he has an outstanding credit rating and he's willing to personally guarantee the debt.  My understanding is that Titleist and Mizuno are more difficult to work with and might require a certified pro on staff before they will allow you to sell their clubs.  For demo purposes I'd suggest he look to eBay as used clubs would be less expensive than new and they will get beat up pretty quickly.