Pro Shops

Pro Shop A - Golfsmith just opened a ProShop in Santa Ana and I went to the Grand Opening Weekend. Cool shop! Lots of stuff, well organized and their Internet Store prices. They had 4 practice booths, two totally electronically setup and two just practice. Five minutes after I walked in and registered for their drawings, I won an Adams Redline 460cc Driver - not bad huh? Now that I was $300 up and had a 10 and 15% mailer discount coupon in hand I would do some shopping. I got fitted for some Cleveland Irons but they didn't have my shaft flex in gunmetal. I did buy a bag, 3 wedges and an Odessy 2-ball putter. Fun on Father's Day.

Pro Shop B - I walked into a pro shop in Palm Springs only for directions to a hotel, they were friendly and helpful. As I was leaving, I turned around at the car and went back in a bought a golf cart on sale.

Be friendly about everything, it will pay off.

Pro Shop C - I was returning a Christmas present. With a smile on my face, I jokingly said to the guys behind the counter “Hey how could you guys sell my wife a left-handed club?” The guy replied “Did we sell it to her or did she buy it”.

I didn’t expect that response.

That didn't make me want to buy from them. If you don’t show that you care about the customer’s experience while onsite or later when they are using your products, you will lose your customers to sporting goods stores and buying stuff over the Internet.

Internet Shopping

I contacted a clubmaker regarding buying a driver I saw advertised. After an exchange of emails, the clubmaker actually advised me not to buy the club and consider a different (not more expensive) club. He also recommended a great book for me to buy somewhere locally. When was the last time a Pro Shop talked you out of buying something or recommended something to buy that they don't sell?