It's been a little more than six months since I re-started playing tennis.
I did not post every stringing or modification experiment. Some failed from the first hit. Others that seemingly were write-offs, played well after breaking-in.
Having a stringing machine helped expedite the process. I have found, or am very close to my ideal string setup. It only needs a little bit of fine-tuning for the different rackets I have, and perhaps to deal with the different styles of players I encounter too.
I am undecided what to do with this blog yet.
If you have some fanciful stringing ideas involving synthetic gut, please email me. I may try it and post the results.
Till then, enjoy your tennis safely, so that we can all play into our ripe old age.
Adios!
Wednesday, 29 May 2013
Sunday, 26 May 2013
String Death & A Little History on Poly Strings...
As far as I know, there has been a perpetual debate on whether nylon strings (like multifilaments and synthetic gut) go "dead".
Even among those who believe that nylon strings can "die", they carry very different notions of what happens.
Some claim a sudden loss of tension and hitting the balls out. Others feel their stringbed going flat and playing completely lifeless with little to no elasticity.
There are also some who believe nylon strings offer only about 10-15 hours of comfortable play, or storing the strung rackets in the trunk of a car parked in the sun hastens the strings' death.
So far, the best information I came across online was from a forum post. I think it explains string death extremely well.
For ease of reading, I have reproduced the post (link) below with permission from "TennezSport":
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's all about elasticity vs. resiliency in string that makes them perform the way they do. NG string has the highest level of both of these elements and thats why this string is by far the best string on the planet. Mathematically elasticity is the ability for a string to stretch and resiliency is the ability of a string to recover to it's original state.
The issue arises as no string is 100% resilient and cannot recover to 100% original state, so we see tension loss. With NG, multis and SG string the elasticity is high and the string will lose tension as resiliency is lost as we continue to play. This will continue until the string breaks or all resiliency is eventually lost and the string goes dead (for non string breakers). NGs resiliency is so high that it almost never loses it and will perform great until it breaks, after it settles in.
Poly and co-poly strings have very low elasticity and low resiliency, so they are stiff and lose tension quicker than they counterparts. Plus, poly/co-poly strings have a max stress point (varies by string makeup) where you can pull it so tight that the string plays dead from the beginning; it's surpassed it's resilient point and cannot recover at all; resiliency = 0 (kind of like when you bend a plastic card and suddenly see a whitish line at the bend; the line shows the plastic has exceeded it's recoverable state). Because you have a high stiffness index with low elasticity and resiliency in poly/co-poly string, stringing lower is crucial for the life and best performance from the string.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under the same topic, the forumer also mentioned about how and why poly strings came about. I think it is important to know.
Likewise, I have reproduced that post (link) below:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks SteveI and Timball for your kind response. However I cannot take all of the credit as the team here has spent a lot of time with some great string engineers to understand this mess. We recently spent a great week with Jay Cee where he dazzled us with his knowledge of poly/copoly string design; our heads were spinning.
Timball, you are asking very good questions and I will try to answer as best I can. JC told us that when they originally developed poly string it was for pro players only, durability was to be for one match or 6hrs max. Because of the higher stiffness index you could string lower and not lose control and it was harder to break, especially good for clay court players. The opinion at the time was for 5-10% lower tension than you would use for a NG or Multi/SG string. Tension loss was not a consideration because pros would restring almost daily.
However, when rec player heard about this "Magic String" that their fav players were using and they heard the word "Durable" they as you say "jump on it". Most poly manufacturers were not prepared for this and just sold the standard poly string as requested. The second problem was that most rec players did not adhere to the 5-10% reduction and strung at normal tension; elbow problems rose immediately. Several companies like Kirschbaum began to address this issue with the concept of copoly strings, trying to soften poly string and give them a longer playable life span for rec players. At one point Kirsch suggested not to string over 57lbs (25.9kgs). All companies are still searching for that soft, spinny, durable magic string today.
Finally to answer your last question, poly strings are better today and good for some rec players who understand that poly string has little more life than NG/SG/multi string in the sense of playabilty. You may not break the poly string but it does lose it's playable life faster than NG/SG/multi string. Poly string is good for you if it fits your game and your level of ability, as long as you understand how to properly use it and not hurt yourself. Hope this answers your question.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
JC, or Jay Cee is a forum name used by John Elliot. He is also known as the "Father of Polyester Strings". You can take it from him that he KNOWS what he is talking about.
I hope this clears the air for those in doubt.
Ultimately, re-stringing regularly and playing with fresh strings is to protect ourselves from unnecessary injuries. Why save that tens of dollars on re-stringing and risk spending thousands treating wrist/elbow pain later?
Enjoy your tennis safely!
Even among those who believe that nylon strings can "die", they carry very different notions of what happens.
Some claim a sudden loss of tension and hitting the balls out. Others feel their stringbed going flat and playing completely lifeless with little to no elasticity.
There are also some who believe nylon strings offer only about 10-15 hours of comfortable play, or storing the strung rackets in the trunk of a car parked in the sun hastens the strings' death.
So far, the best information I came across online was from a forum post. I think it explains string death extremely well.
For ease of reading, I have reproduced the post (link) below with permission from "TennezSport":
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's all about elasticity vs. resiliency in string that makes them perform the way they do. NG string has the highest level of both of these elements and thats why this string is by far the best string on the planet. Mathematically elasticity is the ability for a string to stretch and resiliency is the ability of a string to recover to it's original state.
The issue arises as no string is 100% resilient and cannot recover to 100% original state, so we see tension loss. With NG, multis and SG string the elasticity is high and the string will lose tension as resiliency is lost as we continue to play. This will continue until the string breaks or all resiliency is eventually lost and the string goes dead (for non string breakers). NGs resiliency is so high that it almost never loses it and will perform great until it breaks, after it settles in.
Poly and co-poly strings have very low elasticity and low resiliency, so they are stiff and lose tension quicker than they counterparts. Plus, poly/co-poly strings have a max stress point (varies by string makeup) where you can pull it so tight that the string plays dead from the beginning; it's surpassed it's resilient point and cannot recover at all; resiliency = 0 (kind of like when you bend a plastic card and suddenly see a whitish line at the bend; the line shows the plastic has exceeded it's recoverable state). Because you have a high stiffness index with low elasticity and resiliency in poly/co-poly string, stringing lower is crucial for the life and best performance from the string.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under the same topic, the forumer also mentioned about how and why poly strings came about. I think it is important to know.
Likewise, I have reproduced that post (link) below:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks SteveI and Timball for your kind response. However I cannot take all of the credit as the team here has spent a lot of time with some great string engineers to understand this mess. We recently spent a great week with Jay Cee where he dazzled us with his knowledge of poly/copoly string design; our heads were spinning.
Timball, you are asking very good questions and I will try to answer as best I can. JC told us that when they originally developed poly string it was for pro players only, durability was to be for one match or 6hrs max. Because of the higher stiffness index you could string lower and not lose control and it was harder to break, especially good for clay court players. The opinion at the time was for 5-10% lower tension than you would use for a NG or Multi/SG string. Tension loss was not a consideration because pros would restring almost daily.
However, when rec player heard about this "Magic String" that their fav players were using and they heard the word "Durable" they as you say "jump on it". Most poly manufacturers were not prepared for this and just sold the standard poly string as requested. The second problem was that most rec players did not adhere to the 5-10% reduction and strung at normal tension; elbow problems rose immediately. Several companies like Kirschbaum began to address this issue with the concept of copoly strings, trying to soften poly string and give them a longer playable life span for rec players. At one point Kirsch suggested not to string over 57lbs (25.9kgs). All companies are still searching for that soft, spinny, durable magic string today.
Finally to answer your last question, poly strings are better today and good for some rec players who understand that poly string has little more life than NG/SG/multi string in the sense of playabilty. You may not break the poly string but it does lose it's playable life faster than NG/SG/multi string. Poly string is good for you if it fits your game and your level of ability, as long as you understand how to properly use it and not hurt yourself. Hope this answers your question.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
JC, or Jay Cee is a forum name used by John Elliot. He is also known as the "Father of Polyester Strings". You can take it from him that he KNOWS what he is talking about.
I hope this clears the air for those in doubt.
Ultimately, re-stringing regularly and playing with fresh strings is to protect ourselves from unnecessary injuries. Why save that tens of dollars on re-stringing and risk spending thousands treating wrist/elbow pain later?
Enjoy your tennis safely!
Tuesday, 21 May 2013
Max Polarisation: Yonex RD-7 + Syn Gut @ 32lbs
If you have been following this blog, you probably would know one of my playing partner, "M", and his perpetual quest for "MORE SPIN".
This is the fourth Yonex RD-7 I'm working on in recent weeks. M really likes this frame. He's still searching for his ideal setup and has just given me a free hand to modify cum string this racket as I please.
So?
First things first --> Fact finding!
This chap has:
1. strong forearms,
2. strong wrists,
3. no history of wrist or elbow injuries,
4. decent spin but forever craves more,
5. a preference for polarised frames,
6. a preference for racket maneuverability over stability,
7. decent power but wants more plowthrough.
To me, he sounds like the perfect candidate for a polarised frame setup.
This stock RD7, unstrung, with original leather grip weighs 320g. To keep it fast and maneuverable, there's not a lot of extra weight I can play around with. The leather grip has to go. I'm targeting a final total weight of below 350g, including dampener.
The leather grip alone weighs 24g.
Next step is to get the racket strung. I've posted enough of racket stringing pics so I'll skip them this time.
Weight after stringing before grips, lead tape and dampener is 310g. I'll set aside 10g for grips and 5g for the dampener. That leaves about 25g for weight polarisation, balance/swingweight tuning and sweetspot adjustments.
Instead of using leather, a replacement grip or several wraps of overgrip, I am using the "foam" method. (link) That beefs up the size very quickly yet adds very little weight. See how thick and cushy it looks?
The slight bump in the grip is because I added about 10g of lead for polarisation.
Based on my calculations, about 12g are needed at the top of the frame to achieve a 32.5cm balance, move the sweetspot up and increase the swingweight.
Done! M just needs to plug-in his dampener.
Playtest:
- This racket is a spin machine!!!
- The extreme polarised weight at both ends almost swings itself from the momentum. We just need to start the racket going and it will carry on in the intended direction.
- Power is extremely good. At my receiving end, I do not recall M hitting so deep and hard so consistently. The racket generates the whip.
- Serves are impressive with the raised sweetspot and lead at 12. M's previous height record for kick-serves was up to my shoulder level. Today, several kicked up to my head level. I almost had to hit an overhead smash to return his serve. There's definitely a lot more power and spin with this setup.
- When I tried the racket, I can feel that I am moving faster with the polarised weight compared to my de-polarised PSC6.1.
- The only advantage of a polarised setup is that the frame plays a little stiffer. Momentum from the 12g at 12 stabilises the frame and I did not feel any flex in the racket even though it is only RA54.
- M likes it.
Strings:
Pro Supex Synthetic Gut Titan 1.25mm @ 32lbs
(one-piece)
(one-piece)
Tuesday, 14 May 2013
Wilson PSC 6.1 + Syn Gut @ 33 lbs (Varied Cross)
In Singapore, the weather is gradually getting hotter. Even in the early mornings when I play, temperature can reach mid-30s degrees Celcius (about high 90s degrees F).
Heat does strange things to strung racket strings. For unknown reasons, even when I did not get my natural gut wet nor damp, the string suddenly felt "rubbery". Lest you wonder, the rackets are not stored in a car boot but in a cabinet in a cool room.
Perhaps it's because I re-used the natural gut? (link1)(link2)
Anyway, I'm not about to budge from ELT anytime soon. With the open stringing pattern, the last straight-up 30lbs felt a little loose (link). So I'll try something a little higher at 33 lbs plus some proportional stringing in the crosses.
I will change the stringing slightly too. For this one-piece job, I'll leave the last mains on the long side. Then I'll start from the third cross on top to the last. Then fill the last main, second cross and first cross respectively.
The pic below should help you to visualise.
Other than varying tension, the other reason is to test whether tension holding improves by "sacrificing" the last main and top two crosses. From past ball fur pics, I don't hit with these two parts of the racket anyway.
Heat does strange things to strung racket strings. For unknown reasons, even when I did not get my natural gut wet nor damp, the string suddenly felt "rubbery". Lest you wonder, the rackets are not stored in a car boot but in a cabinet in a cool room.
Perhaps it's because I re-used the natural gut? (link1)(link2)
Anyway, I'm not about to budge from ELT anytime soon. With the open stringing pattern, the last straight-up 30lbs felt a little loose (link). So I'll try something a little higher at 33 lbs plus some proportional stringing in the crosses.
I will change the stringing slightly too. For this one-piece job, I'll leave the last mains on the long side. Then I'll start from the third cross on top to the last. Then fill the last main, second cross and first cross respectively.
The pic below should help you to visualise.
Other than varying tension, the other reason is to test whether tension holding improves by "sacrificing" the last main and top two crosses. From past ball fur pics, I don't hit with these two parts of the racket anyway.
For those who missed my earlier proportional stringing experiments using one-piece stringing, here are some links:
My objectives with this stringing, compared to the last straight-up 30lbs, is to:
- retain the extraordinary comfort and pocketing of ELT
- reduce spin slightly
- increase power slightly
- test if the new pattern can "lock-in" better tension maintenance
Playtest:
- I played this morning (18May), six days after the racket was strung.
- Tension holding is extremely good. For those who subscribe to the frequency measurement of string tensions, tension dropped only about 1.6 lbs in four days (unplayed) compared to immediately off the stringer.
- Tension holding is extremely good. For those who subscribe to the frequency measurement of string tensions, tension dropped only about 1.6 lbs in four days (unplayed) compared to immediately off the stringer.
- After about 75min of play today, tension dropped by another measly 0.3 lbs!
- Other than the frequency measurement, the stringbed felt tight throughout the session of play. I did not experience the "break-in" or tension drop normally felt after 20-30 minutes of hard hits.
- A lady playing partner tried the racket too and refused to believe this was strung at ELT of 33lbs! She enjoyed it so much that she is now regretting not heeding my advice to try ELT earlier.
- With the slightly shallower pocketing, spin decreased slightly but still way better than normal tensions.
- Directional "problems" I had with deep pocketing disappeared completely. This setup is "aim where go where", like a laser-guided missile.
- Comfort remains superb with a huge sweetspot.
- Power levels are very good too.
- All four objectives are achieved, with tension holding being the most impressive so far. I have never had a racket hold tension so well before!
- Just for comparison, 33 lbs in this 95 sq in (16x18) plays very close to 30 lbs in my 80 sq in (16x19). (link)
- Will monitor and update again before and after play the second time I use this racket.
20May2013 update:
- Tension after about 90min of play dropped by only 0.2lbs! This is probably as best as it gets! Amazing!
- The "tightness" I felt previously is still there. No dip in tension at all.
- Because of less pocketing, flat serves accuracy improved tremendously. However, I have to consciously aim slightly higher due to the lower rebound angle of the stringbed compared to at 30 lbs.
- Spin serves continue to carry very heavy amounts of spin. In the two sets I played, I used the flat serves only twice. The spin was good enough to be used as a first serve even though there was much less power than a flat. Because of that, I had only two double faults.
- Other than the frequency measurement, the stringbed felt tight throughout the session of play. I did not experience the "break-in" or tension drop normally felt after 20-30 minutes of hard hits.
- A lady playing partner tried the racket too and refused to believe this was strung at ELT of 33lbs! She enjoyed it so much that she is now regretting not heeding my advice to try ELT earlier.
- With the slightly shallower pocketing, spin decreased slightly but still way better than normal tensions.
- Directional "problems" I had with deep pocketing disappeared completely. This setup is "aim where go where", like a laser-guided missile.
- Comfort remains superb with a huge sweetspot.
- Power levels are very good too.
- All four objectives are achieved, with tension holding being the most impressive so far. I have never had a racket hold tension so well before!
- Just for comparison, 33 lbs in this 95 sq in (16x18) plays very close to 30 lbs in my 80 sq in (16x19). (link)
- Will monitor and update again before and after play the second time I use this racket.
20May2013 update:
- Tension after about 90min of play dropped by only 0.2lbs! This is probably as best as it gets! Amazing!
- The "tightness" I felt previously is still there. No dip in tension at all.
- Because of less pocketing, flat serves accuracy improved tremendously. However, I have to consciously aim slightly higher due to the lower rebound angle of the stringbed compared to at 30 lbs.
- Spin serves continue to carry very heavy amounts of spin. In the two sets I played, I used the flat serves only twice. The spin was good enough to be used as a first serve even though there was much less power than a flat. Because of that, I had only two double faults.
- Even my partner was astonished as how "tight" the stringbed felt. For once, he really believed that he could go lower than 33 lbs!
22May2013:
- Hit with this racket for about 90min again.
- Tension loss was a mere 0.1lbs after the game.
- The sweetspot has developed a darker shade due to string/ball friction. Pic below.
13Jun2013 update:
- I played with this strings for approximately another 3 hours since 22May and the tension remained the same. There was no more tension loss.
- Spin serves continue to amaze and comfort remains supreme.
- The acid test for me was whenever I was facing a challenging opponent during gameplay, I would always come back to use this stick. So I know the stringbed works well for me.
06Jul2013 update:
- After more than 12 hours of use, the strings has lost its liveliness.
- Pocketing has become shallower and power levels have dropped too.
- Ball contact feel is not longer crisp but "murky".
- Spin levels have dropped back to on par with conventionally tensioned rackets.
29Jul2013:
- Just for the fun of it, I played a game with this racket.
- The liveliness is definitely long gone but it is still playable.
- I noticed the string rebound has slowed too. So there is something like a "delayed effect" before the ball departs. But the duration is very very short.
- Out of mischief, I tried to time my "windshield wiping" to be in sync when the pocketing felt deepest. The result was hilarious!!! The ball travelled in a "n" shaped path and became a topspin lob with super heavy spin, kicking over my partner's head while he fumbled!!!
22May2013:
- Hit with this racket for about 90min again.
- Tension loss was a mere 0.1lbs after the game.
- The sweetspot has developed a darker shade due to string/ball friction. Pic below.
13Jun2013 update:
- I played with this strings for approximately another 3 hours since 22May and the tension remained the same. There was no more tension loss.
- Spin serves continue to amaze and comfort remains supreme.
- The acid test for me was whenever I was facing a challenging opponent during gameplay, I would always come back to use this stick. So I know the stringbed works well for me.
06Jul2013 update:
- After more than 12 hours of use, the strings has lost its liveliness.
- Pocketing has become shallower and power levels have dropped too.
- Ball contact feel is not longer crisp but "murky".
- Spin levels have dropped back to on par with conventionally tensioned rackets.
29Jul2013:
- Just for the fun of it, I played a game with this racket.
- The liveliness is definitely long gone but it is still playable.
- I noticed the string rebound has slowed too. So there is something like a "delayed effect" before the ball departs. But the duration is very very short.
- Out of mischief, I tried to time my "windshield wiping" to be in sync when the pocketing felt deepest. The result was hilarious!!! The ball travelled in a "n" shaped path and became a topspin lob with super heavy spin, kicking over my partner's head while he fumbled!!!
Strings:
Pro Supex Synthetic Gut Titan 1.25mm @ 33lbs
(varied crosses)
Saturday, 11 May 2013
Replacement Grips
My friends and I always wondered why replacement grips are so expensive.
If they lasted forever, like leather grips, then we would have no qualms parting with our cash. But very few stay cushy for long.
So far, the replacement grips I've tried all got "deflated" in just a few sessions of play. I would then have to add an overgrip to get it back to the correct size and tackiness.
This creates another problem with the racket's weight and balance. Over time, we ended up adding as much as 3 overgrips. On average, each overgrip weighs 6 grams. Three would make 18g.
In addition to the extra static weight, the balance would move down and become very head light. Swingweight remains, or increases very slightly. But the racket has becomes clumsy and slow to maneuver. (Try adding 18g to 370g...)
This got me thinking...
How about some insulation foam tape instead?
Let's see, it is...
- much cheaper than a replacement grip,
- available in different thickness,
- soft and cushy,
- retains its shape well,
- sweat absorbent,
- non-slip,
- easy to install and remove,
- dampens shock and vibrations,
...and most importantly, it is very very light!
Bingo!!!
This is another little secret of mine I'm sharing. Enjoy your savings!!!
14May2013 update:
I'm still experimenting with many different types of foam tape as a replacement grip.
Some dampened the feel too much even though vibrations are absorbed too. Others were too soft and the handle felt a little wobbly. It affected my confidence more than any directional control though.
Here's another one that I think suits my requirements very well. Take a look for yourself?
Given the thickness of the foam tape, there cannot be overlaps during installation. I pulled the foam tight and as close to the lines as possible.
I applied just one layer of overgrip directly on top of the foam. You can even SEE how soft and cushy it is!!!
Just as adding weight on the handle moves the sweetspot down, removing weight moves the balance and sweetspot up. The top third is exactly where I like my ball contact area to be!
For this racket, I replaced the replacement grip with foam and shaved 12grams. Balance moved up 0.9cm. I like it!!!
If they lasted forever, like leather grips, then we would have no qualms parting with our cash. But very few stay cushy for long.
So far, the replacement grips I've tried all got "deflated" in just a few sessions of play. I would then have to add an overgrip to get it back to the correct size and tackiness.
This creates another problem with the racket's weight and balance. Over time, we ended up adding as much as 3 overgrips. On average, each overgrip weighs 6 grams. Three would make 18g.
In addition to the extra static weight, the balance would move down and become very head light. Swingweight remains, or increases very slightly. But the racket has becomes clumsy and slow to maneuver. (Try adding 18g to 370g...)
This got me thinking...
How about some insulation foam tape instead?
Let's see, it is...
- much cheaper than a replacement grip,
- available in different thickness,
- soft and cushy,
- retains its shape well,
- sweat absorbent,
- non-slip,
- easy to install and remove,
- dampens shock and vibrations,
...and most importantly, it is very very light!
Bingo!!!
This is another little secret of mine I'm sharing. Enjoy your savings!!!
14May2013 update:
I'm still experimenting with many different types of foam tape as a replacement grip.
Some dampened the feel too much even though vibrations are absorbed too. Others were too soft and the handle felt a little wobbly. It affected my confidence more than any directional control though.
Here's another one that I think suits my requirements very well. Take a look for yourself?
Given the thickness of the foam tape, there cannot be overlaps during installation. I pulled the foam tight and as close to the lines as possible.
I applied just one layer of overgrip directly on top of the foam. You can even SEE how soft and cushy it is!!!
Just as adding weight on the handle moves the sweetspot down, removing weight moves the balance and sweetspot up. The top third is exactly where I like my ball contact area to be!
For this racket, I replaced the replacement grip with foam and shaved 12grams. Balance moved up 0.9cm. I like it!!!
Friday, 10 May 2013
Mystery Shopping 2...
I don't shop often. Like a typical male, I usually know exactly what I want, how much it costs and where to get it. If the cashier is fast, I'm usually in-and-out of the shopping centre in less than 10 minutes.
Friends in product marketing often ask how to reachimpatient "very focused" people like me. How to cross-sell and up-sell? What adverts can hold my attention?
It's simple...
Blokes like me do our research online, through magazine reviews or over beer/coffee with friends. Before we approach the shop, the decision HAS been made. So these marketing folks need to go upstream to reach us.
Just take a look at some of the food blogs in Singapore. The moment a nice review comes up, the crowd flocks!
So how is this related to tennis and mystery shopping?!?!
The sad truth is that physical shops have been relegated to mere "research points."
A lot of people go to shops to browse, touch, see and size themselves for the items they like. Then buy it online, 20-30% cheaper, delivered.
With the rising rents and labour costs, it is very clear how desperate shop keepers are for business. Just look at my first mystery shop. (link)
To go upstream, these shops need to go online. Join forum discussions. Get updated. Re-deploy traditional advertising expenses and use the budget to allocate rackets, strings, shoes and balls for live play-testing. Then sell these items at a discount.
From forums, groups can be arranged for "racket test days" or "string test days" and go mobile on weekends to tennis courts. Bring along a gadget. A serve speed radar or ball machine attracts crowds and can both be rented cheaply.
Or, organise group buys and help to bring in items not available locally. Another friend lamented that the range of tennis shoes available here is so pathetic. He bought his shoes online too.
They must also change their mindsets about phone enquiries! A doting father asked me to search for a particular frame and natural gut setup for his boy.
All the shops I called carried the frame. During my second or third question, three apologised that they could not speak any longer as their shops were busy. One put me on hold and I hung up after seven minutes.
Only one was patient enough to answer all of my four questions in detail. (He did apologise and asked if I mind him talking and stringing a racket simultaneously.)
Despite the more than one-hour travel from my place, I bought ALL of his stock for that model. And it was not a mere 3 or 4 pieces! He had to order some more!!! What a doting father right?
In just that 5 minutes telephone conversation, he converted his shop from a "research point" to a "distribution point" and sealed the deal.
All I spoke with are Singaporeans. True blue, born and bred here. I genuinely want to help these folks. But please, cultivate a little patience and humility and that S$2k+ deal would have been yours.
16May2013 update:
Barely five days after I posted this mystery shopping, the headlines of a tabloid in Singapore reported about the pathetic state of customer service.
Irony or fact? Please read for yourself...
Friends in product marketing often ask how to reach
It's simple...
Blokes like me do our research online, through magazine reviews or over beer/coffee with friends. Before we approach the shop, the decision HAS been made. So these marketing folks need to go upstream to reach us.
Just take a look at some of the food blogs in Singapore. The moment a nice review comes up, the crowd flocks!
So how is this related to tennis and mystery shopping?!?!
The sad truth is that physical shops have been relegated to mere "research points."
A lot of people go to shops to browse, touch, see and size themselves for the items they like. Then buy it online, 20-30% cheaper, delivered.
With the rising rents and labour costs, it is very clear how desperate shop keepers are for business. Just look at my first mystery shop. (link)
To go upstream, these shops need to go online. Join forum discussions. Get updated. Re-deploy traditional advertising expenses and use the budget to allocate rackets, strings, shoes and balls for live play-testing. Then sell these items at a discount.
From forums, groups can be arranged for "racket test days" or "string test days" and go mobile on weekends to tennis courts. Bring along a gadget. A serve speed radar or ball machine attracts crowds and can both be rented cheaply.
Or, organise group buys and help to bring in items not available locally. Another friend lamented that the range of tennis shoes available here is so pathetic. He bought his shoes online too.
They must also change their mindsets about phone enquiries! A doting father asked me to search for a particular frame and natural gut setup for his boy.
All the shops I called carried the frame. During my second or third question, three apologised that they could not speak any longer as their shops were busy. One put me on hold and I hung up after seven minutes.
Only one was patient enough to answer all of my four questions in detail. (He did apologise and asked if I mind him talking and stringing a racket simultaneously.)
Despite the more than one-hour travel from my place, I bought ALL of his stock for that model. And it was not a mere 3 or 4 pieces! He had to order some more!!! What a doting father right?
In just that 5 minutes telephone conversation, he converted his shop from a "research point" to a "distribution point" and sealed the deal.
All I spoke with are Singaporeans. True blue, born and bred here. I genuinely want to help these folks. But please, cultivate a little patience and humility and that S$2k+ deal would have been yours.
16May2013 update:
Barely five days after I posted this mystery shopping, the headlines of a tabloid in Singapore reported about the pathetic state of customer service.
Irony or fact? Please read for yourself...
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