Top 3 Reasons to Join the USRSA
By David Henry on May 27, 2010 with Comments 4
Throughout each year, I spend my fair share of money on “things”. For the most part, I like to think I’m a smart consumer and spend my money wisely, but I can’t fool myself into thinking I always make smart spending decisions. There are certainly times when I piss my money away on “things” I really don’t need. However, there is one purchase I make every year that is a great one…
My decision to spend $119 for my annual membership to the United States Racquet Stringers Assocation (USRSA).
There are MANY benefits to a USRSA Membership, and in my opinion, here are the top three:
1. Stringer’s Digest
The Stringer’s Digest is the USRSA’s flagship publication, and it is extremely valuable to me. It contains detailed stringing patterns for almost every racquet ever produced. I string so many different racquets for clients, and I can’t possibly remember every little detail of every pattern. Therefore, I frequently turn to my Digest for information. The Digest is updated and mailed to members three times per year – to include patterns for all new racquets since the last release.
2. Credibility
Being a USRSA Member gives me added credibility with clients and potential clients. Of course, being able to produce extreme high-quality, consistent stringjobs for my clients gives me the most credibilty, but being a USRSA Member certainly helps as well. I believe it shows that I am dedicated to my craft, that I take my stringing business very seriously, and that I am, to a degree, a “professional”.
3. Free String
I previously wrote a post about this. Here is the link. Basically, the USRSA produces RSi (Racquet Sports Industry) Magazine ten times a year. In almost every issue, there is an offer for a free set of string. And not just any set of string, but the newest strings on the market (often before they actually hit the market). This is great from a play-testing standpoint – as I love to play-test and become knowledgable about new strings. Also… If I don’t play-test them myself, I often offer these strings to my clients at no charge. I have several clients that like to try new strings, and they are absolutely thrilled when I only charge them labor. (Again, please read my previous post for more information.)
If you’re a stringer, I believe a USRSA Membership is a “must”. Consider joining and feel free to reach out to me with any questions.
Thanks for checking in.
DH
Filed Under: Stringing
Hi David,
One question, how do you pay your membership? or do you know if I can pay it with credit card? thanks!! And how do you get your free strings, I mean i know you get a coupon but how do you use it? and are they limited the strings??
Hey Carlos. I apologize… I must have missed this comment. Anyway, here is my response… I pay the USRSA by check (via mail) once per year. I’m sure you can pay by credit card as well. I also believe that if you pay for more than one year at once, you get a better “per year” price. I believe I pay about $109 for just one year at a time.
As far as the free strings go… There isn’t a coupon per se. Instead, there is a string playtest article in almost every issue of RSi Magazine along with an order form. You can either cut out the order form and mail it to the USRSA or you can simply email the USRSA. (This is what I do.) Then… The USRSA gives the forms/emails to the string manufacturer, and they then mail the string to members.
From what I have seen thus far, the offers have only been for string – no grips or anything else.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Take care.
DH
How to Find the Balance of Your Tennis Racquet…
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