Just curious how many pro shops are able to sell the Smokin' Inferno when Bowler's Paradise is selling them for under $110. Who does this benefit. Lower internet prices make for higher drill fees. Does Brunswick care about the bowling industry as a whole or just selling bowling balls.

"Brunswick, please step up to the plate and put a stop to the unlimited 4 for 1 offers."

If you are in an area that has competent, knowledgeable drillers that take the time to watch the bowler roll a few frames and identify his or her drilling needs, I think most bowlers would prefer the local pro-shop.

Unfortunately that is not the norm in my neck of the woods. They are ok at copying a layout from another ball but most of them don’t stay current, nor ever were, on the technical aspects of fitting or laying out a ball.

A good example of what I am referring to as, technical aspects of fitting. My youngest Son was having problems with the inside edge of his thumb blistering. The driller’s around here attributed it to needing more reverse in the thumb. So we tried more reverse only to find that the blistering condition still existed and he had to increase his finger and thumb pressure to prevent an early release.

This summer in Indianapolis at Junior Gold, I purchased him an Absolute Inferno. I discussed the blistering problem with the Pro-Shop owner and after making a few checks identified the problem as being the ring finger span was to long.

In this case the ball driller was proficient in his technical knowledge of fitting and laying out a ball. I think most bowlers are willing to pay what ever it costs for good knowledgeable service. I explained the issues we have with the local drillers, so between squads he took the time to watch both of us roll a few frames and tweak our hand layouts to accommodate our fit and release.

He gave us copies of our new layouts and told me to avoid local drillers that’s only claim to fame is a 300 game and 800 series. He said when you need a ball to call him and if I didn’t like the price to fax our layouts to Bowlers Paradise because they also do excellent work.      

Because of the kindness and consideration shown us, Woodland Lanes pro-shop will be getting our business regardless of the cost.

twoheadedboy,

I see your point completely, about the pro shops that sit there and push high end balls becuase they are the higest profit margin.  But I hope you realize that not ALL pro shops are like that.  Spent some time in the pro shop over the weekend, and was talking to him about sales.  

He said the biggest seller for him is the BIG TIME DULL. (no intention of getting off the topic here).  A Mid Priced ball with tons of results.  The majority of his high end sales come from the Legends/LM line, and a step down would be the Tornado Warnings.  Just shows that no what people's price range is, they can get a ball they be successful with.  

But back to the topic at hand, I still think that high end stuff that you dont need a pro shop for - 6 ball rollers and sst 7s - are becoming more of a INTERNT purchase, but ball sales, I would rather talk to someone at the shop.

But then it all goes back to being loyal to your shop, and if you DO buy a ball online, do not be surprised when it costs you 60/70 bucks to drill it.

BrunsRich, thanks for your reply. I know the internet is here to stay and I commend Brunswick for finally limiting to 4 for 1's. I have talked to several distributors about this situation and they have all mentioned the 4 for 1's as one of the leading causes. It's hard enough to compete with the internet prices without the help from these specials. I know that I too can take advantage of these specials at trades shows but I don't have the luxury of being able to stock that much merchandise. Anything that the manufacturers can do to level the playing field is much appreciated. I know about the Ebonite ball but to my knowledge they did limit the specials on this ball. The reason I posted in the Brunswick forum is because I was under the impression that there was no limit on your trade show specials. Brunswick has always been and trend setter. Starting with the Quantums to get ball prices higher. The ball of the month club. The 4 for 1 offers to increase sales. Finally being the first major manufacturer to limit the number of releases which other manufacturers are finally doing also. I know Brunswick can't control the internet price wars but anything that you can do that doesn't help them is great. One last thing. I'm not a Brunswick hater. I'm in the business of selling bowling balls including Brunswick.

all i know is...
if i ran a pro shop, i'd buy 100% of my stocked balls from ebay.
i'd have lower prices as a result, and hopefully more business than the competitors.

i agree with Ric, knowledge is the key with pro shops.
anyone can drill house balls with 2" drill bits and a dremel.
but it takes a pro with knowledge to drill a ball right with no physical problems.
and that knowledge, comes with a price unfortunately.

im lucky, im friends with my pro shop operator, he charges $30 a drill with grips, and free brain picking while he is doing the job.

his ball prices are outrageous IMO, but thats because i get all my equipment on ebay. his inferno line is $220 drilled.

As someone who has been involved in the industry, I can see both sides of the situation.  From the perspective of the customer, I understand how he/she would look for the best bang for their buck.  Sure I'd like to save $40-$50 on a top of the line ball, who wouldn't.  BUT along with that investment, I would want someone with the knowledge and skill to drill it.  The same goes for anyone who purchases a Mercedes or a Porche, would you take it to any mechanic to fix or any detailer to have it washed?  I wouldn't.  

Being a pro shop operator, I know what my time and knowledge is worth.  Maybe it's more than the guy next door, but thats what its worth.  Every ball driller should know this and expect to charge nothing less than what their worth.  We are technicians, we specialize in a craft, trade, whatever you want to call it.  Some of us have spent hours learning about the business and equipment..how much is this tme worth to the customer?  Its up to them.  If they don't feel my knowledge is worth what I charge then please go out and find someone who is.  In a customer service environment, you can't please everyone, but if you have a happy customer, there will be more to come.

When we talk about customers who purchase balls over the internet, we should welcome them with open arms!  I truly can't see what all the fuss is.  I look at it this way, the customer takes all the risk!  They pay for the ball, although they don't know what kind of pin or top weight they're getting...they pay for it.  The pro shop invests no money into it (except grips).  Its pure profit to me, I don't risk dead stock on my shelves or have any money tied up in it.  Its a beautiful thing!  Again, how much is your knowledge worth?  $50.00, $60.00..  Whatever it is, its all yours!

Being from Hawaii, we deal with shipping charges in the $50.00 to $40.00 range per ball.  We do not get any breaks from distributors, we pay the same as the other pro shops who order the same quantity.  Our margins are very low because of the shipping charges, so having the customer pay for the ball and the shipping really helps us.

What Ric said is right, the internet is here to stay.  So, I think that should have been a wake up call to a lot of pro shops a long time ago.  We need to move into another direction.  Instead of a supplier, pro shops should become a service center.  What we provide cannot be bought over the internet.  They can't see the customer bowl, look at their hands, diagnose problems that we see first hand or be someone they can talk to face to face.  The internet has their market, we have ours!  Times are changing and we as an industry of "technicians" need to evolve.