I've
seen this in the musical instrument business where an overseas manufacturer
makes identical copies of US instruments that are never directly imported to the
US - every so often some of these will find there way into the US
market....
I also
wanted to comment on the 'Zuno irons you discussed.... I was quite
suprised that one of the folk here could see the value in a club like this -
these irons cannot be duplicated outside of what you bought at any price.
Granted you'll put the real finishing touch on them - custom shafts, loft, lie,
and grips to fit the player, but the heads themselves are worth the price
of admission. Of course this is not true with every OEM, but in this
case you get what you pay for....
Althought they'd be no help for a lefty, I recently sold a set of
'Zunos that several tour players still use - a Japan-only issued head that
was a staple in the Zuno tour van for over 10 years. Not too often that
you see a 10+year old set of heads only (they are in great condition though)
sell for about $35 each used....
Pat
K
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of Harry F. Schiestel
Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2003 7:26 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: ShopTalk: Real Clones from ChinaHi Pat KYou nailed it. That is exactly what is happening. When more than 1 foundry wants to make the identical copies, they merely duplicate the OEM tooling, another set for the 2nd or 3rd foundry. They are just selling to business travellers coming into China, so they themselves are not doing the export of goods to the USA or Canada. As you alluded, no infringement. Travellers don't dig too deep to find the source, just pack an extra $200 USD. For 14 or 15 clubs (and a matching golf bag) we can't even purchase the high end components (shafts, heads) for that amount. :>)Thanks Harry S-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of The Kelley's
Sent: December 20, 2003 5:28 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: RE: ShopTalk: Real Clones from ChinaIf these companies are not importing these clubs into the US, the OEMs have zero recourse on the production of 'identical clones'. All of the potential infringements are specific to the sale of these clubs in certain (mainly the US) countries. If someone buys a set of clubs in China then personally bring them over, there is no infringement. And, since these heads are all made in China now, it's no surprise that truly identical copies can be obtained through connections at the right foundary. In all likelyhood they're not copies, but the real deal simply sold out of the foundary back door.Pat K-----Original Message-----In a message dated 12/20/03 3:33:01 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2003 3:57 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: ShopTalk: Real Clones from China
A lot of these executives will never play the game well, they just
wanta look the part. They make far too much money to even practice.
Yup! Those are the guys who demand that "this purchase was also covered by an
unconditional
> lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship PLUS a 12 stroke
reduction
> warranty with a set buyback price for 12 years!"
Tom's post regarding this situation should also be kept in mind. The problem is not that prolific and is being addressed by the proper authorities. I hope you get to do some of the repair business on these sets! I'll take the rest!
Arnie
