WHY DIDN'T MY VENDOR TELL ME ABOUT THIS?

If you're buying from a soccer store, just look around and you'll have your answer

Brands like adidas and Nike (dominant in the soccer industry to the tune of about 75% market share) continue to jam sales programs down the throats of store owners. Sales programs tell you what product you must buy from them and in what quantities. They demand more and more shelf space and force owners to buy more and more product. It is endless. And, it has nothing to do with what is good or healthy for the stores or consumers - just what is good for themselves. By buying into these programs and filling their stores with adidas and Nike, stores get additional discounts on the product they purchase. And, as a result, are forced to sell you into product where they make the most money - not what makes the most sense.

Do they care if you get screwed on your uniforms? Down deep, not really. Sure, it causes some discomfort for them and extra stress when they tell you the uniform isn't available. BUT, they rationalize it by saying, "Darn that adidas or darn that Nike." You watch: they'll never say to you, "I should have told you NOT to buy that uniform. I knew this could have happened." Won't happen in a million years.

At the end of the day, salespeople know you need - must have - require - can't live without - and can't play - without soccer uniforms. Selling you into product that "well, hey, that is what you asked for", absolves them of properly informing you and servicing your account. And, not to mention, if you can't get more of what you currently need, what do you have to do? Buy more.  That is right - spend more of your hard earned money. Who wins by not informing you? Brands and salespeople. Who loses? Parents and players who have to pay for new product. Instead of more training time or better fields or more tournaments - read: better opportunities for players- you have to replace equipment - and that just burns me up!

Ask a team salesperson about the risks you face when buying branded product. Ask them if they enjoy dealing with the branded companies. Ask them what guarantees they'll make on behalf of the brands - or if the brands make any guarantees. Ask them if worrying about product availability keeps them awake at night. Instead of counting sheep, these salespeople count orders that should be arriving. Knowing what you now know, you won't be surprised at the answers.

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Disclaimer: adidas, Nike, Puma and diadora are thankfully not affiliated with TotallySoccer, LLC. All of their trademarks and rights are retained by them.