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Wednesday, September 11th
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.
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.
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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