How to Sell Golf Clubs Online: The Complete 2025 Guide

Learn how to sell golf clubs online with expert tips on pricing, photos, shipping & more. Get top dollar for your used golf gear and fully understand the simple process of how to sell golf clubs online.

Published: August 8th, 2025 | Clubsy Blogs

If you’ve got golf clubs sitting in the garage, a driver you’ve upgraded from, or an old set of irons that no longer sees the course, you may be holding onto more value than you think. Thanks to modern online marketplaces, selling golf clubs is no longer just for retailers or professional resellers. Everyday golfers are listing their gear online, connecting with buyers all over the world, and earning far more than they’d get from a local trade-in.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through:

How to prepare and clean your golf clubs before listing
How to photograph them for maximum buyer interest
How to price your clubs for the best return
Which platforms are the best places to sell golf clubs online
How to ship golf clubs safely and securely to buyers
Common mistakes to avoid so you get the best possible resale value

The difference between selling for top dollar and letting your clubs go for less comes down to knowing how to sell golf clubs online the right way. This guide will walk you step-by-step through preparing, pricing, listing, shipping, and selling your clubs, so you can get the highest possible return with the least amount of hassle.

Why Selling Golf Clubs Online Beats Trading Them In

If you walk into a golf shop or sporting goods store with your old clubs, you’ll often be offered a “trade-in value” on the spot. While it’s convenient, this is almost always the lowest possible price. The store needs to resell your club at a profit, which means they buy it from you at a steep discount.

Example:

Let’s say you have a one-year-old TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver that retailed for $500.

A store might offer you $225–$240 in trade-in credit.
Recent online sales of the same model, in similar condition, are going for $350–$365.

That’s a difference of $110–$140 in your pocket just for selling it yourself online instead of trading it in. Multiply that by a set of irons, wedges, and a putter, and you could be talking about hundreds of extra dollars.

Benefits of Selling Golf Clubs Online:

Reach More Buyers – Instead of relying on local foot traffic, you can connect with thousands of golfers nationwide.
Get Higher Prices – Direct-to-buyer sales typically net 20–50% more than trade-ins.
Convenience – List, sell, and ship from the comfort of your home.
Niche Marketplaces – Platforms like Clubsy and 2nd Swing attract serious golfers who know what they want.

Step 1: Gather and Inspect Your Clubs Before Listing

Before you list your clubs, you need a complete understanding of what you have and what condition it’s in.

Start by gathering all the clubs you want to sell. This might be a single driver or a full set, but either way, you should evaluate each one individually.

Checklist for Inspecting Your Clubs:

Check clubheads for scratches, dents, or worn grooves.
Inspect shafts for rust, bends, or dings.
Look at grips for slick spots, cracks, or excessive wear.

Record the following details for your listing:

Brand and model
Loft (for woods and wedges)
Shaft type (steel or graphite) and flex (regular, stiff, etc.)
Grip brand and type
Any custom modifications

Why this matters: Buyers are far more likely to purchase from sellers who provide detailed, accurate descriptions. Knowing your club’s exact specs makes your listing stand out as trustworthy.

Step 2: Clean and Prepare Your Clubs

A clean, well-presented golf club doesn’t just look better — it sells faster and often for more money. Presentation is everything in online selling, and you want buyers to see your club at its best.

How to Clean Irons and Wedges:

Fill a bucket with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap.
Dip only the clubhead into the water — avoid soaking the shaft.
Use a soft-bristle brush or toothbrush to scrub the grooves and sole.
Rinse with clean water and dry with a microfiber cloth.
If you have stainless steel heads, consider using a light polish to restore shine.

How to Clean Woods and Hybrids:

Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe the crown, sole, and face.
Avoid abrasive cleaners — they can scratch painted surfaces.
Dry immediately to prevent water spots.

How to Clean Grips:

Dampen a cloth with warm soapy water.
Wipe down the grip, scrubbing lightly to remove dirt and oils.
Dry with a towel and let air dry completely before storing.

Pro Tip: If your grips are cracked, peeling, or excessively worn, replacing them before selling is worth the investment. A $10–$15 regrip can increase perceived value and make your listing more appealing.

Step 3: Take High-Quality Photos That Sell

When selling online, buyers can’t physically inspect the club your photos are their first impression. Good photos increase trust and make your listing stand out.

Photo Checklist:

Full-length photo of the club from head to grip.
Close-up of the clubface showing grooves.
Close-up of brand and model markings.
Photo of the shaft label and grip.
Any visible wear or imperfections (always be honest).

Lighting Tips:

Natural daylight is best for showing accurate colors.
Avoid harsh shadows by shooting on a cloudy day or in indirect sunlight.
Use a clean background — white, gray, or green turf works well.

Pro Tip: If possible, photograph your clubs on artificial turf or grass to give them a professional, golf-related context without distracting from the club itself.

Step 4: Research and Set the Right Price

Pricing is the most important factor in whether your clubs sell quickly or sit unsold for months. The key is to price competitively while leaving room for negotiation.

Where to Check Pricing:

PGA Value Guide: Gives trade-in and resale estimates.
eBay Sold Listings: Search your exact model, then filter for “Sold Items” to see what buyers actually paid.
Golf-Specific Marketplaces: Platforms like Clubsy often have a “recently sold” section.
Local Marketplaces: Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp can show what buyers are willing to pay in your area.

Example: If eBay shows recent sales of your driver between $350 and $370, list yours at $379 with free shipping. This puts you at the higher end but still competitive.

Step 5: Choose the Best Place to Sell Golf Clubs Online

Not all selling platforms are created equal. Here are the main options:

1. Golf-Specific Marketplaces

Examples: Clubsy, 2nd Swing, GlobalGolf.
Pros: Targeted audience of golf enthusiasts.
Cons: May have listing or transaction fees.

2. General Online Marketplaces

Examples: eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist.
Pros: Large audience reach.
Cons: More competition from unrelated items.

3. Trade-In Programs

Examples: PGA Tour Superstore, Golf Galaxy.
Pros: Fast, guaranteed sale.
Cons: Lower payout compared to direct sales.

4. Local Selling Apps

Examples: OfferUp, Letgo.
Pros: No shipping required.
Cons: Limited local buyer pool.

Step 6: Write a Winning Product Description

Your listing description should be concise, honest, and packed with the information buyers care about.

Include:

Brand & Model
Loft
Shaft Type & Flex
Grip Type
Condition (with details)
Any modifications or customizations

Example:

TaylorMade Stealth Plus Driver, 10.5°, Fujikura Ventus Red Shaft, Stiff Flex, Lamkin Crossline Grip (new), Excellent condition with minimal wear. Includes original headcover.

Step 7: Handle Payments Safely

A smooth sale doesn’t end when the buyer says “I’ll take it.” The payment stage is where mistakes can lead to lost money, scams, or frustrating disputes — especially when selling to strangers online.

Using Platform-Integrated Payments

If you sell through a platform like eBay, Clubsy, or 2nd Swing, they handle payment collection for you. This usually means:

The buyer pays the platform, not you directly.
Funds are released to your account once the transaction is confirmed.
The platform provides built-in buyer/seller protection. This is the easiest and safest route for most sellers, especially beginners.

Selling Independently

If you’re selling directly through social media or to a buyer you found outside a marketplace:

PayPal Goods & Services – Best option for seller protection; includes dispute resolution if something goes wrong.
Venmo Business Profile – Offers more transparency and certain protections for goods sales.
Stripe Invoicing – Allows you to send a professional invoice and accept card payments.

Avoid:

Wire transfers (no recourse if something goes wrong).
Personal checks (risk of bouncing after shipment).
“Friends & Family” payment options (no protection for either party).

Pro Tip: Never ship an item before payment has cleared into your account, no matter how convincing the buyer seems.

Step 8: Ship with Confidence

Once payment is in, it’s time to get your club to its new home safely. Damaged shipments can mean refunds, bad reviews, and lost profit, so a careful packaging process is non-negotiable.

Choosing the Right Packaging

Single Clubs: Use a USPS Priority Mail golf club tube, UPS golf club box, or a custom-cut box.
Sets: Use a long, reinforced cardboard box (often available at golf retailers) or purchase a specialty club set shipping box online.

Step-by-Step Packaging for a Single Club

Wrap the clubhead with 2–3 layers of bubble wrap or foam padding.
Use packing tape to secure padding without sticking tape to the club directly.
Slide the club into the box or tube, butt-end first.
Fill empty space with crumpled packing paper or air pillows to prevent shifting.
Seal all openings with strong packing tape.

Shipping Services and Costs

USPS Priority Mail: Best for shorter distances; includes tracking.
UPS Ground: Reliable for both single clubs and sets; often cheaper for longer distances.
FedEx Ground/Home Delivery: Great for heavy or long packages like full sets.

Pro Tip: Always purchase insurance for the sale value of the club. It’s inexpensive and protects you if the package is lost or damaged.

Step 9: Communicate with Buyers

Great communication is the difference between a smooth transaction and a stressful one. Even if your listing is perfect, staying in touch after the sale reassures the buyer and can lead to better reviews (and repeat customers).

Before the Sale

Respond promptly to inquiries, ideally within a few hours.
Be polite and professional, even if you receive a lowball offer.
Answer questions thoroughly — buyers often ask about shaft length, swing weight, or grip thickness.

After the Sale

Confirm payment has been received and let the buyer know when you’ll ship.
Provide tracking information immediately after shipping.
Check in 1–2 days after delivery to ensure they’re happy with the purchase.

Example Message After Delivery:

“Hi [Buyer Name], I saw your package was delivered yesterday — just wanted to check in and make sure everything arrived safely and in the condition you expected. Thanks again for your purchase, and happy golfing!”

Pro Tip: Keep all communication inside the selling platform’s messaging system so you have a record in case of disputes.

Step 10: Avoid Common Mistakes

Even experienced sellers can trip up if they get complacent. Here are the pitfalls to avoid:

Overpricing

It’s natural to want top dollar, but overpricing can cause your listing to sit for weeks or months.
Monitor competing listings — if similar clubs are priced significantly lower, buyers will pass you by.

Underpricing

Pricing too low may mean a quick sale but at the cost of lost profit.
Always check recent sales data before setting your price.

Poor or Incomplete Photos

Buyers make judgments in seconds — blurry, dark, or cluttered images are a deal-breaker.
Think like a buyer: would you purchase a club you can’t see clearly?

Vague Descriptions

A listing that just says “Good condition” doesn’t tell buyers enough.
Include specs, condition details, and any upgrades or accessories.

Ignoring Shipping Costs

Free shipping is attractive, but you must factor it into your price.
Underestimating shipping can wipe out your profit, especially for heavy iron sets.

Pro Tip: Keep a simple spreadsheet of what you paid for each club, what it sold for, and shipping/fees. This helps you price smarter in the future and track profitability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Should I sell my clubs individually or as a set? If your clubs are from a matching set, selling together can bring a higher price. Otherwise, individual sales often yield more per club.

Q: How much does it cost to ship a golf club? In the U.S., expect to pay $15–$25 for a single club and $30–$60 for a set, depending on distance and carrier.

Q: Do older clubs have resale value? Yes — collectors, beginners, and budget-conscious golfers often buy older models.

Q: How do I know if I’m being offered a fair price? Compare recent sales on eBay, check PGA Value Guide, and browse similar active listings. If an offer is well below average, counter or wait for a better one.

Q: Can I sell internationally? Yes, but be aware of customs forms, international shipping rates, and potential duties for the buyer. This can increase costs and delivery time.

Q: What’s the best time of year to sell? Spring and early summer are peak buying seasons as golfers gear up for play. Listing during these months usually leads to faster sales and higher prices.

Q: Should I offer returns? If selling through eBay, returns may be required depending on your settings. Returns can increase buyer confidence but also add risk — weigh the pros and cons for your situation.

Q: What’s the safest payment method for independent sales? PayPal Goods & Services offers the best balance of buyer and seller protection. Avoid unprotected payment methods like PayPal Friends & Family or wire transfers.

Q: How should I handle lowball offers? Respond politely, thank them for the interest, and counter with a fair price. Staying professional keeps your reputation strong.

Q: Can I sell clubs with cosmetic damage? Yes, as long as you disclose the condition clearly in photos and the description. Many buyers are fine with cosmetic wear if the club performs well.

Final Thoughts

Selling golf clubs online is one of the easiest and most profitable ways to clear out your unused equipment and make space for something new. By following this step-by-step process — cleaning, photographing, pricing, choosing the right platform, and shipping carefully — you can consistently get top dollar for your gear.

When you’re ready to list, start by checking our Golf Club Resale Value Guide to make sure you’re setting the right price, then put your clubs in front of buyers who are looking for exactly what you have.