How Much Do Ship Sticks Cost?
Last Updated on January 8, 2025
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker
For golfers heading to destinations near and far, transporting clubs and gear can be a hassle. Ship Sticks simplifies the process by shipping luggage and equipment directly to your location. But what’s the true cost of using this specialty service? This guide covers Ship Sticks pricing in detail so you can weigh the costs versus convenience.
We’ll explain the factors impacting shipping rates, outline standard fees for common routes, compare Ship Sticks to other shipping options, provide sample rate breakdowns, and suggest ways to save. Read on for everything you need to budget for smooth travels with your golf gear in tow.
How Much Do Ship Sticks Cost?
Ship Sticks shipping costs range from around $50 for basic, short distance shipments of a single small bag to over $1,000 for large international multi-piece shipments with add-ons like expedited delivery and extra insurance. Typical costs for shipping a single clubs set domestically fall between $100 and $300.
While each quote varies based on exact details, here are general price ranges for Ship Sticks’ most common offerings:
Domestic U.S. Shipments
- 1 Golf Bag: $79 to $229
- Full Club Set: $99 to $279
- Extra Luggage Item: $25 to $50
International Shipments
- Canada: $150 to $375+
- Europe: $200 to $550+
- Other Regions: $250 to $700+
Additional Surcharges
- Oversize Items: $25 to $150+
- Extended Insurance: $2 to $5 per $100 value
- Weekend Delivery: $25 to $75+
- Rural Delivery: $25 to $100+
Expect fees toward the higher end for longer distances, faster transit, insurance upgrades, and delivery to remote regions.
According to a review from Practical Golf, shipping golf clubs from New York to Florida can cost as much as $300 round trip for overnight shipping. This pricing reflects the convenience and service level provided by Ship Sticks compared to traditional airline baggage fees.
Another source, Three Guys Golf, indicates that shipping your clubs one way typically costs about $40, which is only slightly more than most airlines charge for checked bags. This suggests that while using Ship Sticks may not be the cheapest option, it offers a hassle-free alternative for golfers traveling with their equipment.
A report from Ship Sticks’ official blog mentions that the price of shipping depends on several factors, including bag size and destination. They emphasize that customers can avoid hidden airline fees by opting for their service, which includes complimentary insurance up to $1,000. For those needing additional insurance, it can be purchased for a nominal fee.
According to another review on Critical Golf, the lowest-cost rate for a complete shipment was around $160, with overnight shipping costing approximately $420. This highlights the variability in pricing based on urgency and distance traveled.
Lastly, a Reddit discussion on r/golf suggests that users have found the round-trip cost to be around $120, making it competitive with airline fees when considering convenience and ease of travel.
Shipping Clubs and Luggage Simplified
Ship Sticks streamlines traveling to tournaments, golf vacations, and business trips by shipping your bags and clubs directly to your destination. Here’s how it works:
- Book online – Request a shipping quote and schedule your shipment through the website
- Local pickup – Your items are collected from your door on the scheduled date
- Direct delivery – Ship Sticks transports your clubs and luggage to the destination
- Track progress – Follow your shipment and get updates via email and text
By handling transportation logistics, Ship Sticks removes headaches so you can focus on fun on the course instead of fees and forms at the airport. But what does this specialty service actually cost?
Factors Affecting the Cost of Shipping
Several elements influence the final rate for each Ship Sticks delivery:
Distance and Route
Longer distances mean more fuel, time, and resources are required to complete the delivery:
- Increased mileage quickly escalates base rates
- International routes involve customs paperwork and import duties
- Remote destinations may lack direct shipping lanes
Weight and Size
Heavier and bulkier items cost more to transport and handle:
- Oversize fees apply for items exceeding weight or dimensional limits
- Avoid overstuffing bags to prevent size upcharges
- Properly measure and weigh all items
You might also like our articles on the cost of a golf simulator, golf club regripping, or golf lessons.
Speed of Delivery
Faster transit times increase costs but reduce wait times:
- Standard delivery takes 3-5+ days with regular handling
- Expedited shipping guarantees quicker 1–3-day delivery
- Overnight and weekend options also provide a premium service for urgent needs
Add-Ons and Upgrades
Additional services and protections beyond basic shipping increase costs:
- Extra insurance covers high-value equipment for peace of mind
- Special handling provides white glove service for fragile items
Pickup and Delivery Locations
Starting or ending the shipment in remote areas adds potential surcharges:
- Rural pickup/delivery can incur an additional remote area fee
- Verify if your exact addresses have surcharges
Peak Surcharges
Popular golf destinations during peak seasons often have elevated pricing:
- Major tournaments, holidays, and summer see rates spikes
- Booking early helps avoid last-minute premium costs
Ship Sticks vs. Checking Gear with Airlines
At first glance, checking golf gear with your airline flight seems cheaper than using a specialty shipper. But once you factor baggage fees, oversize charges, and risk of loss, Ship Sticks often compares favorably cost-wise for certain routes and luggage quantities.
Let’s compare estimated costs for shipping two bags and a club set from Chicago to Phoenix:
Ship Sticks
- 2 Golf Bags: $199
- Total: $199
Checked Airline Baggage
- 1st Checked Bag: $30
- 2nd Checked Bag: $40
- Oversized Fee: $150
- Total: $220
Given the high airline fees for oversized golf items, Ship Sticks achieves cost savings for some domestic routes, but this can vary case-by-case. For international flights, checked baggage generally remains cheaper.
Ship Sticks vs FedEx, UPS, and USPS
Ship Sticks focuses on streamlined golf and luggage delivery. But you can also consider traditional carriers:
Ship Sticks
- Single bag under $300
- Door to door pickup/delivery
- Simple booking process
UPS/FedEx
- $100-$250 for bag
- Must drop off and pick up
- More complex logistics
USPS
- Not allowed for golf clubs
- Cheaper for small items
- Less tracking capabilities
For door-to-door simplicity, Ship Sticks streamlines domestic and international golf shipments. But for smaller, non-golf items, traditional shipping may suffice.
Cost Breakdown
To demonstrate real pricing, here is an estimate for two Ship Sticks shipments:
Florida to California Shipment
- 1 golf bag, 1 suitcase, and 1 set of clubs
- Standard 5-day delivery
- No extra insurance selected
- Total Price: $359
Florida to Scotland Shipment
- 2 golf bags and 2 sets of clubs
- Expedited 4-day delivery
- Additional $2,000 insurance purchased
- Total Price: $929
International air freight, faster transit, and extra coverage resulted in a higher overall cost.
Breakdown by Major Factors
To further demonstrate how key variables influence pricing, here’s a breakdown of estimated costs for a Florida to Arizona shipment:
Factor | Shipping 1 Bag | Shipping Full Set |
Base Price | $150 | $200 |
Winter Surcharge | +$25 | +$50 |
Expedited Delivery | +$75 | +$150 |
Extra Insurance | +$25 | +$50 |
Total Price | $275 | $450 |
This table illustrates how each pricing element contributes to the total fee. Planning to minimize surcharges and upgrades helps control costs.
Save on Ship Sticks Fees
Here are some ways to reduce your shipping costs:
- Book early – Rates go up closer to ship date
- Ship during off-peak seasons – Lower demand drops prices
- Consider standard delivery – Expedited adds surcharges
- Measure accurately – Oversized fees apply for large items
- Insure selectively – Only pay extra for high-value gear
Saving money with Ship Sticks requires factoring these variables into your planning.
Avoiding Hidden Fees
These less obvious charges can sneak into your total:
- Rural delivery – Surcharges for remote drop-off points
- Incorrect dimensions – Inaccurate measuring can increase costs
- High-value items – Failure to properly declare and insure expensive gear
- Weekend delivery – Only weekday rates are standard
- Fuel surcharges – Rising fuel costs may increase fees mid-route
Carefully measuring and selecting delivery dates prevents surprise fees.
Insurance and Loss/Damage Protection
- Basic coverage up to $1000 per bag is included
- Additional coverage available for $2 to $5 extra per $100 value
- File claims if damage or loss is proven
- Photograph items before shipping for proof if needed
Don’t assume your gear is covered sufficiently by default. Evaluate additional protection based on your items’ value.
Customer Experiences
Robert S. ships his clubs yearly from Michigan to Arizona using Ship Sticks:
“I’ve found it very affordable compared to checking bags and arguing with airlines. My clubs arrive safely every time.”
Anne B. relied on Ship Sticks for a golf trip to Scotland:
“Getting quotes was easy online. While not cheap, the cost was worth it for the door-to-door ease and peace of mind for expensive equipment.”
In general, golf travelers find Ship Sticks provides strong overall value despite premium costs due to the specialized service.
Is Ship Sticks Worth the Money?
Ship Sticks simplifies logistics for golf travelers while providing door-to-door convenience. The costs are relatively comparable or even cheaper than alternatives like airlines when factoring fees and surcharges. For domestic and international golf trips, Ship Sticks can provide great value by making transportation effortless.
Use their handy pricing tool online to get an accurate quote tailored to your route. Overall, the rates are reasonable for the specialized service provided, keeping golfers focused on fun instead of freight.
Final Words
While not the cheapest shipping method, it streamlines door-to-door golf bag delivery domestically and abroad at reasonable rates. Check pricing and experience simplified shipping for your next golf adventure.
Answers to Common Questions
Can you use Ship Sticks one way?
Yes, Ship Sticks can be used for one-way shipping. You do not need to arrange for a roundtrip shipment or return delivery.
Some important points about one-way shipping:
- Pricing is the same as a roundtrip booking
- You can ship equipment to your destination but travel with it on the return
- One-way allows greater flexibility in timing and logistics
- Only pay for the exact route and service needed
So Ship Sticks is very accommodating for one-way travel needs. It does not require booking an unnecessary return shipment, saving money. Just be sure to ship essential items early so they are waiting at your destination before you arrive.
Does Ship Sticks work internationally?
Yes, Ship Sticks provides international shipping services to select global destinations. Some key facts about using Ship Sticks for international travel:
- Coverage includes Canada, the UK, most of Europe, and select other regions
- International pricing starts higher at around $200 per bag
- Expect potential customs, duties, and taxes on your end
- Transit times are longer for overseas routes
While international shipping costs more, Ship Sticks simplifies logistics like customs paperwork. Just check coverage for your specific destination country when booking. Allow extra delivery time.
Does Ship Sticks provide a box?
No, Ship Sticks does not provide reusable boxes or cases. The items to be shipped must be packed into your own shipping container.
Here are some packing tips when using Ship Sticks:
- Use a rigid, durable golf travel case for clubs
- Pad contents carefully to prevent shifting
- Attach shipping labels securely to the exterior
- Insure valuable items in case of loss or damage
- Double check dimensions to avoid oversize fees
Secure, proper packaging is the shipper’s responsibility. But Ship Sticks provides door-to-door convenience once your items are boxed up and ready to go.
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