I will put in the catagory of a 9. You have to care about your buisness. No one is perfect, thats why its not a 10, but I dont want to go to a buisness where they dont seem to care about thier appearence.

I agree with itsallaboutme, there's always time, 24-7

I agree with itsallaboutme, there's always time, 24-7

He ran a clean shop, work area organized, and wore $40 - $70 golf shirts. 😃

Number 1 shop yet it is still a mess.  Just think how good it could be if it was clean and professional looking.  I've never been into a Golfsmith or Dick's or Best Buy that I felt was dirty.  Why would it be acceptable in a bowling pro shop?  That shop is definitely losing customers if the shop is that messy.  First impression is everything, especially with the once a year customers that don't know about the operators ability and knowledge, they just assume the person knows what they are doing.

The cleaner and more organized and better presented it is can only help the overall appeal. Looking like a dungeon is going to limit how long someone may want to spend in such a place.

When I came to town back in the dark ages (1980). I had a fitting issue that I couldn't get solved (the side of my thumb would look be tore up at 3 to 4 games).

After I got into the bowling scene I asked who was the best ball driller and fitter in town. Only one name came up.

But they all warned me about the character that ran the shop.

I didn't care, I was looking for answers.

His shop was in the oldest center in town, I went in and there was a guy who was 5 ft 3 in and a shirt that was covered in dried plug. There was heavy dust on all the shelves and ball chips everywhere.

He was personable and measured me up using an adjustable measuring ball. In no time he had me throwing the ball to him in the air pain free.

I had him plug and re-drill my favorite ball to the specs. Loved it and never looked back.

He was always there when he said he would be, he was always willing to help your game, he would stand behind anything he sold and warrant it.

I bought several new balls from him over the next few years. I could have gotten the balls elsewhere for a little less money but I was simply looking for quality.

He always was busy often having waiting list on his door.

About 8 years later I started working in the shop on Saturdays to help him out. The knowledge gained was worth more than any pay.

I cleaned the shop quit a bit after that. But the service never changed.

He drilled for bowlers all over the state some coming over 200 miles just to see him.

Almost every good bowler had come to him at some time to get fitted. He had his process and the knack. Many would simply get a ball plugged and then go somewhere else and have them copy the specs but often they couldn't even do that.

I continued to help him for about 15 years when he retired.

He helped Justin Hromek as a youth and when Justin retired off the tour he taught him how he measured and drilled. Justin learned well and I still go to him today if I want a new ball.

Sometimes other factors can far outweigh appearances.

I'd rather the operator focus more on matching a bowler to the ball.  That includes fit, type of ball, surface, drilling, etc.  Hopefully, he can find someone to help him keep the shop clean if he is too busy to do it himself. 

A good operator will earn the reputation due to his abilities that a messy shop won't turn most away.  However, it's best to not lose any due to something so simple.

I've seen a few shops get kids to help with cleaning and the shop can give them a good deal on plug work that's typically needed. 

Pinbuster, I miss that old fart as well.  Crazy good attention to detail.  I think you overestimate him at 5 ft 3 in though.