If you're interested in buying some new or used golf clubs for the best price or selling a set of golf clubs that didn't quite work out, you might want to consider eBay, the online auction website. If you have never used eBay, it may seem a bit intimidating at first, but it really is quite simple to use and can be good way to help support that golf habit.
How to buy clubs on eBay
How to sell clubs on eBay
How to Buy Clubs on eBay
If you have never bought anything on eBay, it's really quite simple. Note that there are two different business models used within eBay. You have the traditional eBay auction model that sells mechandise to the highest bidder and you have an eBay Stores that sells merchandise at fixed prices. Both types of listings are clearly identified on eBay are worth a look. Since the eBay Stores are setup much like any other online merchant, the rest of the information in this section is devoted to eBay auctions.
If the club you are trying to buy is popular, chances are that other people will be placing bids too. So you need to apply some basic bidding techniques to improve your chances of winning the auction. Although anyone can browse eBay items, you need to register with eBay if you want to buy or sell clubs. You can use the link below to register as an eBay member.
After registering, the first step is doing a search to see if there is an active auction that is selling the golf item that you want to buy. To do a search simply click on the eBay logo to the left and fill in the eBay search box with a short description (i.e. manufacture, club type, etc). After clicking on the "Search", a list of all active auctions that match your description will be displayed. By default, items are listed in order of auction end time. Those with the least amount of auction time left are displayed at the top of the list. Typically, auctions run for 7 days. The other columns that are displayed indicate the number of bids, the current bid price, and shipping costs. If an item has a "Buy It Now" label in the Bid column, this indicates that the seller will sell the item to you and stop the auction, if you pay the price that is listed next to the "Buy It Now" label.
When you click on a specific item, a new window opens showing detailed information about the item for sale and the seller. Before bidding on an item it's always a good practice to review the seller's status. eBay maintains a database of customer feedback, which is a good indicator of seller integrity. If you click on the seller's name, in the right column, another window will open that provides customer feedback information regarding this seller. eBay provides customer feedback comments that you can read plus a feedback rating. Any seller is well established and has a feedback rating in the high 90's, they can usually be considered a good seller.
Next, before placing any bids, it's useful to see how much the same item sold for on previous held auctions. This will give you a good idea how much you can expect to pay if you win the auction. To see this information just select "completed listings" box in the left column of the eBay search page and click the "Show Items" button. At this point you are asked for your eBay ID, so you'll need to be a register eBay member to use this feature. After you enter your ID, the current page will be refreshed with a list of completed items that match your original description.
Generally, the descriptions of most items are well detailed and include photos. However, you might have some questions that are not addressed by the auction listing. Once you have logged on as a user, you can send an email to the seller to address questions you might have about the item. You really want to be well informed about the item before posting a bid, since a bid is a commitment to buy at your last accepted bid price.
Although auctions typically run 7 days, most bidding activity occurs during the final hours of the final day. You may choose to make an early bid, but typically, auctions of popular golf clubs will receive bids right up to the close of the auction period. If you really want to win an auction, prepare to make a final bid right before the bidding ends. When you you submit a bid, you are asked to enter your maximum bid amount. The eBay bidding process automatically increments your bid based upon the all of the pending maximum bids that were posted by other buyers. If your maximum bid amount is greater than any other buyer's, then you will be the highest bidder. The amount that will be used as the high bid will be the amount that puts you higher than all other buyer's maximum bid. If an auction is very competitive, the best strategy is to place a final bid just before the bidding closes. This maximum bid amount should not only be what you are willing to pay, but also an amount you think will be higher than everyone elses last bid. Looking at the "completed items" selling prices can help you determine what this final bid should be.
You can get more information regarding the eBay bidding and buying process here.
How to Sell Clubs on eBay
If you purchased a club or a set of irons and after playing with them a few rounds you decided they're not to your liking, you might want to consider selling your clubs on eBay. Much like buying, the process is relatively simple. If the clubs are popular and in good condition, you can usually recover a significant amount of the original selling price, generally more than you can get on a store trade-in (refer to PGA Value Guide).
To get an estimate of the a final eBay selling price, you can use the "completed listings" function described here. You can use this information to determine whether selling on eBay is the best option. This information can also be used to set a fair price if you choose to sell your club directly to another person through a private sale.
If you decide to sell your club on eBay, it's best to follow a few simple guidelines. First, since most of the bidding activity occurs at the end of the auction period, you want to setup the auction so the end is at a convenient time and day, for as many potential buyers as possible. This generally means arranging the auction so it ends on a weekend, in the late afternoon or early evening. It should also be at a time that is convenient for you in case you need to respond to a buyer's question.
Before you can start selling items on eBay you need to register as an eBay member using the link below. If you are already a registered member you can start the selling process by clicking on the eBay logo in the left column.
When you initiate an auction you will be prompted for a shipping charge. Typically, the buyer pay a stipulated shipping charge that is usually between $5 and $20 depending upon the weight and distance traveled. This price should also include insurance, just in case the item gets lost or damaged. Once you start an auction, be sure that you quickly address buyer questions during the auction so you maximize the number of active bidders. Once the auction is completed, communicate to the seller, as soon as possible, where you want the payment sent and payment options (e.g. PayPal, cashier's check, money order, etc). Also confirm the buyer's shipping address at this time. Once you receive your payment, ship the clubs as quickly as possible, so your buyer appreciates your good service and is likely to give you good seller feedback. After shipping, be sure to send an email to the seller to confirm shipment and include the shipment tracking number so he knows when to expect the delivery.
You can get more detailed information regarding the eBay selling process here.
