Equipment for a New Club

[spiff]

Hello, I am starting a fencing club at my college and I am trying to get fencing gear to start the club. I am looking for basic sets: jackets, foils, gloves, and masks. If anyone is willing to donate gear or knows where good quality gear can be purchased at a price that is realistic for a college club that is just starting, please let me know. We'll have somewhat of a limited budget at the beginning so we're looking for the best deals we can possibly get. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[TodG]

Hello, I am starting a fencing club at my college and I am trying to get fencing gear to start the club. I am looking for basic sets: jackets, foils, gloves, and masks. If anyone is willing to donate gear or knows where good quality gear can be purchased at a price that is realistic for a college club that is just starting, please let me know. We'll have somewhat of a limited budget at the beginning so we're looking for the best deals we can possibly get. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Starting up is somewhat costly. Check with vendors Like Absolute. Many offer club discounts. When I looked into getting old equipment I found that most of what was available was old and in poor repair and not worth the bother.

[spiff]

That's one thing I'm worried about. I have asked Absolute and they usually run a discount for clubs. I just want to cover all the bases so that I know that I'm not missing anything that could help us out.

[Applesauce and Foils]

Blue-Gauntlet, www.blue-gauntlet.com is a good quality vendor at reasonable prices. They offer beginner sets (w/out bags, the club doesn't need bags to carry it in) for around $100 a piece, before the club discount. They offer a 20% club discount.*

For our club startup, I purchased 10 sets, had a few donated, and have managed to squeeze it all into two large, rolling golf cases with wheels. These can be bought at Academy Sports for $64 each.

So startup cost for us was about $1000, give or take. We also are in the USFA. That was $275.

To protect the equipment, make rules about treating it right. No dropping masks, no bending up the foils. If you break a foil through carelessness, you just bought the club a new foil. }

Make 2 membership prices. One higher for students who use club gear, lower for those who own their equipment. It works.

Jackets should be hung up after use, instead of left in sweaty knots. Masks ought to be set out/hung up to air, too. I use lice-spray and Lysol in the club masks after every practice.

Mark all your equipment with club name. Number it too, and assign numbers to people. That way they can be somewhat independent in getting their gear. AND if someone walks off with something, you find the missing number, and the name that goes with it.

Don't undersell yourself! ( Mistake I made. ) Don't underestimate yourself either. Be a strong leader and remember you're the most influential person out there. Be positive and have fun!

AF

[Applesauce and Foils]

LOL! Forgot to include the *footnote of my last post.

BG offers their sets at 15% off already, so they round up to 20% off for group orders. It's only 5% more than usual. Make sense?

AF

[spiff]

Wow. That was a lot of info. But it was really helpful. We have looked at Blue-Gauntlet before and I think we decided on them for our source for gear. We're taking the plunge and applying for funding from the school. There's a good chance we'll get it, but there is a chance that we won't get all that we asked for. It's all good though. That's what fundraising is for. Anyway, thanks for all the help. If you have anymore ideas, let us know. Everything helps in someway. And I'll be sure to let you know how final approval goes. Fingers crossed!

[Applesauce and Foils]

Good, I'm glad y'all are going to go through with it. Hope you get the needed funds.
Um, advice. . . just really don't undercharge.

AF

[spiff]

I just wanted to add that because you mentioned making equipment rules, I was able to add an entire new section to the club guidelines. So again, thank you. And again, fingers crossed!

[Applesauce and Foils]

Yay! Taking care of the equipment is so important. Just hold people to those rules, now.

AF

[spiff]

Oh we will. They have to agree to all the rules via written contract before the join. And the final paperwork is in! Now to sit back and wait for the word.

[Applesauce and Foils]

Cool! If you build it, they will come. . .