Scratch Golf stops direct sales!(merged)

[rockinar]

I was toying with the idea of getting a set of Scratch irons. I liked the idea that they are a small company and you can get a high level of customization online. Now I look at their site and they don't take custom orders online anymore. Instead they say "Visit you local retailer" Ummmmm, that's fine if I was looking for PING irons. But the nearest retailer to me that carries Scratch is 3 hours away. NO THANKS.

My not buying a set of irons for them is not going to put them out of business, but I think the personal touch and high level of customization was what set them apart from the rest. Now they are just like the rest. My nearest retailer does not even show them having Scratch irons in stock. So there is NO WAY for me to buy any unless I physically drive 3 hours. What a joke. Scratch can go suck it with this new model. I'll stick with PING now.

[scratchswinger]

It's just temp. I would drive 3 hours for Scratch over Ping any day.

Here is the thread...

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/475287-scratch-golf-stops-direct-sales/

[kekoa]

I absolutely love these threads.

[jswaykos]

1) They've said they'll bring back custom ordering. 2) This move will no doubt bring in more business than they'll lose. 3) If they're joining the ranks of the 'mass produced', but they're still the best (subjective, obviously), you're not going to buy them out of spite?

[tembolo1284]

Ari is a sexy man. It's just that simple.

[J13]

Its unfortunately part of growing. You can't be both the little guy that focuses on quality and the big guy that focuses on quantity. The larger a company gets the more quality control will suffer. It's a fact of business. But Scratch is a business and they have to grow otherwise they really do go RIP.

[Potatohead]

I always like this whole "custom" thing and how people think it's a big deal, like it makes them feel important. Nothing is custom at all, it's just made to your specs which you can do with virtually any club manufacturer. It's not like you're designing your own irons/wedges.

[tembolo1284]

People are so violent these days.

[scratchswinger]

[quote name='tembolo1284' timestamp='1307736232' post='3298790']
People are so violent these days.
[/quote]


Dude needs to chill and tip a few.

[Wdwfreak]

I have to agree this isnt going to help them. I have no retailers anywhere close to me. And my favorite golf shop told me they dont want to start stocking scratch stuff, no interest in it, also too worried it would end up like nickent (they still have a TON of old nickent stuff)

[Vendetta7]

I was toying with the idea of getting a set of Scratch irons. I liked the idea that they are a small company and you can get a high level of customization online. Now I look at their site and they don't take custom orders online anymore. Instead they say "Visit you local retailer" Ummmmm, that's fine if I was looking for PING irons. But the nearest retailer to me that carries Scratch is 3 hours away. NO THANKS.

 

My not buying a set of irons for them is not going to put them out of business, but I think the personal touch and high level of customization was what set them apart from the rest. Now they are just like the rest. My nearest retailer does not even show them having Scratch irons in stock. So there is NO WAY for me to buy any unless I physically drive 3 hours. What a joke. Scratch can go suck it with this new model. I'll stick with PING now.

 

You don't feel entitled at all, do you?

 

If it were me, I'm not sure I'd want you reppin' my company anyways.

[Marrrk]

[quote name='Wdwfreak' timestamp='1307736993' post='3298815']
I have to agree this isnt going to help them. I have no retailers anywhere close to me. And my favorite golf shop told me they dont want to start stocking scratch stuff, no interest in it, also too worried it would end up like nickent (they still have a TON of old nickent stuff)
[/quote]

my avatar and yours should have a go...

surprised they can't unload the nickent stuff.

[phizzy30]

[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1307734214' post='3298712']
It's just temp. I would drive 3 hours for Scratch over Ping any day.

Here is the thread...

[url="http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/475287-scratch-golf-stops-direct-sales/"]http://www.golfwrx.c...s-direct-sales/[/url]
[/quote]

Agreed. I've never liked Ping irons even though I've tried many of their offerings through the years. Scratch on the other hand makes top quality irons albeit they are a bit pricey. I kind of regret selling my back up scratch set, sigh.

[sgniwder99]

[quote name='phizzy30' timestamp='1307738827' post='3298871']
[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1307734214' post='3298712']
It's just temp. I would drive 3 hours for Scratch over Ping any day.

Here is the thread...

[url="http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/475287-scratch-golf-stops-direct-sales/"]http://www.golfwrx.c...s-direct-sales/[/url]
[/quote]

Agreed. I've never liked Ping irons even though I've tried many of their offerings through the years. Scratch on the other hand makes top quality irons albeit they are [b]a bit pricey. [/b]I kind of regret selling [b]my back up scratch set[/b], sigh.
[/quote]

I am so poor.

[ryancjordan]

What a terrible idea. Competitive advantage anyone?

[RookieBlue7]

The only thing I wonder is if the big box retailers are telling customers they can send wedges to Scratch for free stampings? I know the answer for the local PGATSS, and it's a big "NO". They're charging customers $5 a letter to stamp them and another $5 to paintfill that stamping.

[apprenti23]

Scratch is expanding yet again? Awesome! Congrats Ari! No company can even touch the level of customization and quality that you offer at Scratch! My buddies will finally get a chance to try out all of your amazing product!

Will you still be selling in green-grass shops as well?

-Kyle

[rockinar]

The same folks crying about a $10 price increase are the same ones who will drop $500 on a driver without blinking.

[scott_Donald]

i live in scotland...


i ordered mine through a dealer in the US... he was awesome... great customer service and i should receive my SB1s with C tapers this monday or tuesday and i cant wait - will actually golf in the rain...

[jebb]

Good grief ladies. Quite a bit of anger flowing on the thread towards a company whom many professed life-long devotion towards.

Getting the product in stores is absolutely the right thing to do. Churn out the most popular options, quietly move away from customisation and get someone else to do the selling for you.

I think as ever Ari has done exactly the right thing, even down to the pricing and offer of customisation.

If anything the guys that have killed the golden goose were some of the folks on here. How often did we hear "I have worked with Scratch and sent them 60-100 emails about my new clubs." That is a company's worse nightmare and could not continue. If I were Ari I'd set up "SCRATCH.WRX". And guys who want bright green ferrrules and the name of their pet budgie stamped on their sticks can pay a premium for it.

I always felt scaling the old Scratch up would be difficult. The customisations were costly and the argument of the different grinds suiting players meant they had to get them in people's hands physically. Getting them into the big box stores is great but to the average guy who will recognise TM, Titleist, Ping, Nike and Callaway; they aren't going to know Scratch. And that's a marketing challenge.

Good luck to them as I think Ari does a super job. It will be interesting seeing their future pan out.

[sandwedge59]

[quote name='rockinar' timestamp='1307733611' post='3298694']
I was toying with the idea of getting a set of Scratch irons. I liked the idea that they are a small company and you can get a high level of customization online. Now I look at their site and they don't take custom orders online anymore. Instead they say "Visit you local retailer" Ummmmm, that's fine if I was looking for PING irons. But the nearest retailer to me that carries Scratch is 3 hours away. NO THANKS.

My not buying a set of irons for them is not going to put them out of business, but I think the personal touch and high level of customization was what set them apart from the rest. Now they are just like the rest. My nearest retailer does not even show them having Scratch irons in stock. So there is NO WAY for me to buy any unless I physically drive 3 hours. What a joke. Scratch can go suck it with this new model. I'll stick with PING now.
[/quote]




I wish sometimes i understood what some of you are thinking , it seems you act like it is a your life will change as you know it cause you cant drive 2 minutes from home for a specific club or brand .. i understand about being enthusiastic about golf but it's just a freaking golf club no more no less

[highergr0und]

Were you trying to order a tour custom set or custom spec'd OTR heads?

Before this move, we had thread after thread complaining of terrible delays, back orders, and customer service. So now we're mad because they won't take the orders that we used to complain about? Sounds like a lose, lose situation for them.

I think this was a smart decision..... I wish them all the luck in the world. I'm hoping by supplying stores with clubs they're able to generate enough revenue to develop more resources to allow them to better fulfill custom orders down the road. It had to be really tough bending over backwards to get people their $150 wedges.

[RookieBlue7]

I still don't understand the complaints. Everyone is complaining about putting the wedges in the retailers stores instead of custom orders. Well, I understand that you're frustrated, but to complain about the fact that you can't, for now, order directly from the manufacturer with a color choice on ferrule and paintfill, along with grinds, etc at the standard OTR price is asinine to me. Yes, they'd carved out a niche, but the demand is larger and big box stores buy hundreds at a time instead if one or two. And for those denouncing Scratch and saying they're going to another company, well, they're not going to cater to you wanting stampings and custom paintfill, etc either. So you're still not getting what you want. The Tour Spec wedges are still available and are handworked, etc. And guess what? They're the same price or cheaper than tour stuff from Wedge Works, etc. Keep doing what you're doing Ari, I'll keep buying your product.

[pitch]

I just recently received my 1018 53* and 58* via online order. All I can say is that they are the best wedges I've ever played. And I've played every major manufacturers wedges. Usually several per year. But from here on I will use Scratch. And if I have to drive to get them, or order from a big box I will. Closest to me is 7 hours away so I may order online.
Hell I drove 2 hours to a demo day to try some irons when I was testing.

And nothing but the best to Scratch and Ari! Hope everything works out well.

[Ian]

I'm sorry to hear all the negative opinions about Scratch but surprised at how bitter most of the feelings are.

I might suggest that this anger/frustration stems from the fact that our hidden gem boutique equipment maker that we proudly showed off and boosted our egos with as "custom-made for me" irons and wedges have gone mainstream taking Scratches' exotic status out of the picture. To some degree, I felt a bit of that but there's still no denying that I'm very pleased with the product, 8620 wedges to be exact.

As a long time retailer in automotive service, I can remember many operational decisions, changes and restructurings the company made that were not as transparent to the customer as we had hoped. These changes were made with the best information available at the time and were necessitated by obvious factors, stakeholder expectations, profitability, survival in a saturated market and of course, improved customer satisfaction/retention. I vividly remember the flack I took as manager, many regular customers told me they'd never be back or just got really ugly about it. Years later, I continue to be a shareholder and am pleased with the returns gained by this company through it's constant forward thinking and pro-active approach to the marketplace. So many new customers have come on board and yes, those angry "change hating" customers have tried the competiton and are returning one by one.

I put myself in Ari's shoes and understand his need for change. In his defence, I have dealt with him for two separate 8620 purchases and both times he has exceeded my expectations. He realized that there had been a problem with the normal order channels and offered to help me (us) to get my wedge and retain me as a Scratch customer. I can't ask for more than that

I wish them every success going forward. I think we'll be hearing good things from Scratch, and the marketplace.

[LPSISCO]

This thread cracks me up. It's like listening to Springsteen fans bemoaning Born in the USA because it made him immensely popular - and prior to that album he was just a cult favorite, and only the cool kids knew about him. Don't worry boys - you'll still be able to say you knew Scratch before everybody else, and you can still get your initials stamped on the wedge somewhere. You know, the same initials that you say aren't really noticeable when you sell them in the BST.

[spartanglfr]

[quote name='kvnhlstd' timestamp='1305435375' post='3234942']
[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]


Gotta give you credit for getting out in front of this... It's got to be after midnight on the east side and you're on Golfwrx getting the scratch freaks off the ledge. Kudos on the response.
[/quote]




+1

[OneBowTie]

[quote name='LPSISCO' timestamp='1307812084' post='3300220']
This thread cracks me up. It's like listening to Springsteen fans bemoaning Born in the USA because it made him immensely popular - and prior to that album he was just a cult favorite, and only the cool kids knew about him. Don't worry boys - you'll still be able to say you knew Scratch before everybody else, and you can still get your initials stamped on the wedge somewhere. You know, the same initials that you say aren't really noticeable when you sell them in the BST.
[/quote]

Question- are the same people who are ordering their wedges with initials stamped on them..... the same people in the amateur with staff bags- posting about how am's shouldn't have staff bags!!!!! LMAO

[jswaykos]

[quote name='OneBowTie' timestamp='1307896836' post='3301804']
[quote name='LPSISCO' timestamp='1307812084' post='3300220']
This thread cracks me up. It's like listening to Springsteen fans bemoaning Born in the USA because it made him immensely popular - and prior to that album he was just a cult favorite, and only the cool kids knew about him. Don't worry boys - you'll still be able to say you knew Scratch before everybody else, and you can still get your initials stamped on the wedge somewhere. You know, the same initials that you say aren't really noticeable when you sell them in the BST.
[/quote]

Question- are the same people who are ordering their wedges with initials stamped on them..... the same people in the amateur with staff bags- posting about how am's shouldn't have staff bags!!!!! LMAO
[/quote]

Yep - all that, and the same ones who go nuts over "tour issue" AMINO towels, too. The irony kills me.

[LPSISCO]

[quote name='OneBowTie' timestamp='1307896836' post='3301804']
[quote name='LPSISCO' timestamp='1307812084' post='3300220']
This thread cracks me up. It's like listening to Springsteen fans bemoaning Born in the USA because it made him immensely popular - and prior to that album he was just a cult favorite, and only the cool kids knew about him. Don't worry boys - you'll still be able to say you knew Scratch before everybody else, and you can still get your initials stamped on the wedge somewhere. You know, the same initials that you say aren't really noticeable when you sell them in the BST.
[/quote]

Question- are the same people who are ordering their wedges with initials stamped on them..... the same people in the amateur with staff bags- posting about how am's shouldn't have staff bags!!!!! LMAO
[/quote]

Yup, then they pour their own red paint in the three dots of their Cameron and call it a "custom" putter....