Buying Premium Used Golf Balls - Survey

[bmartin461]

I'm thinking of a side hustle where I would provide mint/near mint golf balls at a few local courses on a schedule, say once a week on Fridays as an example.  This would be done in a legal/official manner and not out of my trunk on the side of the road.

The golf balls would all be premium models and available in quantities of 6 or 14 (dozen plus 2 bonus).   

Let me know what you think.

Thanks! 

[David in FL]

Where did these balls come from?  Found/scavenged?  Refurbished bought elsewhere?  Other?

 

[bmartin461]

8 minutes ago, David in FL said:

Where did these balls come from?  Found/scavenged?  Refurbished bought elsewhere?  Other?

 

They would come from a reputable supplier of used golf balls, most would come from water hazards, none would be refinished.

[klineka]

I would absolutely buy used premium balls if I needed some and they were at a good price like the ones you listed in the polls. I voted for the 14 for $20 option mainly for the extra 2 balls and so I dont have to buy as frequently.

I like this compared to the used golf ball websites because I dont have to wait and pay for shipping. In my experience it seems like once you add in the cost of the shipping for the used ball sites, it doesnt really end up all that much cheaper than just buying them new, plus you have to wait a around a week or so to get them delivered.

[mcanadiens]

I do buy used golf balls and I'm a buyer at $10 per dozen, so you are a bit high there.

Perhaps the convenience of buying at the course would get you some business, but that's not my demographic.

[David in FL]

I'm a "no".

The reason I play a premium ball in the first place is because of the specific playing characteristics of that ball.  With reclaimed balls, you never quite know what you're going to get, regardless of the cosmetic appearance.

When I can buy something like a new Snell or past generation Bridgestone for just a few dollars more, it's just not worth the couple of bucks to risk any inconsistencies.

[billchao]

50 minutes ago, David in FL said:

I'm a "no".

The reason I play a premium ball in the first place is because of the specific playing characteristics of that ball.  With reclaimed balls, you never quite know what you're going to get, regardless of the cosmetic appearance.

When I can buy something like a new Snell or past generation Bridgestone for just a few dollars more, it's just not worth the couple of bucks to risk any inconsistencies.

Same, here. I used to buy used golf balls, not anymore.

[Golfingdad]

If you were selling used ProV1 at my course, I would certainly buy 14 for $20 on occasion.  I don't play enough to buy them regularly, but a couple of times a year, sure.

[Fairway_CY]

I'm in the 'never' camp.  I play one brand and one model until I don't anymore.  Also... I've played golf for almost 24 years now and I can count on 1 hand the number of times I've ever purchased golf balls at a course.  Gloves?  Sure.  Tees?  Yep.  I've even purchased a few hats here and there.  Very rarely have I purchased golf balls.  Usually, it's an 'emergency' because I forgot to put some in my bag or something.

CY

[Patch]

I would never buy, or use an unknown used golf ball to use for a score for handicap purposes. I would be concerned about consistancy through out the pack, since all the balls would have different histories since they were new. Any inconsistencies would surely show up in all facets of one's game, especially putting. To me it would be like playing  with range balls. 

I would think I would get a better consistancy with a dozen, cheap new, unused balls.

I was at Walmart the other day and purchased 24,  "Nitro" balls for $10. They are always available for $4.95 a dozen. In yellow. They are to be used for chipping/pitching practice only. That said, in a pinch, I would play one for a score. 

1 minute ago, Patch said:

I would never buy, or use an unknown used golf ball to use for a score for handicap purposes. I would be concerned about consistancy through out the pack, since all the balls would have different histories since they were new. Any inconsistencies would surely show up in all facets of one's game, especially putting. To me it would be like playing  with range balls. I know when I hit range balls, I am only concerned with the first 1/3 of the ball's flight.

I would think I would get a better consistancy with a dozen, cheap, new, unused balls.

I was at Walmart the other day and purchased 24,  "Nitro" balls for $10. They are always available for $4.95 a dozen. In yellow. They are to be used for chipping/pitching practice only. That said, in a pinch, I would play one for a score. 

 

[Shooting29]

I utilize used balls for play in most occasions except for tournaments but you are too high for me. I buy 4A balls from a guy on eBay for $1 per ball shipping included. Never been disappointed with the quality. These balls look new, mostly 1 hit wonders and none are refurbished. 

[dbuck]

19 hours ago, David in FL said:

I'm a "no".

The reason I play a premium ball in the first place is because of the specific playing characteristics of that ball.  With reclaimed balls, you never quite know what you're going to get, regardless of the cosmetic appearance.

When I can buy something like a new Snell or past generation Bridgestone for just a few dollars more, it's just not worth the couple of bucks to risk any inconsistencies.

I also voted no for a somewhat similar reason.

I could be more of a maybe, if the price was really cheap, like $10 per dozen, I might try them for "knock around" rounds.

I can buy ProV1 practice grade for $30, and I don't lose that many. Only downside to the practice is that there are often a lot of ProV1x in the box. Same reason I don't use NXT's-the ProV1 Practice is cheaper and only $8 more than DT SoLo. The Practice grade balls are new full spec balls with only a cosmetic defect.

[No Mulligans]

I was a, no I would never buy used balls.

We have a Costco nearby and shop there for groceries etc. about once a week.  They sale Callaway Super Hot 55 for about $1.25 a bakk (Superhot is very similar to the Supersoft).  That is what I buy.  I'd rather play a new one of those than any used ball.

[bmartin461]

I appreciate all the feedback and votes so far. 

[tristanhilton85]

I'd likely buy, but not often. For me I really like the Snell ball and it's a really good price, so I usually have plenty on hand. I wouldn't be opposed to buying if for whatever reason I was running low on balls and there was an immediate need.

[NJpatbee]

I am skeptical of lake balls and do not normally play expensive tour balls with my 17 HCP game.  That being said I would try 20 used Gamer Softs for $10 but since I pay low prices for new balls I doubt I am in your target market.

[Lihu]

On 12/13/2017 at 11:34 AM, bmartin461 said:

I'm thinking of a side hustle where I would provide mint/near mint golf balls at a few local courses on a schedule, say once a week on Fridays as an example.  This would be done in a legal/official manner and not out of my trunk on the side of the road.

The golf balls would all be premium models and available in quantities of 6 or 14 (dozen plus 2 bonus).   

Let me know what you think.

Thanks! 

I buy stuff from those two guys that hang out in front of the Brookside parking lot every now and then.

$20 for 14 balls seems reasonable. Are you getting them from Rich at Crown City?

 

On 12/13/2017 at 2:34 PM, Golfingdad said:

If you were selling used ProV1 at my course, I would certainly buy 14 for $20 on occasion.  I don't play enough to buy them regularly, but a couple of times a year, sure.

Same here, and I already do sometimes.

 

On 12/14/2017 at 8:20 AM, No Mulligans said:

I was a, no I would never buy used balls.

We have a Costco nearby and shop there for groceries etc. about once a week.  They sale Callaway Super Hot 55 for about $1.25 a bakk (Superhot is very similar to the Supersoft).  That is what I buy.  I'd rather play a new one of those than any used ball.

Sure, I buy these at times as well. I get good balls for my kids and use the "one hit wonders" for myself.

Edited December 15, 2017 by Lihu
Fixed the spellchecker mistake.

[The Hook Meister]

I guess it's okay. Aren't you going to have to store them ion your trunk at some point. Where do these balls come from anyway?  Out of creeks, " god only knows how long they have been down there", in bushes exposed to the elements for days and days. Good luck.