Post by: huskerfan711 on April 12, 2007, 05:50:30 PM
The bowling alley i am in has a lot of league bowlers and has various leagues every night. My hours of operation are as follows:
Monday 5-7 (the one night i bowl league)
Tuesday 5-8:30
Wednesday 5-8:30
Thursday 9-noon (senior league) and 5-8:30
Friday 5-9
Saturday 9-noon (juniors)
I believe that that covers every league except one small womens league during the day on wednesday.
The trouble i am having is, one, getting customers into the shop, and two, getting said customers to purchase something.
I have worked at this bowling alley for 2 years prior to taking over the shop so i feel have a good sense of what goes on and i definately know most league bowlers.
I believe my biggest problem is my age. I am 19 years old and, not to sound cocky, i know what i am doing. I have been to a week long jayhawk class, a powerhouse clinic and i have participated in an IBPSIA HOTS seminar. I have the certificates displayed in easy view in my proshop.
It appears to me as though the bowlers see a "kid" and think... who is he and what does he know about bowling?
My prices are also very reasonable/low side. For a blank drill i charge 30 for plastic and 40 for others (grips, but not slugs, included). For a full plug and redrill i charge 25 plus grips/slugs. The pricing on my balls and other equip is also very low compared to surrounding areas. For example, a proshop in wichita that i know the owner and am friends with charges 219 drilled for the TNV. In my shop, i have the TNV for 184 drilled. Thats 35 dollars cheaper, as is the case on most of my goods.
I guess my request is, if anybody has been in the situation i have been in or think they know something to get people in the shop... please tell me. Any suggestion at all will be greately appreciated.
Thanks
Matt
PS. i dont think its the summer months causing this, it has been a going thing for about 2 months.
Post by: C-G ProShop-Carl on April 13, 2007, 01:54:13 AM
--------------------
Carl Hurd
C-G Pro Shop (owner/operator)
Youngstown Ohio
Tag Team Member #1
TAG TEAM COACHING!!!!!!/Co-Founder
Post by: rbroller815 on April 13, 2007, 01:56:47 AM
--------------------
**************************
Adam Carreon
Northern Illinois
University Bowling
**************************
Post by: rbroller815 on April 13, 2007, 01:57:25 AM
--------------------
**************************
Adam Carreon
Northern Illinois
University Bowling
**************************
Post by: huskerfan711 on April 13, 2007, 02:08:30 AM
Post by: newman891 on April 13, 2007, 04:33:47 AM
I laugh with you and in the fact that I know your pain (I'm 21). There are alot of bowlers within the two cities that I bowl, but in either pro shop there is no real pro shop guys. Of course, I live in a small city in Kentucky, and the owner IS the pro shop guy. The prices are completely unreasonable in one house, and the other only offers balls from the 70-80s. I have drilled my own equipment, have made a reservation for my first Powerhouse clinic, and have been personal friends with two R&D guys (one being the V.P. of R&D) from Ebonite. I know drillings, pin & MB placements from PAP (and how they are important), etc. These guys ask me questions, I tell them answers. And yet, I cannot seem to get these owners to understand that I am not just some kid trying to steal their business.
Your prices are VERY good as apposed to what I see. For example, The One in my local proshop is $260 drilled without grips or slug. I try to tell him that he will NEVER sell it at that price to anyone who knows bowling balls, but he refuses to listen. I'm just a kid who reads articles and watches videos...certainly not a person who knows what they are doing even though they drill their own equipment.
Personally, I know how frustrating it is. Hopefully one day people will see that age really is just a number, especially when you can SHOW them what you are capable of. Keep up the good work and I wish you well in all of your endeavors. If you want to speak more, just send me a message.
--------------------
Matthew R. Adams
Current Line-up:
Ebonite Angular One
Ebonite Apex Aggression
Ebonite RXS 300
D/T Vendetta Sniper
Coming soon:
Hammer No Mercy
Post by: jkiser01 on April 13, 2007, 07:28:36 AM
Also, don't just target league bowlers. My friend owns a pro shop and he makes alot of $$$ off open play bowlers that just stop in on the weekends to bowl and end up buying a ball shoes and a bag..
Just my 2 cents..
--------------------
I think the great slump of 2006-2007 is finally coming to an end!!
Post by: Strider on April 13, 2007, 07:30:07 AM
--------------------
Penn State Proud
Special thanks to Dynothane, Visionary, and Lane#1 for donations to the Ballreviews Get Together.
Ron Clifton's Bowling Tip Archive (http://"http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/roncarchive.htm")
Post by: NOTAP4ME on April 13, 2007, 07:39:28 AM
You said you took over the Pro shop from a previous owner? I was just curious as to how much business the shop did under the old ownership?
As far as age goes, It doesnt matter to me how old a driller is as long as he knows his stuff. I take it you are a pretty experienced bowler yourself and I would agree that a reputation has a lot to do with pro shops. The shop I go to has three people working in it, the owner age 40 or so, another worker age 40 plus and a kid 21. Guess who drills my stuff? Yep the 21 year old. He has learned a lot from the owner and he knows what kinda drills I like etc., so I have no problem going to him.
A little aside for you. I used to frequent another Pro Shop for a long time, however I finally switched to the Shop I go to now. Why did I switch? Well, for one the old shop didnt have convenient hours for me and the owner/ driller was never there. Service is a big thing in my book and I saw the old shop loose a lot of business to this factor.
Keep plugging away and best of luck to you.
Post by: anorexicwonder on April 13, 2007, 07:49:01 AM
What I've done to help the problem is wear glasses all the time, (adds perceived age & intelligence), and grown out my facial hair, (adds a few years of age.) You'd be amazed at how differently people treat me now because of these small changes.
Also, what do you wear around the shop? Are you in jeans & t-shirt? I would say jeans are OK, but I would wear a nice bowling shirt around with perhaps a shop apron over it. (Maybe a bowling shirt with your name on the back). I think that would help let people know you take your job seriously and mean business.
Post by: Strapper_Squared on April 13, 2007, 07:54:04 AM
S^2
--------------------
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
Thank You... Only a Year Late (http://"http://www.newsday.com/sports/ny-spmnf26,0,1066554.story?coll=ny-sports-headlines")!
I was shocked! (http://"http://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/ny-spbest275147290mar27,0,4157660.column?coll=ny-sports-columnists") says Theismann
Post by: slap on April 13, 2007, 07:55:18 AM
Around every house runs special rates Sunday mornings before noon. The center is packed between 9 to 12 because that time slot has become primetime for league bowlers to practice (and get a little pot action going.) Almost every Sunday someone says they wish the shop was open.
Also, be visible and friendly with the bowlers. If your shop is empty, throw on your apron and walk around the lanes for a few minutes and chat with the bowlers. Maybe if you talk bowling enough, the guys will realize you know that you're not just a kid and you really know your stuff.
Good luck!
--------------------
"Student of the Game"
http://s9.photobucket.com/albums/a63/slap1914/bowling/
Post by: JOE FALCO on April 13, 2007, 07:59:52 AM
--------------------
Hit them light and watch them fight
J O E - F A L C O
Post by: JoeBowler on April 13, 2007, 08:12:39 AM
Proshops live as much on reputation of the driller as they do pricing.
Be there when you say you will. Do good work. Learn to fix peoples problems. It will take time but you will build a business.
Everyone talks about the technical aspects of layouts, hitting lines etc. But being able to measure people correctly the first time and fixing there comfort issues. Learn to do that and bowlers will start to come to you.
For my money I go to Justin for several reasons. First he was trained by the best in town before he retired and second he is a friend. I would not go to Brent unless Justin has changed his ways.
I wouldn't go to Billy as he drills everybodys thumb pitch the same way as his. 1/4 rev 1/8 left.
Post by: justdale on April 13, 2007, 08:19:40 AM
Good luck
Post by: wheat on April 13, 2007, 09:07:43 AM
Fyi..., by occupation, I've been a Senior Buyer for 10+ yrs, and as a customer who mostly frequents pro shops on weekends, I switched pro shops recently due to pro shop hours and pro shop owner attitude (cocky know-it-all).
Not too long ago I bought three balls and happened to bowl against the owner (of the shop I visited during league play) and he said, you didn't buy your SA, Shift and T-Road Pearl from me. I said, well, if you were around more I might have.
Post by: LuckyLefty on April 13, 2007, 09:18:48 AM
That can affect attitudes also!
REgards,
Luckylefty
--------------------
Open the door...see what's possible...and just walk right on through...that's how easy success feels..
Post by: C-G ProShop-Carl on April 13, 2007, 10:59:00 AM
But doing things for free.....not good. Keep your services at a premium you paid for your training and that should be worth something!
-Carl
--------------------
Carl Hurd
C-G Pro Shop (owner/operator)
Youngstown Ohio
Tag Team Member #1
TAG TEAM COACHING!!!!!!/Co-Founder
Post by: DanH78 on April 13, 2007, 12:00:38 PM
Most league bowlers, aren't going to drill up a ball before/during their league.
Also, think about who the clientele is. I know that I bowl with a lot of cops, and "blue collar" guys. Well, a lot of them have to work 2nd or 3rd shift and therefore would rather visit a pro shop during the day or on the weekend.
With my work schedule, it's almost impossible for me to get to the pro shop during the week, I get 99% of my stuff done on Sundays. I'll hang out if I have nothing else to do and most Sundays, the shop has steady customers from 1-5.
--------------------
What are you gonna do? Beat me with your Jesus stick?
Post by: Strapper_Squared on April 13, 2007, 12:12:00 PM
quote:
I'll hang out if I have nothing else to do and most Sundays, the shop has steady customers from 1-5.
Maybe a small TV plugged into the center's cable outlet to broadcast the Sunday PBA tournament? Nothing better than people in the shop seeing the newest and latest equipment being used....
S^2
--------------------
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
Thank You... Only a Year Late (http://"http://www.newsday.com/sports/ny-spmnf26,0,1066554.story?coll=ny-sports-headlines")!
I was shocked! (http://"http://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/ny-spbest275147290mar27,0,4157660.column?coll=ny-sports-columnists") says Theismann
Post by: jls on April 13, 2007, 12:17:44 PM
quote:
To echo what Briley said, why such short hours on the weekend? Or what about during the week during the day.
Most league bowlers, aren't going to drill up a ball before/during their league.
Also, think about who the clientele is. I know that I bowl with a lot of cops, and "blue collar" guys. Well, a lot of them have to work 2nd or 3rd shift and therefore would rather visit a pro shop during the day or on the weekend.
With my work schedule, it's almost impossible for me to get to the pro shop during the week, I get 99% of my stuff done on Sundays. I'll hang out if I have nothing else to do and most Sundays, the shop has steady customers from 1-5.
--------------------
What are you gonna do? Beat me with your Jesus stick?
dan well said, one possible problem with bowling alley pro shops that are only open during league play is parking. around here it is very diffulcult to find a parking space late at nite, once leagues start.
and most women do not usually want to come out late at nite by themselves to get a ball or shoes etc.
and as dan pointed out, when one is bowling in league, this may not be the best time for them to buy a ball. most of out sales are made during the daytime hours. and we are usually open till 4 or 5 on sat.
and it probably slow all over. we all must grin and bear it. and hope that
things get better.
good luck
--------------------
jls31316
Post by: huskerfan711 on April 13, 2007, 12:58:40 PM
To answer a few of the questions:
My bowling skill... Average 230 in the mens league i bowl, have shot 3 300's this season...
Inventory: Everything on display ranges from plastic to visaball to tropical storm/grooves to jolt/wrath to agents to tnv/fury/infernos... etc. Maybe a few one's every once in a while. I have a large, but not huge, selection of shoes and a large selection of accessories.
Time constraints
uring the day i have class at Wichita State. After seeing the advise, i will start opening the shop between 3:30 and 4 and will stay more hours on saturday and something like 1-5 on sunday. Small Stuff: I do not charge for sanding thumbhole/fingers. Charge $1 for sanding a ball and $2 for polishing.
Rep: I have several friends that are on the high average list with me (we call it the junior takeover because we all bowled juniors together a couple of years ago) and i drill all of their stuff for great deals.
I will start telling them to spread the word of how they like the balls they have got drilled from me.
My appearence: I have always been, strange as it sounds, an anti-jean guy. I dont even own a pair of jeans... lol. I wear khakis all of the time, and usually i have a pair of shoes that are not "athletic" but not completely dress shoes on and i always wear a polo, usually one with the vise logo on it as they sent me several. I would like to call myself a person who does not have trouble talking to people, i'm not shy by anymeans but at the same time i like to think i remain professional about my converstions.
To anyone in Wichita, i am at derby bowl
Thanks again guys,
Matt
Post by: DanH78 on April 13, 2007, 01:14:41 PM
quote:quote:
I'll hang out if I have nothing else to do and most Sundays, the shop has steady customers from 1-5.
Maybe a small TV plugged into the center's cable outlet to broadcast the Sunday PBA tournament? Nothing better than people in the shop seeing the newest and latest equipment being used....
S^2
--------------------
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
Thank You... Only a Year Late (http://"http://www.newsday.com/sports/ny-spmnf26,0,1066554.story?coll=ny-sports-headlines")!
I was shocked! (http://"http://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/ny-spbest275147290mar27,0,4157660.column?coll=ny-sports-columnists") says Theismann
That is one reason why I hang out. I don't have cable, so I have to find somewhere else to watch. I'm pretty good friends with my driller, so when it slows down it's nice to BS with him about bowling or whatever sports event is on TV.
Matt - I know it's tough, but you need to have patience. Age has a little to do with it, but more than that, you're new, so you don't have a reputation yet. It may have been an existing pro shop, but a new owner makes it a new business.
I don't know if it's been mentioned yet, but are you sponsoring a "Have-a-Ball" league this summer? I know that's ALWAYS given my pro shop a nice boost in business.
--------------------
What are you gonna do? Beat me with your Jesus stick?
Post by: huskerfan711 on April 13, 2007, 02:25:44 PM
Btw, just so you know, the sunday sixers is a VERY casual league, not a bad thing, but dont expect a lot of competition if thats what you were looking for
Post by: laufaye on April 13, 2007, 03:33:39 PM
Ask yourself a fair question, how much money you want to make with 22.5 hours a week? How many customer can you serve 22.5 hours a week? How can all the customers to fit there time to your schedule?
About your age, your skill, your experience, you have to be there for them to see it, know it, try it. Give them a chance by showing up, so they can give you a chance. They cannot hunt you down to give you business, otherwise you don't need to lease a shop in a bowling center.
Be there the money will come, trust me on that.
--------------------
Laufaye
Post by: Slick300 on April 13, 2007, 03:50:46 PM
--------------------
Ray Lathrop
Bsuproshops.com
Post by: MC on April 13, 2007, 09:46:19 PM
As a league bowler, if my pro shop was "new" I would be cautious until I heard something good. You could possibly give each league bowler a coupon for $40 off a high end ball/ $30 off a mid priced ball etc, maybe "free drilling of one new high end ball" coupons at the begining of each league.
The house I bowl in is family owned and the pro shop guy is the son. But they give each league bowler a "punch card" for 2 free games/ month. If nothing else it gets those bowlers in the house one more time that month.
Good Luck
--------------------
Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.
-Vince Lombardi
Post by: Smash49 on April 14, 2007, 09:51:38 AM
Ok now I hate to say this but you need to be a saleman..... You can be the best driller in the world but if you cannot sell people on why to do business with you, you will starve to death. Many shops sit around and wait for business to come to them. It's more than prices and being able to drill. You need to be fair and honest. You take advantage or do a customer wrong and it will bite you 25 fold. Respect your customers and be fair. I hate these terms but look outside the box and be a little creative.
Stats on our center>
48 lane house with 350 league bowlers
a few nights a week with good open bowling
a tournament usually twice a month
Shop hours Mon - Fri 5:30 to 8 Sat. 1 to 6 Call for appointments
When there is no one in the center why be there. When there is make the most of it. Also the center will call us if needed and we are 5 minutes away.
Our shop is doing really well.
Smash49
--------------------
Smash49
Slick, tacky, wood or synthetic it does not matter your slide is correct with Bowlers Slide Sock. The Finest Slide Sock on the Planet!!!
www.bowlersslidesock.com
www.strikingcatbowling.com
Post by: TheIronMan on April 14, 2007, 04:51:44 PM
--------------------
www.buildanarsenal.com
Post by: Erocku on April 14, 2007, 07:17:31 PM
Something like:
Monday: 12-8
Tudesday: 12-8
Wednesday: 12-8
Thursday: 12-8
Friday: 12-8
*take one of the weekdays off, whichever day you have the least amount of traffic
Saturday: 10-6
Sunday: 10-6
I would be working my @$$ off if I were to open up a pro-shop. Once business starts picking up and you're doing well, you might be able to cut the hours back some.
If this is a full time job for you, put in full time hours. What you put into the business is what you get out of it.
--------------------
www.BowlingAddict.net - Online Bowling Directory, User Forums, Videos, etc.
Post by: Smash49 on April 14, 2007, 07:52:12 PM
Smash49
--------------------
Smash49
Slick, tacky, wood or synthetic it does not matter your slide is correct with Bowlers Slide Sock. The Finest Slide Sock on the Planet!!!
www.bowlersslidesock.com
www.strikingcatbowling.com
Post by: Ringing10 on April 15, 2007, 12:49:09 PM
--------------------
Member since 3/20/2001
Post by: APheLion on April 15, 2007, 03:39:06 PM
i understand ur points, i mean, if i walk into a pro shop and a guy under 20 is telling me what drilling i should get, i would go "uhmm... are u sure of what are u talking about?"
but comming back to the topic
u said there are leagues going on, so a good idea would be do sell some raffles, just break even on those, or with minimal profit. what u want is to have ppl seein new balls being thrown. i know the fact that many ppl would put money on brackets and other stuff, so taking few dollars from each person and giving them chance to win balls would definitely give u more advertising.
one observation on ur prices, because of ur low prices and ur age (no offense here) people would think that u are inexperienced and therefore the price. That's definitely not a good idea. If u were older and charge the same price, people would think that u want to be competitive. thats why i believe quite a few people in the alley have the wrong perception towards u.
I have heard of many tips of doing business, one of them is to promote new balls to top bowlers at a minimun price (thats w/o losing money on them) and have a deal with them so that they mainly use those balls and recommend to others. However, u should choose wisely those bowlers, many people dont like the "bowler gurus" in the alleys, those gurus who think they know everything about the sport.
support a lot the jr bowlers and give some discount to them. kids grow fast,that includes lots of re-adjusting with plugs and rework on the balls. Jrs may not purchase a lot of equipments but most of em have parents who also bowl, so if their kids are satisfied, they will trust u and be more confident on dealing with u. If u have certified coachin, u can even have a promotion of few hs of coachin if someone buy a high end performance ball (most ppl would not even use those but it will make the ball look more valuable)
there are many marketing strategies, such as buy one and get next one cheaper (10-20 bucks discount on next ball) so u dont have to price ur balls 35 bucks cheaper.
hope this help
--------------------
When a house bowler misses the mark, misses the break point and strike, for many ppl its called a wallshot. When a pro does that its call adjustment
When a house bowler gets his finger stuck in the ball and fall on the lanes, for many ppl its called lame bowler. When a pro does that its called the Machuga flop! ha i like this one.
Post by: djfettes on April 16, 2007, 12:44:16 AM
--------------------
Dan Fettes
Elite Blue Alien
Storm Domination
Track Tritan
Good ole blue dot