Protective Gear Return Rates Improve Yet Again

It's that time of year again. Christmas? Yes, Christmas, but that's not what I'm referring to. It's also time for me to review sales reports and see which protective gear items are returned the most.

Why is this important? Well, if the return rate is low, you'll have more confidence in purchasing a certain item as it shows your umpire brethren collectively tend to be happier with a certain item (or size) than one that is returned more. If an item or a size on item has a higher return rate, we'll either discontinue that product or educate more about it or about any sizing issues. The latter usually works pretty well without going to such drastic measures.

So what did we learn in 2010? The main thing is that return rates continue to get better. In 2009, a pretty solid 1 return per 33 of protective gear items were returned. This year's that number decreased to only 1 in 40 (and decrease is good if your talking about return rates, bad if you're talking about 401Ks or Derek Jeter's batting average).

Here are more highlights:

• Umpire chest protectors return rates were back down to 2.4% after jumping from 3% in 2008 to 3.4% in 2009. I do know I beat everyone over the head about the 10.75" platinum as it had a whopping 20% return rate in '08 then 7.5% in '09. The educational way is working as that item and size dropped to a rate of 2.99%. You guys listen to us...that makes you, well, good listeners.
  
  
• Umpire masks return rates pretty much stayed the same at around 1.9%. I did notice increasing return rates (and lower sales) for masks that were low profile or heavier in weight as the trend in traditional masks continues to be standard profile AND lightweight.
  
  
• Umpire shin guards return rates dropped from 4.7% to 4.1%. As you can see, shin guards continue to be he hardest thing to feel comfortable about as they have the highest return rates among protective gear. But it has dropped to 1 in 25 so that is not too shabby.
  
  
• Small Sizes
  For the first time since I have been reviewing this data, return rates on smaller sizes are overall more respectable although sales of smaller sizes are down. Are smaller umpires leaving the business? I don't think so. Umpires are learning that sizing up is always better when in doubt.

Returns stink for you and for us as neither one of us gain any value from it, so thanks for paying attention.

So which items have the lowest return rates per category for 2010?

• Masks: Diamond Featherweight with Silver Frame
  Less than 1% for the second year in a row
  
  
• Chest Protectors: Diamond iX3
  1.4%, lowest for second year in a row despite what staged pic above might infer
  
  
• Shin Guards: Wilson A3409 Pro Leg Guards and Diamond Featherweight Low Profile were virtually tied at 3.4% and 3.5% respectively.
  

The product pages have been updated with these numbers so you can continue to count on us for the inside scoop you need to make the best choices you can without having the benefit of trying things on in person.

Feel free to provide any feedback on this subject.

Note: When items are returned directly to the manufacturer, the above numbers do not include those numbers.