Smart shoppers are not paying retail for sporting goods these days, so why should you? If you know where to look, you can get sporting goods at wholesale prices - that means you only pay about half their regular store price.

High quality goods. Don't worry - you will still get the same quality sporting goods even if you buy wholesale. Most wholesale shops carry liquidation, overstock, and closeouts of brand name and department store merchandise. Their sporting goods are still of top-caliber quality, except that they're older models that were not sold or merchandise from shops that need to close for some reason or another.

Huge selection of items. Shops that sell sporting goods at wholesale prices usually have a huge inventory of sporting goods, exercise equipment, pool tables, hockey tables, bicycles, and more.

Low prices. Shopping in wholesale sporting goods stores allows you to take advantage of big savings on name-brand sporting goods. Why pay thousands of dollars for a golf club when you could get it for as low as several hundred?

Shops that offer wholesale sporting goods are everywhere. If you don't know if there are any in your area, then try searching for them either through the yellow pages or over the Internet.

Some wholesale sporting good shops may require you to purchase a minimum volume (usually at least five) before you can take advantage of wholesale prices; but more and more shops are opening their doors to individual buyers who just want a piece or two of equipment. Do not forget to comparison shop before buying from any wholesale dealer.

Remember that buying name-brand sporting goods certainly isn't a necessity, but if you can pay wholesale price for them, then take the opportunity. Do not be afraid to ask if there are other styles available. Most wholesale stores have big inventories. They can probably find the specific sporting goods you are looking for if you just ask.