While each of the contenders claims to be unique and better than their competitors, analysts beg to differ, saying that such distinctions have yet been made apparent to consumers. That trend doesn't bode well for golf e-tailers, virtually all of whom aspire to an initial public offering. Meanwhile, analysts, investors and consumers are left to wonder when e-tailers' cash reserves will go empty. Marketing experts say e-tailers who are first to switch their strategic thinking from a survival mode to a branding mode will have the best chance of success. The Web right now is like the wild, wild west.
Opportunism is the driving force.
People see that there is an audience of enthusiasts who spend significant money on their passion, and they think they can make a fortune. They have to focus on how they can truly differentiate their business, make it believable and then deliver on those promises. Leonhardt compares the current plight of golf e-tailers to the one facing many struggling department stores. A department store is like any other department store. But some like Nordstroms are so successful because they stand for something - delivering exceptional customer service.