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Author Topic: Traveling pro shop opinion  (Read 2765 times)

jjweb

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Traveling pro shop opinion
« on: October 20, 2004, 12:11:13 PM »
I want to get some opinions on a project I am working on.

Say there was a bowling service that came to your house. Offering not only drilling and normal proshop services. But was also a complete showroom with balls, bags, shoes and accessories at great prices.

Would you consider it a helpful service?

How much would you be willing to pay as a service charge to have a pro shop come to you?
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The bowling gods said "let there be strikes" and then there was Dyno-Thane!
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jjweb

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Re: Traveling pro shop opinion
« Reply #16 on: October 21, 2004, 01:12:22 PM »
Yes, very small ones. In fact, they are hardly ever open during league times. If you know a large men's league is coming at 7, why would you close at 5? Funny thing is, most of the pro shop guys are bowling in multiple leagues, so they really don't have the time.
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The bowling gods said "let there be strikes" and then there was Dyno-Thane!
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scotts33

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Re: Traveling pro shop opinion
« Reply #17 on: October 21, 2004, 01:18:33 PM »
IMO....I believe you are going to have problems.  If the center owns the pro shop and has an employee doing the work.  That's one scenario.

The other is when a pro shop operator leases space from the center.  You are in direct competition with them and you have nothing invested as far as lease, etc.  

Put yourself in their shoes.  What their business practices are that's their choice.  

I'd ask center proprietors before I'd go make the large investment you are talking about and make sure it will fly.  Draw up some type of agreement.  You will be on their private property and they can ask you to leave at any time.

Just being the devil's advocate here.

Scott
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Scott

bamaster

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Re: Traveling pro shop opinion
« Reply #18 on: October 21, 2004, 01:18:59 PM »
Personally, I think there is a missed opportunity with this idea.

Why not approach ball manufacturers, like Ebonite/Hammer, and offer to take their Demo Days program on the road.  Local pro shops that are members of the Ebo/Hammer pro shop program will welcome this and if you're lucky you could get Ebo/Hammer to subsidize your trips.

You could make money on every ball sold, like a commission.  If you're smart, you'd partner with local stars like Randy Pederson who are not touring but would be a valuable resource/attraction for bowlers.  The local pro could do the layouts and you could do the drilling.  Not to mention all the coaching (see Kegel's Digital Coach program) and other service/accessory sales.

Yes, it's another great Bamaster "Ideas for Future Millionaires" post.

Tony
http://www.allBowling.com
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LuckyLefty

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Re: Traveling pro shop opinion
« Reply #19 on: October 21, 2004, 01:20:08 PM »
The reason I'm negative on the service is for three reasons.

1.  Bowlers in general compared to golf do not have the disposable income necessary to make it a profitable adventure, versus as a golf repair van you would make a fortune!!!
2.  Distributing flyers at centers with proshops could lead to banishment, broken legs arms or other non appendage bones.  This would also apply to tournament sites.
3.  A bunch of bowling balls rolling around a 24 foot van can develop a lot of momentum don't stop quick.  Many or some bowlers with vans have been killed by flying 16 and 15 pound projectiles during a quick stop.  * thru 13 will do a hell of a whack too!  Drive safely!  Stop smoothly.

You have been given a great tip.  I would contact Julius Williams in Tacoma Washington to see how he navigated these landmines.  Proshop owners, middle to lower income average bowler, safety, last thing is having lanes to practice throw on.  Of course I've been to sites with a 12 to 9 foot piece of lane and it was great to practice release!

REgards,

Luckylefty
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jjweb

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Re: Traveling pro shop opinion
« Reply #20 on: October 21, 2004, 01:37:46 PM »
Great idea bamaster!

Neither of the shops here are leased, they are both owned by the alley. Although there is a guy that does drill out of his house, and does seem to be affecting the local shops. Why? His prices and service. He doesn't stock anything, just places orders for the balls and drills the span and pitches from your current ball.

We look at it this way. If it fails, we can always say we tried. But we still have the option on opening a shop somewhere.
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The bowling gods said "let there be strikes" and then there was Dyno-Thane!
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