Worldwide Sport Supply – A Fitness Junkies Haven
Written: May 03 '02 (Updated Sep 27 '04)
| Customer Service: |
 |
|
| Selection: |
 |
|
| On-Time Delivery: |
|
|
|
| Full Review |
Worldwide Sport Supply is fast becoming my online mecca for athletic appeal. Anything from wrestling singlets to warm up outfits can be found on the site but the more you dig, the more you find. Being in the sports supply business for over 20 years, Worldwide Sport Supply came to the internet seven years ago. They are fast becoming one of the most widely recognized online vendors of high quality, yet completely affordable, sports clothing. Dealing with wrestling and volleyball related items might sound like a limited realm for some, but there are many mainstream items used by sport enthusiasts and fitness junkies located at the site.
Site Navigation
The site as a whole is crystal clear and uncluttered. Getting around to the different sections is a breeze and I have never encountered a dead link. Don’t let the two main sections – wrestling and volleyball – scare you off because there really is a tremendous amount of products that they sell. I was particularly impressed with the scales that they carry – everything from general weight scales to the more streamlined weight / body fat monitors.
The only bad thing I have to say about the site is that there really aren’t a lot of product specs provided. If someone outside the fitness world were looking to purchase something to improve their work out they might be left with more than a few unanswered questions about warm up suits, the correct use of compression apparel or how to go about picking the correct shoe for your size and intended use. I knew which pair I needed for dead lifting since I had previously and exclusively used Otomix [they discontinued my favorite brand] – but someone who is just getting started will need more than a line or two when making an investment into a sports enhancing product.
The site also has a message board [no pop ups or banner ads] where people into wresting can post questions or get advice. I used this a few times to ask about the body fat calculation scales and their accuracy and the people on the board were most helpful in steering me towards the correct purchase. This isn’t a high traffic board so if your questions aren’t answered right away don’t get discouraged.
Products I’ve Purchased
I’ve ordered a few high cut singlets from the site for weight lifting and cardio sessions. When I saw the prices at Worldwide Sport Supply I knew I would be saving at least 20% on each one – regardless of what the shipping fees were. Oshman’s rarely carried these and when they did, they were either too small or were the most offensive color schemes one could possibly imagine. Ocean Pacific used to make a great spandex / cotton blend singlet that could also be used under wet suits for surfing but they killed the line a few years ago.
While the Oshman’s site has the singlets listed for $29.99, there is no variety to choose from and often times they are cut a little small – which hurts in all the wrong places. I was left with a few other sites to choose from – but again – there wasn’t much variety to choose from. Enter Worldwide Sport Supply with their top quality, extremely reasonable prices and faster than lightening shipping. Even if these singlets were more expensive, this would be the only place I would turn to when ordering.
The Volleyball Side
Out of curiosity I checked out the other portion of the site and realized I had been missing out on some great things. There is a great selection of youth items including warm-up outfits, sweatpants and windbreaker type clothing. Even during the off-season, this portion of the site is continually updated with the latest designs and items.
I purchased several warm up suits form my boys from the site and they were exactly as stated on the site. If you have any questions about the variance of sizes for youth appeal, please feel free to contact the customer service department prior to ordering to eliminate the need of returning an incorrectly sized item. The warm up suits arrived before my order and there was no additional shipping fee for the separate shipment.
Gift Certificates
Worldwide Sport Supply offers both cyber gift certificates as well as physical ones. They are available in any amount from $ 10.00 to $ 500.00, in increments of $ 5.00. The gift certificate can be redeemed online or via telephone ordering. This is a great way to get someone motivated to get in shape as well as a gentle reminder that getting off the couch to get another soda isn’t exactly consider a cardiovascular workout.
Methods of Payment
Worldwide Sport Supply accepts MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express. They also offer payment via gift certificates. Any returned items will be credited according to the method pay payment. I have paid for my order with my MasterCard and have never had any issues with incorrect billing or over charges.
Shipping Fees
Shipping fees are calculated according to dollar amount. A basic order for me is about $ 65.00, the shipping charge is $ 8.75 [up to $ 75.00] and I usually get my items within 5 working days. If you want 2nd Day Air, tack on another $ 12.00 and Next Day is only $ 16.00 more [added to the total plus regular shipping fees].
All in all, these fess are pretty much ballpark for all online sites that deal with sports related items. In some cases shipping fees will be more depending on where it is being shipping from or the overall size or weight [exercise mats, industrial scales etc].
Return Policy
If you ordered the wrong size, color or style you can return your purchase within 30 days of receiving it for a replacement or refund. Returns are not accepted on any used items. If you order something that is shipped from the manufacturer and wish to return it, there will be a 25% restocking fee. If the 30 day period from the time of purchase elapses and you wish to return and item, you will charged the same 25% restocking fee.
If you have any questions about the return policy or wish to speak with someone about this before placing an order please call the following number [800] 765 -3555 [extension 305]
Site Security
The site provides a valid certificate via Thawte to ensure that the customer’s information is protected while being processed. I’ve placed several orders and have had no trouble with any of my sensitive information being leaked.
Catalog Information
There is a form on the site that you fill out to request a catalog that will be sent to you via the USPS. The catalog is a great way to pick out styles for a team or for bulk ordering. This is good for people who only have a limited amount of time on a computer – simple draft your order, go to the site, enter the information and you’re done.
Contact Information
Visit the website at: www.wwsport.com
customerservice@wwsport.com
Customer Service Center at 1-800-756-3555
Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
Friday – 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
Seasonal Saturday Hours – 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
The Bottom Line
As I mentioned, price takes a back seat when I am looking for high quality fitness related products. I would rather spend an extra few dollars and have something last a few years than to constantly have to fork out smaller amounts more often. The singlets I ordered fit like a glove and have helped me improve my overall lifts without having to invest in expensive and rather tacky looking power lifting suits. After about 35 washes, the colors are still vibrant, the stitching is tight and the suit has completely retained its size and elasticity.
If you are into fitness or weight lifting, this is a great site for straps, gloves and assorted nutritional supplements. I’ve also found that the prices on their sweat pants and hooded sweatshirts are better than 80% of the retail places I’ve shopped at [Jerzees XXL hooded fleece sweatshirt - $ 20.30]. Granted this site caters to wrestling and volleyball items, there is a vast selection of goods to check out. This is one of the first sites that I turn to for my own athletic wear purchases based on their wide selection, outstanding customer service and quality of goods.
As always, thanks for the read :]
^V^ Freak ^V^
Related reviews …
EAS.com
Advantage Supplements
MuscleDepot
Bally Total Fitness Online Store
Big Fitness Online Store
Worldwide Sport Supply
The Vitamin Bin
NVE Pharmaceuticals
Sissel Online
IDS Sports
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.