I think the OP should buy themselves a drill press and drill their own stuff. Heck, it would only take "Probably only 10 minutes worth of work".

For the more realistic among us, my most valuable asset(bowling wise) is my Pro shop guy.

I guess I'm the only one here that read your post and took your attitude as a by-product of the prices you were quoted instead of as the attitude with which you approached the situation...

I'd say 30 bucks is a little low, but you certainly shouldn't be paying more than 45 without any inserts, slugs, ITs, etc.  However, I also wouldn't expect any real discount from their standard drilling prices for not having a thumbhole.  Maaaaaybe 5 bucks, but that's about it.

Sorry you're having a hard time finding a driller.  You are correct, the prices you were quoted were ridiculous.  If that's left a bad taste in your mouth over the situation, I understand.  If, however, you approached getting your ball drilled by telling the drillers what you would pay regardless of their prices, then I would suggest you totally deserved it...but I'm willing to assume the best, because I wasn't there.  Either way, good luck.

I guess I'm the only one here that read your post and took your attitude as a by-product of the prices you were quoted instead of as the attitude with which you approached the situation...

I'd say 30 bucks is a little low, but you certainly shouldn't be paying more than 45 without any inserts, slugs, ITs, etc.  However, I also wouldn't expect any real discount from their standard drilling prices for not having a thumbhole.  Maaaaaybe 5 bucks, but that's about it.

Sorry you're having a hard time finding a driller.  You are correct, the prices you were quoted were ridiculous.  If that's left a bad taste in your mouth over the situation, I understand.  If, however, you approached getting your ball drilled by telling the drillers what you would pay regardless of their prices, then I would suggest you totally deserved it...but I'm willing to assume the best, because I wasn't there.  Either way, good luck.

I think at all depends on the cost of living of the location. San Francisco, yes, I can see those higher prices, but a small town in Harrisonburg VA, than $45 may be closer to expectations. Central PA, we are anywhere from about $45 on the low end, up to as high as $70. Depends on the center.

Also, wouldn't be surprised if you're already getting the PITA mark-up. You might be well known as one.

I think there's some differing opinions on what a fair price is for what I asked for.  I was used to paying only $25 for just two holes elsewhere - but that guy has moved on because the center has closed down.

I tried to keep it as quick & simple as possible to no avail.   No beveling, no scaling, etc.

Remember too, the ball in question has been discontinued for near 30 years.  Nothing currently made really comes close to the Faball Pearl Blue.

Another thing, I could in theory bring in a USED one for plug and redrill for only $50 which is only half the highest price quoted - but that would involve much more work for the PSO.   Does that make any sense?

Up the PSO, does he/she want to make a fair profit off of me now and get repeat business... or none at all?

Quote from: Mbosco on March 23, 2018, 10:38:08 AM

I guess I'm the only one here that read your post and took your attitude as a by-product of the prices you were quoted instead of as the attitude with which you approached the situation...

I'd say 30 bucks is a little low, but you certainly shouldn't be paying more than 45 without any inserts, slugs, ITs, etc.  However, I also wouldn't expect any real discount from their standard drilling prices for not having a thumbhole.  Maaaaaybe 5 bucks, but that's about it.

Sorry you're having a hard time finding a driller.  You are correct, the prices you were quoted were ridiculous.  If that's left a bad taste in your mouth over the situation, I understand.  If, however, you approached getting your ball drilled by telling the drillers what you would pay regardless of their prices, then I would suggest you totally deserved it...but I'm willing to assume the best, because I wasn't there.  Either way, good luck.

Never told any of those guys what I thought was fair.  Only that what I was asking for would be very quick and simple for him.   No need to weigh up the ball, or layout a grip, etc.  (I don't bowl anything sanctioned anymore, so who cares if the ball actually weighs up illegal)

I've seen my old guy do this in around 10 minutes or so.   I would assume that another competent driller could do the same.   But to expect $100 for those 10 minutes is unreasonable to me.

Nobody charges over $50 to $60 for any kind of replugging or drilling in my area (don't usually use inserts) but also live in middle of large metro area with a fair amount of competition.

The PSO absolutely has to weigh the ball to find the top weight and true CG before drilling. Anyone doing otherwise is doing hack work. Point blank period. I can't tell you how many "new customers" we would get from other shops after they went to nationals with a ball, like you're mentioning that was just drilled and not weighed and they had to bury a big hole in the side of it, or deem it illegal period because there wasn't a hole big enough that they could use to get it back in spec. If a ball has a weird topweight like 4-5oz and the C.G. is mismarked say 2" left and 2" down, it's going to be way over the side weight restrictions and require a hole so big that it's going to change the reaction.

Now granted, you can't do much to change the reaction of your blue hammer and I do see your point about a quick and easy job, I would have done it with a strict, "As Is no modification" policy and noted in my system that you specifically requested it that way.

Some PSO's, like mechanics, just don't want to be told what to do either. Especially by someone with zero hours of training, so maybe that was the reason they quoted you an exorbitant price, or just refused to do it at all. Ultimately, I've seen too many instances when a customer came in and demanded something be done their way, they hate the reaction and then go on a smear campaign in their league about why the pro shop sucks and don't get balls drilled there because they "made yours roll like crap" (not specifically you). They were probably just covering their own behinds as someone who comes in the door a little bit on edge, usually isn't going to be a satisfied customer regardless.

when you are getting a ball drilled, you are not just paying for the time it takes to put the holes into it.

you paying for knowledge and skill that it takes to put the holes in the correct place.  You are paying for the proper fit of the ball.  And you are likely paying for a warranty that if their workmanship wasn't up to snuff, that you can return and have it fixed free of charge.