Post by: completebowler on January 19, 2010, 10:18:30 PM
Thanks in advance for any help.
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Edited on 1/20/2010 8:42 AM
Post by: Monster Pike on January 20, 2010, 07:15:29 AM
Then hire a good sales guy, like Sawingemdown. He'd be a great spokesman for that line of balls. Then get a Brunswick guy in to help pitch their line. I know of a guy in Michigan, probably right by you who stands by them...
Then have some good magazines laying around for the people to read while waiting for their balls to be drilled. The Onion is a must read & their sources are legit. Huffington Post is also another read for people wanting a good laugh.
Then have the TV on. Set to MSNBC. More laughs....
That's it for now. I'll try & think of some more.
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Monster Pike
Proud to have served in the U.S. Army!!
Post by: jbruno6 on January 20, 2010, 07:22:27 AM
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A half ten is not a great shot. No, you shouldn't have carried it.
Post by: completebowler on January 20, 2010, 07:34:46 AM
Please keep our political discussions/disagreements to that forum.
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Edited on 1/20/2010 8:43 AM
Post by: Monster Pike on January 20, 2010, 07:39:05 AM
Good luck w/your shop. Seriously.
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Monster Pike
Proud to have served in the U.S. Army!!
Post by: baccala8872 on January 20, 2010, 07:55:28 AM
--Provide a nice selection of equipment, hopefully with a little sampling from several manufacturers. Try not to pass yourself off as "the Hammer guy" or "the Brunswick guy", etc.
--Try to keep the place bright and airy with the appearance of stocked, but not overcluttered.
--While probably extremely difficult, try your best to treat the $20 customer the same as the $200 customer.
--There will inevitably be "pro shop rats" who hang around the shop. Please be sure that they are respectful when other customers are in there and not use foul language, questionable references, etc. even if it''s a guy who comes into the shop. I''ve seen this too many times.
--Try not to be too busy when the customer comes in so that the customer feels like they''re intruding. I still patronize a shop as I''ve done for years, but every time I''m in the shop getting something punched up, he''s running into the back for mechanic duties, answering the main phone line, and doing a hundred other things at once.
--In less than half the times I''ve ventured to a "new" pro shop, the guy has asked to see my style. In fact, it''s only happened once.
--Appearance is very important. I believe that staff should minimally have collared shirts on. In summer, nice golf shorts would be OK as well, but the shirts should be a must. Personal grooming and outward appearance also goes a very long way. Combine that with bowling knowledge that spans from higher achieving bowlers to the not so high achieving bowlers, and that''s a winning formula.
--Have some cheapie t-shirts with your store''s logo on them and toss one to a good customer [or even not-so-good customer] on some random order. I guarantee that won''t be the last time you see that shirt.
--Maybe have a little desk with a laptop set up that would have videos looping of you and your staff throwing some of the equipment you have on your shelves.
--Logos, logos, logos.....make your logo is prominent inside and outside of your shop [if permitted] so it will be remembered.
--Don''t forget the little guys. A lot of bowlers are parents. They may come in with kids. Maybe a couple of toys or a Lego table in the corner while their stuff is being drilled. Maybe keep a couple of 6-8-10lb balls handy in case Junior guilts Daddy/Mommy into an impulse buy.
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If I ever saw an amputee being hanged, I''d just yell out letters. --DM
Edited on 1/20/2010 8:57 AM
Post by: Gil on January 20, 2010, 07:55:40 AM
Post by: JOE FALCO on January 20, 2010, 08:00:43 AM
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J O E - F A L C O
RIP Thong Princess/Sawbones
Post by: qstick777 on January 20, 2010, 08:05:42 AM
http://www.mwr.navy.mil/MWRPRGMS/bwlpro.htm
Post by: completebowler on January 20, 2010, 08:09:02 AM
quote:
Complete .. from what I've read recently you're facing a TOUGH BATTLE! I wish you all the luck in the world .. I'd like to be one of your first customers .. send me a list of your available AMF (they have some new stuff) and I'll pick one up from you! (JKJFALCO@AOL.COM)
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J O E - F A L C O
RIP Thong Princess/Sawbones
We are not up and running yet....I will send you a list of AMF equipment and will be posting a thread on the buy/sell forum as soon as we get lined up with the distributor.
Thanks for your good intentions.
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Post by: completebowler on January 20, 2010, 08:14:29 AM
quote:
What house will this be in.
It will be in Langan's All Star Lanes in Walled Lake, Mi.
They own multiple centers and are supposed to be referring customers at their closest other center to us as well(Nor-West Lanes). I will be attempting to do flyers/ads for the tables there as well as a small display case and sign so as to draw more customers.
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Post by: jls on January 20, 2010, 09:04:57 AM
Excellent post...
Triple AAA +++
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jls
Post by: Nails on January 20, 2010, 11:11:24 AM
quote:
--There will inevitably be "pro shop rats" who hang around the shop. Please be sure that they are respectful when other customers are in there and not use foul language, questionable references, etc. even if it''s a guy who comes into the shop. I''ve seen this too many times.
The pro shop rats are a huge turn off for me. Every time you go you feel like you have to wade through the same 7 people. If the rats treat me like a nuisance, I'm gone.
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Telling it like it is.
Post by: baccala8872 on January 20, 2010, 11:23:13 AM
quote:
Baccala,
Excellent post...
Triple AAA +++
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jls
Thank you, sir.
I realize that some things on that list may be a tad impractical or that a pro shop owner may be limited by space so a "kid's corner" or laptop with ball videos would be rather difficult. That's the 10% "wish list" stuff, but the other 90% is stuff I've experienced firsthand.
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If I ever saw an amputee being hanged, I'd just yell out letters. --DM
Post by: Coolerman on January 20, 2010, 11:25:33 AM
The Importance of Pro Shop Operators and Instructors in the Future of Bowling
Pro shop operators and instructors will be key players in the resurrection of the bowling industry. With the importance of developing and retaining new customers the proliferation of high-tech equipment and new drilling and layout techniques and the profit potential of retail sales, pro shop operators will be as important as any other entity in bowling.
It will be important for bowling proprietors to recognize the value of the pro shop operator/instructor as a vital link between the bowling center and its bowlers. Likewise, it will be just as important that the pro shop operator recognizes his/her own value to the sport and to the business.
The typical bowling center has a 10% - 20% attrition rate of league bowlers. That rate jumps to 70% of first-year bowlers. Should the pro shop operator be concerned about bowler attrition, or is that the proprietor's problem? Should the pro shop operator be concerned about new bowler development and bowler retention, or is that the proprietor's problem?
As a pro shop operator, your future lies in the growth of the bowling business. You are in a business with a market that has shrunk for 22 consecutive years. You need to be doing everything in your power to help the bowling center grow. As the bowling center business grows, so will yours.
Twenty years ago it may have been an accepted practice for the bowling "pro" to disassociate himself from the bowling center - to take a, "That's not my problem," attitude. Twenty years ago it may have been accepted when a proprietor relegated the "pro shop" to a closet behind the mechanic's shop. Not today.
Bowling is going through a painful metamorphosis. One of the changes we'll see as the industry emerges from its cocoon is an emphasis on bowling instruction and quality customer service. A significant element of customer satisfaction will be provided by the "house pro" or pro shop operator.
Your Relationship With the Bowling Proprietor
Developing a productive, mutually beneficial relationship with the proprietor will work whether you're an in-house or free standing shop. Some ideas to consider:
Give practice games with every ball purchase.
The bowling center should be willing to provide you with a certificate good for at least three free practice games with a ball purchase. Note: Don't use the phrase "Free Games." Instead, call them "Practice Games."
Hold an "Equipment Check" week.
Set up a table on the concourse with your scale, durometer, pitch gauges, fitting ball, resurfacing machine etc. Offer to check bowling balls for free. Check for proper span, balance, pitch, surface condition, etc. You'll be doing the proprietor a favor while bringing attention to your services and skills.
Start an In-Center Ball Club.
Works like a Christmas Club at the bank. Customers pay a set amount each week until they reach the level where they own the ball. However, each week you also hold a drawing in which one club member "wins" their ball early.
Run Learn-to-Bowl classes and Improve-Your-Bowling seminars.
A primary reason bowlers quit bowling is because they reach a level where they stop improving. You'll be helping the proprietor by keeping his/her bowlers from becoming frustrated about their game.
Your Relationship With the Bowling Proprietor
Coach a Youth League.
You don't necessarily need to tie-up your Saturdays. Coach an after-school league during the week. If the center doesn't have one - start one. Call it the XYZ Pro Shop Junior Classic. Again, you'll be helping the proprietor while bringing attention to yourself and your business.
Work together to run merchandise leagues.
Have-a-Ball leagues, jacket leagues, shirt leagues, etc. are a great way to attract new bowlers while you benefit from the sale of the merchandise.
Help proprietors identify problems.
You are in the unique position of being able to listen to customer complaints and suggestions Seldom will an angry customer go complain to the person who can actually do something about the problem. You are non-threatening, like a bartender, a barber, or an analyst. When you hear of a problem or a potential problem, let the proprietor know immediately so he/she can do something about it.
Recreational Bowlers are Tomorrow's Avid Bowlers
The drastic decline of league bowling would seem to be extremely unfavorable for the pro shop business. League bowlers have historically accounted for the majority of pro shop sales, especially highend balls and repeat business. But, bowling today is experiencing its greatest influx of new bowlers in 30 years, due in part to greater availability of lanes during prime time and weekends. Today's recreational bowler is more inclined to purchase their own equipment than ever before.
With recreational bowlers, the pro shop's objective should be to develop and cultivate a lifetime customer, not to make a quick one-time sale. You should also recognize the fact that most new bowlers will not be lone wolves. Instead, they'll be taking up the game with their friends, their family or significant other. Consequently, each customer may actually become several customers when treated properly.
Pro shops must adjust their operating hours to be available when recreational bowlers are most likely to be bowling à late nights and weekends. They must carry an adequate inventory of entry-level and mid-level equipment. They must make it easy and understandable for entry level bowlers to purchase, and later, upgrade equipment. This means offering "packages" that include a ball, bag, shoes and perhaps a lesson or instructional book or video. It means offering a generous trade-in program to allow beginners to upgrade their equipment. And, they must not oversell the customer by putting them into more ball than they really need.
Many of today's recreational bowlers are tomorrow's avid bowlers. Don't ignore this most important market segment.
Successful pro shop operators will position themselves as qualified experts/technicians
The role of the pro shop operator is shifting from that of a retailer to that of a service provider. Internet technology has made bowling balls an easily attainable commodity while manufacturing techniques have made balls indistinguishable from one another. But, the complexity of bowling ball technology has also made the pro shop operator's role as a service provider more valuable than ever.
A la carte pricing, in which pro shops segregate product prices from services such as drilling, grip installation and resurfacing, has become a standard practice. The ability to layout a high-performance ball and to determine what is best for an individual customer are specialized skills for which you can charge premium prices.
Tomorrow's pro shop customers will buy products from you only as a matter of convenience, but they'll come to rely on you for your knowledge and expertise in the area of fitting, layout and drilling.
Successful pro shop operators will position themselves as qualified experts and technicians.
Customer Service
Different than being a provider of services, offering exceptional customer service is the critical intangible element of a successful pro shop today. With bowling equipment becoming a commodity, exceptional service is what will separate you from every other run-of-the-mill-out-of-my-garage ball driller.
Instruction is a Revenue Generator
Always one of the most critical, yet most neglected aspects of the business, instruction will play an ever-increasing role in your success in the future. Instruction should be considered at least as important as the equipment you sell. Instruction is a revenue generator for you as well as a means by which you can keep your customers interested in the sport.
A major reason for bowler dropout is frustration over failing to improve à especially after investing a lot of money in new equipment. It's critical that you understand what a mistake it is to send a customer out the door with a $200 bowling ball that he or she doesn't know how to throw. Doing so is a disservice to your customer and detrimental to your long-term success.
You can increase your revenues and improve your profit margins significantly by making instruction an integral part of your product mix. Along that line, you should stock (sell or rent) bowling instruction books and videotapes. Having bowling books and tapes available will be a way to instill in your customer the importance of bowling instruction when you can't be there to physically conduct the lesson.
The Internet's Impact on the Pro Shop Operator
The Internet has touched everyone's lives. The Internet will affect pro shops and distributors more than any other integer in the sport. Bowling equipment is available everywhere, and at alarmingly low prices.
With bowling equipment now a commodity, servicing customers' needs for fitting, drilling, resurfacing, and technical advice, becomes more important than ever.
Pro shops and instructors can benefit from having their own websites, both as a means of eCommerce, but more importantly for informational purposes (hours of operation, services offered, bowling tips, "hot" equipment, sales...).
Database Management
Having fewer customers increases the importance of knowing those customers and their needs. Knowledge is power and information provides knowledge.
Inventory Management
The glut of new product introductions, smaller profit margins and the artificially short life-cycles of today's high-tech bowling balls have forced pro shops to become expert buyers and adept at inventory control.
Be selective and be careful about the merchandise you stock, but always try to meet your customers' demands - a sale of a special-order item today may lead to a lifetime of sales from a satisfied customer.
Expanding Product Lines
Growing your revenues will mean broadening your product (and services) line. Doing so increases share of customer, which is as important, and much easier, than increasing your share of the market.
Merchandising
We are bombarded with thousands of images each day, all vying for our attention. Presenting your products and services in an appealing, attractive and eye-catching manner is more important than ever.
The Youth Market
Kids love to bowl and parents want the best for their kids. The youth market represents unlimited potential for you.
Continuing Education
Drilling a bowling ball has become ridiculously complex. Consequently, it is absolutely essential you stay on the cutting edge when it comes to technology, technique and education. Join the IBPSIA. Attend seminars, workshops and conventions. Get certified.
These are not my ideas ,they are from bowling industry and pro shop operator magazines
Post by: s1nger1 on January 20, 2010, 11:25:52 AM
Post by: born2bowl2 on January 20, 2010, 11:36:44 AM
quote:
This is one that gets me is when you have a customer that buys a ball of the internet. Treat them with respect and give them the same service you would had they bought the ball from you. You may earn yourself a new cutomer. Nothing sends me out the door faster than listening to an owner/operator talking down a customer "cause bought it from somewhere else".
Plus drilling an internet ball is purely profit. You make $40 or $50 for an hour of your time and a few pennies of electricity. I use to love drilling balls bought on-line
Post by: jls on January 20, 2010, 12:05:53 PM
quote:quote:
This is one that gets me is when you have a customer that buys a ball of the internet. Treat them with respect and give them the same service you would had they bought the ball from you. You may earn yourself a new cutomer. Nothing sends me out the door faster than listening to an owner/operator talking down a customer "cause bought it from somewhere else".
Plus drilling an internet ball is purely profit. You make $40 or $50 for an hour of your time and a few pennies of electricity. I use to love drilling balls bought on-line
Triple AAA+++, I don't know where people get the idea that pro shops hate people with outside balls...
Drilling outside balls has been a big part of the pro shop business for the last 12 years... It's nothing new...
Sure all pro shops would love to sell the ball... But that isn't always going to be the case today.... If people think they can save buying online, they will....
And in some cases, I find that some who buy online, buy many new balls a year... Therefore a pro shop will end up doing a lot of business with them...
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jls
Post by: completebowler on January 20, 2010, 12:41:09 PM
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Post by: jbruno6 on January 20, 2010, 01:07:08 PM
I guess the pro shop rats are all over.
I would put a nice sign for customers to read while browsing showing all types of drills, and what their relation is to ball motion. I tend to buy equipment just to try different layouts, and there HAS to be people like me everywhere (I hope). Something like the lanemasters drill spec sheet in a sign or banner:
http://marketing.lanemasters.com/LM_Ball%20Drilling%20Instructions_09.pdf
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A half ten is not a great shot. No, you shouldn't have carried it.
Post by: tgs300 on January 20, 2010, 01:35:56 PM
How hard would it be to add a couple of blacklights to the shop...and swap out the "hook monster" on the shelf for something that shows up under the blacklight?
Same with shoes....make the merchandise attractive to the bowlers that are there to cosmic bowl!
Edited on 1/20/2010 2:53 PM
Post by: Spider Man on January 20, 2010, 01:38:29 PM
Don't hire the house hack to be your helper. Most avg. folks will be turned off by the hot shot.
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Scott Brown for US Senate (http://"http://brownforussenate.com/")
Imagine Whirled Peas
Post by: Doug Sterner on January 20, 2010, 02:01:10 PM
1. Bend over backwards to help the junior bowlers..afterall they are your future business and many adults will throw their kids at you first to see how you operate before they trust you with their own equipment and purchases.
2. Do not try to carry everything on the market. Stock a few balls that you are confident in and know will work for most of the bowlers in your house. Once you establish yourself, expand with what people ask for. Stock a few popular shoes in the popular sizes.
3. DO NOT special order anything without it being paid for up front. This is the simplest way to get yourself behind on the bills.
4.Tthis goes along with #3...Do not put holes in the ball before the customer fully commits to the sale and agrees on the price. Do not let the ball leave the shop before you get paid for it.
5. Keep this in mind...you are providing a service for the customer that they cannot do for themselves. Do not sell yourself short. Do not work for free. If the sign says a resurfacing is $35 then charge $35. Loyal customer discounts can apply but again, don't sell yourself short.
6. This is the biggest of them all....make sure you have a firm agreement (in writing is always the best) with the owner of the center as to what your role is in terms of the day to day operations of the center. Some questions to consider getting answers to:
**How much is the rent? Will it drop over the summer when traffic is slow?
**Do they run "get a ball" leagues? How much are you going to get per ball to drill them?
**Does the center owner sell anything to the customers? Shoes, accessories, bags or even balls? My center owner started this crap with me this year. Started selling balls to his buddies for what I charge, pays me the drill fee and then keeps the rest for himself.
**Are you responsible for repairing lane damage as part of your rent or will you get paid for it?
**Do you get your own phone line, internet etc? Is there an option to accept credit cards for payment through the center?
I know it's a lot to think about but I have really gotten hosed in the last year from my center owner. I never thought about 1/2 of this crap until it happened to me.
I am a small town shop in a 24 lane house. Don't hesitate to drop me an email or PM if you need help with stuff. I am always willing to help out so my same mistakes don't get repeated.
--------------------
Doug Sterner
Doug's Pro Shop
Owego, NY
http://dougsproshop@aol.com
www.dougsproshop.net
Lane 1 Buzzsaw...The Official Power Tool Of Bowling
For Real Time Interactive Bowling Conversation:
BowlingChat.net (http://"http://www.bowlingchat.net")
Post by: thefreestyler1 on January 20, 2010, 02:03:08 PM
Post by: Doug Sterner on January 20, 2010, 02:10:21 PM
Do not be afraid of used equipment. Many of my on-shelf display balls are used balls that I have picked up from guys on here.
I plug them up, resurface them and use them for displays. This accomplishes several things...
1. lowers your overhead while expanding the number of balls you have available
2. provides the customer a chance to get a higher priced ball for less money
and the big one...
3. you get to show off your skills at plugging and refinishing. If you show people that you are willing to take the time to match the plug color to the ball AND resurface the ball to look like new, that will go a long way to showing them your competency level
I'll add more as I think of stuff for you....
--------------------
Doug Sterner
Doug's Pro Shop
Owego, NY
http://dougsproshop@aol.com
www.dougsproshop.net
Lane 1 Buzzsaw...The Official Power Tool Of Bowling
For Real Time Interactive Bowling Conversation:
BowlingChat.net (http://"http://www.bowlingchat.net")
Post by: completebowler on January 20, 2010, 02:36:58 PM
quote:
OH almost forgot a big one for me....
Do not be afraid of used equipment. Many of my on-shelf display balls are used balls that I have picked up from guys on here.
I plug them up, resurface them and use them for displays. This accomplishes several things...
1. lowers your overhead while expanding the number of balls you have available
2. provides the customer a chance to get a higher priced ball for less money
and the big one...
3. you get to show off your skills at plugging and refinishing. If you show people that you are willing to take the time to match the plug color to the ball AND resurface the ball to look like new, that will go a long way to showing them your competency level
I'll add more as I think of stuff for you....
--------------------
Doug Sterner
Doug's Pro Shop
Owego, NY
http://dougsproshop@aol.com
www.dougsproshop.net
Lane 1 Buzzsaw...The Official Power Tool Of Bowling
For Real Time Interactive Bowling Conversation:
BowlingChat.net (http://"http://www.bowlingchat.net")
Thanks for the ideas Doug...had definitely planned on the used ball aspect as we own a few hundred balls between us.
You have some good rules to stick by and I may have some more detailed questions down the line concerning how the various merchandise tends to do. Will probably look you up in a few weeks.
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Post by: OddBalls on January 20, 2010, 02:38:04 PM
I split the selling price of the ball with the pro shop and he keeps all of the "labor" cost (He said he'd love me more if I threw #15). He does a good business in this.
Also, don't try and oversell a ball to someone who can't/won't/doesn't know how to use it. I've seen this happen a lot..
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Yes. it's I, the Inverted One..
Post by: Wilbert on January 21, 2010, 10:34:22 AM
You have to be aware that the internet is one of your competitors just like the guy down the block. So pricing is an issure to many people.
Be able to speak in terms the beginner/average bowler can understand. RG, differential, flare doesn't mean anything to a lot of people.
Know the customer's style/experience before you drill him a ball. If you don't, you might end up putting the pin next to a person ring finger for flare and later find out he throws a backup ball.
Post by: completebowler on January 21, 2010, 11:30:31 AM
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Post by: Pinbuster on January 21, 2010, 12:31:11 PM
Give full attention to the current customer, the next guy in will get their turn.
A large percentage of your first time customers will be buying their first ball and another good percentage will have fit problems.
Learn to fit bowlers so they don''t have pain and have consistent release regardless of style, without having to experiment several times. A ball that doesn''t fit is worthless. Some are driven purely by price but only few will leave you if you fix their pain(s).
Edited on 1/21/2010 1:57 PM
Post by: Doug Sterner on January 21, 2010, 12:43:13 PM
Also if you offer some type of interchangeable thumb set up I highly suggest doing a try it before you buy it type deal. Used balls make great trial balls for this. Lay the ball out with a pattern that will work for "most" bowlers and use a span that is around 4-1/4" or so (a fairly average span for many men), then have different thumb slugs that can be interchanged. Charge the bowler $15 to try the ball for a game or so...this covers your time and materials (glue and finger grips) and helps the bowler get a feel for the ball. If they like the ball I take the $15 off the price of the new ball they buy and I reuse the finger inserts in their new ball.
I'll keep posting ideas for you....there's a lot that I do now that is second nature because I have done it for so long but it's stuff that not everybody does...
--------------------
Doug Sterner
Doug's Pro Shop
Owego, NY
http://dougsproshop@aol.com
www.dougsproshop.net
Lane 1 Buzzsaw...The Official Power Tool Of Bowling
For Real Time Interactive Bowling Conversation:
BowlingChat.net (http://"http://www.bowlingchat.net")
Post by: elgavachon on January 21, 2010, 12:52:50 PM
Post by: crankyanker on January 21, 2010, 01:03:18 PM
when our center's larger leagues are bowling, our pro shop owner runs a raffle for "any ball in the shop". He goes around from lane to lane with a "Super Bowl" grid of 100 boxes. For $3 per entry he gets a good return, and the winner goes home thrilled
Post by: justdale on January 21, 2010, 01:15:09 PM
If you promise a customer that a ball will be ready on a certain day, make sure that it gets done.
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Dale Williams
Columbia 300 Utah Amateur Staff
Post by: Doug Sterner on January 21, 2010, 09:33:45 PM
--------------------
Doug Sterner
Doug's Pro Shop
Owego, NY
http://dougsproshop@aol.com
www.dougsproshop.net
Lane 1 Buzzsaw...The Official Power Tool Of Bowling
For Real Time Interactive Bowling Conversation:
BowlingChat.net (http://"http://www.bowlingchat.net")
Post by: completebowler on January 21, 2010, 11:52:38 PM
quote:
Complete,
I didn't know the Langan's owned four other houses. I didn't even know Norwest Lanes was still in biz. I bowled there in grade school and worked in the Little Caesers Pizza Parlor right next door during high school. Small world.
Yep...actually think they have six altogether with a couple up north a bit. Avon Lanes out in Rochester is one of them. I will let you know when we are running you can come check it out.
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Post by: completebowler on January 22, 2010, 12:02:17 AM
Thanks again Doug....already planned on a try it before you buy it program. Thoughts about renting stuff out too. We'll see.
Btw, you probably know this but just in case....try using smaller holes for fingers and going one grip size up for try-out balls. No glue needed.
Ebonite does this at their seminars and it doesn't feel too bad. Had actually thought about doing it with all my stuff to avoid cover cracks from glue fatigue.
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Post by: completebowler on January 22, 2010, 12:02:17 AM
Thanks again Doug....already planned on a try it before you buy it program. Thoughts about renting stuff out too. We'll see.
Btw, you probably know this but just in case....try using smaller holes for fingers and going one grip size up for try-out balls. No glue needed.
Ebonite does this at their seminars and it doesn't feel too bad. Had actually thought about doing it with all my stuff to avoid cover cracks from glue fatigue.
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Post by: JohnP on January 22, 2010, 07:19:25 PM
http://jayhawkbowling.com/Products/Measuring_Equip.html
Post by: JustinWi on January 22, 2010, 08:39:28 PM
Post by: JohnP on January 23, 2010, 07:01:56 PM
Never refuse to drill a ball the way the customer wants it. If you measure him at a 4" span and he says it doesn't feel right, he wants 4 3/4", explain the drawbacks and dangers of a span that long, but if he still wants it that way, drill it for him. If you talk him into using the 4" span and he doesn't shoot 750 out of the box, he'll tell people you messed his ball up and that he's never going to let you do any work for him again.
A customer comes in and buys a ball. You take him out to the lane, watch him bowl and measure his PAP. Then you go back to the shop and he says he wants the #3 drill pattern, and you agree that it fits his game well. You carefully lay it out and drill it per the specs. You take it out to him, he takes one look and says that it doesn't look anything like the picture on the drill sheet, and he doesn't want it. It's impossible to explain that the picture is based on a 5 1/2" X 1/2" PAP and his is 4" X 1 1/2". This actually happened to me and his complaints to other bowlers hurt my business. Now after I lay a ball out I draw the holes on the surface of the ball with a layout pencil and show it to the customer to get his approval before I drill it. -- JohnP
Post by: Jeffrevs on February 11, 2010, 12:26:15 PM
I had to...I just had to!!!
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Jeff
The Revless Wonder, ...AND.... King Douchebag!
Post by: Brickguy221 on February 11, 2010, 09:30:04 PM
quote:
Have Sarah Palin do a book signing in your house! That's a great idea!
I had to...I just had to!!!
lmao.....
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"Whenever I feel the urge to exercise I lie down until the feeling passes away."
Brick