Purchasing trends in 2020
Where you buy your ski and snowboard gear and how you get started can have a big impact on how much you enjoy skiing and snowboarding and how much you get into it. As of 2020, when you think about buying gear, you have two options: find it online or go to a shop
There are three types of shops. First, sports specialty stores with multiple locations nationwide. Second, highly specialized pro shops with owners and staff with deep knowledge and experience. Third, online e-commerce stores. Recently, there has been an increase in stores that have online stores in addition to physical stores
You can buy gear at any of these places, and each has its own benefits
See the benefits of three different shop formats
■Pro Shop
Price △
Product Quality ◎
Team ◎
Support ◎
Pro shops are characterized by their strong local presence. They stock products that reflect the owner's intentions and passion. Because the owners and staff are skiers themselves, it's easy to gather highly specialized and in-depth information, and it's easy to deepen connections with other users. Once you get involved, it's easy to make friends. Also, since there are shop riders and riders they're friendly with, it's easy to get lessons and advice. It's highly recommended for those who are serious about improving their skills.
Because they carry products with limited production numbers based on the owner's philosophy, they don't compete on price. However, many shops offer value beyond the price, such as thorough follow-up after purchase, including ski waxing services, binding installation, and boot setting.
Recently, it's not uncommon to find pro shops located near ski fields, so if you frequent the shops in each area, you might get detailed information about the snowy mountains, or be told about good restaurants and hidden spots.
■Sports specialty store
Price: Good
Product Quality:
Excellent Team: Good
Support: Good
Because it operates nationwide, it boasts a large selection of products across a wide range of price points and sizes. Even if you don't have a specific item in mind, you can compare many products and enjoy the process of choosing. Furthermore, the number of staff with specialized knowledge and experience has increased recently, making it easier to get advice on your selection.
However, the level of interaction between shop staff and other users is not as high as in professional shops. Active communication is necessary to make friends. Occasionally, the shop hosts tours and workshops, providing opportunities for users to connect with each other.
■EC Store
Price ◎
Product Quality △
Collaborators
✕Support ✕
Unlike the stores mentioned above, you cannot see or touch the actual products.
For example, you cannot try on or try on boots or clothing. Therefore, the actual color of the product may differ from the image shown. Also, for skis, binding installation may not be possible (binding adjustment is required by an SBB certified mechanic).
However, the low price is the biggest attraction. It is a great advantage for people who have already decided on their purchase gear, such as those who have already picked it out at a test ride event, or for those who do not have a shop nearby that sells the product. However, when purchasing online, you need to understand various conditions such as the return and exchange policy and shipping method.
Furthermore, the information and after-sales support that can be obtained from face-to-face sales or interactions with other users are almost non-existent.
summary
Looking at it this way, the environment for buying gear is now much more accessible. Not so long ago, highly specialized products were only available at pro shops and some chain stores. Gathering information was difficult. But now, with e-commerce stores, you can buy from anywhere in the world, and you can start even if there isn't a shop nearby.
Pro shops and sports specialty stores are still going strong, and we can see their efforts to incorporate the know-how of face-to-face sales into their e-commerce stores. In this era of living with COVID-19, it seems that smart shopping for gear to ensure we can continue skiing for a long time will become the new standard.
Let's find a shop that matches your needs from SPOT-SHOP