Funny look by Wilson Rep

[Carolina Golfer 2]

[quote name='bpark1210' timestamp='1303067919' post='3162062']
[quote name='Snufles' timestamp='1303066801' post='3162026']
[quote name='bpark1210' timestamp='1303065711' post='3161983']
Wow what's up with all the attacks on the reps? Reps are meant to be informative and sell current equipment. In all honesty do you expect him to be on GolfWRX studying up on "proto" irons that may or may not come to production? I met with our Wilson rep earlier this year and can tell you any manufacturer rep these days have too much on their plate to know every product being prototyped by pros. Honestly do you think you can memorize a wood line up with 2 drivers, 2 fairways, 3 hybrids, with 6 different irons models combo sets with 5 different shaft combo's, knowing the characteristics of each iron model, the target audience, ball flight/trajectory, forgiveness, 10 different putter models, how each piece of equipment is manufactured, 4 different ball models with multiple layers and covers and dimple patterns . . . etc you get the drift?

Yeah it would've been great if he had info on them and you could've chatted with him on the outcome of the proto's but being they are just that "proto's" I doubt they have sent a company wide memo out to their reps to remember to talk about proto irons on a demo day. My honest opinion he was working and trying to fit people into Wilson Staff clubs to sell he wanted to get back to work and make a paycheck.
[/quote]

That wouldn't really amount to too much considering it is your job. Also giving customers a heads up on what could be coming to market would be sort of handy.
[/quote]



Yes it is their job to do all of the above I stated. I know, I spent over 2 hours getting trained and demoing WS products from our rep. What most people don't understand is that it is not the rep's job to know of every new proto being tested. I agree that it would be great if we all had rep's that stayed in tune with online forums and followed our frenzy about the newest and greatest products on tour. If these are "proto' irons how much info do you really expect a company rep to know. If they are not in production how much info do you actually think the company has produced to market a "proto" iron. It is not the reps job to sell an iron that doesn't even exist to the general public. I'm pretty sure if he had information on these protos he would've shared. You seem to be jumping to the conclusion that the rep is plugged into the tour and knows every detail of WS tour operations. In reality reps are just honest hard working salesman trying to sell what they have in stock.


[/quote]

I understand what you're saying. But what hasn't been mentioned is how the rep reacted. Say it's perfectly normal for him not to know about all the prototypes. That's Ok. What he should have said is.

[i]"You know they haven't really given us that much information on it yet, as they want us to concentrate on selling the current product and helping customers get fit with something that is available now.

So what did you hear about it that excites you?"

[/i]
Now I understand the rep has limited time with hundreds of people at a typical demo, he could politely listen for a couple moments. If the OP rambled on, he could excuse his self by saying

"[i]I enjoyed talking to you, but I better get back to the demo, if I want to be around to sell that prototype when it actually hits the market. You enjoy the rest of the demo"

[/i]A little customer service can go a long way!!

[Shankopottamus]

[quote name='bpark1210' timestamp='1303065711' post='3161983']
Wow what's up with all the attacks on the reps? Reps are meant to be informative and sell current equipment. In all honesty do you expect him to be on GolfWRX studying up on "proto" irons that may or may not come to production? I met with our Wilson rep earlier this year and can tell you any manufacturer rep these days have too much on their plate to know every product being prototyped by pros. Honestly do you think you can memorize a wood line up with 2 drivers, 2 fairways, 3 hybrids, with 6 different irons models combo sets with 5 different shaft combo's, knowing the characteristics of each iron model, the target audience, ball flight/trajectory, forgiveness, 10 different putter models, how each piece of equipment is manufactured, 4 different ball models with multiple layers and covers and dimple patterns . . . etc you get the drift?

Yeah it would've been great if he had info on them and you could've chatted with him on the outcome of the proto's but being they are just that "proto's" I doubt they have sent a company wide memo out to their reps to remember to talk about proto irons on a demo day. My honest opinion he was working and trying to fit people into Wilson Staff clubs to sell he wanted to get back to work and make a paycheck.
[/quote]


To your first question - yes, I do. I would if I had that position. You act like someone had to memorize an entire set of Encyclopedia's. This isn't rocket science and the amount of knowledge you outline for one brand isn't a daunting task for anyone with moderate brainz....

[GatorNate11]

Can we ge some t-shirts that say "GolfWrx- making company reps uncomfortable since 2005"?

 

 

Love this idea, I would totally buy a GolfWRX line of t-shirts.

 

These go to market, I'm getting one. Lol

[Wolf4birdie]

Customer Service is a thing of the past...

[twgolf]

[quote name='Snufles' timestamp='1303066801' post='3162026']
[quote name='bpark1210' timestamp='1303065711' post='3161983']
Wow what's up with all the attacks on the reps? Reps are meant to be informative and sell current equipment. In all honesty do you expect him to be on GolfWRX studying up on "proto" irons that may or may not come to production? I met with our Wilson rep earlier this year and can tell you any manufacturer rep these days have too much on their plate to know every product being prototyped by pros. Honestly do you think you can memorize a wood line up with 2 drivers, 2 fairways, 3 hybrids, with 6 different irons models combo sets with 5 different shaft combo's, knowing the characteristics of each iron model, the target audience, ball flight/trajectory, forgiveness, 10 different putter models, how each piece of equipment is manufactured, 4 different ball models with multiple layers and covers and dimple patterns . . . etc you get the drift?

Yeah it would've been great if he had info on them and you could've chatted with him on the outcome of the proto's but being they are just that "proto's" I doubt they have sent a company wide memo out to their reps to remember to talk about proto irons on a demo day. My honest opinion he was working and trying to fit people into Wilson Staff clubs to sell he wanted to get back to work and make a paycheck.
[/quote]

That wouldn't really amount to too much considering it is your job. Also giving customers a heads up on what could be coming to market would be sort of handy.
[/quote]

+1!! As a sells rep myself, not in the golf industry though, you are expected to know the product you sell inside and out! Even prototypes you have out there! Nothing is worse than a rep that does not know their product! A good rep does and he knows the product of his competition as well. It's pretty bad when half of the guys on this site know more than the OEM reps about their own product! Maybe OEMs would sell more product if they had reps that could actually sell product besides just stocking the shelves of their accounts!

[IRNFST]

[quote name='bpark1210' timestamp='1303227089' post='3167363']
[quote name='IRNFST' timestamp='1303225693' post='3167289']
[quote name='bpark1210' timestamp='1303145948' post='3164565']
[quote name='IRNFST' timestamp='1303089363' post='3162971']
[quote name='bpark1210' timestamp='1303065711' post='3161983']
Wow what's up with all the attacks on the reps?[b] Reps are meant to be informative and sell current equipment. In all honesty do you expect him to be on GolfWRX studying up on "proto" irons that may or may not come to production? I met with our Wilson rep earlier this year and can tell you any manufacturer rep these days have too much on their plate to know every product being prototyped by pros.[/b] Honestly do you think you can memorize a wood line up with 2 drivers, 2 fairways, 3 hybrids, with 6 different irons models combo sets with 5 different shaft combo's, knowing the characteristics of each iron model, the target audience, ball flight/trajectory, forgiveness, 10 different putter models, how each piece of equipment is manufactured, 4 different ball models with multiple layers and covers and dimple patterns . . . etc you get the drift?

Yeah it would've been great if he had info on them and you could've chatted with him on the outcome of the proto's but being they are just that "proto's" I doubt they have sent a company wide memo out to their reps to remember to talk about proto irons on a demo day. My honest opinion he was working and trying to fit people into Wilson Staff clubs to sell he wanted to get back to work and make a paycheck.
[/quote]

Yes, I would completely expect a rep to know all information about the products they sell or at least have some sort of notes where they could reference. That is their job. If they can not or are not willing to learn about the products that they rep then they should find a different job.
[/quote]

Are you guys even reading my post? I am in total agreement that yes it is the reps job to know everything about the current line up. Where did I ever state that it was a bogus excuse to not know about their equipment. You guys are taking my post out of context. I'm simply stating that memorizing every in and out about current equipment is their job requirement and they are not expected to go onto golfwrx and read up on every other proto club being tested. You shouldn't expect them to know anything more than they get paid to sell. Read my other post before stating the obvious. Reps have the up-most priority in memorizing current products not "protos". You can not get mad at a rep for not having knowledge about a non existent product for him/her to sell.

Why would you even expect a rep to have information on a prototype piece of equipment. A proto is a test piece, nothing more. It doesn't even necessarily mean that it will come into production. Do you expect a rep to have gone through a company wide sales call and have a marketing campaign built up on an item that may or may not be produced? Are you expecting companies to put in big dollars into educating the public on pieces of test equipment? C'mon ridiculous. If you do not work with golf reps in the industry please do not tell me what they are suppose to know or how they are suppose to perform their job.
[/quote]

[b]Yes I have read your posts and I could care less if the reps know about future equipment or not. I was replying to your statement that insinuated that reps do not need to know every detail of every facet of their product lines. Though it seems you have changed your opinion on that subject.[/b]

The guy could have at least said that he did not have any information on the proto clubs instead of being unprofessional and walking away.
[/quote]



Hey newbie before you start being all righteous and trying to pick apart my post and take 1 sentence out of context read the whole thing. I have stated that it is the reps job to memorize every product in their lineup, that's a lot on their plate. I have not changed my opinion, maybe you just can't read.


[/quote]


Oh yes, lets hate on the new guy because you don't agree with what he posts. Good job, you're so cool.

There was nothing self-righteous about my post, I took your post at face value and responded. Ok, you may not have changed your opinion but you do seem to contradict yourself in you initial post. Yes, you do say that the reps need be informative and sell their product, on this we agree. But, you also allude to the point that there is simply too much for them learn and that they don't need to know it all. I fully understand that certain jobs require a lot of knowledge and that can be difficult at times. With that said, I still stand by my statement that if they are unwilling or unable to attain the knowledge needed to sale their products, in a professional manner, then they need to find a different job. Or, maybe their employers should periodically test them so see if they are capable of promoting the brand. This could be beneficial for the industry as a whole, golfers get better info and service and manufacturers sell more clubs.

But then again what do I know, I am just an illiterate newbie.

[Mookie91]

[quote name='luxman' timestamp='1303221962' post='3167110']
[quote name='Mookie91' timestamp='1303167045' post='3165518'] If that wasn't bad enough I made the comment that I have like Wilson's new direction but can't believe the lack of custom shaft options of their irons and woods. He then asked me what course I normally play and he told me the pro there can custom order anything I want. I had to tell him that the pro at this course wouldn't no a super peening from a crazy straw and you expect me to pay his 5% on top of your retail. He gave me the, that's the brakes speech. I will continue to play Wilson until the Pi7s no longer work but I may move to another brand after....
[/quote]

Forgive me, but I do not understand your complaint.

You tell the rep that you aren't happy about the lack of custom shaft options.

The rep tells you that you can get whatever shafts you want, just order them from your local shop.

You aren't happy because you would have to pay an upcharge for the custom shaft option? Do you expect to get a custom option for free?

What does the local pro not having any shaft knowledge have to do with anything? Also, are you begrudging the local pro for charging you the upcharge for a custom shaft option, which he would do for any other manufacturer?
[/quote]

I'm fine with paying a custom shaft upcharge but if I can order through TGW or Discount Dans I don't have to pay retail, plus the shaft upcharge, plus the pro shops 5% handling fee. Shaft knowledge plays a role when I ask for Nippon 1150 hardstepped and he orders Super Peening Reds because they were both Nippon products.

Hope that clears it up....

[Shankopottamus]

[Oh yes, lets hate on the new guy because you don't agree with what he posts. Good job, you're so cool.

There was nothing self-righteous about my post, I took your post at face value and responded. Ok, you may not have changed your opinion but you do seem to contradict yourself in you initial post. Yes, you do say that the reps need be informative and sell their product, on this we agree. But, you also allude to the point that there is simply too much for them learn and that they don't need to know it all. I fully understand that certain jobs require a lot of knowledge and that can be difficult at times. With that said, I still stand by my statement that if they are unwilling or unable to attain the knowledge needed to sale their products, in a professional manner, then they need to find a different job. Or, maybe their employers should periodically test them so see if they are capable of promoting the brand. This could be beneficial for the industry as a whole, golfers get better info and service and manufacturers sell more clubs.

But then again what do I know, I am just an illiterate newbie.
[/quote]

+1!

[Shipwreck]

Maybe these new proto clubs are on a need to know basis....and he didn't need to know. Maybe it is like the military. Maybe they would be regarded as 'classified' clubs and guess what? You don't have the 'security clearance' to ask about them and he sure as hell doesn't have the place to talk about them. Could he have handled this more professionally? Yes. But at the same time the reps might view GolfWRX as a trendy rumor site and he wasn't going to waste any time with you when you mentioned where you got the information from.

Fact of the matter is this. It doesn't matter anymore. There is a small chance you will ever run into him again and if you do I highly doubt he will remember you from your one encounter.

[Shipwreck]

[quote name='IRNFST' timestamp='1303263490' post='3169281']
But then again what do I know, I am just an illiterate newbie.
[/quote]

Didn't you know that knowledge on this site isn't based off what you actually know, it's based off how many posts you have So sit down, and shut up....noob. jk

[luxman]

[quote name='Mookie91' timestamp='1303266987' post='3169483']
[quote name='luxman' timestamp='1303221962' post='3167110']
[quote name='Mookie91' timestamp='1303167045' post='3165518'] If that wasn't bad enough I made the comment that I have like Wilson's new direction but can't believe the lack of custom shaft options of their irons and woods. He then asked me what course I normally play and he told me the pro there can custom order anything I want. I had to tell him that the pro at this course wouldn't no a super peening from a crazy straw and you expect me to pay his 5% on top of your retail. He gave me the, that's the brakes speech. I will continue to play Wilson until the Pi7s no longer work but I may move to another brand after....
[/quote]

Forgive me, but I do not understand your complaint.

You tell the rep that you aren't happy about the lack of custom shaft options.

The rep tells you that you can get whatever shafts you want, just order them from your local shop.

You aren't happy because you would have to pay an upcharge for the custom shaft option? Do you expect to get a custom option for free?

What does the local pro not having any shaft knowledge have to do with anything? Also, are you begrudging the local pro for charging you the upcharge for a custom shaft option, which he would do for any other manufacturer?
[/quote]

I'm fine with paying a custom shaft upcharge but if I can order through TGW or Discount Dans I don't have to pay retail, plus the shaft upcharge, plus the pro shops 5% handling fee. Shaft knowledge plays a role when I ask for Nippon 1150 hardstepped and he orders Super Peening Reds because they were both Nippon products.

Hope that clears it up....
[/quote]

Yes, it clears it up. You have a beef with your local pro not being knowledgable about shafts and charging you the retail price, not with the W/S rep.

[IRNFST]

[quote name='Shipwreck' timestamp='1303311109' post='3170530']
[quote name='IRNFST' timestamp='1303263490' post='3169281']
But then again what do I know, I am just an illiterate newbie.
[/quote]

Didn't you know that knowledge on this site isn't based off what you actually know, it's based off how many posts you have So sit down, and shut up....noob. jk
[/quote]

Yeah, I got that memo. I understand the policy and, the problem is just that I forgot. And I've already taken care of it so it's not even really a problem anymore.

[Mookie91]

[quote name='luxman' timestamp='1303311347' post='3170540']
[quote name='Mookie91' timestamp='1303266987' post='3169483']
[quote name='luxman' timestamp='1303221962' post='3167110']
[quote name='Mookie91' timestamp='1303167045' post='3165518'] If that wasn't bad enough I made the comment that I have like Wilson's new direction but can't believe the lack of custom shaft options of their irons and woods. He then asked me what course I normally play and he told me the pro there can custom order anything I want. I had to tell him that the pro at this course wouldn't no a super peening from a crazy straw and you expect me to pay his 5% on top of your retail. He gave me the, that's the brakes speech. I will continue to play Wilson until the Pi7s no longer work but I may move to another brand after....
[/quote]

Forgive me, but I do not understand your complaint.

You tell the rep that you aren't happy about the lack of custom shaft options.

The rep tells you that you can get whatever shafts you want, just order them from your local shop.

You aren't happy because you would have to pay an upcharge for the custom shaft option? Do you expect to get a custom option for free?

What does the local pro not having any shaft knowledge have to do with anything? Also, are you begrudging the local pro for charging you the upcharge for a custom shaft option, which he would do for any other manufacturer?
[/quote]

I'm fine with paying a custom shaft upcharge but if I can order through TGW or Discount Dans I don't have to pay retail, plus the shaft upcharge, plus the pro shops 5% handling fee. Shaft knowledge plays a role when I ask for Nippon 1150 hardstepped and he orders Super Peening Reds because they were both Nippon products.

Hope that clears it up....
[/quote]

Yes, it clears it up. You have a beef with your local pro not being knowledgable about shafts and charging you the retail price, not with the W/S rep.
[/quote]

My beef is actually with Wilson golf not allowing RETAIL outlets such as TGW, Discount Dans, Edwin Watts, etc to have the ability to order me products with upgraded shafts. I have NO problem with paying retail plus the shaft upcharge but unless you haven't purchased anything in a pro shop lately the pro more often than not takes the retail price, plus the up charge and tacks on his 5% commission. That's why most people opt for buying their Pro V's from retail market as opposed to paying $15 a sleeve in the pro shop. Even though the pro at my course gets a piece of the carts he still tries to make some cash through merchandise.

Now I would hope that the rep and Wilson Golf would recognize that not every pro shop has a head PGA or Assistant PGA that has the club knowledge that you'd hope to get from a dedicated sales rep or from a Retail Outlet who's sole job is to sell golf merchandise.

[stage1350]

I'm not illiterate nor a newbie and I still say that it is 100% their job to know everything about EVERY product they rep or sell.

If that's too tough for them, so be it. The world needs ditch diggers too... [/Judge Smails]

[luxman]

[quote name='Mookie91' timestamp='1303418712' post='3174580']
[quote name='luxman' timestamp='1303311347' post='3170540']
[quote name='Mookie91' timestamp='1303266987' post='3169483']
[quote name='luxman' timestamp='1303221962' post='3167110']
[quote name='Mookie91' timestamp='1303167045' post='3165518'] If that wasn't bad enough I made the comment that I have like Wilson's new direction but can't believe the lack of custom shaft options of their irons and woods. He then asked me what course I normally play and he told me the pro there can custom order anything I want. I had to tell him that the pro at this course wouldn't no a super peening from a crazy straw and you expect me to pay his 5% on top of your retail. He gave me the, that's the brakes speech. I will continue to play Wilson until the Pi7s no longer work but I may move to another brand after....
[/quote]

Forgive me, but I do not understand your complaint.

You tell the rep that you aren't happy about the lack of custom shaft options.

The rep tells you that you can get whatever shafts you want, just order them from your local shop.

You aren't happy because you would have to pay an upcharge for the custom shaft option? Do you expect to get a custom option for free?

What does the local pro not having any shaft knowledge have to do with anything? Also, are you begrudging the local pro for charging you the upcharge for a custom shaft option, which he would do for any other manufacturer?
[/quote]

I'm fine with paying a custom shaft upcharge but if I can order through TGW or Discount Dans I don't have to pay retail, plus the shaft upcharge, plus the pro shops 5% handling fee. Shaft knowledge plays a role when I ask for Nippon 1150 hardstepped and he orders Super Peening Reds because they were both Nippon products.

Hope that clears it up....
[/quote]

Yes, it clears it up. You have a beef with your local pro not being knowledgable about shafts and charging you the retail price, not with the W/S rep.
[/quote]

My beef is actually with Wilson golf not allowing RETAIL outlets such as TGW, Discount Dans, Edwin Watts, etc to have the ability to order me products with upgraded shafts. I have NO problem with paying retail plus the shaft upcharge but unless you haven't purchased anything in a pro shop lately the pro more often than not takes the retail price, plus the up charge and tacks on his 5% commission. That's why most people opt for buying their Pro V's from retail market as opposed to paying $15 a sleeve in the pro shop. Even though the pro at my course gets a piece of the carts he still tries to make some cash through merchandise.

Now I would hope that the rep and Wilson Golf would recognize that not every pro shop has a head PGA or Assistant PGA that has the club knowledge that you'd hope to get from a dedicated sales rep or from a Retail Outlet who's sole job is to sell golf merchandise.
[/quote]

I'll go back to thinking your beef is with the pro shop at your course. My club's pro shop will match the prices of retail stores.

[Anakinn]

He could tell you, but he'd have to kill you right after..

[J_Tizzle]

[quote name='bub72ck' timestamp='1303042830' post='3161324']
Can we ge some t-shirts that say "GolfWrx- making company reps uncomfortable since 2005"?
[/quote]

+1

[LeftyWoods]

I have REALLY enjoyed this topic, LOL.

[Asleep]

[quote name='bub72ck' timestamp='1303042830' post='3161324']
Can we ge some t-shirts that say "[b]GolfWRX- making company reps uncomfortable since 2005[/b]"?
[/quote]
Good one.

As a member here you're going to know more about what's going on behind the scenes at OEMs than most of their employees. Just the way it is.

[Hey Bob]

Wasn't the current FG Forged sometime as a Proto in Harringtons bag?!
So the question goes, when does they replace it? It's from 2009.
Is it going to be replaced with Kevin Streelmans FG Proto 6's or is that going to be another model?
[url="http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/437433-wilson-fg-proto-6-spy-pics-and-proto-wedge/"]http://www.golfwrx.c...nd-proto-wedge/[/url]

Edit: oh i found this in the same thread
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs387.snc3/23636_347797847674_55676157674_3698827_2166948_n.jpg