Should You Buy A Coleman Golf Cart From A Big Box Store?

"I've never seen a golf cart for sale in a big store like this. Should I buy one or will I regret it?"

What Are These Golf Carts?

The carts you might have noticed are Coleman golf carts which are manufactured by Kandi, a small vehicle manufacturer. Kandi sells thousands of carts in bulk to Coleman, allowing them to slap a sticker on the cart making it a "Coleman golf cart". Coleman has a powersports division that sells their products in large merchandise retailers like Lowes, Rural King, Tractor Supply and even online marketplaces like Amazon or Walmart.com.

Let's Be Real

Let's be transparent from the get-go. This issue struck a chord with me personally, prompting me to address this question head-on. My insights are based on extensive research, countless conversations with Coleman golf cart owners who are stuck in the sand with issues, and my own experiences within these big box stores. It's essential to clarify that my focus here is on the big box store aspect, not an indictment of Coleman or Kandi. Coleman powersports sells their golf carts through dealers around America and if you're dead set on a Coleman golf cart, I'd push to you seek a dealer out. We at BA Carts are constantly asked golf cart related questions, and I've decided to answer these questions here in written form here on our blog, and in video form, on our YouTube channel. LINK

Feet on the Ground: My Exploration

To provide a well thought-out response to the question, I decided to revisit one of these stores that had Coleman golf carts for sale. During this visit, I took the opportunity to closely examine these golf carts and engage with a salesperson to understand the purchase process better.

The Dealer Prep Process: Crucial In The Golf Cart Industry

One of my initial questions revolved around the dealer preparation process. When buying a vehicle, be it a car or a golf cart, dealer prep is paramount. Most golf carts from dedicated manufacturers don't arrive in perfect condition from the factory. Dealers often need to perform various tasks to ensure the vehicle is customer-ready. From tightening nuts and bolts, removing annoying squeaks, adjusting alignment, buffing the paint, replacing damaged parts, the list goes on and on. 

To start the conversation with the big box store representatives, I asked "If I buy a cart from you today, do I pick up one of these I see outside? Or do you have a clean inventory here inside of the building", they responded "You pick one of those outside as is". I then asked "If I'd rather buy one that's freshly delivered so it's not weathered from sitting outside and what do you do with the carts once their delivered? Do you inspect them. Test drive them? Etc" (I was optimistically hoping that all of the issues I saw with the carts sitting outside were because they've sat outside exposed to weather and people all summer). They told me I could wait on a freshly delivered cart, but they don't touch the carts besides plugging them in, and driving them to their display spot. 

The First Red Flag: No Dealer Prep

Based on what I saw, and the answers I received, we find ourselves at our first huge red flag. Let's ignore the fact that the carts looked rough from sitting outside all summer. I saw countless issues with the 3 carts sitting outside, from wires being pinched between the brake mechanism just waiting to short something out, wires not zip tied to the frame and dragging on the ground, multiple scratches, blemishes on the paint, alignment towed way out, nuts not tight on the batteries, and so forth. All standard issues that us golf cart dealers see on a daily basis, all issues that are fixed by a good dealer before the golf cart sees the showroom or is placed into the hands of a customer. 

Sevice and Warranty Support: Wait, Golf Carts Are Like Cars?!

Next, I inquired about the service and warranty situation once I purchased a cart. Where I was told "Well, technically the golf carts are maintenance free lithium ion, but if you do need work on your cart you can take it to the local dealer (they provided a name that I'm not sharing here), and I thought to myself "Oh alright, at least if I cheap out and buy from here rather than from a dealer, at least I can have it worked on and serviced locally. Also, I have to comment on the "maintenance free" hoopla thrown around the golf cart world. A lithium ion golf cart is NOT maintenance free, the battery is maintenance free, but the golf cart is not. It still needs standard service procedures like alignment, tire pressure, rear axle oil changed, and more. 

The Second Red Flag: A Broken Promise

After chatting with all of the store representatives, which I must say, they were fun, nice, and more knowledgeable on the golf cart than I expected. But after we left, I called the dealer that I was told would take care of my Coleman golf cart, and they told me "No, we do not take touch those carts, we're not sure why people keep asking us" and this is when I established my 2nd larger red flag, and motivation to speak out. 

I then proceeded to call every single golf cart dealer within a 3 hour radius and was told "No, we don't touch those golf carts", just like we tell Coleman golf cart owners that call us, BA Carts,  needing parts or work done to their cart. With each call, I became more and more concerned for the average golf cart consumer, because If I was a real customer shopping in the store that day, and was told that I can have my cart fixed and serviced locally, and then to be told that is not true, and then not find a single business within a 3 hour radius work on my $10,000-$13,000 golf cart, I'd be helpless and very upset. Which is why I'm speaking out, because it's not right. 

Low Cost Mercandise Retailers Vs High Ticket Item Dealerships: What's The Difference?

Before we delve deeper into this dilemma, let's clarify the role of big box retailers. Walmart, Costco, Sam's Club, Lowes, Home Depot, Menards, Kroger, super large retailers offer a vast array of products, allowing customers to complete multiple shopping tasks in one visit. Additionally, their ability to buy in bulk enables them to offer competitive prices. Typically, low cost merchandise requires minimum "selling" or "pre purchase education" so a big box store with a lot of foot traffic is the best location for low cost items because people buy them regularly, or they buy them on impulse. 

However, there are limitations to this model when it comes to high-ticket items like golf carts. 

Manufacturers of high ticket items like cars, trucks, boats, campers, RVs and golf carts know that displaying their product in a high traffic area is important, but very low on the importance totem pole in terms of a products success. Why? Because the more expensive the item, the harder it is to sell it, so manufacturers know they need a sales force with feet on the ground to recommend, educate, and sell their high ticket item to potential shoppers. A person that wants to buy a golf cart typically travels to a dealership that sells golf carts, and then that customer compares that dealer and their products to other dealerships and other products, they're not typically just walking through a grocery store and buy a golf cart because they see one for sale (Not until 2023 when carts found their way into big box stores). 

Most importantly, high ticket items like golf carts need serviced regularly, and sometimes need parts replaced due a manufacturer defect or operator error. This "after the sale support" is the most important aspect of buying an expensive item, and dealerships that live, eat and breath their products and industry fix and service their products. Big box stores that sell golf carts that don't even have a golf cart department, are not willing nor are they even able service or fix your golf cart, which is why manufacturers sell to dealers, and dealers sell to consumers. 

So What's the Verdict?

Considering all the factors discussed, my answer to the initial question is clear. I'm not declaring that Coleman/Kandi golf carts are a mistake, nor am I endorsing them as the best option. However, I am advising against purchasing a golf cart from a big box store or online marketplace because the purchase is just the beginning of your relationship with that product and business. 

Back in the day, 9/10 customers walking into my showroom would utter a phrase that still echoes in my ears: "I don't care, I just want a golf cart" essentially saying, "I don't care if it's a Club Car, EZGO, Yamaha, etc – I just want a golf cart" which would then lead to me explaining the giant differences between the OEMs, from dependability, speed, suspension, options, warranty, etc. Would you walk in to a car dealership and say "Idc if it's a Mercedes, Chevy, Buick, or Kia, I just want a 4wd car"? Probably not. 

Well this big box store vs dealership war we have found ourselves in reminds me of that mindset. People often underestimate the complexity of golf carts, assuming they require minimal attention. However, just like cars, golf carts have moving parts that need regular maintenance and care. Neglecting these factors can lead to substantial issues, rendering the cart unusable, leaving the golf cart owner with a $10,000 paper weight. 

Now yes, people might read this and think "That's what they deserve if they buy from a big store rather than from a mom and pop dealer" but I can't help the golf cart world with that mindset, so I've spent countless hours making the video above and writing this article to help. 

Finishing Up: Two Caveats

1. Local Dealers: A Potential Solution

You might discover a local dealer near you that can handle the service, maintenance, and warranty for the golf cart you bought from a big box store. If this option exists, it's advisable to purchase the golf cart from the dealer rather than the big box store for all of the reasons I've explained above. Also, I'll speak for fellow golf cart dealers around the USA, and tell you that dealers aren't typically thrilled to hear from a local person that they decided to buy from somebody else because the found a cheaper golf cart and now they need me to fix it. It's maddingly ironic, and typically leads to the dealer saying "Have it fixed by the person you bought it from"

2. Collaborative Business Models: A Ray of Sunshine

Some dealers have informed me that certain big box stores sell golf carts in collaboration with local dealers. In this business model, the dealer agrees to showcase the carts in the store due to high foot traffic. Both parties profit from the sale, and the dealer takes responsibility for maintenance, service, and warranty work for the cart. While this approach is more favorable, it's not widespread. However, my position still stands, seek out that dealer and buy from them, period. 

Closing Words: My Concern For The Customer

My Father's wise words that he has shared with me countless times "If it's to good to be true, it's to good to be true" and I couldn't think of a better phrase for somebody walking into a big box store and seeing a lesser expensive golf cart for sale. 

So with that being said, no, I absolutely would not buy a golf cart or any vehicle from a big box store. This issue extends beyond competition; it's about ensuring the best outcome for consumers. Impulse purchases driven by attractive prices and appearances can lead to disappointment and frustration down the road. Golf carts are not "just golf carts"; they are significant investments that deserve thoughtful consideration and proper support by the reseller. 

Call to Action

If you enjoyed this read, have an opinion, thought or question, please shoot a comment below. And if you have time for my 30 minute rant on this issue, please watch my video on our Youtube channel and subscribe to see future Golf Cart Q & A episodes!