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Author Topic: Thinking about operating a local pro shop...any advice would be appreciated.  (Read 966 times)

Sir Bowl-A-Lot

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Thinking about operating a local pro shop...any advice would be appreciated.
« on: April 07, 2005, 01:55:20 AM »
There is a local pro shop that has been sold back to the bowling center and the center owner is looking to lease the space for an individual to open his or her own pro shop.  What type of training/classes would I need to attend to learn about the fine art of running a pro shop?  Are there any good reading matrials available in addition to the classes?  Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated as I have been bowling since I was 7 or 8 years old and I love the game, love to help others out, and have always been interested in learning how to fit, layout, and drill bowling balls.
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*Don't swing it if you can't bring it.*

Edited on 4/7/2005 9:50 AM
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LuckyLefty

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Re: Thinking about operating a local pro shop...any advice would be appreciated.
« Reply #1 on: April 07, 2005, 10:14:57 AM »
advice,  Don't!  IN GENERAL not much money in it!

Though some on this site have the knack drive knowledge and determination to prove me wrong!

rEgards,

Luckylefty
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It takes Courage to have Faith, and Faith to have Courage.

James M. McCurley, New Orleans, Louisiana

Sir Bowl-A-Lot

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Re: Thinking about operating a local pro shop...any advice would be appreciated.
« Reply #2 on: April 07, 2005, 10:23:11 AM »
quote:
advice,  Don't!  IN GENERAL not much money in it!

Hmmmmmmmmm, maybe I was looking at this the wrong way then.  I figured it was a pretty good venture...
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*Don't swing it if you can't bring it.*
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sdbowler

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Re: Thinking about operating a local pro shop...any advice would be appreciated.
« Reply #3 on: April 07, 2005, 10:43:00 AM »
Bowling in general is a sport that you will not make much money working in the industry at a local center, for the most part I should say some places may be different. I am in the same boat have been offered a job to work in a pro shop will know more next week. Best thing to do and this is what I am doing finding different places online and printing a few things out. If you thinks this is what you want to do go for it.
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BRUNSWICK
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Pinbuster

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Re: Thinking about operating a local pro shop...any advice would be appreciated.
« Reply #4 on: April 07, 2005, 11:20:27 AM »
This probably doesn’t help you but the best way to learn is to apprentice at a good shop. You can do it part time and pay will be next to nothing but you can learn the mechanics of running the shop this way.

The financial parts are the same as any other small business.

Yes anyone can learn to put holes in a ball. But the real art and a lot what makes a good proshop is the ability to measure for a drill. Getting the right span, hole sizes, and pitches is critical to a comfortable effective fit.

Some are so bad you might as well throw the ball up in the air and the “proshop” guy shoot it with a shotgun.


If it something you can do on the side part time and love doing it you can make it. Very few make any kind of a living doing it full time. Check out how long any of the shops owners have been in business and 90% have been in less than 5 years.
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tekneek

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Re: Thinking about operating a local pro shop...any advice would be appreciated.
« Reply #5 on: April 07, 2005, 11:27:36 AM »
Check your pm's
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Steve
Leading Edge Pro Shop
Radical Bowling Technologies Advisory Staff
brinkley2223@yahoo.com
512-755-2947

Sir Bowl-A-Lot

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Re: Thinking about operating a local pro shop...any advice would be appreciated.
« Reply #6 on: April 07, 2005, 12:13:34 PM »
tekneek, awesome read bro.  thanks!

I guess I should have noted that this is going to be a part-time job since I work full-time Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.  Also the nearest pro shop is 60 miles from my bowling center and many people have said that they absolutely despise driving that far to get their equipment.  I know it's a lot to think about so I am not going to make the decision overnight.  I just wanted some experiences and suggestions from my fellow members.
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*Don't swing it if you can't bring it.*
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TheDude

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Re: Thinking about operating a local pro shop...any advice would be appreciated.
« Reply #7 on: April 07, 2005, 12:56:40 PM »
kegel runs seminars on a regular basis. and ask your local distributor and they can help educate as well. they will always be looking to help out someone that will become there customer.
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Timothy @Juniors Pro-Shop
Montreal, Quebec.
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Timothy @Juniors Pro-Shops
LaSalle, Quebec-Located inside Pont Mercier Lanes.
Keep them honest!

Ebay store updated very often: http://stores.ebay.com/gumby3170?refid+store

Sir Bowl-A-Lot

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Re: Thinking about operating a local pro shop...any advice would be appreciated.
« Reply #8 on: April 07, 2005, 01:36:42 PM »
quote:
ask your local distributor and they can help educate as well. they will always be looking to help out someone that will become there customer.


Good point, never thought of that.
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*Don't swing it if you can't bring it.*
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JohnP

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Re: Thinking about operating a local pro shop...any advice would be appreciated.
« Reply #9 on: April 07, 2005, 04:00:05 PM »
We buy from Classic Products.  They have pro shop seminars several times each year in Fort Wayne, IN and at their facility in Florida.  --  JohnP
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