win a ball from Bowling.com

Author Topic: Offsite proshops  (Read 1540 times)

mumzie

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6914
Offsite proshops
« on: February 15, 2005, 01:55:17 AM »
If you deal with a pro shop that's not located at a bowling center, I have some questions for you:

1. How do they get you in the door?
2. do they offer any special services that no one else has?
3. What kind of hours do they keep?

And any other information you might have.

Thanks!
--------------------
-- The way we see the problem is the problem.
------------------------
www.Shirts4Bowling.com
We Know What Bowlers Want

Home of the HAMBONE shirt!

 

Nollster

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 956
Re: Offsite proshops
« Reply #1 on: February 15, 2005, 11:05:54 AM »
Mumzie -
Our biggest proshop is off-site.  They have the reputation for being the best in the area with the biggest selection and that's how they get you in.  I'm not always sure you get the best quality work, but that's when you have one of the trainees working on your stuff.  That usually doesn't happen when you become a regular.  I think they're open 10-5 M, T, R, 10 - 8 W,F and 9-2 Saturday -- I'll have to check on that....As I've said, they're the biggest and best in the immediate area, but I'm finding some of the smaller shops have guys just as diligent and willing to deal on prices as the big guys.

iommifan

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 611
Re: Offsite proshops
« Reply #2 on: February 15, 2005, 11:12:36 AM »
But how can they watch you throw and help you choose the right ball for you if they don't have a lane??

pin-chaser

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1802
Re: Offsite proshops
« Reply #3 on: February 15, 2005, 01:37:47 PM »
I have been considering opening an offsite proshop in this area becuase all the proshops in centers are being used (despite the poor abilities and knowledge). However, I feel going offsite competes more with the internet than with local shops. And I dont see how to make enough of a profit in the end.
--------------------

Bowling Tips and Articles at: www.bowlingknowledge.com
IRC: Internet Relay Chat on Dalnet #striketalk. 24x7x365
Sponsored by: http://bowlerx.com



Chasing pins for 45 years.

mumzie

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6914
Re: Offsite proshops
« Reply #4 on: February 15, 2005, 02:36:24 PM »
quote:
But how can they watch you throw and help you choose the right ball for you if they don't have a lane??  


That's a secret.
--------------------
-- The way we see the problem is the problem.
------------------------
www.Shirts4Bowling.com
We Know What Bowlers Want

Home of the HAMBONE shirt!

clintdaley

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4246
Re: Offsite proshops
« Reply #5 on: February 15, 2005, 02:53:46 PM »
I am the owner of a free standing pro shop, and have been doing fine. I am a stockbroker by day, and I drill Monday -Thursday 6-9. Friday-Sunday are by appointment only due to leagues, tourneys, family, etc.

As for how do I determine a ball, I will actually go to a local bowling alley (35 minutes in my area) and watch them bowl. They like my dedication to them to help determine what is right for them.

I get customers in the door by offering good discounts and quality service. I do not have the overhead and expenses of a normal pro shop, so I can get away with charging a little less and offer discounts for certain companies. I give out business cards, and offer $5 off on any Track bowling ball they purchase off of me. If they buy 2, double the discount, etc. If you bring a friend, and they buy a ball as well, the friend gets $5 off per Track ball and the person who brought them gets $10 off per Track ball.

Probably gave too much away, but oh well.

Clint
--------------------
Clint Daley-Owner
Lets Go Bowling Daley
Salem, Ohio 44460
TRACK ADVISORY PRO SHOP STAFF










Nollster

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 956
Re: Offsite proshops
« Reply #6 on: February 16, 2005, 08:35:48 AM »
You can get the guys at my shop to the lane to watch (about 30 seconds away), but it seems like they want to give you a lesson ($35/hr.) to do it -- not what I'm looking for....I had a ball drilled up by the guy at the center I have league in and he did a great job.  May be sending more work his way....

azguy

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8364
Re: Offsite proshops
« Reply #7 on: February 16, 2005, 04:06:59 PM »
I have plans drawn up and am in the process of funding an off site shop. My draw will be the one (two if I can swing the extra money) lane in the shop. I think the trick is having Great customer service, and after drill, test it out. That's something new to this area. Our house has a shop, but no one there knows what they are doing, no driller except for individuals that are in the "click" that they let use the equipment. It's still in the money phase, but if anyone's interested, I'll let you know how things go (if I don't end up on the soup line) once things get started.

my 2 cents are up
--------------------
AZ Guy aka: R & L Bowlers Pro
rlbowlerspro@cox.net
www.rlbowlerspro.com

Sleep is over rated.