GOLF CLUBS 4 CASH: Fair play duo build global second-hand market

Multi-channel Golf Clubs 4 Cash buys, sells and part-exchanges through eBay, its own website and high street store in Edinburgh. The firm is on course to meet a 25 per cent growth target and forecasts a £6million-plus turnover this year. With thousands of used clubs, shafts, bags and iron sets in its inventory “our transaction process is straightforward and professional”, says Winton, 28.

“We buy from individuals and businesses in the UK and some in Europe, sell internationally and hold trade-in events.

“Our costs and prices are low, payment is within 48 hours and we despatch online orders daily before opening the store.

“Customers can contact us every day, we’re happy to talk to them.”

That personable aspect is the most important for the company along with the stock variety it holds, whether that is a model from 2018 or 15 years ago.

“Mostly everything we are sent is in the condition described, although sometimes clients don’t identify correctly,” adds Winton.

“For our buyers, as well as a returns policy, if there is a problem later on we can offer a solution, for example a voucher.”

Prices on average are 50 per cent less for a five-year-old product, with drivers and putters the most popular.

“They are the ones that define a golfer’s image, that they want to make them look good,” says Lambert.

Winton, who comes from a golfing family, became a second-hand convert buying on eBay, after his first set of clubs were stolen.

He then went on to turn a profit when upgrading and doing the same for others. He became friends with Lambert when part of retailer American Golf’s sales team and together they launched the business in 2009, self-funding it so far.

“We could see the opportunity, apply our technical knowledge and eBay is an incredible selling tool,” he says.

“We make sure our photos are of excellent, detailed quality with the right lighting and background. Descriptions are straight to the point and so easily digestible.

“By keeping to these principles we have found we can put up a club from Edinburgh, say, and it will be snapped up by a golfer in China.”

The hardest part at first was dealing with the stock volumes and the business, which now employs 35 staff, has expanded units several times.

“Being organised and familiar with all our products is vital, sometimes working long hours has been the only way to do it,” says Winton.

“But that has enabled us to take the thinking out of it for customers.

“They can buy with confidence.We are not ruling out another store.”

ebaystores.co.uk/golfclubs4cash, golfclubs4cash.co.uk

source: express.co.uk