I'm sure many of you have a list of things you'd like to see from pro shops.  Last year the boss and I were admittedly a little giddy about having access to so many things and weren't as focused as we needed to be on the business side.  Our customer service was excellent, of course, as demonstrated by situations I've posted before, but this year we'd really like to change some things and make it noticeable.  A few of the changes we've come up with so far are putting more tools in the shop for sale.  That way instead of having people coming in before league needing bevel, a grip reglued, or a hole sanded, they can do it all themselves, besides freeing up our time for more important things, as well as generating more revenue which in turn relaxes the finances and allows us to offer more services.  It benefits everyone concerned, not to mention saving them time as well without having to wait in line, if there is one.  

Another idea I've come up with is having a section for ball posters, just like the wall space for the actual display balls.  Pro shops receive a lot of promotional advertisements for new equipment, and having a section with nothing but these advertisements would save greatly on display costs, and also create interest in new releases.  Also, for balls that have lost a little popularity or slowed in interest, it would enable customers to still look at them without us having to stock a ball that would potentially not sell.  The end result is that we'd be able to stock more of a popular ball to reduce the amount of orders and overall the waiting time for a customer to receive their ball.  

Also, we'll be placing our complete inventory of shoes out in the front room for customers to be able to see the shoe for themselves, the sizes we have in stock, and even be able to try them on without so much as saying a word to either of us if we're busy with another customer.  

I'm sure there are a few things I've left out, but I'd appreciate any and all suggestions, backed by either reasons for or against them.  It's all about quicker, better service, which of course is the driving force in the world today.  Thanks in advance!
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Forget Kung Fu, I know Ron Bahr!!!

The only difference between youth and adult leagues are that the big boys are allowed to whine.  They're more entertaining anyway.

Thanks Doug!  I suggested the window space idea to the boss earlier and he said it detracted from people being able to see what's actually in the shop.  Lol, he also tells me to keep the door open because it seems more inviting.  I don't know how many people walk AROUND the door to look in the window, it's ridiculous.  We have at least two of every size grip that Turbo makes, a fair amount of puffballs, every NFL and a few college b-ball towels, so we're set as far as that stuff.  He'll probably like the package deal idea, he tried it once, but it was in the middle of the season, so it didn't fare very well.  The resurface and cleaner thing is something we haven't done before, that's a good idea.  Another thing I don't know if you do or not is sticking a lot of small things up near the checkout, like ball wipes, Easy Slide, stuff that is fairly inexpensive and sells well to begin with.  It's pretty easy to just stick one right in there.  As long as somebody's buying a 150 dollar ball, what's 2 more bucks for a packet of Easy Slide?
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Forget Kung Fu, I know Ron Bahr!!!

The only difference between youth and adult leagues are that the big boys are allowed to whine.  They're more entertaining anyway.

While that's a great idea, Joe, it's just too expensive.  We very seldom carry inventory in anything but White Dots really, maybe a Scout or two and MAYBE one or two new high performance balls.  However, a current equipment catalog with current prices is a great idea.  There's no way we can afford to even have ONE display ball of every single ball on the market.  We do have an equipment catalog, but we always have to do price checks if someone is interested.  Thanks!
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Forget Kung Fu, I know Ron Bahr!!!

The only difference between youth and adult leagues are that the big boys are allowed to whine.  They're more entertaining anyway.

Yeah, that's exactly what we're doing!  Lol, not like our customers can comprehend it . . .  Anyway, I guess that's what we're there for, to help guide the newbies along.
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Forget Kung Fu, I know Ron Bahr!!!

The only difference between youth and adult leagues are that the big boys are allowed to whine.  They're more entertaining anyway.

Yeah, hehe, didn't want to say anything, but we copy BTM's strengths and weaknesses and put those next to the balls.  Sometimes we'll get free Crazy 8's from companies, but usually only for newer high end stuff.  Gift cards are great, we did pretty good last Christmas.  That's another good idea too, the gift box thing.
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Forget Kung Fu, I know Ron Bahr!!!

The only difference between youth and adult leagues are that the big boys are allowed to whine.  They're more entertaining anyway.

How about a "Ball of the Week" promotion - at least for the larger pro shops that have the inventory.  Create some space that is in a high-traffic or highly visible area in the concourse and make a display showing the ball, maybe some rave reviews about it and maybe a poster, catalog page or anything that will grab their attention.  Put a regular price and a "this week only" price.  I would think just getting a different ball into a location that people do not have to make a concious effort to see might genereate some interest in newer stuff.  After a little while, people would probably show up for leaugue curious about what's being offered this week.
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Why, WHY won't the last one just fall??  It's WIGGLING for cryin' out loud!!