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
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