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Author Topic: Private bowling alley?  (Read 1760 times)

BrianCRX90

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Private bowling alley?
« on: February 18, 2009, 12:09:41 PM »
I have thought long and hard about this idea for years and most say It would not work but will have another opinion on it.

Private Bowling Alley:
Works like a Private Golf Course. Membership credits for league lineage and open games are paid monthly. Credits are much cheaper for league lineage and open games at certain rates then if paid daily or if the credits are insufficient to the amount needed.

Bowling alley does have rental shoes but of course cost money like any other bowling alley. House balls also cost money for rental fees which are stored in a separate room. One ball allowed per bowler for house balls.

Free credits can be given for league members who achieve honor scores from 500 series, 600 series, 700 series, 200 game, 230 game, 50, 100,150 pins over average. Extra, extra free credits given for those that achieve a USBC honor score.

Outside non member bowlers are only allowed to bowl with an upfront deposit and membership, then are given so many credits for open play and league lineage.

Credits can be given at the front desk at the bowling alley, online at a bowling site or even have automatic withdraw from your bank account if desired.
Bowling credits can be viewed online at home or anywhere else there is a computer or at the bowling alley at one of the free computer terminals or at the front desk for verification of funds/credits.


Could this work?

 

Hogsharley

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Re: Private bowling alley?
« Reply #1 on: February 18, 2009, 08:11:50 PM »
quote:
Could this work?  


NO
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BrianCRX90

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Re: Private bowling alley?
« Reply #2 on: February 18, 2009, 08:23:59 PM »
WHY NOT

bowlerdawg

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Re: Private bowling alley?
« Reply #3 on: February 18, 2009, 08:27:25 PM »
Posted: 2/18/2009 9:11 PM

    quote:Could this work?

NO

+1

you sound like Hitler, right before he took over Germany


atltnpnr

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Re: Private bowling alley?
« Reply #4 on: February 18, 2009, 08:32:53 PM »
Been looking into just that very idea. Like bowling country club. What I have found is that some areas it would work and others it would not. So guess the answer would be maybe. Ask the bowlers in your area if they would become members and how much they would be willing to pay. What perks they are interested in. You would have to have better perks than what you have now.

Locke

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Re: Private bowling alley?
« Reply #5 on: February 18, 2009, 08:35:17 PM »
I wish it could work. But I don't think it would get people.
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Kid Jete

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Re: Private bowling alley?
« Reply #6 on: February 18, 2009, 08:37:43 PM »
The credits thing would be annoying.  When you join a golf club you have unlimited golf.  Only thing you pay for is food, assessments, guests, etc.  What's the point of a membership if you only get a limited amount of bowling?  I would just as soon go to our "public" lanes and rent a lane for a couple hours or go when the BOGO special is running.

tenpin477

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Re: Private bowling alley?
« Reply #7 on: February 18, 2009, 10:14:54 PM »
quote:
Private Countryclub with 18-hole course and 20 or so lanes.
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Now thats an idea

rvmark

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Re: Private bowling alley?
« Reply #8 on: February 19, 2009, 07:21:15 AM »
What are you willing to pay for membership?  If you were to look at putting together a venture like this you might be suprised with the costs.

I looked at buying a center with two partners 2 1/2 years ago and ran the cashflow projections and in order to make it pay we needed to charge 3.50 per line to league bowlers to have a shot of making it pay.  That was if my partners and I shared the maintenance duties and each worked 1-2 nights a week at no pay.  In the end we decided that it would be too much time away from our families and we did not buy the center.  After this eye opener we do not complain about the fees we are paying we just appreciate the opportunity to bowl.

Mark

Hamburglar

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Re: Private bowling alley?
« Reply #9 on: February 19, 2009, 09:22:57 AM »
quote:
quote:
Private Countryclub with 18-hole course and 20 or so lanes.
--------------------
"But hey, that's what the media does. They take an ant fart and turn it into a nuclear explosion." -9andaWiggle

http://www.bowlingchat.net
Bring value, not trouble.




Now thats an idea


When I was in the golf business, the club I worked at was expanding the building and asked for ideas to help generate revenue.  I suggested putting in 4 to 6 bowling lanes.  They considered it but didn't approve it...the club is now in deep financial trouble...should have put in the lanes...
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Hamburglar

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Re: Private bowling alley?
« Reply #10 on: February 21, 2009, 01:27:00 PM »
quote:
I did the math when a center opened up not far from here. I think I remember calculating each lane at costing $100K+. that might have something to do with why they didn't put them in. lol

quote:
quote:
quote:
Private Countryclub with 18-hole course and 20 or so lanes.
--------------------
"But hey, that's what the media does. They take an ant fart and turn it into a nuclear explosion." -9andaWiggle

http://www.bowlingchat.net
Bring value, not trouble.




Now thats an idea


When I was in the golf business, the club I worked at was expanding the building and asked for ideas to help generate revenue.  I suggested putting in 4 to 6 bowling lanes.  They considered it but didn't approve it...the club is now in deep financial trouble...should have put in the lanes...
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That which doesn't kill you will only make you stronger, that which doesn't make you stronger is a waste of time!


--------------------
"But hey, that's what the media does. They take an ant fart and turn it into a nuclear explosion." -9andaWiggle

http://www.bowlingchat.net
Bring value, not trouble.


Nah, at the time, back in the 90's, money wasn't really an issue.  They were looking for ideas to bring in members on slow nights...my idea was to set it up like a lounge/bowling alley where the members could hang out, have some drinks, sandwiches, or appetizers, roll a few games, maybe have a couple of small member's leagues on nights the club's dining room wasn't open, etc...you know, just get bodies to the club to where they would be inclined to spend a few bucks that they wouldn't normally have spent.  When this addition was taking place, the club had plenty of money...putting in the lanes would not have been a problem.  

Losing members due to a sluggish economy plus having a club manager who stole several hundred thousand and another that had no concept of money management over the last several years is what has put the club in terrible financial shape...
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That which doesn't kill you will only make you stronger, that which doesn't make you stronger is a waste of time!