Just drop a ball off at the Pro Shop to be drilled. Never used this guy before. He measures my hand. I go on to tell him what I am trying to do with the ball and a little about my style/game.
He says to me, "I know what you're trying to do, Knock down 12 strikes like everyone else."

I replied, Well that would be nice...lol

He says: "Let me tell you something, This Ball won't do it. When you are ready to buy a Ball that will, come see me"
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Winning and Losing are both very temporary things. Having done one or the other, we move on. Gloating over Victory or Sulking in Defeat is a good way to Stand Still.

Well, my pro shop guy is reasonable - he realizes that I have lots of sources for equipment other than him. (As a PWBA member, my world is a little bigger than the average shop.) He sometimes is amazed at the variety of equipment I drag in.
I buy a couple of balls a year from him at or around retail, and most of my tape and other sundry items.  Other than that, he drills everything else for me.
I have sometimes paid him more than his asking price, because I think his services are valuable to me. And I don't hesitate to ask his advice, even on balls I don't get from him, because I trust him... Yes - it's a unique and great spot to be in.

Now - the other guy - the one I USED to use - it's amazing. He'd actually call me and tell me he just got in a great ball I had to have. So I'd go down and check it out - not knowing much about equipment, layout, etc, at that time, I really had no choice but to trust him. So I'd pay full retail for a ball that was ABSOLUTELY perfect for my game. I'd show up for monte carlo (yep, monte carlo) at that house, and find 6 or 8 more of the same perfect ball on the rack. Obviously, he's a member of the ball of the month club, and was only selling the balls he makes the most money from. Now - that is a viable business model that might work for 80% of his clientele - BUT when he has the VERY serious bowler in, seems to me that model should change somewhat.
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One advantage of bowling over golf
is that you seldom lose the ball.

My proshop down here in San Antonio doesn't mind at all if I bring in stuff from the internet...new or used.  Just last week I took in three used balls that I needed fitted/drilled up.  We ended up having to plug and redrill all three, but to save me some money he didn't chare me for plugging.  He also does a light resufacing for free as part of his plugging and redrilling service.  He is a great guy...always willing to listen, and always willing to give advice.  Wouldn't go anywhere else.

Bruce

Dan,
Sounds like you are a lot like the guy I use. Folks like you are few and far between - and unfortunately, not enough customers recognize that.

I carry my guy's business cards in my wallet. I don't hesitate to recommend him - EVER. And the other thing I do for him - I don't ever tell someone what I paid for a ball, or for a service. I know that my guy sometimes gives me a good discount, just because I give him so much business and/or referrals.
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One advantage of bowling over golf
is that you seldom lose the ball.

Kevin where is this unprofesional pro-shop?

Edited on 5/2/2003 1:38 PM

Edited on 5/5/2003 8:20 PM

Not sure who did the last plug job on a couple of oldies i just picked up, one needs a whole plug and redrill anyway so the big bump where the thumb used to be wont be there anymore.  The other one has a bumpy old pair of fingerholes smack bang in the track. Oh well, a couple hours on friday and they'll be more than usable again.
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Do you want some of THIS!!!

www.totalbowling.com.au/www/live/2002australianopen/multimedia/adrian_shelton.MPG