Sports Equipment: Keeping it Affordable
By Michele Blandino
Having kids that play sports can be a rewarding experience on many levels. For the child, it provides the opportunity to form new friendships, learn the importance of teamwork and get regular physical activity. And, the kids aren’t the only ones who benefit; many families forge new friendships through their children’s participation in team sports that last long after the final whistle has sounded.
Having a child that participates in sports can also be expensive, particularly when the sport is hockey, football or even one of the martial arts, due to the large amount of costly protective equipment required. And, considering the rate at which kids grow, these expenses typically aren’t limited to one-time outlays.
Fortunately, there are ways to inexpensively outfit your child without sacrificing safety. Here are a few ideas:
- Visit Second Hand Shops - Second hand stores can be a treasure trove for shoppers looking to outfit their young athletes. While you may have some luck at your local Salvation Army Thrift Store or Goodwill Store, there are also second-hand shops that specialize in used sports equipment. One such store is Play it Again Sports. With 500 stores located in North America, Play it Again Sports specializes in hockey, golf, snow sports, baseball and softball and fitness equipment. Shoppers at Play it Again Sports can expect to save anywhere from 20% - 60% off retail prices.
- Check out Online Auctions - Many parents are successful finding real bargains at online auctions such as Ebay and Yahoo Auctions. As with all online auctions, the secret to success here is to know exactly what you are looking for and then set a ceiling price. Once that price is set, do not go over it, no matter how tempting the deal may seem.
- Organize Your Own Sale - Many organizations offer a valuable service to other parents by holding an annual “used gear” sale. There are a number of ways this can work; one option is to have parents donate their used equipment to the organization who, in turn, sells it to parents looking to outfit their kids. Under this scenario, the organization benefits from the proceeds. Another option is to hold a pre-season “flea-market” in which parents bring items to sell themselves.
- Take Advantage of Off Season Sales - If you’re not too anxious to buy used equipment, many of the major retailers have end-of-season sales where you can save up to50% (and sometimes more) off the retail price. Dick’s Sporting Goods and The Sports Authority are two such retailers. To find the best bargains, be sure to visit their “outlet pages”. If you choose to go this route, be sure to allow for your child’s growth between the time you make the purchase and the time the equipment will be used.
As in any buying decision, you should take the time to thoroughly research the available options to ensure you buy the right product because in most cases, you won’t be able to return your purchase.
