Maybe I am a little bit biased since I own and operate a Pro Shop, but here is my idle banter:
First and foremost, Dicks sells and drills bowling equipment in my area. I have gone and talked to the sales person that handles the ball fitting/drilling. I got fitted for a plastic ball and let them drill it. The middle finger was 63/64, 1/4 right lateral pitch. The ring finger was 63/64 3/8 right lat. (yes the holes met at the bottom) with a 1/2 inch bridge.
The span was way too long for a conventional drilling and by the way it was drilled it leads me to believe they just used a cordless drill to drill the damn thing. They charged me 59.99 for this ball including the "drilling".
Now in my pro shop I charge 65.99 for a plastic ball, that is including fitting and drilling. Is this 6 dollar savings really worth having your hand messed up from a ill fitting ball?
As far as trying to get "rich", yes I am in business and business by definition- usually commercial or mercantile activity engaged in as a means of livelihood. So I am trying to make enough money to pay for my food, house, car and electricity, all doing something I love. I figure to pay myself, the rent for my Pro Shop, various seminars and training workshops, telephone, internet, cc processing fees, insurance and electricity at my shop I need to have about 40-50% mark up on my merchandise. That is pennies compared to other retail operations.
So if you buy a ball on the internet- lets say a high end. Pay roughly 140 plus shipping- so about 155, you can bring it to me to have it drilled for $45 plus $20 for the inserts (finger and thumb)
or you can buy the same ball from me for 225 plus tax. Again I believe I am worth the 5 bucks.
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James McCarter
Co-Owner/Operator
The Bowlers Solution INC
Roto-Grip Staff Member