Topic: Bargin hunter or trusted retailer (forum sponsors) (Read 6473 times)

FvanN · « **on:** January 09, 2014, 07:06:17 AM »

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

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?

The Palmist · « **Reply #1 on:** January 09, 2014, 07:12:41 AM »

It is common sense to shop around not just because of price but also variety and sometimes just curiosity. Most retailers understand consumer behaviour.

Manormanic · « **Reply #2 on:** January 09, 2014, 08:26:53 AM »

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.

WalkingWicket37 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 09, 2014, 08:33:24 AM »

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!

Six Sixes Cricket · « **Reply #4 on:** January 09, 2014, 08:40:10 AM »

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.

trypewriter · « **Reply #5 on:** January 09, 2014, 08:41:03 AM »

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.

Johnny · « **Reply #6 on:** January 09, 2014, 09:16:24 AM »

Nope, we can't survive without sponsors. Our overheads are greater than you think (the Stig's retainer is certainly significant)

joeljonno · « **Reply #7 on:** January 09, 2014, 09:30:50 AM »

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.

MD2812 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 09, 2014, 10:04:53 AM »

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!

smilley792 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 09, 2014, 10:11:39 AM »

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.

Gingerbusiness · « **Reply #10 on:** January 09, 2014, 10:16:20 AM »

Quote from: MD2812 on January 09, 2014, 10:04:53 AM

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.

procricket · « **Reply #11 on:** January 09, 2014, 10:35:12 AM »

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

cricketbadger · « **Reply #12 on:** January 09, 2014, 10:43:57 AM »

Quote from: smilley792 on January 09, 2014, 10:11:39 AM

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.

Buzz · « **Reply #13 on:** January 09, 2014, 11:17:14 AM »

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!

WalkingWicket37 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 09, 2014, 11:40:50 AM »

Quote from: Buzz on January 09, 2014, 11:17:14 AM

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.

Author Topic: Bargin hunter or trusted retailer (forum sponsors) (Read 6473 times)

FvanN

Bargin hunter or trusted retailer (forum sponsors)

The Palmist

Re: Bargin hunter or trusted retailer (forum sponsors)

Manormanic

Re: Bargin hunter or trusted retailer (forum sponsors)

WalkingWicket37

Re: Bargin hunter or trusted retailer (forum sponsors)

Six Sixes Cricket

Re: Bargin hunter or trusted retailer (forum sponsors)

trypewriter

Re: Bargin hunter or trusted retailer (forum sponsors)

Johnny

Re: Bargin hunter or trusted retailer (forum sponsors)

joeljonno

Re: Bargin hunter or trusted retailer (forum sponsors)

MD2812

Re: Bargin hunter or trusted retailer (forum sponsors)

smilley792

Re: Bargin hunter or trusted retailer (forum sponsors)

Gingerbusiness

Re: Bargin hunter or trusted retailer (forum sponsors)

procricket

Re: Bargin hunter or trusted retailer (forum sponsors)

cricketbadger

Re: Bargin hunter or trusted retailer (forum sponsors)

Buzz

Re: Bargin hunter or trusted retailer (forum sponsors)

WalkingWicket37

Re: Bargin hunter or trusted retailer (forum sponsors)