Putter Manufacturer Websites?!

[dannykos]

So - I'm totally in the market for a nice putter, celebrating our now 3 children. My slight gripe is that having browsed over 15 'boutique' type manufacturers websites, some don't even include their range to browse?! I went onto Byron's site - and other than a large gallery of unnamed, undefined, unpriced pictures - there's nothing more to see?! It was the same on a couple of the other sites too.

 

No disrespect to Byron, or Steve or anyone else, but you'd think in times like these potential sales would be welcome! I suppose I just thought it would be easier to find all the models made by all the best manufacturers - and make a selection based on looks / spec / available finishes, and price?

 

Not wanting to rock the boat here - just observations from a premium putter virgin...

 

btw - i think this is the one for me, if I can get some details on her... come on Steve, hook me up!

[cjordan01]

I cannot speak for everyone else, but my site is still in the process of being finished.

 

However there is a base price listed on each of my models and what options come with the base price and then another tab that lists the more expensive add on items and other options.

 

I know Gene Nead has base price listed on his putters, and I am sure there are others.

[HoosierGolfer]

I agree. Many of these makers complain that Scotty gets treated special and they can't get their putters in the hands of the pro's, but most of them do nothing with their websites to get the putters in the hands of anyone let alone the tour players.

Just visit the T.P Mills website to see case in point. That place has been has had no putters to speak of shown for sale in months. Same can be said of several others as well.

[502 to Right]

I completely agree. There is no excuse not to have a professional looking site with pics of all of the putters you offer and an easy to way to order them.

[glenwayputters]

I have putters for sale on my site, www.tpmillsputters.com

 

jay

[HoosierGolfer]

I have putters for sale on my site, www.tpmillsputters.com

 

jay

Jay, Just so you know I was not doing any throat cutting here, just pointing out that there are lots of pictured links on the site that lead to the "We're sorry there are no xxxxx putters in stock at this time" message. I guess not having them in stock is a sign they are moving.

This seems to be true as well at several other sites. Many dead or outdated pictured links seem to be all to common and many sites have little or no pricing details.

[Z-Man]

We are working on inproving our website. We are trying to make it more user friendly.

[glenwayputters]

Mark

 

Did not take it that way at all.

 

Because our putters change so often, (most of the engravings are still evolving) I don't like to keep pictures up of putters that are outdated and may not be available, again. The Professional Series putters are a dieing breed and I am trying to limit their exposure.

 

jay

[dannykos]

We are working on inproving our website. We are trying to make it more user friendly.

 

Steve, any word on my original query? I really want to get this project underway so I can game her through the summer :)

 

 

I also think a glossary including photos on everyone site would help - for newbies like me to understand the various hosel options available, and their differences and benefits.

[pirettigolf]

We have putters available on our site and will be adding a new model soon.

Mike

[golfluvzme]

This thread really made me look at my site and do some serious re-assessment.

I have some major re-working in process and the new look should be much more along the lines of what you guys are telling us that you need.

All of what you have requested makes sense. I can only say that with the majority of my putters, they are full custom, from headshape to hosel configuration and placement, all the way to stamping and finish. I hadn't put together any putters that would be considered "stock" and available for sale as-is, until this past week.

I'll be working with my web guy and working here at my shop late nights to get a new look up and running, ASAP.

 

Thanks for the wake-up call. Some of us needed more than others...............I needed it.

 

LaMont in AZ

[glenwayputters]

I will say this about websites. In the more than three years of operating one, I have found that they are never finished.

 

Just when you think you have it all figured out and a good layout, you always see something that you want to change.

 

I am constantly working to improve it, but it is difficult and very expensive to modify. I will continue to feature putters that show the full capabilities of the Mills company, so please be patient and bare with us.

 

Jay

[HoosierGolfer]

Jay, I think the Mills site is one of the better for keeping things updated and current. I understand that the putters sell in many cases as soon as they hit the site. Nothing wrong with that in this economy. The site is easy to get around in and easy checkout which keeps things simple.

 

LaMont, I also understand that with the putters being customs most of the time, I think it still important to have a section of putters you have built and sold so newcomers can see what you have to offer. Your site also seems easy to navigate which I think is important with many users not being as internet savvy as others.

 

Both of you guys have great sites.

 

Mark

[Rolex]

If I had a site for putters, I'd include a small flash video for each model, showing a variety of views, audio of its features and designer thinking, comparative weight, plus a clip of the putter from the golfers view while taking a few practice strokes. I believe that a website that sells... will sell.

[TexasTee]

As a professional web application designer I know that many of these sites can be improved. I also understand that many of the 'boutique' custom putter designers don't have the budget to present a professional site, as many are on a shoe-string budget as it is.

 

Just as we admire and appreciate the workmanship, knowledge, skill and effort that goes into crafting these putters, I think the same traits should be looked at in the design of their web sites. It is just as hard to understand all the issues that go into a professional site (usability, accessibility, ability to update easily, best practice coding standards, etc.) as it is to machine a putter head. We can't expect those same people that craft and merchandise their products to be able to perform site analysis, design and construction in the same professional manner that someone who does it as a profession can.

 

Unfortunately, too many issues make up having an effective, professional web site to do it 'part-time'. I know I would be happy to consult offline on these things if any would like to increase the capabilities of their websites. I have worked on large (major airlines), medium (logistical software) and small (accounting, non-profit and government) sites, both as an employee and contract.