Mystery Shopping...

While out shopping with my family a few weeks ago, I chanced upon a sports shop specialising in tennis equipment. I saw someone stringing rackets there too. So I stepped in to check out the latest gear.

Without asking what I was looking for, my level of play, or for whom am I intending to make a purchase, he pointed towards the BLX Pro Staff Six.One 90 (link) and recommended me to buy it.

"It's Roger Federer's racket!" 
"It's on sale now. Only S$XXX and with your string of choice!" 
"You should get it."

I have not even uttered a word! Clad in a round-neck T-shirt, bermudas and beach sandals, I certainly do not even look like a tennis player at all. Let alone trying to handle a 90 square inch tennis racket!

My first impression of this man and his shop is sealed.

I smiled, took up the racket for a closer look and asked what strings would he recommend with this racket. He replied nonchalantly that it's my choice. He cannot decide for me. So I asked how long he has been stringing. "Over twenty years" he replied. And he could recommend a racket within seconds but not strings?

Trying to hide my disgust by smiling more cheerfully, I asked what strings and tension is most commonly requested for the BLX Pro Staff Six.One 90 racket. "All sorts. Some asked for synthetic gut at 40+ lbs. Several full poly at about 65 lbs. All depends."

He caught me staring at some wood rackets in the shop and started telling me how similar the BLX Pro Staff and wood rackets would play.

"You like wood rackets?"
"Then you'll definitely like the BLX Pro Staff! They play exactly the same. You have to do all the work. Both rackets have NO flex. They are absolutely completely stiff. Full swing does it!"
"How? You want to buy?"

I thanked him for his advice and left.

I can understand they are running a business. There is a need to make profits. But isn't it detrimental to their reputation to push ill-fitted and inappropriate equipment? How many re-visit a shop that sold them a lemon? And full poly strings in a 90 square inch racket at 65 lbs?

Whatever you are shopping for, please be diligent and do your research before committing. Caveat Emptor!