Get ready, set, hold on.

Last year’s products are on their way out, so right now next year’s products are being talked about, photographed, and seen in the lucky tour players’ golf bags. Golf manufacturers are talking up their newest equipment to change the game and how to play it with their latest club, ball or shaft. The TV ads are rolling out, making every golfer salivate at the new products that will make him a better player. Even I get a little excited still at the thought of a shiny new fancy driver that will add ten yards.

While this may be an exciting time of year for the customer, it is one of the hardest for a store owner like me. So I’m going to take this opportunity to give you the behind-the-scenes details that show you the nitty gritty details of the golf retail world.

So first, a story: A few years back a golf bag company (which will remain nameless) was coming out with a new golf bag that had a revolutionary carry system that was going to change how you carried your golf bag across your back. The ads were out, the salivating started. I had six pre-book orders in our website’s system from people who were willing to wait for the bag. Well, the arrival date came and went. Another week passed, and still no word from the manufacturer. Finally I was told that the bags were held up in customs. And after two months of more phone calls I was told the bags were never coming and I had to call my customers yet again and let them in on the bad news.

You see, right now is when the new stuff comes in while they’re trying to get rid of the old, so they’re all in a flurry of activity as the stuff comes and goes and they get unorganized and behind. And I mean unorganized. And behind. I call the manufacturers repeatedly to ask them about merchandise their websites say that they have in stock, only to be told “not for another two months,” or they laugh and tell me their site will be updated soon. I hang up the phone and curse! What am I supposed to tell my customers?

What I do is offer my customers discounts or special offers to make up for the manufacturers’ shortcomings. I have to keep my customers happy, as the go-between between them and the big golf companies. No matter what, I strive to provide the best possible service to my customers and provide the customer service the big companies lack.

So the next time you call me and there is a wait for a specific club or bag, please have a heart! We will get the equipment for you or will make you happy somehow, even if I have to make a hundred calls to those companies and make them hurry up. It’s just what we little guys do.

If you are interested in seeing some of the new equipment take a look on our webpage www.vegasgolfpros.com

Golf..A 4 letter word. 

Lance Cangey

Vegas Golf Inc.

VegasGolfPros.com