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Author Topic: Upset over quoted ball drilling prices. Your thoughts?  (Read 7230 times)

squirrelywrath1

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Upset over quoted ball drilling prices. Your thoughts?
« on: March 22, 2018, 09:07:24 PM »

What recently happened to me is pushing me more toward quitting the game altogether.   I've already had major spats regarding the rule changes governing no-thumb bowlers, now I have problems finding someone to drill at a reasonable price.

Keep in mind that I only need two finger holes, no beveling, and no grips.  CG in the middle of the bridge for simplicity.  But, still quoted as high as $100 because the ball wasn't bought from him.  Another guy is $60, and this other schmuck refused me service altogether.

Probably only 10 minutes worth of work, what the hell is with these guys?  I was willing to pay $30, but no takers. 

By the way, the ball in question is an old Faball Hammer.  Can't buy one through a pro shop/distributor anyway.

Since I refuse to be ripped off by these guys, I'm willing to try drilling it myself using hand held tools.  Anyone ever try this and had success?  Tips?  Thank you in advance.


 

DP3

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Re: Upset over quoted ball drilling prices. Your thoughts?
« Reply #31 on: March 23, 2018, 03:28:53 PM »
I've had maybe 8-10 balls since 2010 drilled by buddies and they've never missed the line. I've had PSO's pass off work of mine to their students/lackeys in the shop and 1 out of 3 balls will be noticeably off, pitch wise or span and I'm one of the easiest guys in the world to drill for. Span is 4 11/16 x 4 11/16 0/0 on the thumb w/ no bevel, 0 & 5/16 lateral in both fingers. Buddies does great work if you know your specs. I wouldn't hesitate at all to use their drilling options if you don't have a good pro shop in your area.

johns811

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Re: Upset over quoted ball drilling prices. Your thoughts?
« Reply #32 on: March 23, 2018, 03:41:23 PM »
You won't be able to drill yourself easily with hand tools, I wouldn't try it. Consider buying an old bench top ball drill. For 2 finger holes you could get away with 1 bit if you use grips.

HackJandy

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Re: Upset over quoted ball drilling prices. Your thoughts?
« Reply #33 on: March 23, 2018, 04:31:01 PM »
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.

Paying for the drill which these days often comes with a computer and is pricey.  Paying for drill bits also.
Kind of noob when made this account so take advice with grain of salt.

six pack

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Re: Upset over quoted ball drilling prices. Your thoughts?
« Reply #34 on: March 23, 2018, 05:01:52 PM »
Pick up a KMT do it yourself deal and your all set
The harder I try the harder they fall

squirrelywrath1

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Re: Upset over quoted ball drilling prices. Your thoughts?
« Reply #35 on: March 23, 2018, 06:04:48 PM »
Some very interesting replies and perspectives here, thank you all for replying.

Looking back, I believe I made a mistake by mentioning that I don't bowl sanctioned leagues our tournaments anymore.  That could lead someone to think I wouldn't be a repeat customer, so they're inclined to make some good money quickly.

With two of the guys I don't remember discussing any of my recent new purchases such as 2 Blue Hammer remakes, Taboo Spare, Pitch Black, etc.   I'm guessing not a huge markup on those, but it is steady income for the PSO.    Just to be clear I do buy new currently made stuff regularly, but unfortunately mostly low end balls.

Possible too, I have problems with people misjudging my age.  I'm going on 48 but can pass for 25 or so.   I've had many skeptical looks from people when I talk about bowling in the "old" days with the AMF Angles, Yellow Dots and the like.    If they think I'm lying about my age and bowling experience, that COULD explain some of the reaction I got.

I believe I'll suck it up and go to the guy who charges $60 - that was his standard for internet balls.   I'll work on building a relationship with him that is beneficial for both parties.   

Now if I can just solve the problems I have with the USBC.......  *sigh*

     

milorafferty

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Re: Upset over quoted ball drilling prices. Your thoughts?
« Reply #36 on: March 23, 2018, 06:24:13 PM »
Quote
Now if I can just solve the problems I have with the USBC.......  *sigh*


Brother, that's probably a bridge too far for any of us.


https://bowl.com/News/NewsDetails.aspx?id=23622330819


Looks like they are trying to get more of us into that top division so their Pros and top level amateurs can make more money.
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JJKinGA

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Re: Upset over quoted ball drilling prices. Your thoughts?
« Reply #37 on: March 23, 2018, 07:06:15 PM »
Atlanta drillers charge $60-70 with finger inserts and thumb slug. These are from two of the best PSO in the region. Plus you get full service, watching and adjusting surface and balance hole to fine tune the shot shape. I even get a bit of free coaching now and then. Well worth them few extra dollars to help them pay the rent and upkeep on their tools.

HackJandy

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Re: Upset over quoted ball drilling prices. Your thoughts?
« Reply #38 on: March 23, 2018, 07:23:23 PM »
Quote
Now if I can just solve the problems I have with the USBC.......  *sigh*


Brother, that's probably a bridge too far for any of us.


https://bowl.com/News/NewsDetails.aspx?id=23622330819


Looks like they are trying to get more of us into that top division so their Pros and top level amateurs can make more money.

Feed people to the sharks.  That's a great way to grow the sport and the tournament.  Sign me up.
Kind of noob when made this account so take advice with grain of salt.

itsallaboutme

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Re: Upset over quoted ball drilling prices. Your thoughts?
« Reply #39 on: March 23, 2018, 07:27:38 PM »
Even Buddies charges more than $30, $38 with no type of inserts, but don't use that as a comparison because having boxes with spec sheets sitting on them is much different than customer interaction. You also can't compare plug prices to blank drill prices as there is no risk doing plug work.

BEAGLEBOWL

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Re: Upset over quoted ball drilling prices. Your thoughts?
« Reply #40 on: March 23, 2018, 07:31:40 PM »
Not knowing your situation, you should pick one shop, buy and do all your business with them. If someone had bought all those balls from me that you said you bought, I most likely would do the ball in question for free. If not $20 at the most. Build a relationship, don’t be PITA, and you might be surprised.

charlest

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Re: Upset over quoted ball drilling prices. Your thoughts?
« Reply #41 on: March 23, 2018, 07:32:20 PM »
"None are so blind as those who will not see."

Luke Rosdahl

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Re: Upset over quoted ball drilling prices. Your thoughts?
« Reply #42 on: March 24, 2018, 03:28:38 PM »
I have a little different angle on this.  Now, I've put SEVERAL posts here saying to charge what you're worth, I generally charged higher than most places charged, but I put in a lot of extra work to make sure they got their money's worth.  I believe in doing good work and charging for it.  People go into their jobs and expect to be compensated well for their work, but want to go into a business and demand as much as possible for as little as possible. 

HOWEVER, in this circumstance, I'm a bit backwards from most shop operators.  You want to buy a ball online and come get it drilled here?  GREAT, sign me up, I'm all for it.  Despite me being a fan of premium pricing, I'd have taken that deal.  Regular outside drill was $50, grips $5.50 apiece, slug $15, but you're saying:

1) I don't have to order the ball
2) $30 for two holes that don't need grips that will take me 10 minutes for the entire transaction

YOU HAVE YOURSELF A DEAL.  If I get an order, I have to submit the order, deal with the distributor (ours SUCKED though), receive it, process it, enter it into inventory on the computer, drill it, and warranty it.  Drilling 2 holes is as easy as it gets, and as much as I hate people being cheap and trying to work a deal out of me, I also hate the uppity pro shop guy who gets idealistic and egotistical.  Again, $30 for 2 holes and 10 minutes of my time is a done deal, especially if you've made it that easy.  You ordered the ball, you're telling me exactly where you want it drilled and how you want it done, I punch two holes with zero liability and we're done.  Sorry, but turning that down doesn't sound like a smart thing to do.

Now I can understand why some people may not want to do that based on principle alone, I hate people treating a pro shop like it's a used car lot.  This is a legit deal though, it's not like someone is expecting the same thing everyone else gets, but for cheaper.  It's less work, and zero liability, so seeing if you can get it for cheaper doesn't seem unfair to me I guess.  Now your attitude set me back a little, but if I got attitude back from some ego in a shop, I might be a little chippy about it too. 
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billdozer

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Re: Upset over quoted ball drilling prices. Your thoughts?
« Reply #43 on: March 24, 2018, 04:56:20 PM »
U can't expect a different shop to charge the same price as the next.

In my experiences, nearly every time, I pay full price at the start and once they realize how easy of a customer I am, and the fact that I bring a ton of other customers with me....(many follow where I go) they lower the price real quick for me.


Support the shop first and they'll probably take of you in the long run the way you want.  You might keep that next shop in business paying his price. Once the shop realizes how little work they have to do for you...the price will go down.


Starting over with a pro shop sucks...it's one thing I hate to do..

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Rileybowler

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Re: Upset over quoted ball drilling prices. Your thoughts?
« Reply #44 on: March 26, 2018, 09:47:31 PM »
Even Buddies charges more than $30, $38 with no type of inserts, but don't use that as a comparison because having boxes with spec sheets sitting on them is much different than customer interaction. You also can't compare plug prices to blank drill prices as there is no risk doing plug work.
That is not true, I just got a ball from Buddies 2 weeks ago and the charge for drilling including slug and inserts was $30 and no charge for shipping.
Carl
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bowling_rebel

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Re: Upset over quoted ball drilling prices. Your thoughts?
« Reply #45 on: March 27, 2018, 01:23:40 AM »
Willing to drill it  yourself with hand tools?

Yes, I have done it and it works.

It took me over a years worth of work to plan out my own homemade drill press and jig, make it, waste old balls practicing it.

Dozens of hours over the course of a year, and while not as much spend on say, buying a real drill press, costs a lot.

There is a company that sells something to do it yourself at home, I can't remember the name.

The problem with doing it at home is getting the pitches perfect. I get my pitches within 1/32 accuracy, but if you just hold up a hand drill to a ball it'll be a mess.

« Last Edit: March 27, 2018, 01:31:32 AM by bowling_rebel »