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Thanks to the convenience of online shopping, finding the perfect baseball equipment has become more popular and accessible than ever. There are tons of places for fans and players to pick up their baseball necessities. Online retailers not only offer convenience but also ensure that players have access to the latest and most innovative baseball apparel and gear, helping them hit that grand slam.
On top of being able to compare top-notch gear side by side, customers can also pick out custom items (bats, gloves, and more) depending on where they shop. A well-crafted bat, the perfect mitt, reliable cleats, and a comfortable uniform can make a world of difference in a player's confidence and skill (and don't forget the baseball socks so you don't get hurt sliding home). If getting that made-for-you equipment is a top priority, there's definitely an online baseball retailer that can help.
Saturday, March 22nd
In 1999, Better Baseball opened its doors in the Atlanta area, becoming a premier supplier for baseball. With an extensive range of products, they have solidified themselves as a go-to destination for all baseball and softball needs.
Diverse selection of name brands
Partnering with major brand names like Wilson, Rawlings, Marucci, Louisville Slugger, Easton, New Balance, Adidas, DeMarini, Mizuno, and more, Better Baseball takes pride in offering a diverse selection. Apart from their retail superstore and online shop, they provide custom team uniforms at discounted rates, offering dedicated account managers and an in-house graphic design team to assist customers.
Fun and colorful UI with great filters
At first glance, Better Baseball's website comes across as a colorful and fun place to shop. With a full range of items including baseball bats, gloves, clothing, training gear, field equipment, and any kind of ball-related item you might imagine, Better Baseball has whatever you need. The site is super easy to navigate with the buttons on the top menu, and when you get to a product you're interested in, the filters are amazing for narrowing down your options. You can limit products by sport (baseball or softball), products that are approved for different sport levels, items exclusive to the site, brand, price, material, and even more specific filters for particular products like barrel length or drop length for baseball bats.
Competitive selection
There's tons of inventory at Better Baseball, so to be able to accurately compare the prices here against other retailers, we focused on three key items: baseball bats, baseball gloves, and cleats.
Overall the prices are competitive and there are regular sales at Better Baseball that make even high-end items more affordable.
Price match guarantee
At Better Baseball, you can always be sure to get the best price with their unbeatable price match guarantee. If you find a qualifying item at a lower price from another retailer, Better Baseball will not only match that price but also reward you with BB Bucks on every order. To be eligible for the price match, the item must be available in the exact model, size, and color, sold by a manufacturer-approved seller, and priced above the cost of the manufacturer. This ensures that customers can confidently shop knowing they will receive the best deals on the exact products they desire.
Free shipping on all orders
Better Baseball offers a hassle-free shipping policy, providing free shipping to the contiguous 48 United States. The offer is valid for UPS Ground shipping, and customers don't need any coupons to take advantage of this benefit. As long as the order is shipped to a single address within the eligible states, there is no minimum purchase required to qualify for the free shipping offer. This policy makes it convenient for customers to shop without worrying about additional shipping costs, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for all baseball enthusiasts across the United States.
1-year window for returns
When it comes to returns, Better Baseball provides a customer-friendly return policy on unused items with a generous 365-day window. To initiate a return, customers need to provide proof of purchase from Better Baseball. However, please note that out-of-wrapper or used items are not eligible for returns. It's important to be aware that Better Baseball reserves the right to make the final decision on accepting returns or exchanges.
Top scores from BBB and reviewers
While you might think Better Baseball sounds too good to be true, you don't have to worry. Better Baseball has a full "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau to back up the company's reputation. And while there aren't a ton of third-party sites with reviews for Better Baseball, there are 1,000+ reviews on Google which average a solid 4.9 stars out of 5. According to customers, the service experience at Better Baseball is top-notch. On top of that, customers love the products, with repeated reviews praising the quality of bats, gloves, and all manner of gear at Better Baseball.
Better Baseball hits a home run
Better Baseball has established itself as a top-notch destination for all baseball and softball enthusiasts. With a wide range of products from major brands, a user-friendly website with excellent filters, and competitive prices, they cater to players of all levels and needs. Better Baseball's unbeatable price match guarantee, free shipping, and hassle-free return policy provide added value and convenience for shoppers. With top scores from the Better Business Bureau and positive reviews from customers, Better Baseball proves to be a reliable and trusted retailer, making it a go-to choice for all your baseball and softball needs. For these reasons, this service is a grand slam and our top choice for baseball equipment.
Baseball Monkey, a division of MonkeySports Inc., is a well-established sports gear retailer that has been in the game since 1999. Not limited to just baseball, they also offer a wide range of hockey, softball, and lacrosse equipment, catering to athletes of various sports. What sets them apart is their "MLB Fanzone”, which keeps baseball fans informed about the latest happenings in the sports world. Whether it's major events in baseball or updates on the newest and hottest gear hitting the market, Baseball Monkey ensures fans stay in the loop.
Cluttered but useful
While customers can conveniently search for gear based on categories like senior league, youth and juniors, and t-ball equipment, the overall first impression of Baseball Monkey is a little bit cluttered. When it comes down to finding what you need, there isn't any problem, but the site design could be a little more user-friendly regarding visuals. There's a lot going on, so it can be hard to get started. However, they provide detailed gear guides, helping customers make informed decisions and find the perfect equipment tailored to their specific needs. So, while there's a lot of info it's super helpful to find what you need.
Amazing range and competitive costs
One striking feature of Baseball Monkey is the enormous variety they offer in their inventory. From every size and style to various types of baseball equipment, they have it all covered. In order to accurately compare the pricing at Baseball Monkey to other baseball equipment retailers, we decided to check out the pricing for three key items: bats, gloves, and cleats.
Overall, the prices are highly competitive, starting reasonably low, and include custom items for baseball pros or superfans.
Price match guarantee
At Baseball Monkey, they're committed to providing top prices. If customers find a lower price from an authorized online retailer on the same product that is currently in stock on their website, they will match the lower price. However, certain conditions must be met for the price match to be valid. The item must be available on both the competitor's website and theirs at the time of the price match request, and the price and availability must remain the same until the verification is completed. The competitor must be an authorized online retailer for the specific brand, and they must directly sell and fulfill the item.
1-year returns on new items
Notably, Baseball Monkey boasts an incredibly generous return policy. Customers can return new and unused items within a whole year of purchase, which is one of the most accommodating policies among baseball retailers. However, it is important to note that there is no stated return policy for items that have been opened or used, so make sure your items are in like-new condition in order to qualify for this return. Still, this 365-day window makes Baseball Monkey an ideal place to shop ahead of time for baseball-related gifts.
Top score from the BBB
During our research, we found that Baseball Monkey is owned by MonkeySports Inc. This is the company name that holds the page for Baseball Monkey on the Better Business Bureau. Given all the benefits of shopping here, we weren't surprised to see that Baseball Monkey's parent company has an "A+” rating from the BBB. However, we were surprised to see that Baseball Monkey doesn't have a lot of presence in terms of third-party reviews. So, if you're looking for customer feedback about this retailer, it's hard to find. However, the "A+” BBB rating does say a lot about Baseball Monkey's reliability, which is exciting to see.
Baseball Monkey steals second
In conclusion, Baseball Monkey stands out as a top-notch destination for both novice and seasoned players alike. They not only offer quality baseball equipment but also provide opportunities to score excellent deals, as well as offer long-term returns and price matching. With a customer-friendly approach and a diverse array of products, Baseball Monkey earns our #2 spot as an equipment store that's reliable and a go-to choice for baseball enthusiasts seeking top-quality gear at great prices.
Scheels has an interesting origin story. It all began with Friedrich A. Scheele, a German immigrant, who planted potatoes in Sabin, Minnesota. With the money earned from the first harvest, he started a small hardware and general merchandise store, laying the foundation for Scheels.
30 stores across 13 states
Now, Scheels has become a well-known retailer with 30 stores in 13 states, offering a wide range of sporting goods, clothing, shoes, and more from famous brands. What makes Scheels unique is its dedication to people and the communities it serves. Each year, they donate a significant portion of their profits, about 8-10%, to organizations in those communities.
Tons of items and great organization
If you want a user-friendly website with a modern design and eye-catching interface, Scheels is the perfect choice. They have a top bar displaying the main baseball equipment items with pictures for easy navigation. These include the basic necessities like bats but also include clothing, fun extras, and accessories. Additionally, you can use the side list and various filters to narrow down your search based on your preferences. Though the site doesn't show the exact number of available items, there are more than 64 pages filled with baseball equipment of every shape, size, and purpose.
Good options and competitive pricing
With such a huge inventory, we were excited to get into the pricing at Scheels. In this review, we checked out the pricing at Scheels for three key products: baseball bats, baseball gloves, and cleats.
The prices at Scheels are very competitive and fall in line with the options at competing retailers.
100% satisfaction but you pay for shipping
Scheels has a customer-friendly return policy called the "100% Satisfaction Guarantee." This means that if you're not entirely happy with your purchase, you can exchange or get a refund for the item. There's no strict time limit for returns or exchanges because the focus is on meeting customers' needs. However, keep in mind that shipping costs won't be refunded, and you can only return items in their original condition. If you've opened an item and can't return it to a physical store, you'll have to pay the shipping costs.
Price matching with assistance
Scheels is dedicated to matching prices if customers find a better deal elsewhere. To qualify for the price match, the item must be the exact same brand, model/style, size, and color. Scheels' Customer Service team will also help verify other requirements, such as ensuring the retailer is authorized to sell baseball equipment, making it easier for customers to qualify for the price match.
Some items have rebates
Scheels provides rebates on certain items to help customers save money on sports equipment, which can be quite expensive. These rebate offers can be found on the Scheels rebate page and are subject to change periodically. Checking the page regularly is recommended to see if there are any rebates available for items you're interested in. For instance, at the time of this review, Scheels offered rebates of up to $100 on select crossbows, GPS devices, and clothing items, though they may include baseball equipment in future rebates.
Great reputation for customer service
Scheels has an excellent reputation according to both the Better Business Bureau and third-party review sites. The BBB gave Scheels an impressive "A-" rating, which is higher than many competitors. Additionally, the company received an average star rating of 4.3 out of 5 from verified customers. Shoppers appreciate Scheels' reasonable prices and find their customer service to be highly satisfactory. Even in cases where there were issues with orders, Scheels efficiently resolved them to the customers' contentment.
Scheels has taken third
Scheels is undoubtedly a heavy-hitter for baseball equipment. It receives impressive ratings and reviews from customers who enjoy shopping there. Their prices are competitive, catering to both casual players and those seeking professional-level gear. With a customer-focused price match guarantee and rebates to make items more affordable, Scheels stands out as a one-stop shop for sports gear. For these reasons, it slides into third place in this review and is definitely worth browsing for baseball equipment.
Baseball Express, under the ownership and operation of Team Express, was founded in 1990. They are a well-established company selling equipment for various sports, including softball, football, basketball, and, of course, baseball.
Wide array of products
When it comes to baseball gear, Baseball Express is your one-stop shop. They offer a wide array of products, from custom uniforms, helmets, gloves, bats, and other essentials to a vast collection of baseball accessories. The main brand they feature is Adidas, but you can also find reputable brands like Easton, Louisville Slugger, Mizuno, and more. Regardless of age or skill level, Baseball Express caters to players of all backgrounds, ensuring they have everything they need to play their best.
Easy to find what you need
The website is super easy to navigate. You can easily choose from the various baseball gear items listed across the top of the home page which include key items like bats, gloves, helmets, catcher's gear, bags, and even custom items. On top of the baseball items, the website also has a sister site that focuses entirely on softball. So, whatever you need for your next ball game (of any kind) you can find it easily here.
Tons of detailed filters
In terms of filters, the Baseball Express options are extremely detailed. There are 8 different kinds of bats under the "category” field, and then there are also filters for free shipping, gender, the specific sport, size, color, and when the items were made. It's clear that Baseball Express knows the sport from how they organize their products for baseball enthusiasts and players to find what they need.
One-stop shop for gear
To accurately compare Baseball Express to other retailers, we checked out the pricing across three different products: baseball bats, gloves, and cleats.
While the prices here start higher than some other retailers, the wide variety of pro, men's, and women's gear makes this an excellent one-stop shop for baseball gear of any type. It's also worth noting that Baseball Express has a "deals” section and clearance options, so if you check in from time to time, some of those more expensive major league products are often on sale.
Free shipping on $99+
One of the perks of shopping with Baseball Express is their free shipping option. While you do need to spend $99 to qualify for the free shipping, that's not hard to do if you need any amount of baseball gear. Even some single items cost over $99, so it's fairly easy to score free shipping from this retailer.
Returns within 30 days
On top of the free shipping available at Baseball Express, they also have a competitive return policy. Baseball Express offers a 30-day window for customers to return items for free. While they don't provide free return labels, their "free" return policy means they won't charge a restocking fee for products sent back, so customers will only be in charge of covering return shipping.
Customers say the cost is worth it
It's important to consider various aspects before deciding where to shop, and Baseball Express is no exception. According to the page for Baseball Express' parent company, Team Express, Baseball Express has received a full "A” rating from the BBB. On average the company has received a 4-star rating average across different third-party review sites. Shoppers have praised the company's prompt shipping and helpful customer service team. Reviewers particularly liked being able to shop for deals or use the clearance section to get high-quality items at competitive prices.
Great one-stop shop
There's no doubt that Baseball Express boasts an impressive inventory of baseball equipment. They have slightly higher starting prices than some competitors, but overall, the value for your money is worth it according to reviewers. Further, with deals and sales regularly, it's easy to get what you need at a reasonable price. As a one-stop shop, Baseball Express is highly impressive. However, their return policy (which asks customers to pay return shipping) isn't as competitive and they don't have a price match guarantee. Still, Baseball Express is a great place to check out for baseball and softball gear.
In 1946, Franklin Sports was founded by Irving H. Franklin and his brother Sydney Franklin. They had a unique idea to focus on a single athlete, Joe Namath, in their product line.
Partnered with sports figures
Over the years, Franklin Sports has partnered with renowned sports figures like Sugar Ray Leonard, David Robinson, Dan Marino, and Barry Bonds. Their collaboration with Phillies Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt resulted in the creation of preferred batting glove designs for many major league hitters - establishing Franklin as a leading batting glove company, providing custom-fit gloves for MLB players. However, if you're looking for products other than gloves, Franklin isn't going to be the best bet for you.
Clean site with solid filters
Franklin's site is easy to navigate, with a variety of sports gloves available. Further, if you use the search bar it is possible to find a few bats or extras, though these are primarily for kids or training purposes. There are no true baseball bats available at Franklin. Their largest selling point is batting gloves, which has a section entirely to itself. However, there are fielding gloves available as well, as well as options for softball or t-ball. There are a variety of filters to use including the category of gloves, the price, the size, and the color. Finally, for pros who want the perfect fit, there is a completely custom section of the site where you can buy a glove built for you.
Lower costs but low inventory
For most retailers, we looked at the same three items to get a clear idea of competitive pricing. However, since Franklin is limited to gloves and accessories, we'll only focus on gloves for this part of the review. It's important to note that we are specifically comparing fielding gloves with other retailers, but Franklin also specializes in batting gloves, so we'll add the prices for that type too.
30-day returns
To make sure that customers like their purchases, Franklin offers a 30-day return policy, starting from the original purchase date. Please note that worn merchandise cannot be returned. This means customers need to be careful to keep their gloves in like-new condition if they want to receive the promised refund, and all returns undergo inspection upon arrival. Finally, shipping costs are non-refundable - which isn't ideal.
90-day warranty doesn't cover shipping
On the bright side, Franklin does provide a 90-day limited warranty policy, beginning from the original purchase date and requiring proof of purchase (receipt or order confirmation). There aren't any details about what items qualify for the warranty or what situation might call for the warranty to take care of your items. And, Franklin will not cover return shipping for items under warranty either.
Scores top marks with BBB
While there aren't really any reviews out there for Franklin Sports Inc. (the company that owns the Franklin brand) other than a handful of reviews on Facebook, the company does have a presence on the Better Business Bureau. Franklin has an impressive "A+” rating from the BBB. It also has a 3-star average from reviewers on the BBB, but this isn't as significant as the score only comes from 2 total reviews. While we love the "A+” rating we do wish there were more customer reviews talking about Franklin as a company.
Good but limited to gloves
While the company has a good reputation and decent prices as well as a popular name-brand known in the sports industry, those things aren't enough to really make Franklin stand out. The biggest reason? It's missing the one-stop shop vibe you'll get with most of the other retailers in this review. However, if you're in the market for a new glove (custom or otherwise) Franklin is the place to shop. So, for this reason, it gets a solid middle-range score. It's definitely worth a look for your next fielding or batting glove, but if you're looking for a variety of baseball equipment options, you may want to browse one of our higher-rated retailers.
While a tire-selling company isn't the first option for buying sports gear of any kind, Academy Sports + Outdoors has moved well past its 1938 origins and into the sports and outdoor gear market. With over 2,000 different products for baseball-related products, it's clear that Academy Sports is no longer a tire shop. On top of their online retailing market, they have more than 250 physical stores spread across the United States, making it easy for customers to shop online and pick up their purchases at a nearby store.
Competitive stock and great filters
Academy Sports has a user-friendly website that makes navigation easy, and they have a competitive range of items related to baseball. At the time of this review, they had a total of 2,243 products under the baseball category including bats, helmets, gloves, cleats, clothing, and training gear. Academy provides a range of items for adults and kids, showing that this is one of the sports categories where Academy Sports really excels. In terms of browsing, the experience is a breeze with basic categories for major baseball products as well as extra filters for brand, price, rating, deals, and color.
Huge selection for baseball
In order to get a clear cost comparison at Academy Sports, it's important to look at their prices for a few different baseball items. So, we checked out bats, gloves, and cleats.
With such a wide range of prices, as well as t-ball, kids, and pro-level gear, there seems to be something at Academy Sports for everyone.
5% off if you find the same item cheaper elsewhere
One notable feature offered by Academy Sports is their price guarantee. This means that if you find an identical product on a competitor's website, they will match the price. To qualify for the price match, the item must be in stock (at both websites) at the time of purchase, and the advertised price should be current and valid. It should also not be a promotion from a third party. When customers meet these conditions, Academy Sports aims to provide excellent value by giving them a 5% price reduction on the matched item. It's important to note that rather than promising to match the cheaper price exactly, Academy Sports only offers to reduce their price by 5%, which may or may not make it cheaper than the competing item.
60-day returns and store credit
If you're worried about returns, you don't have to be. Academy Sports allows customers to make exchanges or return items within a 60-day period. If you made your purchase with cash or check, you will receive a cash refund. For transactions made with debit or credit cards, the refund will be credited back to the same card. Additionally, if you don't have the original receipt or packing slip, you can still get merchandise credit for your return. However, it's important to remember that cash refunds require the original purchase receipt.
Customers complain about used items
If you're wondering about any red flags at Academy Sports, unfortunately, there is one: according to the Academy Sports listing with the Better Business Bureau, there is a warning for the company. According to the BBB, Academy Sports has received disputes about the company's practices from unhappy customers, and customers have complained about misleading and deceptive sales tactics, such as receiving used items instead of new ones. Furthermore, Academy Sports has only been given a "C+" rating by the BBB due to these complaints. There are also concerns about negative customer service experiences and interactions with the employees. So, compared to other baseball equipment retailers that have a much stronger reputation, Academy Sports falls behind.
Low ratings affect their overall score
While perks like 60-day returns and a price match guarantee may seem great, as well as competitive inventory and pricing, it's important to keep the company's reputation in mind when you make a final decision about where to shop. According to customers, shopping at this baseball equipment store might lead to a disappointing outcome. On top of that the concerning warnings from the BBB keep this option from being as competitive as it could be. You might want to consider looking into other well-known retailers that value customer satisfaction to make sure you're all set to play ball.
Founded in 1962 by visionary leader Sam Walton, Walmart has become a household name in the retail industry, serving millions of customers across the US. Known for its comprehensive one-stop-shop approach, Walmart offers diverse products, including an extensive selection of baseball gear. From top-notch bats and gloves to trendy apparel, Walmart provides high-quality items at competitive prices, making it an attractive destination for sports enthusiasts and shoppers alike.
Good UI...
As a major retailer, Walmart gets plenty of in-store traffic from shoppers Yet, with the popularity of online shopping, Walmart has also created a robust online store. They have modern filters and the ability to choose either ship-to-home or picking up your items locally in-store after ordering them on the website.
...but missing some baseball features
The only thing that's a little less user-friendly at Walmart than other retailers on our list is that all of their baseball equipment is put in one place. There are some filters at the top of the screen to pick out particular items, but they aren't as apparent right away. These do allow customers to select bats, apparel, gloves, training gear, and baseballs among other items. The other filters along the left side of the screen aren't specific to baseball, but related to all of the myriad of items sold at Walmart. So, you'll be missing out on some filters like bat length or drop length that you'd get at other baseball-focused retailers. Sometimes, it's easier to find what you need by just using the search bar.
Not all items are sports-quality
In terms of pricing, we checked out three basic baseball must-haves to compare Walmart's prices to other baseball retailers.
While the prices here are competitive, they're not any lower than other retailers in this review; however, there are definitely more products in each category. Still, it's clear that not every product is actually useful in terms of true baseball equipment. Some items are more appropriate as toys than sports gear.
90-day returns with free shipping
Walmart offers a 90-day return policy that applies to items bought at Walmart U.S. stores, Walmart online, Walmart Business, or from Marketplace sellers on the Walmart website. Within 90 days of purchase, customers can exchange or return items either in-store, by mail for free, or through a scheduled home pickup. To process the return, customers need to provide their in-store receipt or proof of purchase online.
Shipping is free with Walmart+
Recently Walmart has started a subscription service that provides free shipping, among other fantastic perks. Included in Walmart+ is the ability to save over $500 annually. All orders qualify for free shipping, including free next-day and two-day shipping on eligible items With a vast selection of qualifying items, this perk offers significant value and convenience for members. So, if you already do your weekly shopping at Walmart, joining Walmart+ can help you save on baseball equipment and shipping costs.
Customer ratings makes us say "yikes”
In terms of company reputation, Walmart has earned a perfect "A+” from the Better Business Bureau. However, reviews on and off the BBB site are extremely mixed. On the BBB, Walmart only has an average star rating of 1 out of 5 with 1,000+ total reviews from different customers. From other third-party review sites like Trustpilot Walmart only has 1.5 stars out of 5, but a more middle-ground rating of 3.2 out of 5.
Unhappy Walmart experiences
Customers complain that the customer service at Walmart isn't up to snuff with rude employees and customers feeling like no one cares about their needs or concerns. Shoppers who ordered online complain that the packages are often damaged. The few customers who did like shopping at Walmart usually mentioned the low prices. However an overwhelming majority of customers are very unhappy with their Walmart experiences - but how much of that would actually wind up impacting a purchase of baseball equipment? That's hard to say.
Okay as a retailer but not focused on sports
While Walmart can be a convenient place to shop if you want to swing by a local store, the fact that Walmart doesn't focus particularly on baseball is a significant drawback for browsing. And, while prices are competitive overall, the consistent negative feedback from customers is a huge red flag for us. Walmart might have an "A+” rating from the BBB, but if you hate shopping there and can't find the quality you want, it's not worth your time. For this reason, Walmart gets an average score as a retailer for baseball equipment. Overall, it's better to go with a store that focuses on baseball, or at least sports gear in general. On the other hand, if you really want to shop local or already have a Walmart+ membership, it may still be worth shopping for baseball gear here.
Since 2005, Baseball Savings has been under the operation of Golf Warehouse, Inc. Baseball Savings offers a wide range of featured brands like Rawlings, Mizuno, Wilson, Nike, Easton, and others at affordable prices. Their strategy revolves around regularly adjusting the prices on the site to ensure they maintain lower prices than their competitors. If customers find products at Baseball Savings priced higher than identical products in another store, the company pledges to match the price to keep customers satisfied.
Clean UI and good filters
One of the standout features of Baseball Savings is its user-friendly online shopping platform. The website is designed to facilitate easy navigation, with all product categories further divided into subcategories for quicker access. The list of categories includes apparel, bats, shoes, gloves, catchers' gear, bags, protective equipment, balls, various accessories, and softball gear, catering to the diverse needs of baseball players and enthusiasts. There are also filters for materials, brand, size, price, year, and even more specific filters for each type of item (like bat length for baseball bats).
Costs start higher than some retailers
To make sure that the cost is worth what you're getting at Baseball Savings, we checked out their pricing on baseball bats, gloves, and cleats.
Overall, the "savings” at Baseball Savings doesn't seem to be any cheaper than other retailers, which is something to keep in mind.
30-day limited returns
According to the Baseball Savings website, the company offers 30-day returns or exchanges. However, this policy is only for new and unused items. Further, some customers have encountered issues when trying to return uniforms and apparel that didn't fit, as customer service deemed these items "used" and denied the return. Moreover, others have faced unexpected restocking fees, slow shipping times, and multiple charges to their accounts after making a single purchase, so the return policy here may not be one you want to bank on.
Free shipping on orders $99+
Baseball Savings offers free shipping if you spend enough money. The threshold at this retailer is $99, which is competitive with other companies that offer similar deals for free shipping. However, it's important to note that there are some exclusions to this, so double-check your cart before you submit your order to make sure all your items count towards the $99 total.
Price match guarantee
On top of free shipping, Baseball Savings promises to also match the prices if an item is found for less at another retailer. It's important to note that there are only a select few retailers that qualify for the price match. These are listed on the Baseball Savings website and include Justbats, Justgloves, Academy, Baseball Express, Baseball Monkey, Epic Sports, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Amazon.
Disappointing reviews
While Baseball Savings itself currently holds an unrated status from the Better Business Bureau, its parent company Golf Warehouse Inc. is doing much better. Currently, Golf Warehouse Inc. holds an impressive "A-” rating from the BBB. Unfortunately, in terms of reviews, Baseball Savings doesn't do nearly so well. It's only reviewed on Sitejabber and one other verified third-party site, and the ratings are extremely disappointing. The ratings between the two sites only show Baseball Savings as having a 1.3-star average out of 5 stars.
Unsatisfactory client experiences
Some customers complained that the site photographs are misleading as to what is actually part of a purchase. Others said that shipping is incredibly slow. Still more reported that the quality of the items they received wasn't anywhere near what they expected based on what they paid. Considering these red flags, it may be safer to try another retailer before you hit up Baseball Savings.
Low-rated for customer feedback
For some shoppers who are looking for a huge variety, Baseball Savings might be worth considering. However, it's essential to be aware of potential challenges regarding customer service and return policies. Further, shoppers here often don't think that the quality is high enough, and with prices that aren't any more competitive than other options in this review, Baseball Savings doesn't exactly stand out.
For almost four decades, DICK'S Sporting Goods has been a well-known spot to pick up a variety of fitness and sports items. The company has a rich history, starting with an ambitious 18-year-old named Dick Stack who grew his business from a small Army surplus store in New York.
Both online and in-store shopping
Now, DICK'S Sporting Goods aims to inspire and equip athletes of all levels through their physical stores, online platform, and mobile app, offering a wide range of sporting goods, outdoor gear, and (of course) baseball equipment. And if you're an in-person shopper, there are plenty of brick-and-mortar locations, providing options for shoppers who want to avoid shipping or try products before buying.
Good website but missing some organization
DICK'S Sporting Goods' website is well-designed and easy to navigate, with sales prominently displayed for easy access to discounted items. The best thing about DICK'S is that it offers a wide range of sports gear, making it a convenient one-stop shop for families with diverse sporting interests. However, a clear button specifically for baseball on the landing page would improve user experience, as the current location of the baseball section under the sports tab may not be immediately obvious to some shoppers. Further, the listings under the spots tab aren't alphabetized, so you do have to do a little searching to find baseball among the other sports. Once you get to the items you need, though, there are plenty of filters and options to narrow down your baseball gear to the perfect items.
Competitive rates and a wide variety
To accurately compare prices at DICK'S Sporting Goods, we examined DICK'S offerings for three essential baseball products: bats, gloves, and cleats.
Overall DICK'S Sporting Goods has an impressive range of products, and competitive prices considering their very large variety
90-day returns for online purchases
DICK'S Sporting Goods has a generous return policy for most products, offering a 90-day window for returns with valid proof of purchase. However, items purchased at DICK'S Sporting Goods Warehouse locations have a 45-day return period. Customers with valid proof of purchase will receive a refund to their original payment method, while returns without proof of purchase will receive a store credit for the lowest selling price. This store credit can only be used for in-store purchases. On the other hand, there is a bonus with DICK'S that you don't have to return items in "like-new” or unused condition to qualify for a refund or store credit.
Price match guarantee from DICK'S
To be sure customers get the best prices, DICK'S offers a price-matching service. If a customer finds the same product sold at a lower price by another retailer, they can request a price match from customer service. To qualify, the product must be an exact match in brand, model number, color, and size, and available at a qualifying store or website. However, there are some exclusions, like markdowns during special daily and hourly sales, which do not qualify for the price match.
Poor reputation with customers
Despite DICK'S Sporting Goods having a wide selection of baseball equipment and a user-friendly website, we hesitate to recommend them due to the numerous customer complaints and their low rating from the Better Business Bureau. The company received a very upsetting "F” rating, which raised a huge red flag. Such negative feedback raises concerns about potential issues with the company. Many customers gave DICK'S a 1-star rating, expressing frustration with high shipping rates and a complicated return process.
Good for in-person shopping
Despite DICK'S Sporting Goods offering a wide range of baseball equipment (like 400+ bats) and competitive prices, it falls short of our expectations due to frequent customer service-related issues reported by shoppers. It is disheartening to see such problems with a well-known company that has a large number of physical stores and a vast selection of baseball equipment. Considering these concerns, we advise shopping with higher-rated online retailers instead. However, if you prefer the convenience of having an in-person store to back up your online order, you might still want to explore DICK'S Sporting Goods - it makes for a great place to try on gloves and cleats especially if you've got little league players.
If you're looking for a clean and modern website, Epic Sports is not the one for you. This site looks like it was built in the early 2000s and hasn't been updated since. Beyond that, there isn't much history for Epic Sports.
Customers find what they need
The site caters to a bunch of different sport types and offers gear ranging from baseball, basketball, and football to other sports like cheer, swimming, and even just some fan gear. However, don't let the old-fashioned styling put you off. According to customers, this one-stop shop is actually a good place to get exactly what you need with a huge variety to browse and buy.
Site needs an update desperately
Right off the bat (see what we did there?), there aren't any modern perks on this website. The text is small, the items are a little disorganized, and while there are functional filters to help you narrow down your baseball equipment, the polish is missing all over the site. With issues that include slow load times, Epic Sports doesn't stand out as a fun place to browse or buy.
Not as many items available
Considering some of these drawbacks, we needed to check out the price next. To see how Epic Sports stacks up against other retailers, we checked out the prices for baseball bats, gloves, and cleats.
Returns within 30 days but refunds are slow
Epic Sports has a return policy that allows for refunds, excluding defective items. However, returns must be completed within 30 days of receiving the item. After receiving the return, it may take up to 15 days for your refund to be processed. If refund checks or any other checks issued by Epic Sports are not cashed within 90 days of issue, they become null and void and will not be re-issued. Overall, the process is pretty long and drawn out for a return here, so if you're looking for something quick and easy Epic Sports isn't going to be it.
No price match or free shipping
While we were able to dig up a return policy from the Epic Sports' FAQ page (after a lot of scrolling), there just wasn't anything there about price matching or even a free shipping threshold. Compared to other baseball equipment retailers who offer both of those things, Epic Sports really doesn't stand out from the pack.
Surprisingly high ratings
We were pleasantly surprised, however, to see that Epic Sports has a fairly good rating from the Better Business Bureau. According to the BBB, Epic Sports has earned a "B-” rating overall. Further, and even more impressive, shopper reviews for Epic Sports show that the company has an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 on the BBB site itself (with 1,000+ individual reviews). And on SiteJabber, the company has well over 300,000 total reviews (yep, you read that right!) and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars total.
Rave reviews for Epic Sports
Customers praise the selection at Epic Sports and note that they find everything they need while shopping for sports gear. Others called the pricing "fair” and noted that the shipments were quick. So, don't judge the book by its cover with Epic Sports - customers say it's worth your money and your time.
Doesn't stand out despite ratings
Despite the rave reviews (and lots of them), we still don't feel super confident about Epic Sports. Compared to other baseball equipment retailers, there are fewer items in stock here and with no price match guarantee or free shipping. With those omissions, this site just can't compete with our top (or even our middle-range) options. For this reason, the company gets only 2 stars from us. However, if the site is updated and more modern features - like increasing selections and price matching - are instituted, Epic Sports has the potential to be very competitive overall.
Online baseball equipment shopping has gained tremendous popularity over the years for a multitude of compelling reasons that revolve around convenience, variety, price competitiveness, and accessibility, among other factors. This transformation in consumer behavior is indicative of the broader shift towards e-commerce and digital retail, reflecting the unique advantages it offers to baseball enthusiasts and players alike.
Who doesn't love the convenience of shopping 24/7? This is another big reason driving online baseball shopping popularity. Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar stores, online platforms are open 24/7, letting you shop at your own convenience, breaking free from the constraints of operating hours. This is particularly beneficial for busy people who might not have the time to visit physical stores during regular business hours. Moreover, the ease of browsing and purchasing from the comfort of one's home or using a mobile device has redefined the shopping experience. Online stores provide detailed product descriptions, reviews, and sizing charts, which let you make informed decisions without the need for in-person assistance.
Of course, the immense variety of baseball equipment available online is another attractive feature to shopping online. Website retailers often boast extensive catalogs, featuring a wide array of baseball equipment options. This includes various brands, models, and sizes of bats, gloves, helmets, cleats, and other accessories, catering to diverse preferences and needs. Considering factors like right- vs. left-handedness, height, and shoe size becomes essential in selecting gear that suits each player's unique needs. This wide selection means that you can easily compare and find products that suit your specific requirements, whether you're shopping for amateur players, professionals, or simply fans of the sport.
Baseball, often referred to as America's pastime, is a huge part of the country's sports and cultural history. The sport has been host to legendary players like Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, Lou Gehrig, and Hank Aaron, whose contributions inspired generations of athletes. Throughout the years, baseball has become hugely popular, with millions of people jumping in either as players or avid fans.
According to data from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), around 9.6 million kids aged 6 to 17 years old, and about 12.5 million adults aged 18 and above join in the sport every year. From Little League to college ball to the NBL, baseball is a favorite with people of all ages. Whether you're a little league parent, part of a local baseball team, or somebody looking to go pro, you know that athletes need more than just talent and dedication; they require the best equipment for their sport.
With so many places out there to get baseball equipment online, it can feel like there are just too many good options out there to decide. If you're not sure where to start, we've got the bases covered for you.
Here are some factors to consider to help you decide which online baseball equipment store is best for your needs:
To make your next baseball game a home run, Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and rated the best options for buying baseball equipment on the market today. We hope this helps you take the stress out of shopping online and get back to enjoying this all-American pastime!
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