- Dec 11, 2010
- 4,721
- 113
Let’s all put our heads together here and come up with some best practices to save new members trouble and money. Please post your ideas! As stuff gets added, I can edit/cut/paste/add to the post.
I’ll start with a couple things I do......
Bats:
Always buy new bats from a reputable dealer who will give you a valid receipt for the warranty. Plan on needing to make a warranty return. Bats break.
Create a file of receipts. I use a big Manila envelope. As soon as you receive the receipt, put it in the envelope. Print a credit card statement as soon as you can. Attach it to the receipt. Many credit card companies double the length of warranty but you need the statement to do it. My Visa Signiture Card statments were only available online for one year.
Here is a link with some info on credit card warranties:
www.nerdwallet.com
When making a warranty return, don’t forget to make a copy of your receipt if the manufacturer requires you to send in the original. It may be important later.
Great replies!
To summarize JMATW (his full reply below)
1. Don't pay retail, do research
2. Buy a discontinued/previous year model.
3. Consider "not as cool" bats that tend to be more discounted
5. Don't be afraid of used bats.
6. Don't be terrified of the bats breaking (and not having warranty)
I agree with all above. Deals are out there but dealers can’t always advertise the deals. Bats USUALLY don’t change much year to year. Do your research and save some money. I have bought a lot of good condition used bats over the years and have good luck with them. My other advice is that you buy bats to use. The more the player uses them, the better the player gets. Yes, they are expensive but wearing them out and breaking them are the goal in some ways. A good problem to have.
Batting Gloves:
I buy regular batting gloves. Many use motocross gloves, there are many on Amazon. Palmguards are super solid but kind of thick.
When I buy batting gloves, I do it at a big box sporting goods store. I buy the extended warranty every time. I then immediately register the product on line. If your dd plays much, she will wear out gloves faster than you can buy them, and the warranty is worth it.
I place the receipt, extended warranty info and the glove package in a separate Manila envelope which I keep in my vehicle. I do this so that at any time I can go back to the store and buy the exact same glove and the correct size without having her there to try them on. For awhile, she liked a men’s glove and I began to have a hard time keeping the size straight.
Using Motocross Gloves for batting gloves:
More on fielding gloves:
Let’s hear your ideas! Make mine better!
I’ll start with a couple things I do......
Bats:
Always buy new bats from a reputable dealer who will give you a valid receipt for the warranty. Plan on needing to make a warranty return. Bats break.
Create a file of receipts. I use a big Manila envelope. As soon as you receive the receipt, put it in the envelope. Print a credit card statement as soon as you can. Attach it to the receipt. Many credit card companies double the length of warranty but you need the statement to do it. My Visa Signiture Card statments were only available online for one year.
Here is a link with some info on credit card warranties:
Credit Card Extended Warranty Policies: A Guide - NerdWallet
If you're paying with a credit card, there may be no need to buy the retailer's expensive service plan. You may already have similar coverage.
When making a warranty return, don’t forget to make a copy of your receipt if the manufacturer requires you to send in the original. It may be important later.
Great replies!
To summarize JMATW (his full reply below)
1. Don't pay retail, do research
2. Buy a discontinued/previous year model.
3. Consider "not as cool" bats that tend to be more discounted
5. Don't be afraid of used bats.
6. Don't be terrified of the bats breaking (and not having warranty)
I agree with all above. Deals are out there but dealers can’t always advertise the deals. Bats USUALLY don’t change much year to year. Do your research and save some money. I have bought a lot of good condition used bats over the years and have good luck with them. My other advice is that you buy bats to use. The more the player uses them, the better the player gets. Yes, they are expensive but wearing them out and breaking them are the goal in some ways. A good problem to have.
Batting Gloves:
I buy regular batting gloves. Many use motocross gloves, there are many on Amazon. Palmguards are super solid but kind of thick.
When I buy batting gloves, I do it at a big box sporting goods store. I buy the extended warranty every time. I then immediately register the product on line. If your dd plays much, she will wear out gloves faster than you can buy them, and the warranty is worth it.
I place the receipt, extended warranty info and the glove package in a separate Manila envelope which I keep in my vehicle. I do this so that at any time I can go back to the store and buy the exact same glove and the correct size without having her there to try them on. For awhile, she liked a men’s glove and I began to have a hard time keeping the size straight.
Using Motocross Gloves for batting gloves:
Gloves- scroll down to Annasdad’s post below!
More on fielding gloves:
Let’s hear your ideas! Make mine better!
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