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Author Topic: What services would you want???  (Read 1353 times)

Rev_O

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What services would you want???
« on: March 29, 2009, 02:54:54 PM »
I'm contemplating getting into the online pro shop business next season, complete with drilling to the customers request. I was looking for comments and suggestions as to what most would you like to see offered. I would plan to offer all aspects of the pro shop, drilling, ball sales, supplies, plugging, resurfacing etc etc etc. Let me know your thoughts and comments.
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Edited on 3/29/2009 11:00 PM
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strikecing

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Re: What services would you want???
« Reply #1 on: March 29, 2009, 10:58:24 PM »
I think the biggest reason I dont buy from online is just the personel realationship me and my driller have...  Yea online may be cheaper but my driller knows what I have how its drilled how I throw and what part of the line I like to play..
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Rev_O

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Re: What services would you want???
« Reply #2 on: March 29, 2009, 11:01:17 PM »
I understand that point completely. I don't have such a relationship since I drill my own.
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Rev-O



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rockerbowler18

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Re: What services would you want???
« Reply #3 on: March 29, 2009, 11:24:31 PM »
quote:
I understand that point completely. I don't have such a relationship since I drill my own.
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Rev-O



Check out www.springerrescue.org and help save the life of an English Springer Spaniel!









You don't have a personal relationship with yourself, Rev_O?

Anyway...the number one thing I want in a pro shop would be someone who can build an arsenal effectively in the fewest balls possible. I have about 20, and I want a better look out there with fewer balls. I want someone who can actually spend time with me working on my equipment rather than just punching stuff and moving along to the next customer.
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ramimac

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Re: What services would you want???
« Reply #4 on: March 29, 2009, 11:36:34 PM »
quote:

You don't have a personal relationship with yourself, Rev_O?

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Rob Stone Supporters of America!


I am not sure that is a topic that we can discuss in the forum

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pin-chaser

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Re: What services would you want???
« Reply #5 on: May 01, 2009, 09:22:13 AM »
Rev_O

   There are SO MANY online pro shops already. Would it not cost more to ship my ball to you for plugging and drilling than to drive down the street? Of course it will take more time. I dont see that there is a good potential that this would work.

   As for Drilling, my biggest arguement is that you can put 3 holes in a ball but when it come to fit I would still have to go to my local shop or have the tools and experience to hand oval the thumb and sand the holes. I dont think there is a big market for this. You might save me a few $$ but cost me more trouble and more time. I could just go down the street and walk home with it.

   As for ball sales, I would think that there is a SMALL opportunity for this. The profit margins for online sales are very small if you intend to compete against those that are already doing it. Signing contracts agreeing to so many ball sales to get the pricing low enough to make money is tough. Drop shipping is also difficult because usually you dont get the opportunity to specify ball specifics.

   I tried this not long ago. Dealing with customers, back and forth and not buying... the amount of time and the amount of profit... clearly for me I will not do it again.

   I wish you luck.
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azguy

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Re: What services would you want???
« Reply #6 on: May 01, 2009, 10:21:39 AM »
I did on line sales for over 4 years. Decided to stop in Jan this year. Hard to beat some of the "big boys" in thier prices. Not impossible but hard.

Drilling...that's a tough one. Some people are so picky about thumbs that you may well be sending the ball back 2 or 3 times, profits shot. One suggestion, shipping over seas is a tough one. To have a price where you can do good sales, you have to go standard/ship/freight. Takes time for that. Insure the balls ! Watch where you ship. I lost 4 balls to customers in Italy because they said they didn't want to pay the import duty. I got paid for them by insurance but it took over 6 months (usps).

I do wish you all the best, there's a market for everything, just have to find the right nitch.

Good Luck !
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