“ExperiencedCLUBS”, intended as a new and authoritative independent guide to the market in pre-owned golf clubs, will be launched on Stand 1305 at Golfexpo 2000, 2 – 5 November, Hall 12, NEC, Birmingham.
The objective is similar to those guides that have served the motor industry so well over the years, such as Glass’s Guide. Their success prompted Orebus, the specialist supplier of retail business solutions, to recognise a similar need within the golf trade.
The publication will appear quarterly and will display both trade-in and retail prices for clubs, according to age and condition. Target readership is all golf retail businesses. Prices will be constantly monitored and updated by the ExperiencedCLUBS Price Advisory Group (EPAG), a panel of long-established and respected retailers.
Participating retailers will be able to feature their available used clubs on a dedicated web site, www.experiencedclubs.com, through which golfers can order online.
Newcomers to the game of golf are estimated to account for less than 10% of equipment sales, so the vast majority of new equipment sales are to purchasers who are either buying replacements or trading up. It is believed that to such customers a part exchange on their old sets will be an attractive proposition.
Caroline Henney, Orebus’s operations director, says, “As with most premium-priced consumer goods, the trade needs the backing and support of an active second hand market to create a demand for new products.”