Author Topic: Questions for a pro shop owner (Read 1981 times)

txnohandsam · « **on:** September 13, 2008, 02:52:41 PM »

A couple of questions. How many are doing this part time and how many are doing this full time as their main source of income. Also why are you doing this? I know it depends on many factors but in the long run is the work fun? rewarding? are you making enough money to really be happy or just enough to get by?
Thanks for your time

Sam

Edited on 9/13/2008 11:09 PM

jls · « **Reply #1 on:** September 15, 2008, 09:05:14 AM »

Full time. 20-30 years ago it was a decent business to be in.
Today I would not recommend going into it. However it has been good to me.
AS for fun, It's called work, not a game. Work is work.
Golf, now golf is fun.
--------------------
jls Vote for good, not evil.

Edited on 9/15/2008 9:51 AM

Hamburglar · « **Reply #2 on:** September 15, 2008, 11:02:31 AM »

quote:
Full time. 20-30 years ago it was a decent business to be in.
Today I would not recommend going into it. However it has been good to me.
AS for fun, It's called work, not a game. Work is work.
Golf, now golf is fun.
--------------------
jls Vote for good, not evil.

Edited on 9/15/2008 9:51 AM

You've OBVIOUSLY never worked in the golf busines...
--------------------
That which doesn't kill you will only make you stronger, that which doesn't make you stronger is a waste of time!

fluff33 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 15, 2008, 11:37:22 AM »

I have been in the pro shop business for over 20 years. When I started I learned from some of the best in the business and continued my education by attending seminars and getting my IBPSIA cetification in 1999. Initially, I was able to make a decent living. Bowlers came to me because of my understanding of fitting and matching the equipment to their game. Then came the internet sales, which has taken a lot of business from me as well as others in the business. In the past few years I have run into another situation. That is the perception by many bowlers that just because someone can average 220 or more they must also be good ball drillers. Many of you on here know this is not necessarilly true. All of this,along with increaseed operating costs and health insurance for my employees has led me to the decision to leave the pro shop business this year. Did I enjoy it---ABSOLUTELY!! Will I miss it---ABSOLUTELY!!!
If you are getting into this business today you need to make some serious decisions. Do you expect to do this full time and make a living at it? Or are you going to do it part time for additional income? Or just because you just enjoy it?
Whatever your decision, good luck.

stormfanken · « **Reply #4 on:** September 15, 2008, 11:45:43 AM »

I just started recently running the pro shop at my local bowling center. It is part time work and I do it more because I like it than for the money. If it was a shop in a better bowling center I could do it for a living. No doubt in my mind. Although I am sure the time to be in that business was about 20 years ago.

Edited on 9/15/2008 11:47 AM

jls · « **Reply #5 on:** September 15, 2008, 12:28:43 PM »

quote:
quote:
Full time. 20-30 years ago it was a decent business to be in.
Today I would not recommend going into it. However it has been good to me.
AS for fun, It's called work, not a game. Work is work.
Golf, now golf is fun.
--------------------
jls Vote for good, not evil.

Edited on 9/15/2008 9:51 AM

You've OBVIOUSLY never worked in the golf busines...
--------------------
That which doesn't kill you will only make you stronger, that which doesn't make you stronger is a waste of time!

Sir
Yes I did, for 20 years. Had to deal with things like Spalding Executive's $249, or Wilson 1200 LT $249, these clubs were advertised weekly. Golf was worst then Bowling, at that time.
--------------------
jls Vote for good, not evil.

txnohandsam · « **Reply #6 on:** September 15, 2008, 10:17:35 PM »

For me at this time is about being happy and trying something that i always wanted. I remember growing up working in bowling centers and it never seemed like work since that is where i wanted to be. My wife and I met in a bowling center, got married in one and spend most of our free time in one. I know it takes 2 but the wife and I just finished putting her thru school and she makes enough money for the both of us at this time. The job I have now is not turning out like i thought and although it is dead easy, i just dread going each and ever day to this sit behind a computer and answer some phone calls ever now and then job not what i signed up for. So after someone said something to me twice about working in a shop, the wife and i set down and took a long hard look and decide why not give it a shot. Not too many bills, no kids at the moment and i can always find another computer desk to sit behind if this does not work out.
As far as the pro shop goes, one of the owners post on here often and the other i grew up with. I feel like i can trust both of them and the city we live in can support another in this business.
I am not afraid of working long hours, and short vacations since bowling is something that i have always loved and will always be around either way.
Having a meeting tomorrow to talk some more business and hopefully things can fall into place.

Thanks for the answers both in the post and PM.

Sam

jls · « **Reply #7 on:** September 16, 2008, 08:26:37 AM »

quote:
For me at this time is about being happy and trying something that i always wanted. I remember growing up working in bowling centers and it never seemed like work since that is where i wanted to be. My wife and I met in a bowling center, got married in one and spend most of our free time in one. I know it takes 2 but the wife and I just finished putting her thru school and she makes enough money for the both of us at this time. The job I have now is not turning out like i thought and although it is dead easy, i just dread going each and ever day to this sit behind a computer and answer some phone calls ever now and then job not what i signed up for. So after someone said something to me twice about working in a shop, the wife and i set down and took a long hard look and decide why not give it a shot. Not too many bills, no kids at the moment and i can always find another computer desk to sit behind if this does not work out.
As far as the pro shop goes, one of the owners post on here often and the other i grew up with. I feel like i can trust both of them and the city we live in can support another in this business.
I am not afraid of working long hours, and short vacations since bowling is something that i have always loved and will always be around either way.
Having a meeting tomorrow to talk some more business and hopefully things can fall into place.

Thanks for the answers both in the post and PM.

Sam

Go for it. It sounds like you have your wife's full support. That is most important when starting a small business. Be prepare for long hours, and no party's around the holidays, cause that will be your busy time.

Find yourself a good dist. to work with. Keep your Inventory low on Balls. In most case you can get them in a day from a dist. Don't overstock. Carry a decent selection of bags and shoes. And a good selection of ball cleaners and polish and Abralon pads.

good luck
--------------------
jls Vote for good, not evil.

Author Topic: Questions for a pro shop owner (Read 1981 times)

txnohandsam

Questions for a pro shop owner

jls

Re: Questions for a pro shop owner

Hamburglar

Re: Questions for a pro shop owner

fluff33

Re: Questions for a pro shop owner

stormfanken

Re: Questions for a pro shop owner

jls

Re: Questions for a pro shop owner

txnohandsam

Re: Questions for a pro shop owner

jls

Re: Questions for a pro shop owner