Getting Discount From McGuirks

Zak Flaps

Hi. I'm about to purchase a complete set of clubs, and will probably buy from McGuirks.
I'm buying the Ping G15s for sure.
But I'm also buying a new driver, 2 fairway woods, 2 hybrids, a wedge, a putter, a cart bag and an electric trolley.
I've never been one for haggling but as I am spending a lot, I feel I should get a good discount.
The clubs will cost close to €2000 depending on which driver and woods I purchase. I also have €180 worth of vouchers which will help.

Is there a particular McGuirks I should go to, or staff member I should approach that would help in my quest?

How much discount should I ask for?

I know the Blanchardstown branch has a bad name. Howth maybe? Mr McGuirk?

Would really appreciate some good advice.
Thanks in advance.

Zak.

PS : I do need all these clubs by the way, my clubs are all approx 15 years old and having hit modern clubs at the range recently, i have begun to hate my old clubs!!
I'm also a guy who prefers to buy new than 2nd hand.

darraghjm

you could try the new mcguirks in the pavillions shopping centre in swords, they're only open about 2-3 weeks i think and might have some deals, there is also a mcguirks in kinsealy grange in swords where you could try out the clubs before you buy, if you haven't already

[DM]Frink

The McQuirks in Howth is very nice, really friendly people working there! Spent like 70 quid there a few weeks back and they gave me free golf balls worth 20 quid. My brother also bought clubs last year from them and instead of asking them for discounts ask them to throw in a glove, shoes, golf balls or a caddy car, etc.....

carnsoreboxer

Have to agree I have always found McGuirks in Howth the nicest to deal with

soundsham

if i was spending 2k i'd try every shop i could get to
tell them what i'm after and after haggling the sh1t out of the manager
i'd give him my number and tell him i'm off to look in a few other shops and will give him a ring back say fri afternoon to make my decision,also telling him to have another think about his own best offer

I would repeat this in a few shops & write down the last offer from each,ring them all on fri telling them that your making your mind up and to give their best price one last shot,
pick what your happy with and commit to buy off the guy.

dont mind a bit of an auld haggle myself,saved a few bob on house insurance today........enough for a decent course green fee or something like that

2k is a big spend i'd be looking for 10-15% off at least or maybe as a previous reply said a few t shirts or sweaters etc. and a couple of pairs of dryjoys thrown in

just a note you seem to be putting a lot of wood's and rescue's into your bag do you need all of them ??

Nuri Sahin

soundsham wrote: »

if i was spending 2k i'd try every shop i could get to
tell them what i'm after and after haggling the sh1t out of the manager
i'd give him my number and tell him i'm off to look in a few other shops and will give him a ring back say fri afternoon to make my decision,also telling him to have another think about his own best offer

I would repeat this in a few shops & write down the last offer from each,ring them all on fri telling them that your making your mind up and to give their best price one last shot,
pick what your happy with and commit to buy off the guy.

dont mind a bit of an auld haggle myself,saved a few bob on house insurance today........enough for a decent course green fee or something like that

2k is a big spend i'd be looking for 10% off at least

This.

I personally do this with any club I'm buying. Considering the money your spending OP, it would be foolish not shop around.

Don't be afraid to ring a few Pro Shops as well. Have said a couple of times before but Leonard Owens in Royal Dublin GC has done me some very very good deals in the past.

+ 1 on Howth if dealing with McGuirks.

BigAl>>

Just a suggestion!

But maybe talk to foregolf about getting a custom set?

GorHugh

BigAl>> wrote: »

Just a suggestion!

But maybe talk to foregolf about getting a custom set?

Head to Mc Guirks in Howth .. they are the original and the best of there shops .. You'll get custom fit for free with that type of order ..

You'd be looking at sizeable discount with a purchase like that ..

Enjoy the new clubs ...

p.s .. try emailing golfstoreeurope to see what type of prices they can come back with ..

Dr_Colossus

Ring other shops down the country also, for that kind of spend the savings elsewhere could warrant a road trip and perhaps a game of golf while down there to try out the new clubs.
I'd give Declan Cunningham in Golfstyle in Galway a call, he has a big shop on the Dublin side of Galway city and I find him very competitive on prices and able to negotiate if making a big spend like yours.
By the way I've no affiliation or connection with Golfstyle. I'm living in Dublin but originally from Galway so have bought stuff off him in the past as have relatives and friends. Got a good offer on a Taylor Made R7 Superquad TP driver off him before christmas.

Kace

Dr_Colossus wrote: »

Ring other shops down the country also, for that kind of spend the savings elsewhere could warrant a road trip and perhaps a game of golf while down there to try out the new clubs.
I'd give Declan Cunningham in Golfstyle in Galway a call, he has a big shop on the Dublin side of Galway city and I find him very competitive on prices and able to negotiate if making a big spend like yours.
By the way I've no affiliation or connection with Golfstyle. I'm living in Dublin but originally from Galway so have bought stuff off him in the past as have relatives and friends. Got a good offer on a Taylor Made R7 Superquad TP driver off him before christmas.

Surely Golfstyle can't really compete with McGuirk when it comes to price. McGuirk has more stock in his stores than most of these stores put together.

Suppose no harm in trying him out though. Phone in your order and see what price he comes back with.

By the way - can you let us all know how you get on with this exercise - should be some good purchase learnings for us all !

monkeyman

I'd try Halpenny's in Airside Swords or they have a shop in Grafton St as well. Town one is only small but handy if you want to pre-order.

I bought some clubs there a few years ago. Bout 600 euro and got a good deal. Just bought a 3w last week also and got further money off the sale price.

They have a price match on any other shop I think too and a type of loyalty scheme, which apparently gives you something at year end based on spend.

1united

Zak Flaps wrote: »

I know the Blanchardstown branch has a bad name. Howth maybe? Mr McGuirk?

What is it with the McGuirks at Blanchardstown, mosts time I go in there I generally buy something even if its only a shirt, but most times you get the feeling that the staff couldn't be bothered dealing with you, and as for any discount, forget it. Have found the staff at Leopardstown branch a lot more helpful. Much better to be got online for most gear, but when you're after new clubs you need to get your hands on them IMO.

Zak Flaps

Cheers for everyone's advice.

darraghjm wrote: »

there is also a mcguirks in kinsealy grange in swords where you could try out the clubs before you buy, if you haven't already

That's where I've been trying out the clubs. Was out earlier trying the drivers.

[DM]Frink wrote: »

The McQuirks in Howth is very nice, really friendly people working there!

carnsoreboxer wrote: »

Have to agree I have always found McGuirks in Howth the nicest to deal with

Adnan Alves wrote: »

+ 1 on Howth if dealing with McGuirks.

Ok, it seems that McGuirks in Howth is the best to go to. If I do choose McGuirks that is!!

soundsham wrote: »

just a note you seem to be putting a lot of wood's and rescue's into your bag do you need all of them ??

Hi Soundsham. I'm not sure. I just assumed that most people would have a Driver, 3 wood and 5 wood. The hybrids would be to replace a 3 and 4 irons. Would you suggest i drop a club. If so which one? And why? I'm no golfing expert so would just like to know. Are you suggesting maybe that the 5 wood and one of the hybrids might be hitting the same distance?

BigAl>> wrote: »

Just a suggestion!

But maybe talk to foregolf about getting a custom set?

Was thinking of them also, but €100 for the fitting plus the clubs may be stretching it a bit for me. Do they offer good prices on clubs?

GorHugh wrote: »

try emailing golfstoreeurope to see what type of prices they can come back with ..

I've used them before and found them good. But i want a basic custom fitting for the clubs so i may need to buy from a shop.

monkeyman wrote: »

I'd try Halpenny's in Airside Swords or they have a shop in Grafton St as well. Town one is only small but handy if you want to pre-order.

They have a price match on any other shop I think too and a type of loyalty scheme, which apparently gives you something at year end based on spend.

I don't think Halpenny do Ping clubs and i want the Ping G15 irons.

Nuri Sahin

You should get in contact with Foregolf through their website Zak. They'll give you a rough estimate of whatever it is you want done at the very least, I do know that from exp.

I know a lot of the staff in both American Golf Discount stores and they will let certainly give you a discount especially given the money you plan on spending. You can get custom fitted in there too.

Squeaksoutloud

Recently purchased a putter and two fairway woods off these guys in Swords. The price I paid for all 3 was actually less than what I had seen online so was delighted. Not only that but they gave me 4 free green fees for Highfield Golf Club which was a great little extra and must be worth about €100. Found them helpful and not too pushy either.

soundsham

Zak Flaps wrote: »

Hi Soundsham. I'm not sure. I just assumed that most people would have a Driver, 3 wood and 5 wood. The hybrids would be to replace a 3 and 4 irons. Would you suggest i drop a club. If so which one? And why? I'm no golfing expert so would just like to know. Are you suggesting maybe that the 5 wood and one of the hybrids might be hitting the same distance?

ya, ok what age are you what h'cap do you play off if you don't mind me asking

everyone is different so whats best for you will depend on how far you hit each club,which is a must know really so I to would advise a visit to foregolf if possible,
if your getting that amount of kit and the fitter tells you to choose between 3r and 5w as you hit them fairly close in distance well I guess the €100 spent on fitting would be saved from buying something you didn't need,while I know you want to get rid of the vouchers the trolley and bag could be bought from these maybe.

I know I would hit a 3r 19deg almost bang on to a 5w

I carry driver 3w and 4rescue(replaces 3i)
the 4r would be shorter than any 5w I've hit about 15yards so I can do without,couldn't do without a 4i

I toyed with the idea of a 4w and 3r for a while but didn't bother in the end.
I suppose depending on where we play most of our golf and when you play should determine our decisions what to carry,oh and I dont have the cash burning a hole either:( unfortunately

I also find in the winter I might throw in a 2r that i have and take out a wedge and the odd iron just to lighten the bag,
so for different times of year you'd find you might change your bag a bit too so its always handy to have a club or 2 at home

kagni

Zak Flaps wrote: »

Was thinking of them also, but €100 for the fitting plus the clubs may be stretching it a bit for me. Do they offer good prices on clubs?

I've never been custom fit but if I was spending €2K on clubs I'd want to get fit by the best in the business, that's ForeGolf. When you are talking about the kind of expertise they can provide, €100 isn't a lot.

Zak Flaps

Thanks guys for your further advice. Foregolf would seem to be another option. Can anyone tell me if their club prices are competitive?

soundsham wrote: »

ya, ok what age are you what h'cap do you play off if you don't mind me asking

everyone is different so whats best for you will depend on how far you hit each club,which is a must know really so I to would advise a visit to foregolf if possible,
if your getting that amount of kit and the fitter tells you to choose between 3r and 5w as you hit them fairly close in distance well I guess the €100 spent on fitting would be saved from buying something you didn't need,while I know you want to get rid of the vouchers the trolley and bag could be bought from these maybe.

I'm 39. Don't have a handicap as such. Played a lot in my teens and only started back 6 or 7 months ago. But have got the bug now!!
If I had a handicap, it would be in the region of 22 i'd say.
I have no idea how far i hit the 5 wood or 3r...maybe they would be of a similar distance....maybe a visit to foregolf is the answer...

my problem with that is, my swing is a little inconsistent, some days i may slice it more, some days hook it more,along with a few straight ones...what if i turn up to Foregolf on a day where i'm hooking it more and they fit me for clubs to suit me on that day? Should I wait until my swing is a bit more consistent?

GorHugh

Zak Flaps wrote: »

Thanks guys for your further advice. Foregolf would seem to be another option. Can anyone tell me if their club prices are competitive?



I'm 39. Don't have a handicap as such. Played a lot in my teens and only started back 6 or 7 months ago. But have got the bug now!!
If I had a handicap, it would be in the region of 22 i'd say.
I have no idea how far i hit the 5 wood or 3r...maybe they would be of a similar distance....maybe a visit to foregolf is the answer...

my problem with that is, my swing is a little inconsistent, some days i may slice it more, some days hook it more,along with a few straight ones...what if i turn up to Foregolf on a day where i'm hooking it more and they fit me for clubs to suit me on that day? Should I wait until my swing is a bit more consistent?

Take a few quid and invest it with a few lessons , I went to Krishna padachyee in the ward golf centre and it's made a massive diffence to my game .

I was looking into buying new irons at the start of this year and talked to the lads in mcguirks , ( i know what some on here think of them here i don't want to hear it again ). In fairness to the lad he said to work on my swing and get it to a consistant level and then go back to be fitted for irons . It proved to be a good call . I play off 20.8 and was pulling everything left to right , never used irons really was relying on hybrids and woods to hack aorund , short game was ****e ..

2 lessons on , A few basics observations form Krishna , followed by alot of work in the ward centre and i'm playing a different way and reaping the rewards of playing good shots ( with irons ) on a consistant level and enjoying it much more now . I'm going to head beack to Mcguirks in a few weeks to be get new irons .

Try investing in the swing first before you invest that much money in clubs that mighten suit your game when you get a consistant swing .

soundsham

Zak Flaps wrote: »

Thanks guys for your further advice. Foregolf would seem to be another option. Can anyone tell me if their club prices are competitive?



I'm 39. Don't have a handicap as such. Played a lot in my teens and only started back 6 or 7 months ago. But have got the bug now!!
If I had a handicap, it would be in the region of 22 i'd say.
I have no idea how far i hit the 5 wood or 3r...maybe they would be of a similar distance....maybe a visit to foregolf is the answer...

my problem with that is, my swing is a little inconsistent, some days i may slice it more, some days hook it more,along with a few straight ones...what if i turn up to Foregolf on a day where i'm hooking it more and they fit me for clubs to suit me on that day? Should I wait until my swing is a bit more consistent?

+1 your getting a little bit ahead of yourself I think,

I'd play away till I became a small bit more consistent.

Spending 2k on a bag of hammers might not be the way to go when all you might need is a screwdriver

Invest in the lessons first and then foregolf would be the way to go in my opinion,they will ask you all about your game so it would be better to be consistent with a shot type rather than all over the shop

get maybe 4-5 lessons over the next 10 weeks,
practise what you've been shown at the range twice a week if possible between lessons,
play 2-3 times between lessons also.
If you cant get the practise in and games in between lessons I suggest spreading out the lessons farter apart

They're is no point in codding yourself by turning up to a lesson having not practised the previous lessons drill till you,ve got it down.

A guy I got a few lessons off before always said to ring him if I had not the time to practise and he'd push the next lesson back a week or just turn up and he'd be quite happy to take another €30 from me:o,saved me a few bob.

Linksman

I was fitted in McGuirks Blanch last summer for Muzino irons and thought it was definately worth it. Competitive price and no charge for the fitting. If you're spending 2k you wont get full value unless you are fitted imo.

My brother has used Foregolf before and highly recommends them - don't think they are as competitive on price tho.

Always found McGuirk in Howth v. friendly.

[DM]Frink

Sound advice soundsham, I got lessons before and it hugely improved my game, I used to blame my clubs but I got lessons and turned out it was me! I got only about 3 lessons, I would just go to one and he would give me like homework to do and dont bother going back to him unless I was comfortable with what he gave me to do! After those 3 lessons I play off 15 and roughly 3 putt about 10 times in a round! So ya know were me next lessons gonna be

f22

Contact Karl Herbert at The Kinsealy Grange, he's a good coach and looks after all their custom fitting.

He'll advise you properly, on both the lesson and fitting route and will look after you on price too.

brians947

Im sure if your going to spend 2 grand Foregolf would do a deal. They are as competitive on price as anybody else but for the fact they specialize in custom fitting. Recently award world golf club maker of the year. Last thing you want to do is spend that money and not get the rewards you want. I've being playing constant know for about 3 years and have booked into Foregolf as i feel comfortable with my swing after trying different ideas. Starting to hit the ball well and consistent so want to get fitted. No point buying anything if your not comfortable with your swing.

stumpypeeps

brians947 wrote: »

Im sure if your going to spend 2 grand Foregolf would do a deal. They are as competitive on price as anybody else but for the fact they specialize in custom fitting. Recently award world golf club maker of the year. Last thing you want to do is spend that money and not get the rewards you want. I've being playing constant know for about 3 years and have booked into Foregolf as i feel comfortable with my swing after trying different ideas. Starting to hit the ball well and consistent so want to get fitted. No point buying anything if your not comfortable with your swing.

I'll second that.

Don't worry about mi****ting the ball and all that etc. They're good enough to fit you regardless of your poor shots.

Zak Flaps

Yet again, thanks everyone for their input....

GorHugh wrote: »

Take a few quid and invest it with a few lessons , I went to Krishna padachyee in the ward golf centre and it's made a massive diffence to my game .
2 lessons on , A few basics observations form Krishna , followed by a lot of work in the ward centre and i'm playing a different way and reaping the rewards of playing good shots ( with irons ) on a consistant level and enjoying it much more now .
Try investing in the swing first before you invest that much money in clubs that mighten suit your game when you get a consistant swing .

I will be going for a lesson in the next few weeks....and aim to work on what the pro tells me, would love to have that consistent swing you mention...

soundsham wrote: »

+1 your getting a little bit ahead of yourself I think,

I'd play away till I became a small bit more consistent.

Spending 2k on a bag of hammers might not be the way to go when all you might need is a screwdriver

Invest in the lessons first and then foregolf would be the way to go in my opinion,they will ask you all about your game so it would be better to be consistent with a shot type rather than all over the shop

get maybe 4-5 lessons over the next 10 weeks,
practise what you've been shown at the range twice a week if possible between lessons,
play 2-3 times between lessons also.
If you cant get the practise in and games in between lessons I suggest spreading out the lessons farter apart

They're is no point in codding yourself by turning up to a lesson having not practised the previous lessons drill till you,ve got it down.

Cheers Soundsham. That's good advice and it's probably what i should do...i must admit i hate the idea of not getting my clubs soon as I'm so looking forward to having my first set of decent clubs...i tried a lot of irons and i just love the Ping G15s...now i have to wait longer to get them!!!!
i suppose i just have to be patient....which is going to be very tough!!
I've hit new drivers,irons and hybrids at the range recently and they are so much better than my own clubs,i will find it frustrating having to carry on for a few months with my sticks!
Anyway, thanks a mill for your help.

One more thing, for SOMEBODY OF MY PLAYING ABILITY (H'Cap approx 22), what difference would a foregolf custom fitting be to a McGuirks or an American Golf one? Do they not basically look after the same thing, shaft, lie and loft etc....???
Are they just much more accurate?
Just curious.

Linksman wrote: »

I was fitted in McGuirks Blanch last summer for Muzino irons and thought it was definately worth it. Competitive price and no charge for the fitting. If you're spending 2k you wont get full value unless you are fitted imo.

My brother has used Foregolf before and highly recommends them - don't think they are as competitive on price tho.

Always found McGuirk in Howth v. friendly.

When I get my swing sorted a bit better, i think foregolf may be the way to go. Thanks.

[DM]Frink wrote: »

Sound advice soundsham, I got lessons before and it hugely improved my game, I used to blame my clubs but I got lessons and turned out it was me! I got only about 3 lessons, I would just go to one and he would give me like homework to do and dont bother going back to him unless I was comfortable with what he gave me to do! After those 3 lessons I play off 15 and roughly 3 putt about 10 times in a round! So ya know were me next lessons gonna be

More lessons for me is the best way to go.

f22 wrote: »

Contact Karl Herbert at The Kinsealy Grange, he's a good coach and looks after all their custom fitting.

He'll advise you properly, on both the lesson and fitting route and will look after you on price too.

I was wondering if he was good. I try new clubs up at Kinsealy so have seen him up there. You'd recommend him?

brians947 wrote: »

Im sure if your going to spend 2 grand Foregolf would do a deal. They are as competitive on price as anybody else but for the fact they specialize in custom fitting. Recently award world golf club maker of the year. Last thing you want to do is spend that money and not get the rewards you want. I've being playing constant know for about 3 years and have booked into Foregolf as i feel comfortable with my swing after trying different ideas. Starting to hit the ball well and consistent so want to get fitted. No point buying anything if your not comfortable with your swing.

Cheers Brians. I heard they won that award. They obviously are very good at what they do.

stumpypeeps wrote: »

Don't worry about mi****ting the ball and all that etc. They're good enough to fit you regardless of your poor shots.

Are you sure about that? I thought it would be best to show up having a relatively consistent swing rather than being a little erratic. They could possibly end up fitting you wrongly in that case.

Ciarán_Dublin

My mam's cousin was over last week from England, she lives an hour from Manchester in the country side.

She was telling me she recently bought her husband a set of Ping irons from the Ping factory down the road from her house. The price wasn't much cheaper than the retail price but they bring you in and analyse your swing and fit the clubs for free and then if you ever have any issues with the clubs they'll replace and repair the clubs for free. Might be worth taking a day trip over if your going to spend 2k on clubs.

In_tuition

Zak I posted you a link a few weeks ago available here in this post.

I'd advise that you take a look at all those videos and get yourself to a driving range and see if you can improve your game that way.

You'll learn nothing different (seeing a coach) and prob less than you will in these videos.

Don't spend money on coaching, yet.

In_tuition

No disrespects to you Zak and I do not know your financial situation but I am a firm believer that if any hobby starts to become an expense then it's not worth it.

€2,000 for a 22 handicapper is extreme.

You will pick up a second hand set of clubs, probably good ones, for a couple of hundred euro. The same with drivers etc. So you will probably get fixed up for about €500.

Weigh in the coaching costs including your 2k you intend on laying out and you are talking an awful lot of money.

New clubs won't improve your game. New clubs don't make your body posture and current technique improve. Only you can do that by getting lessons or better still, watching detailed videos and practising in the garden or driving range.

Just my tuppence worth, hope you choose this route.

Sam Fisher

If you are still interest in lessons and buying at McGuirks out in Howth, may I suggest that you contact Karl O'Keefe out in the driving range by the airport. I had lessons with him before and he also works in McGuirks out in Howth!! So when I went to the shop and saw him there, he was able to help me select my irons knowing how bad my swing was!! Also he did gave me a discount on my purchase....Hope this helps!!

Zak Flaps

In_tuition wrote: »

No disrespects to you Zak and I do not know your financial situation but I am a firm believer that if any hobby starts to become an expense then it's not worth it.

€2,000 for a 22 handicapper is extreme.

You will pick up a second hand set of clubs, probably good ones, for a couple of hundred euro. The same with drivers etc. So you will probably get fixed up for about €500.

Weigh in the coaching costs including your 2k you intend on laying out and you are talking an awful lot of money.

New clubs won't improve your game. New clubs don't make your body posture and current technique improve. Only you can do that by getting lessons or better still, watching detailed videos and practising in the garden or driving range.

Just my tuppence worth, hope you choose this route.

cheers for your thoughts, don't worry,you didn't disrespect me...:):):)
i appreciate what you're saying....

one thing i will point out first is that, my clubs won't come to 2k...
i have vouchers worth 230 , i probably will drop the 5w or 3 hybrid saving a further 150, i forgot to say that 300 will be spent on an electric trolley (bad back),150 for a cart bag, and i probably won't go for the most expensive driver...i'd be forking out approx 1300 cash for my clubs (including bag)...and i'd expect to get a good discount...i'd hope to get them down to 1100...which doesn't seem too bad....

I know i play off a handicap of 22 ish and it's a lot to pay...i do have the cash, i've been saving...i hit a lot of irons in the last month and i just fell in love with the Ping G15s...i hit them better than any of the others and i know that they will improve my game...my own clubs are 15 years old and i'm beginning to hate them...my old woods have steel shafts with very small heads...i hit some new drivers the other day and they went so much further than my old clubs...i couldn't believe how well i hit the Ping G15 hybrid,i could barely hit my 3 iron...i know that new clubs don't necessary make you a better player, but these will help so much...
I would actually hate not to be able to get the G15s to be honest...you know when you pick up a club, and it just feels right? it's a great feeling and i got that with those Pings...

also, it is an expense, but these clubs should last me for years so i don't think it's too much to play...better me buying clubs and using them for something i love rather than blowing it in the pub!!

Anyway, moving on!!

I have been watching tons of youtube golf videos recently, i have Shawn Clement's dvd plus Jim McClean's dvd plus Hogan Five Fundamentals book...so i will be studying all these and trying things out on the range....i won't be blowing too much on lessons...
i'm not about to jump in and buy my clubs tomorrow, i am going to think about it for a while...

thanks in_tuition for your tuppence worth, i really do appreciate it.

Sam Fisher wrote: »

If you are still interest in lessons and buying at McGuirks out in Howth, may I suggest that you contact Karl O'Keefe out in the driving range by the airport. I had lessons with him before and he also works in McGuirks out in Howth!! So when I went to the shop and saw him there, he was able to help me select my irons knowing how bad my swing was!! Also he did gave me a discount on my purchase....Hope this helps!!

Thanks Sam, if I decide to go the McGuirks route, I'll try himself or Karl Herbert in Kinsealy!

Zak.

Gophur

I would hazard a guess the likes of those stores are operating on margins of 30-40%, and have room to manoeuvre, despite what they might say.

Tell them what you want, and tell them you will do the deal, there and then, if they play ball, and you are prepared to walk.

I was looking at clubs a few years back, in McG Blanchardstown. Assistant was no help top me whatsoever. Clubs were in the region of €300 for a set of irons.

I went home, club-less, and bought the same clubs, brand new, from eBay, for £99.00. Still have them, Wilson Fat Shaft, and find them great.

Mister Sifter

Gophur wrote: »

I would hazard a guess the likes of those stores are operating on margins of 30-40%, and have room to manoeuvre, despite what they might say.

Not a chance. The mnaufacturers are notoriously tight when it comes to selling stock to shops. I'd imagine that on a set of the latest Titleist irons a shop may make in the region of 20-30 euro depending on the store.

Speak to any golf retailer and they'll tell you, it's the clothing/shoes side of the business that has the bigger margins. It's here they may make their 30-40% margin.

They make their money when a guy walks in and buys a new driver and then picks up a t-shirt or jumper while he's there.

Gophur

Mister Sifter wrote: »

Not a chance. The mnaufacturers are notoriously tight when it comes to selling stock to shops. I'd imagine that on a set of the latest Titleist irons a shop may make in the region of 20-30 euro depending on the store.

...........

There's no way it is economically viable to sell products like that on a 5% margin. Manufacturers cannot set the Selling price.

Stores may say it to you , but I wouldn't believe it.

GorHugh

Gophur wrote: »

There's no way it is economically viable to sell products like that on a 5% margin. Manufacturers cannot set the Selling price.

Stores may say it to you , but I wouldn't believe it.

Margin is a lot more then 5% ... I was Mcguirks in Blanch last year Taylormade Burner Drivers were reduced to E159 , I left with one for E110 , I know the lad who sold it to me , but there's not a chance in hell he would sell it for anything less then cost price ...

I buy the prizes for my Society for all the outings and margins are well above 30/40% ...

Having said that , I was in Halpenny golf in Drogheda and was very impressed with their prices .

Mister Sifter

GorHugh wrote: »

Margin is a lot more then 5% ... I was Mcguirks in Blanch last year Taylormade Burner Drivers were reduced to E159 , I left with one for E110 , I know the lad who sold it to me , but there's not a chance in hell he would sell it for anything less then cost price ...

I buy the prizes for my Society for all the outings and margins are well above 30/40% ...

Having said that , I was in Halpenny golf in Drogheda and was very impressed with their prices .

Go in this weekend and try getting them to budge on the price of the new R9 Supertri. They won't/can't do it as there is no margin. Not even the discount shops online can do it as the prices charged by Taylor Made are so high.

The reason McGuirks could slash the price of the Burner driver you bought is that McGuirks most likely bought a huge batch from Taylor Made at a reduced price as Taylor Made looked to clear their stock ahead of the release of their next model.

All the big companies are the same. They hold so much power and are a nightmare to deal with. Ask any golf retailer.

Again, retailers don't make near as much as you think they do off of clubs.

stumpypeeps

Mister Sifter wrote: »

Go in this weekend and try getting them to budge on the price of the new R9 Supertri. They won't/can't do it as there is no margin. Not even the discount shops online can do it as the prices charged by Taylor Made are so high.

The reason McGuirks could slash the price of the Burner driver you bought is that McGuirks most likely bought a huge batch from Taylor Made at a reduced price as Taylor Made looked to clear their stock ahead of the release of their next model.

All the big companies are the same. They hold so much power and are a nightmare to deal with. Ask any golf retailer.

Again, retailers don't make near as much as you think they do off of clubs.

I really find that hard to believe. The numbers of staff and location of their stores suggests their making a decent return on all their products. How could they let 2009 Cleveland Launchers off at €60 when they were €100 last year. I can't imagine their selling them at a loss?

GorHugh

Mister Sifter wrote: »

Go in this weekend and try getting them to budge on the price of the new R9 Supertri. They won't/can't do it as there is no margin. Not even the discount shops online can do it as the prices charged by Taylor Made are so high.

The reason McGuirks could slash the price of the Burner driver you bought is that McGuirks most likely bought a huge batch from Taylor Made at a reduced price as Taylor Made looked to clear their stock ahead of the release of their next model.

All the big companies are the same. They hold so much power and are a nightmare to deal with. Ask any golf retailer.

Again, retailers don't make near as much as you think they do off of clubs.

I've no doubt that are price restriction on certain driver's .. But not on all clubs all the time .

A little hint i was given when it comes to prices on clubs in McG's , When you look at the big price tags on the bags where the clubs are held ,Check If the price is printed in green ink , if it is there is room to negotiate , If it's printed in Red ink there is no room to move on it ..

No way . shops would but in a ****e load of clubs with just a 5% margin on them !!!!

Gophur

Mister Sifter wrote: »

Go in this weekend and try getting them to budge on the price of the new R9 Supertri. They won't/can't do it as there is no margin. Not even the discount shops online can do it as the prices charged by Taylor Made are so high.

The reason McGuirks could slash the price of the Burner driver you bought is that McGuirks most likely bought a huge batch from Taylor Made at a reduced price as Taylor Made looked to clear their stock ahead of the release of their next model.

All the big companies are the same. They hold so much power and are a nightmare to deal with. Ask any golf retailer.

Again, retailers don't make near as much as you think they do off of clubs.

If that is the case then they shouldn't be retailing the products. Retailers can put as much margin as they like on the clubs, BTW, the manufacturers cannot set the selling price.

As an aside, I was in McGuirks Blanchardstown today. They have COBRA CALLAWAY and WILSON iron sets only. A very poor set of options.

Mister Sifter

Gophur wrote: »

If that is the case then they shouldn't be retailing the products. Retailers can put as much margin as they like on the clubs, BTW, the manufacturers cannot set the selling price.

I'm well aware that the manufacturers can't set the price. I never said they did. What i am saying is that the top tier manufacturers are notoriously difficult to get 'deals' out of. Titleist don't budge on their stock prices.

Sure, McGuirks could buy a set of Titleist irons from Titleist at 499 and stick a huge margin on them, but to what end? If i see them at 699 in McGuirks i'll simply come home and buy them onlin at 529 from an online retailer.

Stumpypeeps - ive already answered why they can sell 2009 Cleveland Launchers off at €60 when they were €100 last year. It's all to do with the price that they buy the clubs from Cleveland at. That changes during the lifespan of the product.

GorHugh

Gophur wrote: »

If that is the case then they shouldn't be retailing the products. Retailers can put as much margin as they like on the clubs, BTW, the manufacturers cannot set the selling price.

As an aside, I was in McGuirks Blanchardstown today. They have COBRA CALLAWAY and WILSON iron sets only. A very poor set of options.

Unless i've read this wrong you must be 1 of 2 things

1. lying .
2. Blind as a bat ,

I was in there 2day getting prizes for our society's outing 2moro , I held and swung Taylormade burner and R9 irons ( down the back on the right hand side ) . They also had Mizuno iron sets , Titleist irons .????

Bradz213

Hi, didn't want to start a new thread for this so posted here.

I've started playing golf about 2 years ago but want to play more regularly this year. The clubs i use are old and not all from te same set so this effects my game. Im looking to buy my first set. I don't expect to ever be better than a mid to high handicap. I was hopping to get best part of a full set (irons 5-SW, driver and a hybrid) for about €450-500. Any recommendations on clubs/where to buy them for someone like me?

Thanks in advance

dan_ep82

I'm sure for that money you could squeeze in a set of irons and a driver with fitting in either Halpenny and McGuirks but I don't think buy the driver and irons, let alone the hybrid together are possible unless you buy on the cheaper side.

Might be worth going to get a fitting (€40) in McGuirks to find a club that suits you best then buy a second hand set off adverts. You may have to pick up last years model of the club but generally they're very similar with inly minor tweaking.. You'll save a big chunk of money and if you buy the right ones the clubs will be in really good condition.

Norfolk Enchants_

Bradz213 wrote: »

Hi, didn't want to start a new thread for this so posted here.

I've started playing golf about 2 years ago but want to play more regularly this year. The clubs i use are old and not all from te same set so this effects my game. Im looking to buy my first set. I don't expect to ever be better than a mid to high handicap. I was hopping to get best part of a full set (irons 5-SW, driver and a hybrid) for about €450-500. Any recommendations on clubs/where to buy them for someone like me?

Thanks in advance

Buying new gear is a mugs game, buy 2nd hand from adverts, donedeal or golfbidder.co.uk you'll get way more bang for your buck.
Buy clubs that are 4/5 years old, you'll still get quaility with all the top brands like Titleist, Mizuno etc. and easily get what you want for your budget and will have money to spare if you shop right.
There has been near to zero improvements in equipment in the last 20 years, just new marketing techniques to get us to part with out hard earned.

Rippeditup

Gophur wrote: »

I would hazard a guess the likes of those stores are operating on margins of 30-40%, and have room to manoeuvre, despite what they might say.

Tell them what you want, and tell them you will do the deal, there and then, if they play ball, and you are prepared to walk.

I was looking at clubs a few years back, in McG Blanchardstown. Assistant was no help top me whatsoever. Clubs were in the region of €300 for a set of irons.

I went home, club-less, and bought the same clubs, brand new, from eBay, for £99.00. Still have them, Wilson Fat Shaft, and find them great.

Take it from someone who worked in these stores when in college they do not have high margins on clubs.. The money is made on the clothes so they tend to do better deals when clothes are involved (or in McGuirks golfs case John is about as he seems to give the stuff away sometimes) They also get deals on expiring clubs (when new ones are coming) and they buy massive bulk buys which offers free stock on top of the order but margins are tight and sometimes below cost for top clubs.

golfguy1

Dont know why op assumes he should get discount from any golf store.
Above poster is correct in saying margins on all hardware is between 5-10%.
Wonder why it seems its only golf shops that people expect discount never seen anybodody ask tesco, pubs, restaurants for discount when buying products.

dan_ep82

golfguy1 wrote: »

Dont know why op assumes he should get discount from any golf store.
Above poster is correct in saying margins on all hardware is between 5-10%.
Wonder why it seems its only golf shops that people expect discount never seen anybodody ask tesco, pubs, restaurants for discount when buying products.

Maybe because of the sales they have on from time to time?
I know Tesco and other places have it to an extent but some of the sales give a huge reduction.

When I was in in the pre Christmas sale some of the irons had 80-120 knocked off. Not on all of course but it would still lead you to believe that the mark up was quite a bit.

golfguy1

dan_ep82 wrote: »

Maybe because of the sales they have on from time to time?
I know Tesco and other places have it to an extent but some of the sales give a huge reduction.

When I was in in the pre Christmas sale some of the irons had 80-120 knocked off. Not on all of course but it would still lead you to believe that the mark up was quite a bit.

My question is why only golf shops? Ive seen people haggle on the price of a €10 sleeve of balls.
Never seen anyone haggle at any supermarkets, pubs restaurants and im pretty sure they have a healthy mark-up on their products.

FixdePitchmark

golfguy1 wrote: »

My question is why only golf shops? Ive seen people haggle on the price of a €10 sleeve of balls.
Never seen anyone haggle at any supermarkets, pubs restaurants and im pretty sure they have a healthy mark-up on their products.

Mcguirks set the tone with that - it was known around Dublin " That he will do you a deal"

Obviously he would mark up stuff with large margin - then your man would get a deal and tell all his friends. Everybody happy.

If a retailer can't get a feel for the tone of the market - frankly he shouldn't be in retail.

shane 007

golfguy1 wrote: »

My question is why only golf shops? Ive seen people haggle on the price of a €10 sleeve of balls.
Never seen anyone haggle at any supermarkets, pubs restaurants and im pretty sure they have a healthy mark-up on their products.

I tried to haggle with Tesco's over a 12 pack of sausages and a litre of milk. They checkout girl didn't have the authority to ok any deal. Had to wait for an available manager. The whole thing was very stressful. In the end we agreed on a 5 cent discount for the milk but he wouldn't budge on the sausages.

:-)

Carpo86

golfguy1 wrote: »

My question is why only golf shops? Ive seen people haggle on the price of a €10 sleeve of balls.
Never seen anyone haggle at any supermarkets, pubs restaurants and im pretty sure they have a healthy mark-up on their products.

It's to do with the turnover of goods. As a general rule if the seller is turning over goods at a quick rate (supermarkets and pubs being obvious examples) you don't really have any haggle room.

By contrast, if you're dealing with a situation where the seller is turning over goods at a much slower rate (but usually at a much higher per unit price) you have more room to haggle. You should almost always haggle when buying a house or car for instance.