Sometimes you just have to get the latest hot driver. But even if you're willing to spring the big bucks, you still want to get the best price possible. Let's explore how.
For this example, I'm choosing the hot new driver that I'm lusting after: the Ping G430 Max 10K, which has a list price of $599 – stock off the shelf, no custom add-ons like premium shafts or non-standard grips.
Here's a list of prices at some golf retailers, ranked from best deal to worst:
2nd Swing - $597 with free shipping
TGW - $599 with free shipping
Dick's Sporting Goods - $599 with free shipping or store pickup
Golf Galaxy - $599 with free shipping or store pickup
PGA Tour Superstore - $599.99 with free shipping
Budget Golf - $599.99 with free shipping
OK, you get the idea. New drivers like this often have manufacturers' restrictions on what retailers can sell for early on in a new club's life. Buying from 2nd Swing will save you a whopping $2.
But there's still hope for saving money. Here's how:
Sign up for a retailer's emails in exchange for a discount code. (This probably won't work for a hot new item like the G430 Max 10K driver. But on another club, it might.) If you're not subscribed already, sign up for a retailer's email list in exchange for a discount code for your first purchase. These are often 10-15%, or $10-20 off. I hunted for such discounts that could apply to the G430 Max 10K, but couldn't find any that didn't exclude it from the discount. But if you're looking for a club less "hot" and older than the G430 Max 10K, this will save you some money. (Yes, you'll get marketing emails from the retailer. If those annoy you, set up a spam filter so you won't see them.)
Buy used. Even for a club as new as the G430 Max 10K, you can probably find one that's used. I found multiple G430 Max 10Ks listed on eBay. Most of them advertised that they had been used only a time or two. Most likely, someone bought the club new, tried it on the course, and quickly decided it wasn't right for them. They listed on eBay to recoup their money. Or a retailer took the club in as a return, then listed it on eBay since they couldn't return it to the shelves as new.
Going this route, you won't be able to order exactly what you want, but with luck you'll find one that's what you need. I found on eBay the G430 Max 10K with my specifications for $575 including free shipping (US addresses). The club looks pristine and is listed as in "excellent" condition. The seller, tincup_golfstore, sells lots of pre-owned clubs. If I were to order it, I'd save $22 compared to the 2nd Swing price.
To save money (a little) on a brand new, popular club is possible. But if you really want to get a deal, you'll have to wait till the club is no longer The Hot New Thing.
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