Best way to get bulk/team discounts on certain equipment

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Jun 6, 2016
2,724
113
Chicago
Because we work with a lot of low income students, I do what I can (within the rules, financial constraints, etc) to provide certain things for them. Since we play most of our games in sub-50 degree weather, we get thermal undershirts for them each year. Stuff like that.

I want to expand that this year to some extras, including batpacks, batting gloves, and sliding shorts.

Anybody have some good ideas on the best places to go to work out deals for entire teams? We'll likely have to do some fundraising for these things, but the costs add up quickly so I want to save wherever I can. Just doing internet searches for the items hasn't helped so far. Should I go directly to manufacturers? Should I try to get athletic team grants (these usually go for basic equipment/uniforms)? Any other options?
 

NBECoach

Learning everyday
Aug 9, 2018
408
63
Based on the sub-50 comment I am assuming this is for HS softball. First thing to do is to prioritize your needs because you may not get all that you want.

Dealing with large manufacturers is a daunting task especially if you have no history with them. Do you have a local supplier who can provide what you need that the school deals with for other sports also? The school's annual spend can play into their decision to give you a deal. Talk to your assigned representative and explain your situation and what you are looking for. Be prepared to accept the fact that you may not get the top notch manufacturers equipment, but that by accepting that may get you more of what you need. You will have to weigh the importance of that. Lastly if at all possible ask to talk to a store manager before you agree as they can enhance deals.

Hope this helps.
 

NEF

May 16, 2012
125
28
New England
I get some of my stuff through Epic sports, closeouts are fairly cheap, Decent Demarini bags for $40, batting glove and sliding shorts $6-$15 each
 
Jun 6, 2016
2,724
113
Chicago
Based on the sub-50 comment I am assuming this is for HS softball. First thing to do is to prioritize your needs because you may not get all that you want.

Dealing with large manufacturers is a daunting task especially if you have no history with them. Do you have a local supplier who can provide what you need that the school deals with for other sports also? The school's annual spend can play into their decision to give you a deal. Talk to your assigned representative and explain your situation and what you are looking for. Be prepared to accept the fact that you may not get the top notch manufacturers equipment, but that by accepting that may get you more of what you need. You will have to weigh the importance of that. Lastly if at all possible ask to talk to a store manager before you agree as they can enhance deals.

Hope this helps.

Thanks!

Our sports programs are kind of a mess in a lot of ways. I won't get into all of it, but my best bet is probably the place we go through for our softball uniforms (which is likely not where we go for the other sports, though I don't know for sure). I will try to reach out to them to see what kind of discounts might be available.
 
Jun 6, 2016
2,724
113
Chicago
I get some of my stuff through Epic sports, closeouts are fairly cheap, Decent Demarini bags for $40, batting glove and sliding shorts $6-$15 each

I browse them all the time. There actually is a closeout on some sliding shorts now.

The downside to the bags or batting gloves is that if they're on closeout, there are rarely enough for everybody or I won't find them in team colors. And I'll almost certainly not find the same (or something really close to it) in future years.
 

CoreSoftball20

Wilson = Evil Empire
DFP Vendor
Dec 27, 2012
6,235
113
Kunkletown, PA
I am a fan of Epic as well, you can get some killer deals on some clothes. Shipping is a bit slow and little costly for how slow
it is, but prices are awesome.

I always cruise the closeout section
 

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