BallReviews
General Category => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: 9andaWiggle on December 04, 2003, 11:05:15 PM
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Bowling alleys no longer had pro shops within their walls? Instead, two doors down a separate building is set up (with two lanes for equipment testing purposes for the customer) that handles only equipment sales/service. This way, the customer plainly sees that the pro shop is independent of the bowling alley. You always see golf shops set up in malls and on street corners, but never bowling shops. Are we missing some opportunities here?
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9~
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When I finally get a chance to open my own shop, that is what I plan on doing. Having a free standing shop with at least 2 lanes installed for bowlers to try there new equipment, for demo's or for practice and lessons. I believe it is something that would work if marketed proper.
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Rev-O
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I agree, if done right it could be a real money maker. 1) You are only dealing with people seriously interested in bettering their game and 2) any bad deals they have had with a bowling alley are not associated with you or your personnel. Also, 3) I think it would come across as a more "professional" place to get instruction and equipment since you are not associated with the local alley - but that's just my opinion.
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9~
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being in a bowling center is probably less expensive. one rent payment gets you all the facilities...lights, water, heat/ac etc...plus where else to find bowlers but in a bowling center. Having "lanes" is a pain and a cost. Put me in a center. je
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Having a shop inside a center gets you a fairly well defined customer base - no matter what.
Having a shop outside a center gets you the possibility of a larger shop, and the guarantee that customers won't probably just wander in...
And as far as having lanes installed - why would a pro shop want to install lanes, buy a lane machine, and have a mechanic or two on call just to watch someone take a couple shots????
I personally think it's a great idea, but I don't think the potential profit could possibly outweigh the cost of doing business. Now - without the lanes, I think it would have a better possibility of success.
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The set up cost could be a detriment, but I think to give the customer the best service, one would need a couple of lanes. This way, the bowler's style could be observed before the drilling. Then, after the work is completed, the bowler could try it out for a few shots - and the driller could then suggest any "tweaking" that might be needed. And, since the machines would probably not be subjected to 7 days a week of 5 man leagues + open bowling, there probably wouldn't be a need to keep a mechanic hired full time. The basics can be easily learned by the shop operator.
I know, it may be a long shot in some areas, but I would like to see one. Also, as a customer, there would be less chance of someone coming in and interrupting the discussion of what I need my new ball to do.
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9~
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Theres a Pro-shop in New South Wales or Queenland here in Australia thats just like you discribed, I haven't been there yet but I want to.
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