1) Do you match prices?
a. In most cases, YES, but it must be an in-stock item from a competitor. Please check the shipping rates of other competitors; as in many cases we are ultimately cheaper.
2) Do you offer team discounts, or discounts for schools or leagues?
a. Absolutely. Call us at (800) 456-0072 to speak with a customer service representative. Schools also receive special payment terms, which is advantageous when dealing with tight budgets.
3) Do you accept Purchase Orders?
a. Absolutely. We accept purchase orders from accredited educational institutions. Please fax all purchase orders to (540) 921-1475. You can also e-mail purchase orders to customerservice@directsports.com.
4) When will my order ship?
a. Our shipping cutoff time is 2PM EST Monday - Friday. In-stock items will ship out that day if placed before that time.
5) How will my order ship?
a. Direct Sports has contract relationships with most common carriers (UPS, USPS, FedEx, etc.) however the majority of our shipments go through UPS. At checkout, if you select the following, your order will be delivered accordingly:
Standard Shipping service is available for orders placed before 2PM EST Monday-Friday for in-stock items. In-Stock items that are shipped via Standard service typically arrive no later than (5-8) business days after leaving our warehouse. By choosing Standard your package(s) will be sent via UPS, UPS SurePost or USPS depending upon shipment weight and destination, which is determined at the time of order packaging in our warehouse. Orders less than 1 lb. and orders shipping to a rural address or P.O. Box will be delivered by the USPS. Orders that weigh greater than 10 lbs. will be charged $1 per lb. for every pound over 10.
Guaranteed Ground shipping is currently handled through UPS. Guaranteed Ground service is available for orders placed before 2PM EST Monday-Friday for in-stock items. In-Stock items that are shipped via Guaranteed Ground are guaranteed to arrive in (2-5) business days after leaving our warehouse. By choosing Guaranteed your package(s) will be sent exclusively through UPS. Orders that weigh greater than 10 lbs. will be charged $1 per lb. for every pound over 10.
For additional details as well as information/rates on expedited shipping, please click the shipping information link at the bottom of the page.
6) How long will it take to receive my package?
a. You will receive a tracking number once your order has been processed and ready for shipment. This tracking number will give you up to date details on the location of your package. If for some reason you did not receive a tracking number, call us at (800) 456-0072 and we can assist you in obtaining tracking information.
7) Where are you located? Do you have a store near me?
a. We have only one retail store that is located in at 1720 Curve Road, Pearisburg, VA 24134. Our main warehouse and call center is also located at this location.
8) Do you charge sales tax?
a. This is quickly evolving topic. Many states are now requiring internet/catalog retailers to charge and remit state sales tax. If you are required to pay sales tax, it will be calculated at the time of your order. Public schools/institutions are eligible for tax-exempt purchases, however this may vary from state to state. Please contact us for more information.
9) Can you expedite drop-ship orders from the manufacturer?
a. In some cases, usually for team sales, we may be able to request expedited shipping. This can also be done on a case by case basis with individual orders.
10) Can customer service representatives see into my online shopping cart?
a. No, we cannot see any activity in your shopping cart. If you are having issues or questions regarding your web order, please feel free to call us at (800) 456-0072 and a representative can answer any ordering questions that you have.
11) How do I know if my order has been placed?
a. When you complete your order online, you will receive an order number. Soon after, you will receive an email that will reference your number and confirm the product(s) you ordered. You will also receive a second email from us once the item(s) have been shipped from our warehouse. The second email will contain your tracking number from the carrier that we have used.
12) Can I cancel my order after it has been submitted?
a. You can cancel an order for any reason at any time. Keep in mind, we process orders very quickly and if an order has already shipped you may send it back to us for a full refund or exchange. All returned items must be in original unused condition.
13) Why do certain bat manufacturers offer and warranty and others do not?
a. Certain bat manufacturers will offer no warranty. In most cases, these bats typically have thinner walls, which are more susceptible to denting or cracking.
14) Who do I return my defective item to?
a. Most items have a manufacturer's warranty, which is passed directly to the customer. Direct Sports has no control over the terms or contents of the warranty. Items that do not have a warranty are clearly noted. Many manufacturers prefer that you deal with them directly. If you have a defective item, we will be happy to assist you in receiving a refund or replacement as quickly as possible, however please call for authorization.
15) I have lost my order receipt and need it for warranty purposes. Can you provide a copy?
a. Absolutely. Call us at (800) 456-0072 or e-mail us at customerservice@directsports.com and we can quickly provide you with a copy.
16) If I buy something and I do not use it, can I return it?
a. Any item may be returned for exchange or refund provided it is unused, in the original packaging, and is returned within 30 days of the purchase date. The shipping document that was included in your package will have return instructions on that back. You may also download a return authorization form here.
17) How long will it take to process my return or exchange?
a. Your return or exchange will be processed in the order in which it was received. Once it has been processed, you will receive an email confirmation of the status. Due to seasonal volumes, returns/exchanges timelines may vary. Please call us at (800) 456-0072 if you have a specific question regarding your return/exchange.
18) Which bat do you recommend?
a. Personal preference is a big factor here. The best weight for your teammate may not be the best weight for you. One of the latest and greatest things in Slowpitch softball is bat speed, but when all is said and done you want the heaviest bat that you can swing the fastest.
19) Which bat is better? End loaded or Balanced?
a. Different types of hitters prefer different types of bat weights. For example, a power hitter may tend to favor end-loaded bats while base hitters may tend to favor a balanced bat. Every hitter has different preferences, so what applies to one player may not apply to another.
20) Do you play ball? If so, what bat do you use?
a. The majority of the employees at Direct Sports play softball or have children involved in Youth Baseball or Fastpitch which gives us first hand knowledge of how a lot of products perform. We get to choose from every item currently available and it is a rarity everyone uses the same type of bat. It all boils down to personal preference.
21) Is my bat legal?
a. Associations are constantly changing standards. We recommend checking with your local league, school, or recreation department for their interpretation. You can also check the websites of the various associations for the latest information.