After being away for a couple of weeks because of the bashing, I finally came back and read the entire thread, skimming past the yelling and garage vs center attacks.  To those of you who actually answered my post, I thank you.  We have two center pro shops within 30 minutes drive.  Our shop was one, and the other shop was run by a nice guy who wanted to learn how to drill balls.  Our shop was forced out by Bowlmor/AMF.  McCorvey's is now running the shop.  The other center did not want to do to their hobbyist pro shop what Bowlmor did to us, so we were left out.  On Thanksgiving, the hobbyist had a major stroke, and will not be able to return. A friend of his and the original owner of that shop was filling in for him to try to sell the inventory.  Apparently, he had his life savings invested in the shop.  Anyway, we are moving into the shop on Dec 18.  The center is not the best maintained, as the owners don't want to put any money into lane maintenance or upgrades.  They are always looking to move into "other directions", whatever that means.  Thanks to the posters who gave me good advice about getting a taxid.  If things in the center look like they are going south, I will hope for the best and prepare for the worst. 

Quote from: johns811 on December 08, 2014, 01:26:55 PM

I used to look for closeouts, ebay auctions. Anymore I usually suggest the customer buys the ball online and just drill it for him. I have good line on slugs and grips, if your interested PM me.

When I opened this thread, this was the answer I was looking for.  I didn't mean to stat a bashing of garage shop vs center shop.  Circumstances forced us out, not quality of work or prices.  I have some loyal customers that only want me to drill their balls.  I was wondering if I could get them a price deal for staying loyal.  Since I can't use a supplier, then I only charge them cost for the ball and give them a break on my labor.  That is all I wanted to know.

P.S. Anybody have and opinion on Grips Gloves?

     I saw a lot of hype on the Grips Gloves when they were first introduced. As a "Pro Shop" and wanting to have answers for my customers, so I purchased one. It is still in original box sitting on my shelf. Not worth it.