Am I unreasonable?

[Bourbon_Soaked]

I have been looking for a new putter most of the summer. I know that I like the feel of a high MOI putter with my arcless stroke. I drove to a golf place here on the west side of Michigan about an hour away from my house because I know they have a massive selection and I can try out all the options. 

After testing a bunch of putters I come to clear winner for me, the Odyssey two ball ten tour lined. I love the feel, weight, balance and alignment aids. And the price is pretty good. Brand new.

I go to buy it and ask for the head cover because they keep all the head covers in a storage room. They don't have one in blue to match the putter. They have plenty of red just not blue. Thats fine I don't mind a red cover for the blue. 

They then inform me if I want the red cover they have to charge me for it. The will give me a generic triple track head cover that doesn't quite fit. It's rounded and the two ball ten is squared. 

It buy it and as I'm walking to my car I realize I'm disappointed. I don't want this not matching head cover for my putter that I'm spending hundreds of dollars on. I dont want to spend hundreds of dollars on something that is giving me a feeling of disappointment. 

The whole process was excitement. Going there. Excited. Trying out all the putters l. Excited. Finding the one. Excited. The price. Excited. Purchased it. Disappointed. 

Does it effect the putter. Can I buy the right cover. Probably. Will I buy a baller dumb third party head cover for it. Probably eventually. 

Anyway I went back in and tryed to get them to hook me up with the red one again. They wouldn't. I returned the putter then and there. I would rather be disappointed on not spending money than disappointed on spending it. 

Am I ridiculous? Is it unfair of me to have expected them to hook me up with the red head cover? What would have you done?

I'll probably just stick to the proshops by my house or go to the east side to Carl's if I want to test from a huge selection. I just don't know if I'll shop somewhere again that let's me spend a couple c notes and walk away disappointed in my purchase. Which is a drag, they are very close to my inlaws and its a nice place to escape to on long visits. 

Sorry about the rambling post. This is going to bother me all weekend. 

Edited September 2, 2023 by Bourbon_Soaked

[bens197]

Nah. It’s a red flag for me if the shop I’m buying a club from doesn’t have the matching entire product. 
 

I returned a driver back to a shop a day after the owner tried to sell my the new head with a demo shaft to pass it along as new so I could play it sooner. Was it the same, maybe close but in my head it felt greasy. 
 

Order it online or go to another shop. You’re not being silly at all. 

[Subdiver1]

That's a load of horse puckey! My Evnroll came with the cover, both of them and when I was considering a PXG during my fitting they weren't going to charge me extra for a headcover. Although I am not a Cameron fan, they all have covers. Pick another brand that isn't trying to nickel and dime a golfer into the poor house.

[GolfSpy_BEN]

I don’t think you’re being unreasonable at all. Given the fact that they didn’t have the correct head cover in stock, the very least they should have done is offer the red one that actually fit the putter. 
 

Another option would be the Callaway Pre-owned site, now that you know exactly what you want. It will be cheaper than Maple Hill, everything I’ve bought from the site has shown up in better condition than it was listed and most of the items have come with their original head covers. Good luck and I hope you find what you are looking for.

[cnosil]

IMO,  buying new you should get the stock provided headcover.   

[Bourbon_Soaked]

8 minutes ago, Ben Joest said:

I don’t think you’re being unreasonable at all. Given the fact that they didn’t have the correct head cover in stock, the very least they should have done is offer the red one that actually fit the putter. 
 

Another option would be the Callaway Pre-owned site, now that you know exactly what you want. It will be cheaper than Maple Hill, everything I’ve bought from the site has shown up in better condition than it was listed and most of the items have come with their original head covers. Good luck and I hope you find what you are looking for.

OoooOOOoooOo. I didn't even think about looking there. Thank you!

[Bourbon_Soaked]

Just now, cnosil said:

IMO,  buying new you should get the stock provided headcover.   

That's what I thought. The boys group chat is of the same mind too. 

[sirchunksalot]

I don't believe you're being unreasonable at all, you're spending your hard earned money and expect to get what you pay for. I find it crazy that they didn't have the right cover for the putter you were purchasing of it was brand new and if it had been my business, I would have made accommodations to get you the cover that went with it or not have charged you for the red one.

I agree with @Ben Joest, look around online and if they have it on Callaway Preowned is purchase it there. 

Best of luck to you!

[sirchunksalot]

Just saying.

If they don't have the original head cover, you might not feel so bad getting a sweet deal and can buy a good after market one. 

[Tom the Golf Nut]

You did the right thing by returning it. I have never seen a NEW putter sold without the original hardcover. 

 Unreasonable, absolutely not.

[RickyBobby_PR]

What does hook you up mean?

if it’s give you the red one for free then no they shouldn’t have because they told you it would cost to get it. You said you didn’t mind the red one.

 

[ParFore74x]

Nothing wrong with the way you handled that. New putter should have a new headcover that’s meant for that putter without an extra cost. 

[MattWillGolf]

Not unreasonable at all. Them not having the proper headcover is their problem not yours. If they were at all interested in customer satisfaction then  they would have provided a properly fitting headcover at no extra cost. If store is out to nickel and dime customers they aren’t worth one’s business. Given the price of golf equipment these days, you need to be happy with your purchase.

[revkev]

If it bothers you, it bothers you, doesn’t really matter why. However, I think you have a legitimate reason assuming reasonable price was within the norm for that putter. Normally new  bc putters come with a head cover, that’s a reasonable expectation on your part.  

If the store is known for below normal prices because it does things like buying stuff in bulk that have blemishes or other defects, like no head cover, and then offers them at discounted prices then you should expect to get what you pay for.

 

 

[russtopherb]

I agree with all the others - if you're buying brand new you'd expect to get the OEM headcover that comes with the putter and fits. 

Definitely check CPO if you don't mind used, now that you know what you want. Or I'm sure there are plenty of other places you could get the putter new plus the actual headcover with it.

[BillyEnforcee]

If you don't feel comfortable don't buy it. Did they give you a side eye after you went to return it?

However I am curious on a few things, Had you fell in love with the red putter would they have given you red cover? Maybe they have equal red putter to cover combos and if the give a red one they are only shorting someone else down the road. Last did you pay MSRP? If it was discounted because of age, condition or available accessories the salesperson probably could have done better explaining why a headcover wasn't given and why others had an upcharge. If it was full price with no headcover that should have been included shame on them.

I've worked in retail and been in situations like this, I calmly explan the options with reasons/justifications for cost related conditions. And at the end I as politely as possibly say here's your options.. make a decision. But that only works if the salesperson does an effective job explaining the situation.

 

[Bourbon_Soaked]

1 hour ago, BillyEnforcee said:

If you don't feel comfortable don't buy it. Did they give you a side eye after you went to return it?

However I am curious on a few things, Had you fell in love with the red putter would they have given you red cover? Maybe they have equal red putter to cover combos and if the give a red one they are only shorting someone else down the road. Last did you pay MSRP? If it was discounted because of age, condition or available accessories the salesperson probably could have done better explaining why a headcover wasn't given and why others had an upcharge. If it was full price with no headcover that should have been included shame on them.

I've worked in retail and been in situations like this, I calmly explan the options with reasons/justifications for cost related conditions. And at the end I as politely as possibly say here's your options.. make a decision. But that only works if the salesperson does an effective job explaining the situation.

 

Yea, no side eye or anything. They didnt explain why they would have to charge me for the other cover, just that it didn't go with it so they would have to. And yea, it's a pretty good price, looking it up it is the 2021 model. 

I spent too many years in retail to ever be a dick to any one in a retail setting. The whole exchange was amicable and civil. And that's why I'm asking here, I don't feel like they were trying to screw me over, just I have spent so much time in retail that if I am working with customer who is being decent but looking for what seems to me to be a small concession, you do it and send them on their way happy. But I have never been in Golf retail so I don't actually know if it is a small concession or not. 

And yea if I got the red I would have gotten the red cover. I just didn't like the feel off the face as much and wasn't as comfortable with the distance.

And I may still go back and get it. Is it worth my remaining dignity and minor ego to sacrifice helping me make less 3 putts? Perhaps I'll see through a brick wall in time.

Edited September 2, 2023 by Bourbon_Soaked

[BillyEnforcee]

When you think about it working in a high volume golf store probably isn't the most enjoyable. The amount of different personalities that come in day-to-day is probably exhausting therefore the lack of communication from them during your interaction. (Not suggesting at all that you carried any of these)

But like average golfers who think they are scratch or poor golfers who should probably spend $ on lessons instead of the new driver when last years model "just doesn't feel right" and so on. 

In the end if the club is meant for you and you for it, buy it. Maybe just try a different store if you felt like they don't deserve your business.

Edited September 2, 2023 by BillyEnforcee

[RickyBobby_PR]

So an out of cycle putter, no expectation for a cover. Sounds like by hook up you do mean give it to you for free.

Definitely being unreasonable 

[Bourbon_Soaked]

So I have an update. 

I emailed their customer service. Not looking for special treatment but because I work for a large retailer ( not golf, industrial supplies) and I know we appreciate good feedback. 

The rep I have been talking to has been great and found the proper blue and white cover that goes with it. I'll have it Tuesday. 

He appreciated the direct communication and the ability to do some investigation rather than just leaving a one star review flaming them. That's not my style but a good customer service experience in the end I think is more satisfying than a smooth transaction from the start. Maybe I'm still just nuttier than squirrel poo. 

Thank you for everyone's input. 

[GolfSpy_APH]

On 9/2/2023 at 1:37 AM, Bourbon_Soaked said:

I have been looking for a new putter most of the summer. I know that I like the feel of a high MOI putter with my arcless stroke. I drove to a golf place here on the west side of Michigan about an hour away from my house because I know they have a massive selection and I can try out all the options. 

After testing a bunch of putters I come to clear winner for me, the Odyssey two ball ten tour lined. I love the feel, weight, balance and alignment aids. And the price is pretty good. Brand new.

I go to buy it and ask for the head cover because they keep all the head covers in a storage room. They don't have one in blue to match the putter. They have plenty of red just not blue. Thats fine I don't mind a red cover for the blue. 

They then inform me if I want the red cover they have to charge me for it. The will give me a generic triple track head cover that doesn't quite fit. It's rounded and the two ball ten is squared. 

It buy it and as I'm walking to my car I realize I'm disappointed. I don't want this not matching head cover for my putter that I'm spending hundreds of dollars on. I dont want to spend hundreds of dollars on something that is giving me a feeling of disappointment. 

The whole process was excitement. Going there. Excited. Trying out all the putters l. Excited. Finding the one. Excited. The price. Excited. Purchased it. Disappointed. 

Does it effect the putter. Can I buy the right cover. Probably. Will I buy a baller dumb third party head cover for it. Probably eventually. 

Anyway I went back in and tryed to get them to hook me up with the red one again. They wouldn't. I returned the putter then and there. I would rather be disappointed on not spending money than disappointed on spending it. 

Am I ridiculous? Is it unfair of me to have expected them to hook me up with the red head cover? What would have you done?

I'll probably just stick to the proshops by my house or go to the east side to Carl's if I want to test from a huge selection. I just don't know if I'll shop somewhere again that let's me spend a couple c notes and walk away disappointed in my purchase. Which is a drag, they are very close to my inlaws and its a nice place to escape to on long visits. 

Sorry about the rambling post. This is going to bother me all weekend. 

Having worked in pro shops and golf retailers this is bad!

If you don't have the headcover or it'd been lost etc that's normally because one has been misplaced and someone just tossed in another one to make the customer happy causing a snowball effect. Ugh, this is annoying because if this ever happened with us we would make on the putter no headcover available and it would be at a reduced price.

Sorry this happened to you as it should have been handled better in some form or fashion vs charging you extra. 

Hopefully another shop has the one you're looking for complete!

[Another Steve]

I would have told them that since the CORRECT head cover was included in the price of the putter and was with said putter as it came from the manufacturer (and I am assuming this is the case) they need to either supply the Correct cover or deduct the retail cost of the cover from the price. 
 

Otherwise I walk and consider calling the corporate offices - if big chain golf outlet - or the mfg if not, to report that they were trying to sell me the putter without the included cover at full retail and upcharge me for a substandard replacement 

[RickyBobby_PR]

57 minutes ago, Another Steve said:

I would have told them that since the CORRECT head cover was included in the price of the putter and was with said putter as it came from the manufacturer (and I am assuming this is the case) they need to either supply the Correct cover or deduct the retail cost of the cover from the price. 
 

Otherwise I walk and consider calling the corporate offices - if big chain golf outlet - or the mfg if not, to report that they were trying to sell me the putter without the included cover at full retail and upcharge me for a substandard replacement 

It’s a 2021 model not a new putter. The chance any shop has headcovers from 2 years ago is slim. I watch them get packed up along with clubs that go back to the manufacturer all the time at the pros shop at my range.