Golfbidder.co.uk has already reinvigorated the retail operations of over 500 golf clubs professionals in the U. Now it is looking to do the same for pro’s throughout Europe with its provision of a no-risk retail channel for customer trade-ins and discontinued lines. Golfbidder is exhibiting at GOLF EUROPE 2003
Through its existing network of predominantly UK suppliers, Golfbidder.co.uk claims to be already Europe’s largest on-line retailer of pre-owned premium brand golf equipment.
But with only a few European club pro’s so far signed up, the company now wants to extend its reach across the continent. Unusually for trade show exhibitors, Golfbidder has nothing to sell. The company is in Munich to recruit pro’s to buy from.
Since its inception in 2001, Golfbidder.co.uk has doubled turnover every year. Managing director, Liam Robb, who tested the business idea with a small shop in London prior to launching on-line, comments, “It became obvious soon after opening that we had uncovered a strong but largely unsatisfied demand for a decent choice of good quality pre-owned clubs. Now our main challenge is sourcing sufficient supply to cope with that demand.”
Earlier this year the business received PGA recognition with its appointment as the “Official PGA Club Exchange”. Mike Gray, commercial director of the PGA explains, “Golfbidder has demonstrated how its business can be of real benefit to golf professionals, enabling PGA professionals to unconditionally accept purchasers‘ old clubs as part payment for new, safe in the knowledge of their exact valuation. This has represented a huge leap forward for our members‘ retail confidence.”
Scott Gourley, professional at Dunbar Golf Club, illustrates the benefits: “It’s a great system because everybody is happy. I get the price for the trade-ins immediately from Golfbidder.co.uk, which helps me sell the new clubs. The customer is happy to get his hands on new equipment and Golfbidder.co.uk has more stock for its website.”
One of Golfbidder’s earliest European ambassadors, Peter Gruenwell at Rhein Sieg Golf Club (Hennef, nr Cologne) echoes this enthusiasm. “It’s a very simple system to use,” he said. “I get a quote over the phone for the trade-ins and I know that price will be good for a week. That helps me to offer some great deals to my customers on my new equipment and make more sales.”
Throughout Golf Europe, Golfbidder.co.uk will be inviting show visitors to test their valuation skills. A selection of clubs will be on display, of varying age and condition. Visitors‘ valuations that match the quotes generated by the Golfbidder system will win a bottle of champagne.
Golfbidder key facts:
- Golfbidder is an on-line retailer of new and pre-owned premium brand golf equipment
- Clubs are sold either as Auction Lots or as Instant-buys
- All clubs displayed on-site are guaranteed to be in-stock
- Clubs are delivered to purchasers by overnight courier service
- All purchases are offered with a 7-day money back trial and a 12-month warranty
Golfbidder www.golfbidder.co.uk