Author Topic: Promoting a Center (Read 1065 times)

janderson · « **on:** June 21, 2006, 05:18:31 AM »

It is often taught in business marketing classes that one key to success in business is to clearly diferentiate your product/service from that of your competitors.

If you had the means to build your own bowling center from the design phase forward, what would you do to differentiate your center from the others in the area as part of your plan to success?

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J.J. "Waterola Kid" Anderson, the bLowling King : Kill the back row

shelley · « **Reply #1 on:** June 21, 2006, 01:29:59 PM »

And keep in mind that "I wouldn't have no 100:1 house wall and would have scratch sport leagues" doesn't count because those don't bring in business, they drive it away.

SH

jimensminger · « **Reply #2 on:** June 21, 2006, 01:31:05 PM »

mine would be a MEMBERSHIP ONLY center. I would have a PROFESSIONAL bowler on staff, he would run the pro shop. I would run in house tournaments for menbers only, with an occasional member/guest type tournament. Members would pay Annual dues, which would include mucho bennies, especially 'free bowling and instructions'. Members children would learn bowling from the beginning, like how to keep score, manners, and etiquette. There would be a resturant. Locker rooms with large closet type lockers, showers, etc. Bowling clubs would be encouraged.

This is not a dream, it works, I belonged to one just like this in Italy,..and they had a waiting list.

Ragnar · « **Reply #3 on:** June 21, 2006, 01:31:24 PM »

A bowling center/Hooters combination would work well, I think.
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"I do desire that we may be better strangers." Willie the Shake, As You Like it(III,ii)
"aroyskrikn zoln dir di oygn fun kop"

Necroshine · « **Reply #4 on:** June 21, 2006, 10:02:57 PM »

Well, I'd put all the award scores on the walls by lanes 1 and whatever was the last lane, and above the pins to the ceiling like my old alley did in Pa. Give it a bit of atmosphere instead of seeing a 3 x 2 bulletin board with high games or series on it.

I wouldn't make the place so bright you need to wear sunglasses to find the marks on the lane cause the glare is so bright.

After 10pm, 1.00 games and 1.00 beers on Fri, Sat nights. No cosmic bowling

A decent cross section of leagues, but must have a singles scratch league, 4 games over 4 lanes against 4 different people. At least in the summer.

Couple pool tables, pinball machines, decent video games, and those gambling bingo pinball machines from the 50's and 60's. The ones you use nickels in.

A small sports bar kinda thing would good too, so you can get Dart leagues in their too.

shelley · « **Reply #5 on:** June 22, 2006, 10:47:47 AM »

quote:
Well, I'd put all the award scores on the walls by lanes 1 and whatever was the last lane, and above the pins to the ceiling like my old alley did in Pa. Give it a bit of atmosphere instead of seeing a 3 x 2 bulletin board with high games or series on it.

That's something I'd like to see here, too. With so few honor scores shot at my house (1-2 a year, not per week like some of you guys), it would be a real, umm, honor to have the names, dates, and scores posted for everyone to see.

SH

janderson · « **Reply #6 on:** June 22, 2006, 11:23:57 AM »

Large screen TV's - one per eight lanes - would be placed on the walls behind the lanes for people to enjoy while not bowling.

The concourse should be spacious with enough area for large tables (3 per pair) and comfortable chairs for the participants as well as any spectators. The distance from the back of the tables to the rest of the house should allow for comfortable passage back and forth.

Video cameras attached to digital video recorders would be placed in the ceiling behind every lane and would constantly run and record. The video would be shown in a sort of "tape delay" mode on a smaller TV on each of the large tables in the concourse area. People could purchase a DVD/Tape of their bowling when finished.

I liked the idea I saw in another thread about creating a membership "club", where yearly dues entitled you to discount games, free coaching from an on-staff truly trained coach, entry into a large year-end tournament, and the like.

One smoke-free weekend night. The rest of the house's ventilation system would be connected to ionizers to cut down on that stale smell.

Rent-to-own program for bowling shoes (more initiative for the person to become a full-time bowler).

Bowling-history themed diner with a small, good menu with a few healthy choices thrown in. This could be extended to a drive-thru window for non-bowlers.

Just a few ideas for you - hoping to stimulate more discussion.

--------------------
J.J. "Waterola Kid" Anderson, the bLowling King : Kill the back row

sigfan2340 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 22, 2006, 12:39:12 PM »

YOu need something to attrack open bowlers, that is where the money is. League bowlers will be there, even if they complain they come back for the most part.

Here would be mine........

36 lane house 12 on one side of the house, 24 on the other. Leave the 24 for league bowlers only and the other 12 to open bowlers at any time unless their is a tourney that requires more lanes. A Sports bar connected that serves food, not just pizza, but actual food. The bar would have to be big enought to hold 4-6 pool tables, a bunch of dart boards and other typical bar entertainment. Outside would have to have sand volleyball courts that are accessed from the bar or other entrence away from the bowling area a second bar for the bowlers, where they can walk and get a beer if the waitress is busy, but they don't have to walk into the main bar.

State of the art lanes and scoring is a must. With a 5 minute delay and you don't pay policy. If lanes breakdown for longer than 5 minutes, bowling is free for those lanes, with a time limit. Discounts to league bowlers that come in during open bowling times. Maybe a $1 a game anytime. Offer free coaching on say sunday mornings to anyone that wants it for a couple hours. A huge proshop that has things in stock, not the "it will be here in a week." A youth summer bowling league during the day, something to keep the little brats out of trouble. ANd yes and Honor score board is a must. Video camera's overlooking the lanes so people at the bars could watch if wanted. I like the idea of DVD's for purchase.......

I have put some thought into this cause someday I wouldn't mind opening my own center either. I just need the funds to get it going.

azguy · « **Reply #8 on:** June 22, 2006, 01:26:06 PM »

My wife and I already have floor plans, as said before, just need the $'s, $6.8M.
Fully solar, child care provided, 1 smoking area with screens in it for the lanes, so you aren't holding up play, 2 eating areas, one smoking, one non-smoking. No pool tables, there are 3 locations for pool here, but meeting rooms for leagues ( 3) so they can have Board Meetings in some quiet area and it would also double for birthday parties, keeps the crumbs off the floor.

There's a lot more, just go to run.
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AZ Guy aka: R & L Bowlers Pro
rlbowlerspro@cox.net
www.rlbowlerspro.com

Author Topic: Promoting a Center (Read 1065 times)

janderson

Promoting a Center

shelley

Re: Promoting a Center

jimensminger

Re: Promoting a Center

Ragnar

Re: Promoting a Center

Necroshine

Re: Promoting a Center

shelley

Re: Promoting a Center

janderson

Re: Promoting a Center

sigfan2340

Re: Promoting a Center

azguy

Re: Promoting a Center