Scratch Golf stops direct sales!(merged)

[scott_Donald]

i have a set of SB1s being made right now... bought through a great dealer.... awesome guy to chat to on emails about all the specs... mine were fully customised from swing weight to shaft everything... have been some hiccups but hopefully get them very soon...

[WVP]

[quote name='FairwayFred' timestamp='1305434838' post='3234921']
We will begin direct sales again with the release of our 100% USA made 8620-USA wedges later this summer. We are committed to making it easier for everyone to find our clubs and see them and try them in person (lack of this is the biggest complaint we get by far) and we have had so much demand from retail stores that we just do not have the ability right now to fill both direct orders and retail store orders. This is only temporary as we expand our retail network over the coming months.

During this time we will still be offering free customization. Anyone that has any Scratch clubs that they want custom stampings, custom paintfill etc you can send them to us and we will do all of that free of charge. You can also call and talk to someone directly or email us directly as you would have done before about your order and what you need and we will help you get that order placed with a retail store near you.

As always I appreciate your concern and your support for Scratch Golf over the years and now. Look for the new 8620-USA and new online store later this summer along with a newly redesigned webpage. If anyone has any questions or concerns and would like to contact me directly my email is ari_techner@scratchgolf.com
[/quote]

I was going to make a long post but Ari has cleared things up. Might be a good idea for a mod to merge Ari's post into the original post to avoid 10 pages of posts without hearing the whole story.


Reading Ari's post, I think this company is heading in the right direction. I'd assume it would be difficult to grow or even sustain Scratch while focusing on the customized website orders - you're looking at less than 10% of the golf community with that market. So they're going to larger distribution to get the money rolling and it looks like they'll be back to serving the die hards soon. With a USA product. Who else does that?

[Snufles]

[url="http://www.golftown.com/Category_LIST.aspx?lang=en&TemplateId=10&CategoryId=30"]http://www.golftown.com/Category_LIST.aspx?lang=en&TemplateId=10&CategoryId=30[/url]

Only $10 more than Cleveland and Vokey wedges and I get to try it out first, may get me into a set of new wedges.

Just the grind choices alone got me thinking.

[jswaykos]

[quote name='GatorNate11' timestamp='1305433165' post='3234857']
My response to the people saying that they will sell more to your average hacker is this. We, the ho's on this board, buy 30 drivers, 25 FW's, 15 sets of irons, 20 wedges, and 50 putters a year. Yet they'll sell more by not having anything to do with us..
[/quote]

But for every one average ho, there are 50 non-ho's. The non-Wrx community is significantly smaller than the population of golfers.

[bellview17]

You all have just found out an important part of life. These companies are out to make money, sorry for you all to
find out this way. Someone should have pulled you to the side and told you. This may be a big shock to most of the
hard core golfers. But, they are making clubs to make money. Not for you to hit a better wedge shot at the local club.
Welcome the the new reality and the brave new world we live in.

[golfbum9]

[quote name='FairwayFred' timestamp='1305434838' post='3234921']
We will begin direct sales again with the release of our 100% USA made 8620-USA wedges later this summer. We are committed to making it easier for everyone to find our clubs and see them and try them in person (lack of this is the biggest complaint we get by far) and we have had so much demand from retail stores that we just do not have the ability right now to fill both direct orders and retail store orders. This is only temporary as we expand our retail network over the coming months.

During this time we will still be offering free customization. Anyone that has any Scratch clubs that they want custom stampings, custom paintfill etc you can send them to us and we will do all of that free of charge. You can also call and talk to someone directly or email us directly as you would have done before about your order and what you need and we will help you get that order placed with a retail store near you.

As always I appreciate your concern and your support for Scratch Golf over the years and now. Look for the new 8620-USA and new online store later this summer along with a newly redesigned webpage. If anyone has any questions or concerns and would like to contact me directly my email is ari_techner@scratchgolf.com
[/quote]
Great news!
One question. Could the USA 8620 be available in the 1018 head shape through the custom dept? My kids plays a forged 56° and I really like the head shape with it's squared toe and leading edge. Just too soft for my tastes.
Hats off going USA made. A Very good move in my opinion

[Redsoxfan]

[quote name='FairwayFred' timestamp='1305434838' post='3234921']
We will begin direct sales again with the release of our 100% USA made 8620-USA wedges later this summer. We are committed to making it easier for everyone to find our clubs and see them and try them in person (lack of this is the biggest complaint we get by far) and we have had so much demand from retail stores that we just do not have the ability right now to fill both direct orders and retail store orders. This is only temporary as we expand our retail network over the coming months.

During this time we will still be offering free customization. Anyone that has any Scratch clubs that they want custom stampings, custom paintfill etc you can send them to us and we will do all of that free of charge. You can also call and talk to someone directly or email us directly as you would have done before about your order and what you need and we will help you get that order placed with a retail store near you.

As always I appreciate your concern and your support for Scratch Golf over the years and now. Look for the new 8620-USA and new online store later this summer along with a newly redesigned webpage. If anyone has any questions or concerns and would like to contact me directly my email is ari_techner@scratchgolf.com

[/quote]
Everything is temporary with Scratch.. The members help start your company and help you move to the east coast. Then you can't deliver to those who purchased directly from you because you were building an order for a Big Box retailer. I ws in Walmart and did not see your wedges..Sooner than later Golfsmith will buy your name out from the BK courts like Zevo, Lynx etc....

[Inochi]

Lots of hate lately for this company...

Their products are exceptional and I will continue to support them until they have inferior products or I have a direct bad experience with dealing with them.

[putterzz]

I have been disappointed with the 'new' scratch, there company was built from the customer needs/wants, now they are like any other golf company. I will be taking my business elsewhere.

[FairwayFred]

Few things guys:

First off the price has not gone up at all. The 8620s are still selling for $99. I am not sure why PGA Tour Superstore says $129 online but it must be a mistake. They are still selling for $99 in the stores, I just called to check. Pretty much everywhere else is selling them for $99 also.

Also the number of grinds, lofts, options etc offered is not going down. All of our major retailers are carrying all of our lofts and grinds so they can fit any and all customers. Anything you could get from us before is still available.

You will also be able to custom order any of the custom stampings, paintfill colors, ferrule colors etc through our retailers and we will custom build it for you at our shop. The offer for sending your clubs back for free customization was more for those that buy off the floor at a retail store but want to get some customization done. If you want to custom order we will still custom build and fill that order for you like we would have done before, the sale will just go through one of our retail stores. Again if you need help figuring out what you need or where to order from we are here as always to help.

[ALTSean]

So is the bottom line that we can basically get all the same options as before at the same prices, but we have to go through a retailer?

[stage1350]

[quote name='78Staff' timestamp='1305438950' post='3235012']
None of those customers are going to choose an unknown brand that sells for $20-30 more than the market leaders... Just ask Ernie Vaderson about that plan.
[/quote]

Vadersen had a few other issues that Scratch does not:

1) His wedges were selling for 2-3X the going rate of wedges at the time. Scratch 8620s are price competitive and the 1018s are about 30% over other retail forgings

2) Vadersen had ZERO "official" tour presence. He refused to pay sponsorship money and that hurt him. Scratch, in addition to the departed Ryan Moore, also has Duval and Christie Kerr.

3) Scratch has been in the GD Hot List. Getting the name out there is important.

4) The internet. There has been plenty of underground buzz about Scratch.

If the supply chain issues and delays can be eliminated, as well as a few strategic Tour winds, Scratch will come out of this stronger than ever. Once the revenue stream is solidified, the custom order department can be staffed to better handle demand.

[OneBowTie]

[quote name='stage1350' timestamp='1305483087' post='3235868']
[quote name='78Staff' timestamp='1305438950' post='3235012']
None of those customers are going to choose an unknown brand that sells for $20-30 more than the market leaders... Just ask Ernie Vaderson about that plan.
[/quote]

Vadersen had a few other issues that Scratch does not:

1) His wedges were selling for 2-3X the going rate of wedges at the time. Scratch 8620s are price competitive and the 1018s are about 30% over other retail forgings

2) Vadersen had ZERO "official" tour presence. He refused to pay sponsorship money and that hurt him. Scratch, in addition to the departed Ryan Moore, also has Duval and Christie Kerr.

3) Scratch has been in the GD Hot List. Getting the name out there is important.

4) The internet. There has been plenty of underground buzz about Scratch.

If the supply chain issues and delays can be eliminated, as well as a few strategic Tour winds, Scratch will come out of this stronger than ever. Once the revenue stream is solidified, the custom order department can be staffed to better handle demand.
[/quote]

Snake Eyes had something much more important back in the day then what Scratch has today........ a economy where people wanted to and willingly spent money..... and in Snake Eyes case, many people wanted to spend $200 for a wedge when other leading brands could be bought for $75.

The other thing Snake Eyes had in its favor...... the buyers were not nearly as fickle or demanding as today.......

Not too mention that golf retailers of Snakes Eyes day had a business model that the practice was to load up as much inventory as possible..... today, that business model does not exist, rather today, the golf retailers demand better terms, are only willing to stock and invest in whats selling..... and do not overstock the shelves like they once did......

and back when Snake Eyes was still in the game......the corporate world was in the mind set that buying up anything and everything was the best way to grow or the road to growth..... not the case today...... I don't see Scratch even being picked up for its name.... the name isn't actually very well known amongst golfers...... and today there are enough wedge companies out there to support the supply and demand......

I see rock bottom golf selling scratch wedges....... the writing is on the wall

If you like the Scratch product..... I'd get em while you can..... as the saying goes..... once there gone..... there gone forever

[Aces-6]

I couldn't care less about Scratch AND their incredibly poor customer service.

[Llortamaisey]

You obviously could care less. You wouldn't have posted if you didn't care.

[quote name='Aces-6' timestamp='1305487407' post='3235988']
I couldn't care less about Scratch AND their incredibly poor customer service.
[/quote]

[RJRJRJ]

Sounds like a lot of people want these guys to stay small forever. I guarantee they wont be able to sell you any clubs if they go out of business. I read a lot of bad stuff about their CS, but most of it just sounds like growing pains. If they can get things straightened out and keep the quality up, all of this growth will be for the better.

[Chappie]

So, my question would then be, when will there be an expansion of retailers?

[phatchrisrules]

To be honest, I don't see how this can hurt them. Sure, they lose the personal touch all of you seem to be addicted too, but is it any different from any other company you guys buy from? Can I, or the good majority of members on this forum call up Callaway or Ping HQ and say "Hi Joe, it's XXXXX....yup, this time in X flex, 10.5*". Yes it was nice to have for a while, but the few 100 customers they may lose over this non-custom, mass-produced change will make no difference in the thousands of customers that will see their name now via shopping at Golftown/PGA Superstore or online at these retailers.

And up in Canada (I work at a GT) the price for the 8620 is only $99.99, not sure why PGA Superstore jacked up the prices so much. Trust me, if Scratch had foreseen a massive revenue collapse with this merger, they wouldn't have done it.

[putt4_66]

I have purchased Scratch wedges in the past. I purchased direct from Scratch and from an authorized fitter. I've also owned all the major OEM brands and hit a few of the niche brands. (Including those from a company most of you know that hasn't announced their new wedge line yet.)

I am not a pro. I'm a 2 HC. My last 10 round scores are all within 71 to 76. (I use ShotByShot.com and my wedge game is rated as +3.) I don't game the Scratch wedges because I just don't think they're better than other wedges I can buy. Plus, you add the fact that Scratch has had ongoing customer services issues for a long time with no real corrective steps taken, and to me, they're not worth it.

I don't wish Scratch any ill will. I hope that down the road Ari, Don and the rest have a thriving and well respected business. But, until the "well respected", at least in my eyes, happens, I'll stay away and buy, and get fit, with just as good or better with no hassles.

Good luck Ari, but I think your time is limited to get your business matters corrected.

[Pure745]

[quote name='stage1350' timestamp='1305483087' post='3235868']
[quote name='78Staff' timestamp='1305438950' post='3235012']None of those customers are going to choose an unknown brand that sells for $20-30 more than the market leaders... Just ask Ernie Vaderson about that plan.[/quote]Vadersen had a few other issues that Scratch does not:1) His wedges were selling for 2-3X the going rate of wedges at the time. Scratch 8620s are price competitive and the 1018s are about 30% over other retail forgings2) Vadersen had ZERO "official" tour presence. He refused to pay sponsorship money and that hurt him. Scratch, in addition to the departed Ryan Moore, also has Duval and Christie Kerr. 3) Scratch has been in the GD Hot List. Getting the name out there is important. 4) The internet. There has been plenty of underground buzz about Scratch. If the supply chain issues and delays can be eliminated, as well as a few strategic Tour winds, Scratch will come out of this stronger than ever. Once the revenue stream is solidified, the custom order department can be staffed to better handle demand.
[/quote]

Stage.. How will this affect the value of my Scratch Portfolio???!?

[turbo4door]

Liked my 60* but there is no way I would hunt out a retail location, pay more, and wait for an order that may not come in the right way. Their product is not that much better than the next thing on the rack.

I understand why they are doing it, but considering the following they have here, you'd think there would have been a warning post or something.

[svttom]

It's unfortunate that they go the retail route to get their products to their consumers but it's their choice to make and let the chips fall where need be. I follow them a little even though I don't play any of their clubs (I wouldn't mind a set of forged blades but last time I saw they didn't sell lefties). It's interesting to see the amount of hate for this company. It's possible they may have outgrown their available resources but I am sure they did enough research and planning before simply turning the tables and going the retail route. Once I saw their wedges on RB golf I figured they may have just jumped the proverbial shark. At this point it is very hard to tell what the future holds but as a small US company I wish nothing but the best for them. Maybe it'll keep the other manufacturers on their heels.

I find it funny how people are seemingly quick to threaten to leave a company over a change in doing business. When push comes to shove Americans in general have little to no convictions. I'm sure the people who are falling off the Scratch bandwagon will be right back on down the road.

[FairwayFred]

Rock Bottom Golf has only been selling old discontinued Scratch clubs like the JLM Forged wedges and U groove 8620 and 1018 wedges. They are not selling new and current product.

Like I said in my post above, this is just a temporary shut down of direct sales that is necessary so we can get these clubs in more stores so people can get their hands on them and try them. The #1 complaint that we get is that there is nowhere close to try our clubs. The online store will be back up with the introduction of the 100% Made in the USA 8620-USA wedges this summer.

Also as I said above the price has not gone up you can still find the 8620 wedges for the same $99 and the 1018 wedges for the same $149 as always.

The handmade Tour Custom Department clubs that Don White makes are still, and always will be available directly through us.

In the meantime if you are having trouble finding a retailer or need help in any way contact us directly and we will help you get your order placed.

[scott_Donald]

why do so many folk seem to post here without reading the whole thread???!!!!

[WVP]

[quote name='scott_Donald' timestamp='1305625013' post='3240537']
why do so many folk seem to post here without reading the whole thread???!!!!
[/quote]

Yeah, there's really no issue here.

[78Staff]

[quote name='OneBowTie' timestamp='1305485050' post='3235920']
[quote name='stage1350' timestamp='1305483087' post='3235868']
[quote name='78Staff' timestamp='1305438950' post='3235012']
None of those customers are going to choose an unknown brand that sells for $20-30 more than the market leaders... Just ask Ernie Vaderson about that plan.
[/quote]

Vadersen had a few other issues that Scratch does not:

1) His wedges were selling for 2-3X the going rate of wedges at the time. Scratch 8620s are price competitive and the 1018s are about 30% over other retail forgings

2) Vadersen had ZERO "official" tour presence. He refused to pay sponsorship money and that hurt him. Scratch, in addition to the departed Ryan Moore, also has Duval and Christie Kerr.

3) Scratch has been in the GD Hot List. Getting the name out there is important.

4) The internet. There has been plenty of underground buzz about Scratch.

If the supply chain issues and delays can be eliminated, as well as a few strategic Tour winds, Scratch will come out of this stronger than ever. Once the revenue stream is solidified, the custom order department can be staffed to better handle demand.
[/quote]

Snake Eyes had something much more important back in the day then what Scratch has today........ a economy where people wanted to and willingly spent money..... and in Snake Eyes case, many people wanted to spend $200 for a wedge when other leading brands could be bought for $75.

The other thing Snake Eyes had in its favor...... the buyers were not nearly as fickle or demanding as today.......

Not too mention that golf retailers of Snakes Eyes day had a business model that the practice was to load up as much inventory as possible..... today, that business model does not exist, rather today, the golf retailers demand better terms, are only willing to stock and invest in whats selling..... and do not overstock the shelves like they once did......

and back when Snake Eyes was still in the game......the corporate world was in the mind set that buying up anything and everything was the best way to grow or the road to growth..... not the case today...... I don't see Scratch even being picked up for its name.... the name isn't actually very well known amongst golfers...... and today there are enough wedge companies out there to support the supply and demand......

I see rock bottom golf selling scratch wedges....... the writing is on the wall

If you like the Scratch product..... I'd get em while you can..... as the saying goes..... once there gone..... there gone forever
[/quote]


more on SE/EV...and not disagreeing with anything already posted, just adding some more info... As already stated we are talking about two dramatically different periods in time...

The Tour 15+ years ago was nothing like the tour today when talking about equipment deals, tour reps, tv time, tv channels dedicated to golf, etc. I'm not sure a "Hot List' even existed back then, but it might have. And the internet was no where near the juggernault it is today. Sure EV's prices were off the wall, so were Ely's. I couldn't afford new EV's back then, but lucked into a used set for a very good price, man those were some sweet clubs. And Punch wedges also were very good, early in the game before they started dumping all those "2nds" on the market.

I'm not disagreeing with what Scratch is trying to do... they have to try and expand, as it's easily documented that "boutique" brands generally don't do well after initial successes... Along with SE and Punch, look at companies like Blade Golf, Feel, Goldwin, etc..

As I posted above, I still feel that the Avg golfer, which is a demographic that has probably never logged into a site like this, is going to be a hard sell for an "unknown" brand regardless of how great GolfWrx thinks it is.

[jswaykos]

But the only way to get 'known' by average golfers is by being available in retail stores.

[golfbum9]

This is true - that way they can compare side by side and decide for themselves.

[Pit_Man]

Was fun while it lasted. "Pre-sellout" scratch wedges will be getting $$$premium on BST in no time.

[Splitter]

I really don't see what all the fuss is about. No one coughed in your back swing and caused you to miss a 5 footer to win the Masters. Maybe some Valium is in order for the grumpier folks.

Until anyone on this thread posts a copy of Scratches financial statements everyone is just making uneducated guesses. But hey, that's the fun of Deal or no Deal sometimes.

I hope to see Scratch at a local shop soon so I can finally give one a try myself!