My two cents.
So whats the big deal? So what if it cost $80.00 at where ever, it still costs 55 to get it professionally drilled from them, add in 20.00 for shipping, sales tax in CA, and poof its between 160-170. Now thats the price for a ball that has been out about a year now, if not longer.
Go to your local proshop operator and I'm sure that they would be willing to get near that price, its good business for them to do that. Plus if you have a problem they would be willing to take care of it for YOU. And if you get it on the internet, they would be more than willing to drill it for you, and if there is a problem, then they don't have to take care of it, because you did not buy it from them. You would have to send it back to where you bought it. Once that happens any money that you saved is gone. If you get a replacement, you would have to pay to get it drilled again!
You really have to think about how a proshop operates, they need to make sure that they carry inventory and at the same time not too much to cash strap the business. Its a fine line and if they have been in the business long enough, it should not be a problem for a well run proshop.
Most bowlers are loyal, if you drill the ball properly, then they will come back. If they don't then you have to give them the opportunity to fix it. If that doesn't work then go find another driller. But that should never happen if the person wants your business and your future business.
You have choices, decide what is important to you.
I understand it from both sides, I used to work in a shop and can sometimes find better deals online then at the local distributor. If thats the case, then the proshops need to get some of there supplies from online sellers. All in all its easier to go through my local proshop.
