Post by: brinen28 on September 15, 2005, 12:45:07 PM
Besides that, you can actually talk to someone who can help you select the right ball, and you will get a good ball with good specs. I have heard from a few people that they got an x out or blem, when they thought they were buying 1st quality. And I have heard from others about iffy specs.
Post by: brinen28 on September 15, 2005, 09:25:28 PM
I read an article somewhere that had the quote "Would you ever go to Outback Steakhouse with a steak you bought at the grocery store and ask them to cook it? Then why would you bring a blank bowling ball into a pro shop and ask him to drill it?"
Post by: Djarum on September 20, 2005, 01:15:47 PM
When I baught my crash last year : Online was 100 bucks + 10 bucks to ship +50 dollars for drilling. Then about 15 for slug and grips. This is 175 online.
I got it from my proshop for 150 with slug and grips.
I would say someone probably would save money on a high end ball. The Rule GP2 is 210 dollars at my pro shop. Can probably get it online for 125 + 15 for shipping. Then 50 for drilling. This would save you about 20 or so bucks.
Dj
Edited on 9/20/2005 1:09 PM
Post by: Chazman819 on September 20, 2005, 01:17:45 PM
--------------------
The Dark Jedi Code
There is no peace, there is anger.
There is no fear, there is power.
There is no death, there is immortality.
There is no weakness, there is the Dark Side.
F.O.S. Sith Lord - Darth Saw
Point of View - understand it
Post by: Wylie on September 20, 2005, 01:24:13 PM
--------------------
KYLE
"It's gonna be a good day Tater!"
Member of The Revolution
Track Rules!
Post by: Slopsurprise on September 23, 2005, 01:01:09 PM
The local shop has high prices, sloppy work, bad service, but most of the time (except one) they have got the drilling correct!
I guess I will have to get my stuff done at a shop that is 1.5-1.75 hours from me. I know he does good work and he has always impressed me!!!! He prices are average though!!
--------------------
Hey, it might be slop but, it all looks the same on the scorecard!!!!!
Post by: dpunky on September 23, 2005, 01:25:21 PM
Right now, I'm actually buying used bowling balls from Ebay. I know my finger span and preferred layout, and I find bowling balls that have the same finger spans and layout. That saves me the money of plugging and redrilling. I usually save $50-$70 per ball. I mostly have to change the inserts and do some resurfacing, but it's no problem.
--------------------
dpunky
"Born Again Hammerhead"
Post by: LuckyLefty on September 23, 2005, 01:40:57 PM
When I didn't have a drill press the extra $10 to $20 bucks including drilling was worth their expertise.
If things didn't work out I had something to complain about!
REgards,
Luckylefty
PS back in those days I bought often...made sure he had a moderate and reasonable profit margin and he gave me a little deal compared to other clients who were not so regular.
Post by: iommifan on September 23, 2005, 01:56:52 PM
Post by: sspeckma on September 23, 2005, 01:58:22 PM
Last spring when I tried to support my local "amateur" shop, I was told
that wasn't the type of ball I wanted or needed and they suggested a HDB from Lane #1. It came in but the driller didn't have a clue how to drill it. That
was a direct quote from another semi local pro shop owner that Lane #1 recommended when I brought the problem to them. So, after three practice games,
I had the second shop re drill it. But even his assistant who is highly thought of in the area had a lot of trouble with my thumb hole. She kept telling me where it needed material removed as opposed to listening to me tell her where
it was sticking. I ended up taking it with me to Las Vegas and stopping by the Gold Coast to get it fixed ( The thumb hole that is) The ball never did get drilled the way Doug suggested it get drilled. Bottom Line it was just way too much pain and head aches and expense the last time I tried to support my local
amateur shop.
--------------------
Steve Speckmann
Post by: v02maxlefty on September 23, 2005, 02:05:06 PM
Post by: shelley on September 23, 2005, 02:16:30 PM
quote:
Last spring when I tried to support my local "amateur" shop,
I think this is one of the best arguments to make when buying a ball online. It'd be great to support a real pro shop, where the driller had a lot of knowledge and skill, was willing to work with you to find the right ball, and so on, kept a decent inventory, and was nearby.
But that's not always the case. The local guy is such a PITA to deal with that very few people actually use his services. He can change grips or adjust a thumbhole or resurface/clean a ball ok. That's it. Drilling and layouts, equipment suggestions? Forget it.
The closest good shop is over an hour away. I don't want to drive 75+ miles to hope he's got something in stock for me. I don't want to drive 75+ miles to find out he doesn't have any 14# equipment that I'm interested in and having to order whatever we'd decide on. Maybe with 15# or 16# it'd be different.
So I usually watch the clearance rack at Buddies and pick something up based on discussions here.
"Pro" shop my foot.
SH
Post by: Cbjdc on September 23, 2005, 02:28:31 PM
I say there are alot of great proshops in the country. I wont take anything away from that or them. However, where I have moved to I will not allow any of these jokes down here to touch my equipment after hearing conversations about sticking a ball into and oven at 400 degrees, or telling me that baking a bowling ball will allow it to hook more. I am sorry just cleaning it will allow it to work better. Reason why I am all for shopping online with these proshops is that one I like that they are quick. Second is that the choices you get are alot at a resonable price. My local proshop only carries two balls in stock for a particular brand once they are sold you have to wait a week or more. Then pay almost 200 dollars plus drilling on such balls as the ICON or Xfactor. Come on these balls are all outdated.
To be honest I have one proshop operator who I will only trust and I am willing to drive 530 hours to see him. I think he is great and he distributes morich equipment. He is really great honestly. So I am more for paying the price online but it really boils down to who your local proshop person really is that sparks loyalty
Post by: brinen28 on September 24, 2005, 05:56:37 PM
I know this is a standpoint from a bigger market. Obviusly, i dont have to drive 500+ miles away. So, I guess I am spoiled, but I would make the trip to THIS PLACE if it was 500 miles away.
Post by: Panic on September 24, 2005, 06:10:24 PM
--------------------
Lukas
\M/ METAL MILITA \M/ http://www.folsomlakebowl.com/
Post by: a_ak57 on September 24, 2005, 06:18:51 PM
quote:
i always go to my local pro shop, but the only thing is that its across the river about 25 min away.
--------------------
Lukas
http://www.folsomlakebowl.com/
Uh, not to critique, but...that's not far. I drive farther than that just to go to my new league (which has a pro shop which I'll now be going to). And before, I used to drive 45-55 minutes to go to a pro shop...
As for the debate, I buy stuff online mainly because I buy older things that shops don't have, and because i like to get used stuff to try out.
--------------------
- Andy
Post by: Doug Sterner on September 25, 2005, 06:16:35 PM
Of course this brings up the problem of losing business because their prices are too high. It's a catch-22.
It certainly makes more sense for teh bowler who is planning on buying multiple items during the year to use his hometown shop but who knows?
Customer service does not mean much to a lot of people anymore...it seems that price drives the majority now....
--------------------
Doug Sterner
Doug's Pro Shop
Owego, NY
http://dougsproshop@aol.com
www.dougsproshop.net
Although a small elite group, the bond among fellows can never be broken...FOS members rejoice!
Post by: brinen28 on September 25, 2005, 07:14:43 PM
I mean, what are people willing to pay for drilling. I mean, I like the guy that says he pays 25 bucks for a drill. Well, he got a 25 dollar drill. Nothing special.
I am a big fan of the pro shops who take their time and do an excellent job. Where I go, the guy charges 60 to drill (w/o inserts) , but i buy my stuff there anyway so i dont have to pay that price. But they way he takes care of his customers, it is clear why he charges so much. And he told me the reason his prices are so high is becuase of internet shopping. He said the public should not be able to buy a ball cheaper than what he can get it for.
Post by: shelley on September 25, 2005, 07:23:47 PM
quote:
He said the public should not be able to buy a ball cheaper than what he can get it for.
Then he is doing a disservice by not switching suppliers. If his customers can get it cheaper, why can't he? If he can get pin and top weight requests online as easily as from his supplier, why doesn't he switch?
SH
Post by: thfonz98 on September 25, 2005, 08:59:20 PM
but the proshop that just moved in DOES have more competative prices than the previous IIRC.
--------------------
I have a problem..i'm a fluffer
F.O.S. Member....Proof (http://"http://www.bowlingballexchange.com//upload_files/yeah.jpg")
Edited on 9/25/2005 8:53 PM
Post by: brinen28 on September 25, 2005, 09:10:32 PM
Plugging.. you need to buy the plug mixture, plugging dams, plug cutter, sandpaper.. time.. etc. you and i don't know what plug costs/but look at you local bar.. same concept with beer.
Resurface.... they take LOTS of time and sandpaper and ball spinner... ok, or if they have a machine, they need to pay for the machine, diamond wheels, (cost to resharpen diamond wheels), buffing pads, etc...
the only reason pro shops charge so much for balls, is they need to keep reordering their inventory, obviously... these guys online simply drop ship the ball, so they have no overhead costs to deal with.
you get a more personal feeling when you deal with the pro shop, i think. He knows your other equipment, sees how it is drilled, and can accommodate you accordingly. He knows the bowling centers in the area and knows how the lanes react, and can sell a ball (or recommend one) based on other customers successes...
I can go on forever, but that just to name a few.
Again, I am not saying you are wrong, but here is my view on things
Post by: brinen28 on September 25, 2005, 09:25:04 PM
Post by: Cbjdc on September 26, 2005, 12:36:34 PM
Yup it is a long drive to go from where I live to where I moved from. Reason is that we have family back there and the proshop is really great. I like the proshop where every ball I have gotten drilled has matched my game. The proshop guy is terrific in telling me if that is the right ball or even wrong ball for me. Sometimes I dont like it but after seeing the alternatives he suggests he is right 9 out of 10 times. I dont think he has actually sold me a bad ball yet. As for online shops. Yes I do like them. Simply because if I have what I already want in mind its quick and easy. A perk yes but still if the ball doesnt work for me then its my own fault. Like others have said it has its perks. Now people saying that prices drive everything and not customer service. I have only encounterd two proshop operators in my life time who are willing to provide superior customer service. Where as others are just wanting to move product. I had a operator, who without even knowing me or my bowling game, want me to purchase a ball (The Rock) for myself because he said that it was the best ball on the market. He never met me or anything. Just tells me that that ball is the best. Yet this was 2004. Come on. You would think before you tried to sale something to somebody. Maybe I am wrong
Post by: brinen28 on September 27, 2005, 11:42:11 AM
If you want to go into a pro shop and by loyal, great
If you want to buy online, and get it drilled at a pro shop, be prepared to pay.
If you want to buy online, and get it drilled online, do that, but I think that is not the way to go.
Post by: shelley on September 27, 2005, 11:47:33 AM
quote:
I had a operator, who without even knowing me or my bowling game, want me to purchase a ball (The Rock) for myself because he said that it was the best ball on the market. He never met me or anything. Just tells me that that ball is the best. Yet this was 2004. Come on. You would think before you tried to sale something to somebody. Maybe I am wrong
He probably had one that was collecting dust on the shelf and was trying to move it. So long as he wasn't charging you the original price for an old ball, I don't see much wrong with it. How many here would say the same thing about, for example, the Danger Zone?
He should at least point out that it's still a good ball, even if it's not the latest release. He shouldn't make it sound like it's a brand new release if it's not, just to sell it.
SH
Post by: brinen28 on September 27, 2005, 11:49:37 AM
Post by: splendorlex on September 27, 2005, 12:29:41 PM
Post by: Injury on September 27, 2005, 01:36:29 PM
Being a small center in a rural area he doesn't keep any stock so anything I'd want would have to be ordered and he apparently can't get left over stock of discontinued products. Due to costs I generally stick with lines one to two seasons old he can't get them.
Costs, online is way cheaper for me.
Shipping time/bad shipping. I order my gear online I will get it in 3-4 days normally. Lady I know ordered her shoes from the proshop in the center, after an initial 3 week wait the first pair came in wrong size, sent it back week later next pair came in wrong size, 1 week later finally got the correct size shoes. 5 weeks is no good, and while it wasn't our pro shops fault (the center gave her free shoe rental have never had that happen when I personally order something. One screwup is in the meantime) whomever was on the other end kept sending the wrong size. This first screwup is fine but several in a row means his suppliers have their head up their butts.
The Pro Shop has pretty casual hours and really doesn't stay on top of new gear. Picking out gear in our pro shop consits of getting handed the notebook with that years catalogs all in it. So I'm already using online sources for product research, and I can't be guaranteed the guy will even be in to order the stuff when I'm at the center. Compare that to being able to order anytime of day or night while I'm at home. The pro shop guy seems to really know his drilling and the game itself (which I do take advantage of by paying him to drill my balls), however staying up on new gear seems to have passed him. I could see feeling bad if I were to take up his time with asking for gear suggestions and guidance then turning around and ordering from someplace else.
The bowling center (pro shop and bowling center owned by the same guy) already gets my money for lineage, food, drilling, jukebox plays and the higher margin consumable accessory purchases they keep in stock (tape, nuskin, easy slide, etc etc) I frankly have no problem with going for a better deal elsewhere when it comes to buying balls and shoes.
As far as the OP's costs of 50-60 bucks for basic drilling...basic drilling at my center is $30, but if you bring in multiple balls to be drilled he only charges $25 per ball.
Post by: brinen28 on September 27, 2005, 01:42:32 PM
Post by: splendorlex on September 27, 2005, 03:32:50 PM
Post by: brinen28 on September 27, 2005, 04:02:24 PM
Post by: shelley on September 27, 2005, 04:20:27 PM
quote:
but you wouldnt complain about the drilling cost if it was included in a pro shop price. Some pro shops do al a carte pricing. the price on teh ball is to compete with the internet, but then they charge drilling... if a pro shop charges 60.00 to drill a blank ball.. ok, the internet chargers 160.00 for that ball. the pro shop can put a price of 220.00 (drilling included) or 160.00 ALSO, and then charge 60.00 to drill = same exact price...
For one thing, it's impossible to know just how much drilling costs if it's included in the price. Second, I think most people understand that the price is frequently comparable when drilling is included.
For me, it's a case of inventory and travel time. I've usually done the research here and decided what I'd like to get. I try to keep my costs down and thus have always bought discontinued stuff from Buddies. Maybe the pro shop can get it anyway, maybe not. Maybe they've got what I'm interested in already, maybe not. But I know that if I order it and bring it in to be drilled, I've gotten what I was looking for. If I save $30+ by ordering last year's ball compared to this year's, then I've come out ahead and kept the missus happy.
I also throw 14# equipment and most shops have LOTS of 15# stuff but not nearly so much 14#. Again, a crapshoot when it comes to them having something I'm interested in.
If the shop in town were any good, I'd be all over it. I don't mind giving the pro shop business. But I don't want to waste my time driving 75+ miles and finding they don't have anything for me.
SH
Post by: brinen28 on September 27, 2005, 04:53:10 PM
Post by: Djarum on October 07, 2005, 11:38:04 AM
quote:
I think that Buying from a Shop and Online has it perks. First dealing with a shop you get the person you know drilling the ball. But I do not think online shops are nasty or lack customer service. Shops do not need to charge so much to drill a ball. They make plenty of profit on the ball already. Plus they have the resurfacing and plugging profit. Online is more comfortable for me and many others. We can choose from hundreds and hundreds of items. I know some online shops are also Pro shops. So they are doing the best of both worlds. What's wrong with that?
Actually, My pro shop would rather have me bring in a ball for him to drill. He charges 40 bucks plus grips. He said he makes very little money off of the equipment itself. The money he makes is just for drilling.
I suppose it depends on the proshop.
Dj
Post by: rc1216 on October 07, 2005, 11:44:49 AM
--------------------
Mmm.... BEER. -Homer J. Simpson
Wine improve with age, I like it more the older I get. -French Proverb
Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first. -Ernest Ulmer
IT DOESN'T MATTER!!!!! -The Rock
Post by: Doug Sterner on October 07, 2005, 11:56:30 AM
If they get a ball with poor specs I am sure to tell them that I'll drill it and I'll do what I can but I can't guarantee anything.
I also guarantee every ball I sell to work and react properly. If it does not do what I say it will, the customer gets a replacement ball or equal or lesser value.
I also include a service package with every ball free of charge. I will perform any and all alterations required free of charge...sanding, polishing, beveling etc as long as it is purchased and drilled in my shop. I even let them bring the ball in every few weeks and get it cleaned and repolished/scuffed if they need.
They also get my honor score incentive...I give a $50 gift certificate for my shop to anyone who shoots an honor score with the ball I sold and drilled for them in house.
Lastly I will match the verified everyday price of any one of my local comopetitors on items I have in stock. For special order items I will match the price if the customer agrees to pay the shipping fee I incur to get the ball through the door.
If your local shop had such a program in place, would you order outside the building and try to save yourself a few $$$???
--------------------
Doug Sterner
Doug's Pro Shop
Owego, NY
http://dougsproshop@aol.com
www.dougsproshop.net
Although a small elite group, the bond among fellows can never be broken...FOS members rejoice!
Post by: rc1216 on October 07, 2005, 12:09:59 PM
quote:
Doug,
To answer your question there are few and far between shops that are able to do what you do.
Agreed, I want to support my local shop, but the prices they sell some of these high end balls are ridiculous. I mean, who wouldn't want to get a new ball right away and not have to wait a week to get it drilled? But the prices!
--------------------
Mmm.... BEER. -Homer J. Simpson
Wine improve with age, I like it more the older I get. -French Proverb
Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first. -Ernest Ulmer
IT DOESN'T MATTER!!!!! -The Rock
Post by: two balls wide on October 07, 2005, 12:10:33 PM
--------------------
Joshua 1:9 - Have i not commanded you, se strong and courageous for the lord, your God, is with you where ever you go
aol sn - KillerpuffE
http://fuh2.com
is there anything else besides dyno-thane?
Post by: brinen28 on October 07, 2005, 12:27:32 PM
Post by: bowler257628 on October 07, 2005, 12:28:35 PM
--------------------
www.raysproshop.com
"Let Us Help You Become More Competitive"
Post by: brinen28 on October 07, 2005, 01:12:14 PM
If you bring in a blank ball, they are going to gouge you for every penny. Drilling, Grips, Extra Hole...
Post by: bowler257628 on October 07, 2005, 01:19:25 PM
quote:
well, here is the thing i gathered from pro shops. They want your loyalty. If you purchase a ball from them, they may throw in the grips for free or lower price. Or they may knock off a few bucks off the ball.
If you bring in a blank ball, they are going to gouge you for every penny. Drilling, Grips, Extra Hole...
LOL!! Knock off a few bucks from 250.. RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT. or i can go get the ball online for 130 shipped pay 50 with grips and slug and still come out WAY ahead. hmm save 70 bucks or go to my shop and pay way to much.. hard decision there!
--------------------
www.raysproshop.com
"Let Us Help You Become More Competitive"
Post by: brinen28 on October 07, 2005, 01:20:38 PM
Post by: bowler257628 on October 07, 2005, 01:21:53 PM
--------------------
www.raysproshop.com
"Let Us Help You Become More Competitive"
Post by: rc1216 on October 07, 2005, 01:25:06 PM
quote:
well, here is the thing i gathered from pro shops. They want your loyalty. If you purchase a ball from them, they may throw in the grips for free or lower price. Or they may knock off a few bucks off the ball.
If you bring in a blank ball, they are going to gouge you for every penny. Drilling, Grips, Extra Hole...
This is a great concept, if the Pro shop are willing to knock off a few bucks. But you will still be paying way to much for the highend equipments. I've always got my stuff from my Pro shop guy, but lately the price for the balls that I want has skyrocketed.
--------------------
Mmm.... BEER. -Homer J. Simpson
Wine improve with age, I like it more the older I get. -French Proverb
Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first. -Ernest Ulmer
IT DOESN'T MATTER!!!!! -The Rock
Edited on 10/7/2005 1:20 PM
Post by: brinen28 on October 07, 2005, 01:28:31 PM
Post by: bowler257628 on October 07, 2005, 01:30:25 PM
--------------------
www.raysproshop.com
"Let Us Help You Become More Competitive"
Edited on 10/7/2005 1:23 PM
Post by: stanski on October 07, 2005, 01:39:57 PM
--------------------
stanski
Post by: rc1216 on October 07, 2005, 01:53:39 PM
quote:
no, if you think about it... the prices really havnt gone up that much, consiering what everything else in the world has gone up... the highest priced ball in the shop i go to is 220 (exception of EPX) its not that the pro shops have gone up, but those online have just introduced a new market price
All said and done, it would still cost cheaper getting a ball on line. I haven't bought on line before, but just look at the prices. I'm the kind of person who can't wait, that's the only reason I would still go to my pro shop. Myself I've bought at least 6 balls from him, but I still think I'm getting ripped off when my friend could buy 8 balls with the kind of money I'm giving to the shop. I understand that it's a buisness, but some shop abuse the customers loyality. Giving everyday prices to a regular, doesn't really strengthen any bond neither.
--------------------
Mmm.... BEER. -Homer J. Simpson
Wine improve with age, I like it more the older I get. -French Proverb
Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first. -Ernest Ulmer
IT DOESN'T MATTER!!!!! -The Rock
Edited on 10/7/2005 2:14 PM
Post by: brinen28 on October 07, 2005, 02:01:25 PM
Post by: Doug Sterner on October 07, 2005, 04:09:07 PM
Most online shops have a supplier they work with drop ship the balls for them so they don't even have to stock or get the ball shipped in. Many times the supplier will do that for teh pro shop just to help increase their sales volumes. I know of at least 1 MAJOR Internet player that does this.
The pro shop that is attached to my one supplier charges $100 plus drilling, inserts and slug for a power groove...now talk about a rip off! $225 plus drilling on the high end Track balls is also the norm.
There is a local shop that charges that much here but I know for a fact that he is located in a 48 lane center with lots of traffic so he gets his share of ball sales but the lease he has with the owner of the building reads as such "The operator of the pro shop shall pay a flat fee of $500 per month plus 30% of all other sales tendered through the shop. All sales will be invoiced from the shop and tendered the bowling center register, not by the shop individually."
We could go on and on but we all know the answer....
--------------------
Doug Sterner
Doug's Pro Shop
Owego, NY
http://dougsproshop@aol.com
www.dougsproshop.net
Although a small elite group, the bond among fellows can never be broken...FOS members rejoice!
Post by: Doug Sterner on October 07, 2005, 10:27:23 PM
It is true that Internet shops are the way of the future but they are making it all but impossible for the home town shops to make any money.
It's going to boil down to a classic example of the big guys win and the little guys lose. There are plenty of shops who buy in with a supplier on the initial order of a ball or the intro order for shoes to help the supplier get a lower price and that lower price gets passed along to the shop. Unless you are a shop who can do this, you will more than likely drift off into extinction.
Just my opipnion.
--------------------
Doug Sterner
Doug's Pro Shop
Owego, NY
http://dougsproshop@aol.com
www.dougsproshop.net
Although a small elite group, the bond among fellows can never be broken...FOS members rejoice!
Post by: Brickguy221 on October 07, 2005, 11:10:38 PM
quote:
Customer service does not mean much to a lot of people anymore...it seems that price drives the majority now....
The quality and accuracy of drilling is the most important to me. The price is secondary.
Some have mentioned that the pro shops should charge more for a ball bought elsewhere. This worked for one Pro Shop driller that was extremely accurate and knowledgeable that I went to 5 years ago before he died of heart failure. His prices were.....
Drilling for balls bought here.........$40
Drilling for balls bought elsewhere....$70
It worked.
--------------------
No signature needed.....You know I throw TRACK.
Post by: stormerjip on October 07, 2005, 11:30:15 PM
Post by: brinen28 on October 08, 2005, 02:26:17 PM
Post by: Brickguy221 on October 08, 2005, 02:39:29 PM
quote:
$70 to drill a Bowling Ball? That is unreal. What a rip off.
Only for balls bought elsewhere.
--------------------
No signature needed.....You know I throw TRACK.
Post by: 102101 on October 08, 2005, 02:40:45 PM
online and proshops. One thought that not many may take into
account is what happens when and if all the local proshops close up?
Who will drill your new ball if the online site does not offer
the service? What about repair work, plugging new inserts, surface
adjustment, i could go on and on but you get the point. I am just
a bowler and do not own a proshop but you have to admit everyone
has a need for a good proshop and the valuable services offer by them.
--------------------
102101? Hmmmm
Post by: jkiser01 on October 08, 2005, 02:42:11 PM
Regardless what people think, you can save ALOT of money buying the ball online and having it drilled at a reasonbly priced pro shop. I have drilled up 50+ used and NIB balls the past 18 months and could have never done that buying all the balls at a pro shop. I of course have given my pro shop guy alot of money for drilling the NIB balls and plugging and redrilling the used ones. I also send him alot of business. He is great and does not mind drilling internet balls and does it for $35 bucks for anyone walking in the shop. He also always gives great customer service regardless. I of course get better deals because I have so many drilled. Might I add that he is doing VERY well in his shop and making more money now than he ever has..
The Pro shop guy out there raping people by charging $70 to drill a blank ball will be out looking for another job if they don't change their attitude on not wanting to drill internet balls at a fair price..
The bottom line is this.. The internet is not going away anytime soon and people are always looking at saving a few bucks here and their whenever they can..
--------------------
The Skins won 14-13 and Tracy is gonna be mad!!
jkiser01
Edited on 10/8/2005 2:38 PM
Post by: brinen28 on October 08, 2005, 02:43:04 PM
bowlers will never be happy with pro shop prices, due to teh fact they are spoiled by online sellers...
Post by: brinen28 on October 08, 2005, 02:45:59 PM
Post by: jkiser01 on October 08, 2005, 02:50:00 PM
quote:
and how many free standing pro shops do you think are going to be left when "online is the future of bowling" as quoted by somone else on a differnt post..
bowlers will never be happy with pro shop prices, due to teh fact they are spoiled by online sellers...
If that happens, I will worry about it at that time.. IMO, there will always be a guy like I use that has good business sense and does what he has to do to stay in business and make it..
Like I have stated before, when any regular joe can buy a NIB (undrilled) ball $20-$30 cheaper than a established pro shop, there is a major problem and that happens all the time..
Is this because the distributors are selling stuff cheaper to people that they shouldn't be selling to?? Its got to be something..
--------------------
The Skins won 14-13 and Tracy is gonna be mad!!
jkiser01
Edited on 10/8/2005 2:44 PM
Edited on 10/8/2005 2:45 PM
Post by: brinen28 on October 08, 2005, 02:56:15 PM
Post by: Brickguy221 on October 08, 2005, 03:07:29 PM
quote:
there will always be a guy like I use that has good business sense and does what he has to do to stay in business and make it..
Wishful Thinking......
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No signature needed.....You know I throw TRACK.
Post by: Iketown300 on October 08, 2005, 03:08:50 PM
quote:
and that is my point.. when Joe Bowler can go out and get a ball cheaper than the pro shop pays.. that is just wrong... and so are the people doing so..
Wrong is cheating on an exam, killing someone, stealing, etc. Trying to find a deal to get the best price you can on something you want is not wrong, it's life. Life is all about the connections people have these days, I fail to see the "wrong" in that. Also, if they are getting stuff cheap than they aren't just part of the "average joe bowler" crowd then are they cause not anyone can get prices for less than pro shops can.
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Ike Brownfield
PBA 05-06
Post by: brinen28 on October 08, 2005, 03:11:33 PM
Post by: Iketown300 on October 08, 2005, 03:13:07 PM
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Ike Brownfield
PBA 05-06
Post by: brinen28 on October 08, 2005, 03:18:09 PM
Post by: Iketown300 on October 08, 2005, 03:21:26 PM
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Ike Brownfield
PBA 05-06
Post by: jkiser01 on October 08, 2005, 03:26:39 PM
I am trying to make sense in what you are saying and I just don't get it.. I agree with Iketown, what is wrong with shopping around and getting the best deal you can. I happen to have a couple of connectios to get balls at good prices and I see nothing worng with that. I am hurting no one..
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The Skins won 14-13 and Tracy is gonna be mad!!
jkiser01
Post by: brinen28 on October 08, 2005, 03:31:19 PM
Post by: Iketown300 on October 08, 2005, 03:35:10 PM
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Ike Brownfield
PBA 05-06
Post by: jkiser01 on October 08, 2005, 03:47:57 PM
quote:
this has been fun guys but i feel my IQ slipping so I think i will go make some cookies with my daughters
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Triggerman
Captain of the Bomb Squad
Chicks Dig guys who throw the Diamonds
Nothing left to discuss
LOL!!
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The Skins won 14-13 and Tracy is gonna be mad!!
jkiser01
Post by: jkiser01 on October 08, 2005, 03:48:55 PM
quote:
if you use that for yoru own personal use... that is fine.. you earned your connections and you should be able to use them.. but are you selling htem online to ANYONE.. you are taking sales away from pro shops / standing or online... if you are, therefore you are Abusing your connection
That is a ridiculous statement.. period.. I am hurting no one if I keep the balls for myself or sell a few here and there..
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The Skins won 14-13 and Tracy is gonna be mad!!
jkiser01
Edited on 10/8/2005 3:43 PM
Post by: brinen28 on October 08, 2005, 03:49:38 PM
Post by: Iketown300 on October 08, 2005, 03:56:01 PM
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Ike Brownfield
PBA 05-06
Post by: DrillLord on October 08, 2005, 04:45:57 PM
I will drill any ball that is brought into my shop for $30 plus grips ($6.00) + thumb slug ($10.00). Let me use a mid-price ball for example.
---Strike Zone
1. From Buddies $123.32 shipped + $30 drilling + $6.00 grips + $10.00 slug
Total = $169.32 (Profit = $46)
2. From my shop $155.00 + grips (included) + $7.00 slug + Tax $9.72
Total = $171.72 (Profit = $56)
League bowlers get 10% off ---> Total $154.55
I work in a small towm where people do not want to spend a lot of money on bowling balls (for the majority). Also, most people use the same ball for several years.
Bottom line:
If I want to sell balls, I must be competitive. I need to keep my prices competitive with internet prices so I can make about the same amount of money on each ball. I make a little more on in stock balls because I usually have to sell some of them at or below cost to get rid of them when I can't seem to sell them. Also I usually talk to my customers and they believe in me getting them the ball with the best specs for their personal style. Most of them don't know what specs they should reques when ordering balls off of the internet. Also, most of the bowlers that come to me don't really know what they are looking for, so they tend to buy from me. If not, then I can still make some money off of drilling another ball. Bowlers that purchase several balls off of the internet also receive additional discounts such as $20 basic drilling. The internet is here to stay, so we (pro shops) need to make as much money as we can (drilling more balls for less money).
Jason
Jason
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I've found that the RESET button is the easiest way to knock down ten pins.
Post by: jkiser01 on October 08, 2005, 05:07:27 PM
I agree 100% with everything you just said... You seem like one of the good guys not trying to rip people off with overpriced drilling prices..
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The Skins won 14-13 and Tracy is gonna be mad!!
jkiser01
Post by: thfonz98 on October 08, 2005, 05:23:12 PM
quote:
if you use that for yoru own personal use... that is fine.. you earned your connections and you should be able to use them.. but are you selling htem online to ANYONE.. you are taking sales away from pro shops / standing or online... if you are, therefore you are Abusing your connection
we DO live in america, abusing our connections is just a fact of life!!!!!!!!
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I have a problem..i'm a fluffer
F.O.S. Member....Proof (http://"http://www.bowlingballexchange.com//upload_files/yeah.jpg")
Post by: brinen28 on October 08, 2005, 05:26:09 PM
Post by: thfonz98 on October 08, 2005, 06:24:04 PM
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I have a problem..i'm a fluffer
F.O.S. Member....Proof (http://"http://www.bowlingballexchange.com//upload_files/yeah.jpg")
Post by: brinen28 on October 08, 2005, 06:33:53 PM
gotten responses from numerous online sites that they are "internet only" or "we have not storefront"
interesting.. if that was a prerequesite to buy from a distributor.. it just doesnt add up
Post by: rc1216 on October 08, 2005, 09:08:24 PM
pro shop drill tons of balls and charge $60-80 for 15 min of work
buyer get new balls to bowl with
everybody wins
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Mmm.... BEER. -Homer J. Simpson
Wine improve with age, I like it more the older I get. -French Proverb
Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first. -Ernest Ulmer
IT DOESN'T MATTER!!!!! -The Rock
Post by: brinen28 on October 08, 2005, 11:41:43 PM
what inside do you have that you can sell to a non-storefront distributor
Post by: DrillLord on October 09, 2005, 10:09:30 AM
Jason
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I've found that the RESET button is the easiest way to knock down ten pins.