Golf Subscription Programs - Balls, Gloves, Etc (Poll Embedded) Good idea?

[GolfSpy Barbajo]

This topic came up on another thread started by hckeymeyer (click here)...

 

Would you sign up for a subscription-based program, where balls, gloves or other accessories are shipped to your every month?  Is this an idea that has merit?

 

Please hit the poll above - and post your thoughts below.  

 

Without getting ridiculous, what sort of a "deal" would make it attractive to you to get a dozen of your favorite balls via subscription as opposed to how you normally buy them? 5% off? 10% plus free shipping?  Balls plus a "grab bag" mystery item?

 

Would you be more apt to sign up for a program if it was done by an actual supplier (say, Titleist) as opposed to a 3rd party?

 

Would you want a "ball of the month," or would you want to pick a brand and stick with it?

 

Would packaging matter in a ball subscription package, or would an egg-carton or ziplock bag do? 

 

Inquiring minds want to know...

[hckymeyer]

For me the cost would need to be lower than I can buy it for in a store.  To me the convenience of always getting something mailed to you does not warrant a premium in price over what i could buy it for elsewhere.  I would also need sale prices factored in to the subscription process.  If something that retails for $45.99 regularly goes on sale for $39.99 the subscription would need to beat the sale price.

 

I always like freebie add-ins as well.  Some random accy's that I might not have tried on my own are always welcome.  The supplier doesn't matter to me either, I'm interested in best price, not who it's from. 

 

I would want to be able to pick which type of ball I'm getting as well.  Make it a setting that you can check a box and you have the ability to change it at any time.  This would allow user who want to try different things the ability to do so, while also allowing those who just want the same ball each time to still get a subscription.

 

Packaging doesn't matter. These are for personal use, not a gift.

 

All that said I've yet to find a golf related subscription service that really appeals to me and made me pull the trigger.  In fairness the only other one I can think of is Birdiebox.

[MonstaGolf]

Great question, thanks for posting! 

We have been 'tossing around' this idea also with our brand.  Pricing, of course, would be the driving factor in it being successful.  

We recently added the option of purchasing our golf balls without packaging, lowering the price point a couple bucks.

Another aspect to consider, is the 'seasonal' aspect. Having the opportunity to suspend a subscription for many of us during the winter months, I assume would be important.  Another option would be a b--monthly option, golf ball shipments every other month.  Would love to hear feedback from forum members on these questions also.

Thanks!

Ken

[DanUsh]

I would be open to a subscription for the convenience, but like Hcky said it would have to be cheaper than what I can it anywhere else.  Convenience is nice and some people do pay more for it.  But if i can go to the store and stock up on balls or gloves at a cheaper price and i am good for a few months then the subscription isn't worth it.  Now if something is thrown in each month to make up for the fluctuating price.  Almost like a free monthly gift in the box that would make it worth it.  Also the ability to change your manufacturer preference would be necessary.  Some people never change and others change every other week.  Packaging wouldn't matter as long as I knew the item was new.  

[hckymeyer]

Monsta that's a great point about frequency of delivery.  Some guys lose 5 balls a round and some play with the same ball until the cover wears out.  Being able to choose a dozen (or more) each month vs a dozen every 2 or 3 months would be a huge benefit.  So here's my wish list in a subscription service.

 

• Cheaper or same price as buying in store.  I won't pay a premium
• Something else in the box.  Tee's, ball marker, towel, ball mark repair tool, glove, cool accy etc... Should change every shipment
• Ability to choose ball type (either within a brand or various brands)
• Ability to choose frequency/qty of delivery
• Ability to cancel at any time, but maybe an additional discount for committing to a certain length of time.

Not sure if that list is fiscally viable for a company, but that's what it would take for me to sign up.

[Kenny B]

I don't see it happening for me unless you can specify brands and be able to change.  My wife uses different balls than I do (no fun comments, please) so would need to have option for multiple brand orders.  Also, the subscription can't be monthly.  It takes me about 4 months to use a dozen balls; my wife, even longer.  Don't use a glove, so don't need that either.

[MonstaGolf]

Monsta that's a great point about frequency of delivery.  Some guys lose 5 balls a round and some play with the same ball until the cover wears out.  Being able to choose a dozen (or more) each month vs a dozen every 2 or 3 months would be a huge benefit.  So here's my wish list in a subscription service.

 

• Cheaper or same price as buying in store.  I won't pay a premium
• Something else in the box.  Tee's, ball marker, towel, ball mark repair tool, glove, cool accy etc... Should change every shipment
• Ability to choose ball type (either within a brand or various brands)
• Ability to choose frequency/qty of delivery
• Ability to cancel at any time, but maybe an additional discount for committing to a certain length of time.

Not sure if that list is fiscally viable for a company, but that's what it would take for me to sign up.

Great points also, thanks HCKYMEYER..

We currently supply tees and ball markers(either or ) with every dozen, and all your other points are spot on with what we are thinking of...except the type of ball, we have just our one signature ball...

[hckymeyer]

Great points also, thanks HCKYMEYER..

We currently supply tees and ball markers(either or ) with every dozen, and all your other points are spot on with what we are thinking of...except the type of ball, we have just our one signature ball...

Haven't gotten a chance to try it out yet, but I've heard it's a good one.  There are worse problems to have

[Kor.A.Door]

im not sure if this would work, for some it might work well, while for others I don't think it will work at all