Stretching Your Fastpitch Softball Equipment Dollars Article

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Stretching Your Fastpitch Softball Equipment Dollars

As with any sport, the initial cost of league fees is only the beginning of the cost associated with actually playing the sport. In Fastpitch Softball there is catcher's gear, softball gloves, composite bats, cleats, and the list sometimes seems endless. So, how do you stretch your budget to go farther, get more, and better equip your team?

Author: Jim Moyer

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In general, the sporting goods business is like any other retail business and Uncle Sam loves the retail industry. Did you realize that any inventory the store has at the end of their fiscal year, which is typically the end of the calendar year, the store has to pay taxes on. Just like the auto industry and you know how the car dealers always have big sales at the end of the year to clear out inventory. Well, the same holds true for Sporting Goods stores.

Now lets get a little more specific to Fastpitch Softball. Fastpitch Softball is typically a Spring and Summer sport. Therefore, in late winter through Summer softball equipment is sold at full price. However, at the end of Summer the retailers understand they only have a few months left to clear out their inventory before tax time. Make no mistake about it, softball equipment can be a hard sale in the Fall when it is out of season. Really, how many high priced composite bats do you think they sale in September compared to March?

So if your daughter plays Fastpitch Softball or if you coach softball this is the time for you to make out your shopping list and get busy. There is no doubt that you can wait a little longer and see if prices continue to drop, but the risk you run is inventory and selection. You see, the retailers are trying to clear out their inventory and along with that they will not be purchasing new inventory until the new year. Therefore selection and choice start to become very limited and you could well miss out on getting a good deal by holding out for a great deal that never comes.

Recently, I did a little online window shopping of my own just to see what discounts I could find. At one store I found a premium fastpitch composite bat that originally sold for over $250 on sale for $69. That's a HUGE savings. Another Miken bat I found was originally priced around $230 was on sale for $169.

As for Catcher's equipment, I found a Nokona catcher's mitt discounted by $30 dollars. Now mix in a chest protector that was discounted by $20 dollars and shin guards that were $15.00 off regular price and you can see how the savings really starts to add up. If your daughter is a catcher, you KNOW how expensive it is to keep her geared up and looking good. By the way, I feel your pain as my youngest daughter loves to play catcher.

Don't think the savings is just for catchers or for specialty equipment. Have you purchased a pair of Nike or Adidas cleats lately? OUCH!!! But this is the time of year to get them. Drag little Sally Softballer down to the local sporting goods store and have her try on a few until your are sure of her shoe size. Then get back to computer and start shopping online. I've been able to locate cleats for almost 50% off regular price.

If you want to save a little more money, buy that $69 dollar premium composite bat now, wrap it up, and put it under the Christmas tree in a few months. That 's one less trip to the mall around the Holidays, it's one less present to shop for, and Sally Softballer just got that expensive bat she didn't think you would ever spring for.

The bottom line is shop during the off-season to stretch your budget. When the Spring season starts your daughter will be looking good, well equipped, and ready to PLAY BALL!

About Author

Jim Moyer is the author of http://www.mysoftballcoach.com. Having coached over 500 fastpitch softball games, Jim has made his unique knowledge available to all parents and coaches. At the site are numerous softball tips, softball drills, and softball strategies.

For more on this subject visit http://www.mysoftballcoach.com/

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