First of all, I did not buy the ball on the internet. I patronize both Pro Shops...regular brick and mortar physical locations with real people working there.
Second... I DO hear you about the name on the ball being a hindrance to resale (in fact...I was ALMOST considering selling it, but have decided not to, hence the timing of my post), but I generally don't sell my balls. May occasionally give one away, and in that case, if someone gets a ball with my name on it....toughies.
And I'm not concerned about the cost....unless it's outrageous. $1 a letter? Fine.
My name is not Osama Bin Laden, so a few dollars for my first name or even just my first and last initials would be ok. Even $10 would be reasonable to me... considering it's not the shop where I bought the ball.
Lastly... I wasn't told before buying the ball that they were incapable of adding my name or initials to it. In fact---- I HAVE noticed a growing trend where on the last couple of balls purchased, I have not been ASKED if I want my name or initials added. Admittedly, it's been an afterthought for me as well, and I then end up going back to the shop, where they DO put the name on with no charge and no fuss. ---Except, I had to make a special trip and wait behind other customers having extensive (that's ExTENSIVE, not ExPensive) work done.
I have had lots of redrills done at this shop and I liked the new fit they gave me, so when it came time for a new ball, I chose them. I can tell you now that no matter how nice they are and no matter how much I like their drillings, I will never buy another new ball from them if I can't label it as MINE.
Edited on 6/3/2009 8:49 AM