Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Equipment => Your Kit => Topic started by: FvanN on January 09, 2014, 07:06:17 AM
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With the new season just about to start (next Saturday in my case). I am on the hunt for a couple of bits for the new season and as I'm in a constant battle with the wife and kids over who's sporting financial needs are greatest :o
I find myself trawling the internet (and forum) to find the best deals but feel my loyalties should lie with forum sponsors?
Which brings me to my question.... How many of you hunt around for the best prices on the bits you are after and how many of you just stick to a couple of good retailers (Forum sponsors)?
Anybody feel the same?
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It is common sense to shop around not just because of price but also variety and sometimes just curiosity. Most retailers understand consumer behaviour.
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Depends what I'm looking for - if its a t-shirt for training or a few b at grips, I'm looking for cheap and convenient - if we're talking new bat or the like, I want what I want, not what is nearest.
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Having just (needlessly) updated all my kit the only thing I didn't get from a sponsor was my bag (and that's because I was using a gift voucher I got for Xmas).
The forum sponsors are very competitively priced (and I can remember Jake matching a pro direct price not long ago) so the the sake of a couple of quid I use the forum sponsors. After all, they keep the forum going with their support, it's only fair we support them in return.
The above statement does not apply if there's something stupidly cheap on eBay, I tend to commit to those without thinking!
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If I was looking for a specific model bat then yeah would probably go with a forum retailer. Bag, pads gloves etc I go with who ever is the cheapest on the net.
Without sounding ungrateful as I do appreciate the pics and info on all the new gear, I'm not sure where This loyalty thing comes from, the forum can survive without sponsors so you don't owe them anything.
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I must admit that I've 'spread the lurve' having bought from Uzi, IJC, Aldred, Red Ink, Ayrtek and also a previous sponsor on this site - all top class service. It's not so much loyalty as unique products and better deals than you can get elsewhere.
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Nope, we can't survive without sponsors. Our overheads are greater than you think (the Stig's retainer is certainly significant)
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Sponsoring the forum does not give them an automatic right to my money.
If I was looking for something specific, I would check/ask the sponsors first, however I would also check online for prices. If there was a big difference in price, I would go with where it was cheapest, however, if it wasn't much, I would pay a bit more to go with the sponsors as I know the level of service and after-sales would be excellent. I also have a direct line in to the managers/owners/main contacts on here which I would not get elsewhere.
I am confident that the sponsors pricing points will be similar to anywhere found online, in general, excluding sales.
I must hasten to add that I have had recent conversations and/or dealings with several sponsors including Bulldog, Red Ink, Shamrock and Blank Bats. All have given great assistance and communications during these and that is why I would pay a small premium for their service.
Although technically, this forum would survive without the current sponsors, as there will be others who come along, and possible without sponsors all together, it would certainly be a worse place which may not be as attractive to members.
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One of the main attractions for me using the forum sponsors is the ease of communication.
They answer your questions instantly, and are patient with me as I ask the same question in 5 different ways if I'm struggling to get my head round what I want/what they can offer.
To use cricket direct as an example (I used them once before the forum, they were a pain in the (No Swearing Please)!).
I bought a bat off them £20 cheaper than anywhere else I could find on the internet. I had to ring them 3 or 4 times to find out where my bat was when it took ages to turn up, the bat arrived and broke shortly after. It took more hassle in getting that sorted.
In the end I spent so much time on the phone to their appalling customer service, the £20 saved initially was absorbed in time to them on the phone and stress and agro.
I'd now rather spend £20 more for a stress free experience!
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Running my own forum, I know my server isn't cheap(220 a month) so a forum surviving without sponsors ish unlikely.
Having said that they don't automatically get my money,
When I wanted to try puma softs as a lot raved about them being the best, I found some on pro direct sale no mega cheap. So they got my money.
When I wanted to try a rob pack made ouma. Barringtons sale plus a voucher code I found on line, meant I got it at a mega price.
But they as just straight up buys, when I want something that isn't straight forward. I want someone I trust supplying me. And due to the fact we are constantly mingling with forum sponsors on the forum. We learn who we trust,w hat they are like. And as said end up trusting them.
So when I wanted a heavy gm, and wasn't sure if a pick up 5 would be heavy enough, I contacted jake. And his promise that if it wasn't heavy enough, was nt pretty enough, or didn't seem right ping wise, he would return to gm and ask for another. Made me go with jake.
When I wanted a hammer(and I realise there both sponsors) I didn't really have confidence in hammer cricket due to previous problems with cricketstoreonline. I was more than happy to go with paul at ijc for said bat. Previous transactions, his manarisms on the forum, plus his videos, makes me believe I know him and more trust worthy.
On that note, it works in reverse to, if a forum sponsor, or an up coming bat maker, list on here in a manner that I don't like, I find there antagonising against other sponsors/manufacturers, and or just rude. They won't be getting my money. No matter how cheap, and or good thee product is.
Also there are certain sposnors I wouldn't buy from. Shark, fatbats. Aedos, BALCK cat cricket, d and p, kippax, laver(yes laver) and rematch sports.
Mainly because they aren't active enough on here, and they clearly just use the forum sponsorship as a advertisement means, that must be cheaper than elsewhere.
Put some effort in to interact with us and promote your products.
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One of the main attractions for me using the forum sponsors is the ease of communication.
They answer your questions instantly, and are patient with me as I ask the same question in 5 different ways if I'm struggling to get my head round what I want/what they can offer.
To use cricket direct as an example (I used them once before the forum, they were a pain in the (No Swearing Please)!).
I bought a bat off them £20 cheaper than anywhere else I could find on the internet. I had to ring them 3 or 4 times to find out where my bat was when it took ages to turn up, the bat arrived and broke shortly after. It took more hassle in getting that sorted.
In the end I spent so much time on the phone to their appalling customer service, the £20 saved initially was absorbed in time to them on the phone and stress and agro.
I'd now rather spend £20 more for a stress free experience!
Agree whole-heartedly with this.
I have lost £300+ recently (UKSportsWarehouse and Batman - Both eBay) and am livid - Trading standards have been approached in both cases.
I have brought a lot of bats off this forum - not had a single problem with a sponsor, or anyone else.
I have brought a bat recently from John @ Red Ink - Seamless process and really great communication.
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I agree with Rob
If it specific I might to to a sponsor but being a sponsor on here means nothing to me really.
I do however prefer sponsors to contribute to the forum not just use it as a tool and there are a few who contribute massively to this .
Some of the sponsors I have got to know and would use over most because I have got to know they know there stuff and I trust some just want your money
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Running my own forum, I know my server isn't cheap(220 a month) so a forum surviving without sponsors ish unlikely.
Having said that they don't automatically get my money,
When I wanted to try puma softs as a lot raved about them being the best, I found some on pro direct sale no mega cheap. So they got my money.
When I wanted to try a rob pack made ouma. Barringtons sale plus a voucher code I found on line, meant I got it at a mega price.
But they as just straight up buys, when I want something that isn't straight forward. I want someone I trust supplying me. And due to the fact we are constantly mingling with forum sponsors on the forum. We learn who we trust,w hat they are like. And as said end up trusting them.
So when I wanted a heavy gm, and wasn't sure if a pick up 5 would be heavy enough, I contacted jake. And his promise that if it wasn't heavy enough, was nt pretty enough, or didn't seem right ping wise, he would return to gm and ask for another. Made me go with jake.
When I wanted a hammer(and I realise there both sponsors) I didn't really have confidence in hammer cricket due to previous problems with cricketstoreonline. I was more than happy to go with paul at ijc for said bat. Previous transactions, his manarisms on the forum, plus his videos, makes me believe I know him and more trust worthy.
On that note, it works in reverse to, if a forum sponsor, or an up coming bat maker, list on here in a manner that I don't like, I find there antagonising against other sponsors/manufacturers, and or just rude. They won't be getting my money. No matter how cheap, and or good thee product is.
Also there are certain sposnors I wouldn't buy from. Shark, fatbats. Aedos, BALCK cat cricket, d and p, kippax, laver(yes laver) and rematch sports.
Mainly because they aren't active enough on here, and they clearly just use the forum sponsorship as a advertisement means, that must be cheaper than elsewhere.
Put some effort in to interact with us and promote your products.
really good post and I agree with most of it
Softs are softs, same wherever you buy them from so generally I get them from the cheapest place, same a shoes and bags, although some of the sponsors own branded softs and bags are a lot nicer so may tend to buy direct form them.
But when it comes to getting a bat, the sponsors are generally the best place, you wont get companies such as PD or SD handpicking the best bats for you, unlike Vitas, IJC and Uzi, or the knowledge that some of the batmaking sponsors provide on here.
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for what it is worth, my (clearly very conflicted) view is that you will get the very best deals from the forum sponsors
my only caveat is in September or October for the sports direct sales. this remains unfair for the sponsors as the prices are frequently below cost!
as for the stig's retainer. what ever it is, it is clearly not enough!
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for what it is worth, my (clearly very conflicted) view is that you will get the very best deals from the forum sponsors
my only caveat is in September or October for the sports direct sales. this remains unfair for the sponsors as the prices are frequently below cost!
as for the stig's retainer. what ever it is, it is clearly not enough!
Did I forget to mention that in my first response, I should have said that along with the great service you know you'll get a great deal as you have a bat hand picked and selected for you.
I have dealt with both Vitas & VKS recently and they were top drawer. The prices were the same as pro direct or anywhere else, yet I had photos of bats to chose from sent and their exact weights, for me you pay for the best products and service as well as the goods when buying from a sponsor.
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for what it is worth, my (clearly very conflicted) view is that you will get the very best deals from the forum sponsors
my only caveat is in September or October for the sports direct sales. this remains unfair for the sponsors as the prices are frequently below cost!
as for the stig's retainer. what ever it is, it is clearly not enough!
To be fair, if I was a retailer, I'd purchase in bulk from the SD sale as it's below cost, and sell on making a profit, especially with non-end of life items.
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Agree whole-heartedly with this.
I have lost £300+ recently (UKSportsWarehouse and Batman - Both eBay) and am livid - Trading standards have been approached in both cases.
I have brought a lot of bats off this forum - not had a single problem with a sponsor, or anyone else.
I have brought a bat recently from John @ Red Ink - Seamless process and really great communication.
Off topic and may warrant a separate thread but do englighten us if these two sellers have been crafty just so no one else gets duped. ta
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Did I forget to mention that in my first response, I should have said that along with the great service you know you'll get a great deal as you have a bat hand picked and selected for you.
I have dealt with both Vitas & VKS recently and they were top drawer. The prices were the same as pro direct or anywhere else, yet I had photos of bats to chose from sent and their exact weights, for me you pay for the best products and service as well as the goods when buying from a sponsor.
That's the deals which make the forum better things like pictures and stuff like that I agree if you can't get to a shop then this is a great advert to the forum sponsor who do this.
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To be fair, if I was a retailer, I'd purchase in bulk from the SD sale as it's below cost, and sell on making a profit, especially with non-end of life items.
Bingo, exactly what we did. Many SD prices in that recent sale were cheaper than Slazengers trade price, go figure.
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I guess it depends. Sponsors provide exceptional service, I am mean Paul (IJC) was emailing me from warehouses so I would be happy with what I wanted. You don't get service like that. I have only had one bad experience with a sponsor so it can happen, there are hints of other sponsors in past messing people around as well but that does not put everyone sponsor in that same category. One thing active sponsors will build is reputation, trust and loyalty amongst us buyers.
As for buying from other avenues, I have had more issues than I would have liked. Some had horrible products, others were unaware of something called customer service and many other issues. Where these big retailers have a hand up on sponsors is sale times, so they way I see it is if its sale time and there is something really heavily discounted I will take a punt but for year round peace of mind and quality assurance I trust the sponsors. Most times it is the best price or competitive enough and assurance that I am not just any random customer...most sponsors refer to people by their names on here, which shows they care and take interest...
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Off topic and may warrant a separate thread but do englighten us if these two sellers have been crafty just so no one else gets duped. ta
Quite simple.
The Adidas Incurza from UKSportswarehouse broke -- Sent it back, they said they 'sent it off to be assessed at Adidas' -- Didnt hear a thing, then when pushed they said it was user error why it broke (The crack opened up in the MIDDLE of the BLADE! lol) -- Now they have kept the bat, after numerous attempts to recover it. So they have stolen it too! :(
The GM came with a crack in it but I hadn't noticed it. It was noticed about 3 weeks later, contacted him, told that it would cost ME £45 to return it to GM India. Seems to disappear when I contact him. Not alot I can do about it if I can't get hold of him.
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This is an interesting thread, thanks for posting, Frank! Remember even forum sponsors can offer sales sometimes too... ;)
It amazes me to read about some of the horror stories people have had with others, like Cricket Direct. I don't know how a business can survive in this market with even average customer service, let alone poor!
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For me i will only get bats when its actually real bargain for example £145 for the oblivion le from prodirect before, but for a bat which might cost more, i will get it from its just cricket or vitas cricket as you will definitely get a nice bat from them as they actually hand select it.
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This is an interesting thread, thanks for posting, Frank! Remember even forum sponsors can offer sales sometimes too... ;)
It amazes me to read about some of the horror stories people have had with others, like Cricket Direct. I don't know how a business can survive in this market with even average customer service, let alone poor!
If I had the time, and money, I would push for a suspension of trading through the courts for UKSportsWarehouse.
'Batman' obviously has no warrenties on the bats he sells and thus does not want to refund a broken bat. Does not help me through.
I am going to be on a first name basis with Trading Standards employees soon.
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All retailers, sponsors or not, should compete hard for our money. The forum gives some a platform which they use to the best of their abilities.
There does seem to be some 'Emperor's new clothes' behavior at times which doesn't give credibility. On the other hand others behave impeccably and build strong brand loyalty.
This alone clouds judgement and causes buyers to act on emotion and not fact.
A lot of people seem to want a lot for a little investment, but that's often the norm these days.
Personally, if the price is representative of the product then I'll pay and not quibble of a few quid.
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my only caveat is in September or October for the sports direct sales. this remains unfair for the sponsors as the prices are frequently below cost!
When you say below cost, it can't be below SD's buying price surely? Otherwise they'd be losing money and I can't imagine a business doing that. Could it not just be that they get stuff cheaper as they buy in greater quantities?
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When you say below cost, it can't be below SD's buying price surely? Otherwise they'd be losing money and I can't imagine a business doing that. Could it not just be that they get stuff cheaper as they buy in greater quantities?
Sports direct own slazenger, so the slazenger stuff they don't technically buy.
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Sports direct own slazenger, so the slazenger stuff they don't technically buy.
Ah, yeah that might help :)
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SD sell plenty of products from other brands at cheaper than trade too.
Obviously they are likely to be ordering in hefty quantities, generating a significant discount, but some of the prices i've seen are silly. They can only be doing it to clear warehouse space.
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Ditto the sports direct comments. Try and buy gloves etc cheap to protect my summer equipment. Bats I would only trust the sponsors or buying personally from store.
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If I had the time, and money, I would push for a suspension of trading through the courts for UKSportsWarehouse.
'Batman' obviously has no warrenties on the bats he sells and thus does not want to refund a broken bat. Does not help me through.
I am going to be on a first name basis with Trading Standards employees soon.
didn't realise He was selling GM as well. Well this is enough for me to opt out of his mailing list. If he doesn't have warranty that's his problem not yours. A bat is not worth reputation.
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didn't realise He was selling GM as well. Well this is enough for me to opt out of his mailing list. If he doesn't have warranty that's his problem not yours. A bat is not worth reputation.
I am very unhappy about the whole situation and I do not want to get into a public mud-slinging competition again. It is more the ignoring and telling me it is my issue to pay for by sending it back to the Indian factory which has got my back up. Even GM have said if he brought it from their GM factory and retailed it to me, then it is HIS responsibility to have it sorted.
If I had brought from a sponsor, I know this would be sorted now without any fuss... and anger... and waste of my time.
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I am very unhappy about the whole situation and I do not want to get into a public mud-slinging competition again. It is more the ignoring and telling me it is my issue to pay for by sending it back to the Indian factory which has got my back up. Even GM have said if he brought it from their GM factory and retailed it to me, then it is HIS responsibility to have it sorted.
If I had brought from a sponsor, I know this would be sorted now without any fuss... and anger... and waste of my time.
To add another spin he has been brilliant with me and exchanged things in the past and i guess looking at his ebay feedback he is doing something wrong.
I know it doesn't get your money back Ginger but i have had nothing but good dealing with the seller in the past and trust him.
Nothing you say will change my mind in that i have had over 6 purchases of the seller never a problem and always quality.
I have bought a lot of the old sponsor on here not so much of the new breed but there is a sponsor on here who i will buy something off because they contribute so much to the forum. :D
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To add another spin he has been brilliant with me and exchanged things in the past and i guess looking at his ebay feedback he is doing something wrong.
I know it doesn't get your money back Ginger but i have had nothing but good dealing with the seller in the past and trust him.
Nothing you say will change my mind in that i have had over 6 purchases of the seller never a problem and always quality.
I have bought a lot of the old sponsor on here not so much of the new breed but there is a sponsor on here who i will buy something off because they contribute so much to the forum. :D
I am not trying to change anyones opinions, procricket. Mearly representing my view. Of course, you are entitled to your view also.
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I understand i just thought i would put the other side of the coin mate i agree with you entirely it is sad when somebody loses out on things mate 100 per cent with you i have had a issue once which cost me damm infuriating mate and still doesn't get it sorted.
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Having bought from all the retail sponsors and half of the brand sponsors during my time here I have nothing but great stories to tell. There prices are good and aftercare exceptional. Plus you get honest reviews on a particular bat and a couple have even pointed me in the direction of Cheaper bats that in there view performed better.
That said on occasions some of the prices from places like SD and PDC can not be ignored.
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Vast majority of kit from here, very little else where, just great service and fairly competitive prices mean I don't need to go else where :)
Plus it is nicer if they are active!
It's actually shocking how much I've bought off sponsors
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Vast majority of kit from here, very little else where, just great service and fairly competitive prices mean I don't need to go else where :)
Plus it is nicer if they are active!
It's actually shocking how much I've bought off sponsors
Its not just sponsors - If you are trawling the 'For Sale' section, you can find bargains, but people who are willing to offer great service because of our love of the game and respect of like-minded people.
I am proud to be a forum member - It has enriched my cricket enjoyment... and emptied my wallet BUT not once have I complained! :D
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If I needed a bat and there weren't any of the crazy sales on that we see, I'd head to a forum sponsor and buy from them even if it's an extra tenner. They'll provide pics if they're a retailer (something most retailers won't do) and the custom batmakers are obviously pretty well trusted.
I do think the whole hand-picked thing can be a little overrated. And if I needed softs, I'd be straight onto Online Stockist or similar, or pick up some of last seasons in the SD or PDC sales.
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Do PDC have a actual shop? I only ask as I was led to believe by the major brand reps that I needed a retail outlet to get accounts when I enquired about doing a online shop initially (before moving to a retail outlet). Seems a bit odd they have one rule for one and one rule for another if they don't have a shop (probably do though). Same with any other online only type retailer
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Don't believe so, but the quantities they ordered in are big and their established football arm helped them get the deals
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Don't believe so, but the quantities they ordered in are big and their established football arm helped them get the deals
I guessed they'd be a special case money talks at the end of the day.
I wonder how much their accounts are with the main brands? (So thinking of just cricket here)
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Don't think they're one of the top 5 accounts. But they order all at once (rather than a number of retailers who order 1/2 bats at a time) and they sell themselves on adding value to your brand through beautiful photography, well put together adverts and sticking closely to RRP during the season.
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... And if I needed softs, I'd be straight onto Online Stockist or similar, or pick up some of last seasons in the SD or PDC sales.
Totally agree with this on softs. Not that i'd be straight off to Online Stockists but for items made in bulk like softs for me its all about price. I'd still be looking for a decent customer experience but the price is a huge factor for me in these kind of things
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It depends what I'm buying to be honest. If I can get softs cheaper elsewhere then I will. The next time I need a bat how I will certainly be ordering from one of the sponsors because they hand pick their bats so you know you're not getting a plank and that to me is worth however extra you'd be paying over anywhere else.