If you've been shopping for a new padel racket or accessories in the United States, you might have noticed something: prices seem pretty much the same wherever you look. If you're used to buying from Europe, this can feel a bit weird. Over there, prices jump all over the place. The reason? It all comes down to something called Minimum Advertised Price, or MAP.
Let’s break it down and explain why it matters for padel in the US.
What is MAP?
MAP stands for Minimum Advertised Price. It’s a rule set by brands that says retailers are not allowed to advertise or sell a product below a certain price. It’s simple: if a racket is on MAP, we cannot sell it for less than a certain price.
That being said, it doesn’t mean players can’t find great deals. At Padel USA, we work hand-in-hand with brands to organize specials during the year. These deals are negotiated directly with the brands so that everyone stays in line with the rules and the image of the products stays strong. When there’s a great opportunity to offer you a top deal on certain rackets, shoes, or accessories, you can be sure we’ll bring it to you!
One of the big reasons brands use MAP is to control their image and honestly, we believe that’s how it should be. As a retailer, we totally respect that. Brands have every right to protect the image of the products they put on the market, and moreover, the price they want to sell it for.
Why is MAP used in the US but not in Europe?
In Europe, MAP policies aren’t allowed. Shops can advertise and sell the goods for whatever price they want. That might sound good for bargain hunters, but it often creates messy price wars that can hurt brands, shops, and players in the long run.
In the US, padel brands want to do things differently:
- Control their brand image: Consistent pricing shows the real quality behind the products and the brand itself.
- Support all shops: Whether you buy from a small padel store or a big online site, prices stay fair and consistent.
- Avoid unhealthy competition: Without MAP, big stores could slash prices and hurt small local shops that are vital for growing padel.
Honestly, we would love to see something similar in Europe. If MAP was possible there, it would help brands protect their work and stop some resellers from slashing the value of products they don’t even own or manufacture.
Why MAP is good for padel players
Some people might think MAP is bad for shoppers, but it’s actually the opposite. Here’s why:
- Price stability: You don’t have to stress about overpaying or missing out on a cheaper price somewhere else.
- Trust: You know you're getting a fair price everywhere.
- Better competition: Shops compete by offering great service, expert advice, and cool extra services, not just by cutting prices.
- Stronger stores: Local padel shops survive and thrive, and that’s good for growing the sport in every city.
- Premium products: The best rackets, shoes, and balls keep their value and reputation.
And just so you know, we offer a Best Price Guarantee on MAP products. If you ever see a better advertised price from another authorized US store, we’ll match it without any hassle.
The Challenges
Of course, MAP also comes with its own challenges, especially while padel is still growing in the US. The biggest challenge is making sure that everyone is aware of the rules and respects them.
If retailers start ignoring MAP, the whole system falls apart. Brands lose value, shops lose trust, and players get confused. That’s why at Padel USA, we work very closely with the brands. We have strong relationships, and together, we act fast to make sure all our products are correctly listed under MAP.
But we also have to be honest, we cannot control the entire market. Brands have to stay vigilant and do their own policing across the web. And with how fast everything moves online, that’s not always easy.
To protect our customers, we back everything up with our Best Price Guarantee. If for any reason you find a better price for a product we sell, and it respects the MAP policies, we’ll match it right away. We want you to always feel confident that you're getting the best deal, the right way.
What to expect when you shop for padel gear in the US
Thanks to MAP, shopping for padel gear in the US is starting to get more structured. But we have to be real. It is not fully in place yet. Padel is still a young market here, and some smaller brands are still adapting to the MAP system.
At Padel USA, we work closely with all the brands we collaborate with to help them. Our goal is to make sure that in the long term, everyone plays the game the right way. We believe that a healthy market with clear and fair pricing is the best way to help padel grow strong across the country.
For now, when you shop with us, you can expect:
- The right racket for your game, carefully selected
- Expert advice from passionate padel players
- Great service and warranties
As the market evolves and more brands fully align with MAP, buying padel gear in the US will only get better and better.
To wrap it up
Padel is booming across the United States, and MAP policies are helping it grow the right way. They create a healthier market, protect brands, and make sure players can buy with confidence.
The next time you buy a padel racket or upgrade your accessories, remember: MAP isn’t here to limit you. It’s here to protect the sport, protect the brands, protect the resellers, and make sure everyone wins, players included.
At Padel USA, we are proud to support that mission, and we will always work to bring you the best offers while respecting the brands that make this great sport possible.
