Buying and selling: Don’t be a ‘disc-flipper’

When the words “disc” and “flip” are used together or in the same sentence, most disc golfers think of either 1) understable discs, or 2) someone who refuses to use a mini marker out on the course – or at least prefers not to. I’m a die-hard fan of the first; I’m guilty of the second.

But within the context of today’s piece, the term “disc-flipper” is a noun. And I’m using it to refer to someone who buys a much-anticipated disc in bulk at the time it drops, knowing it will quickly sell out, only to instantly list their inventory online with a disgusting mark-up. eBay, Mercari, social media and Facebook Marketplace – you can find these “deals” everywhere.

I understand “hate” is a strong word, but I’m going to use it anyway …

I don’t hate disc-flippers.

I hate their side hustles.

For starters, the greater disc golf community is a tight-knit one. Should you find yourself with a complete stranger who loves football, basketball or baseball, you don’t right away feel a kinship with them – these interests are incredibly commonplace. This is NOT the case with disc golf.

Because of it, I like to think we look out for our own. In my mind, at least, this would include giving others a chance to lay claim to some sweet, unique plastic, without forcing them – or tempting them, rather – to fork over more hard-earned cash than they responsibly should.

That’s slimy.

Next, and I can’t stress this powerfully enough, disc golfers tend to be slaves to the scarcity mindset. If you’ve never heard of this before, a “scarcity mindset” is basically the scientific term for a fear of missing out on something – or “FOMO,” as the kids are calling it these days.

If the amount of plastic you’ve got in your basement has your marriage in choppy waters, trust me: There will be another run. And if there isn’t, you’ll find something similar – if not better.

And for cheap.

Case in point, click here for a flat-top Champion Firebird in the $18-ish range.

Compare that with what you’ll find on eBay …

It’s the same disc.

Yes, this is an item that’s sometimes out of stock. But if you wait 15 minutes, it won’t be. It doesn’t matter what it is: Tilts, Glitches, Halo Polecats, Cloud Breakers, Sexton Firebirds, etc. Patience is a virtue. And it just so happens to be one that keeps disc-flippers up at night.

The best way to combat this price-gouging madness?

Don’t indulge the guilty.

If the painfully naive are willing to buy disgustingly priced golf discs, they’ll always exist. And if not, the prices will come down. Or, if we’re lucky, the market will disappear altogether.

Fingers crossed.

Have anything to add? Take to X to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.

Editor’s Suggestions:

• Let’s normalize ‘ready golf’ in disc golf
• Disc golf: You don’t need a mini (it’s all in your head)
• Clean disc golf is so satisfying (especially for amateurs)

Real quick, if you happen to buy something through a link in this article, there’s a chance we’ll get a small share of the sale. It’s how we keep the lights on. To learn more, click here.