NPG Episode 82: Should retailers start charging for demos? Ft. Bob Parsons

[GolfSpy MPR]

Duration: 00:49:53

PXG founder Bob Parsons joins us today with his take on the future of golf retail and how PXG is adapting their approach to selling clubs.

0:52 - An unorthodox approach to golf ads
3:40 - Retailers are reportedly charging to demo clubs
11:29 - Could the solution be as simple as providing demo sets?
19:08 - Does PXG have what it takes to be #1?
24:39 - What does the game of golf look like in a year?
30:32 - What's PXG doing differently than the big 5?
38:33 - The origin of "Parsons Xtreme Golf"
39:44 - Bob's favorite club & his philanthropic efforts
45:07 - Ask Bob: What was your most difficult business venture?

Listen Here

[TR1PTIK]

I found the conversation about retailer demos very interesting, and I have to say I'm kind of with the retailers on this one. While $50 seems a bit much for your average box store, I think it would accomplish the goal of deterring shoppers from simply kicking the tires on something they really have no intention to buy. This is precisely why I've never bothered to hit any clubs while browsing a golf store. I'll also say that if box stores want to implement such a policy that they also better step up their game in the hitting bay - make sure launch monitors are properly calibrated and that your fitters are at least competent with stock offerings. To me, it's really not much different than an outfit like Club Champion charging for a fitting, but the service level best match the cover charge and I think we can all agree that Golf Galaxy will never come close to offering what Club Champion, TXG, or True Spec can.

The only other thing I'll say about the podcast is that Bob Parsons was truly a pleasure! Usually, when I read something about Bob or read/hear a PXG ad it turns me off a bit. I like PXG products (though I've never owned or even tested any). It all tends to come off a bit hyperbolic though. After listening, I got the impression that Bob is really a pretty good guy with an interesting backstory and a true belief in his products. Seems reasonable to me.

[tingolf18]

Got to ditto on this one:

I'll also say that if box stores want to implement such a policy that they also better step up their game in the hitting bay - make sure launch monitors are properly calibrated and that your fitters are at least competent with stock offerings.

If I "pay" anything for any level of demo, the expertise of the attendant better match or exceed the expense, because we ALL know what we get for "free".

If stores cannot, or will not deliver a level or expertise, then I will just do it all online, with the manufacturer, etc and leave out the "what good is it anyway" store front retailer.

[Golfspy_CG2]

I really enjoyed this Podcast. I have heard Bob speak before so I knew he was a "good guy" who just happens to have a SheetTon of Money that he was able to start a business he was passionate about and to do it like nobody has ever done before.

I'm glad to see from many of the comments on the FB post that the interview changed so many people opinion of Bob and PXG.  They had just thought he was some egomaniac that charge outrageous prices for the 1%.  But he and his wife have done so many great things for veterans, that went largely unnoticed.   But to hear he gives away 1 million dollars every 14 days to these charities is just incredible. 

 

[RickyBobby_PR]

Enjoyed the insight from Bob about PXG and his approach in general 

[Middler]

Golf big box stores are between a rock and a hard place, but showrooming has impacted just about every consumer product for at least 10 years. Lots of people think there's nothing wrong with going to a brick-n-mortar to see the goods, try them on/out and even pick the brains of employees - all while knowing they'll be buying online from whoever is cheapest (not the B-n-M retailer). I don't know what the solution is, other than scaling back brick-n-mortar to only enough to support online sales, and making the products cost the same in store versus online. [Remember when stores were still charging higher prices in store versus online - and how quickly that ended?] That's why most stores don't have much inventory anymore, so you can't buy in store even if you want to - because people have been showrooming them for years. People buy small stuff in stores, and big ticket items online - and store inventories match that behavior...

[Hook DeLoft]

The local Edwin Watts stopped allowing you to demo clubs a few years ago.  Before that, you could take out a demo or used club to the course to try it out. Pretty much soured me on EW.  95% of my equipment purchases are made at a local independent shop.  He lets me take demos and used clubs to the course to try.  He has a limited inventory on hand but the customer service is great.

[DechamBRO]

My initial thought is heck no, no way would I pay$50 to demo a club, especially in a big box store like dick's/golf Galaxy. You have the simulator/hitting bays there for that reason, and those that I have been to generally sell those demos at the end of the season. If someone were wanting to try a driver they didn't have a demo for, they could say sorry we don't have that, or allow them to demo it, and now they do have a demo available for other customers (assuming the first didn't buy it). Irons, well if there isn't a demo, then sorry, maybe at least they have something similar from the same brand, or a used one.

I would be willing for demoing the way sub 70 does it. For$120 they send you what irons you want to demo in a 6 and 9 iron. You demo them, then send them back, and they credit you$100, so in the end it is just $20 to demo at home, on the range, on the course with your own ball. I would love to do this with Cobra one length irons as I have been greatly intrigued, and demoing a 7 iron in that doesn't really do anything.

For the showrooming, more stores need to have better price matching policies. I like that best buy matches their own online prices and Amazon's prices (shipped and sold from Amazon, not third party sellers) and all I have to do is show them on my phone, super easy. Price match legit retailers, it isn't hard. And if I can get it for the same price, maybe save on shipping (though most places do free shipping) and have it right now, then awesome. Why would I wait a few days even to get the same thing for the same price?

[TBT]

I enjoyed the comments from Bob Parsons, he definitely “shoots from the hip”

as far as demos go, no way I would pay $50 in a big box store to hit some demo clubs. I would be more apt to go to a reputable fitter and pay for a full fitting on what ever I was looking to buy