Post by: NeumannKnight on June 30, 2010, 05:47:29 AM
I am truly interested in starting my own bowling supply company. I have been giving thought to this for the past few years because I would like to make an impact in the bowling industry somehow. I am knowledgeable when it comes to business so I do have the will to follow through on this. I have a passion for bowling as well and would really love to get it going. You have any ideas for me? Even if I would be able to get poured by another company so I can have my own product on the market.
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My current arsenal includes:
Columbia 300 Perfect Rival
Hammer Jigsaw
Storm Reign & Natural (best ball ever)
Nu-Line The Gauntlet (my favorite)
900 Global Break Out (my new toy)
Post by: Baboon on June 30, 2010, 02:33:27 PM
What makes you think you can do a better job than those that have years of experience and an established client base?
If you can answer that question without hesitation, then maybe you have a chance. But you still have to secure tons of financing and market yourself extensively. You will not make money the first 3-5 years.
Edit: I just reread your post. You mean a bowling supply company, or a bowling ball manufacturer? Because the two are entirely different and seldom overlap.
Post by: NeumannKnight on June 30, 2010, 02:36:04 PM
quote:quote:
There's already a saturated market of bowling supply companies in a declining bowling economy with no sign of an upturn.
What makes you think you can do a better job than those that have years of experience and an established client base?
If you can answer that question without hesitation, then maybe you have a chance. But you still have to secure tons of financing and market yourself extensively. You will not make money the first 3-5 years.
Edit: I just reread your post. You mean a bowling supply company, or a bowling ball manufacturer? Because the two are entirely different and seldom overlap.
You must really be a baboon huh? I mean, he said BOWLING SUPPLY COMPANY....
pay attention you stupid Monday
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Smoother than a Brazilian Wax...
No need to insult the guy. and thank you for the links above
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My current arsenal includes:
Columbia 300 Perfect Rival
Hammer Jigsaw
Storm Reign & Natural (best ball ever)
Nu-Line The Gauntlet (my favorite)
900 Global Break Out (my new toy)
Post by: Baboon on June 30, 2010, 02:37:42 PM
quote:quote:
There's already a saturated market of bowling supply companies in a declining bowling economy with no sign of an upturn.
What makes you think you can do a better job than those that have years of experience and an established client base?
If you can answer that question without hesitation, then maybe you have a chance. But you still have to secure tons of financing and market yourself extensively. You will not make money the first 3-5 years.
Edit: I just reread your post. You mean a bowling supply company, or a bowling ball manufacturer? Because the two are entirely different and seldom overlap.
You must really be a baboon huh? I mean, he said BOWLING SUPPLY COMPANY....
pay attention you stupid Monday
--------------------
Smoother than a Brazilian Wax...
Excuse me? He said bowling supply company, which is what my response is tailored to. He later mentioned ball pouring, which led me to believe he might be considering becoming a bowling manufacturer...which is an entirely different enterprise.
Grow up.
Post by: NeumannKnight on June 30, 2010, 02:42:56 PM
quote:
There's already a saturated market of bowling supply companies in a declining bowling economy with no sign of an upturn.
What makes you think you can do a better job than those that have years of experience and an established client base?
If you can answer that question without hesitation, then maybe you have a chance. But you still have to secure tons of financing and market yourself extensively. You will not make money the first 3-5 years.
Edit: I just reread your post. You mean a bowling supply company, or a bowling ball manufacturer? Because the two are entirely different and seldom overlap.
My plans were to never dominate over other companies. I just want to have my product out there. I guess youcould label it as a bowling manufacturing company. I apologize for the confusion.
I know the market is saturated and profit is very minimal if any at all. Again, my idea isnt to be the industry leader or even a really big competitor.
Like if you really want to make comparisons. I would like to be where VBP is right now in relation to the bowling world. People would at least know my company exists and would have a decent amount of customers.
This is not something I came up with on a whim. I have been dabbling into it for a the past 5-6 years now, but not really only taking it dead serious until recently.
I have a very limited client base due to the people I know through bowling at various centers in Southeastern PA. I'm pretty sure word of mouth would be my best bet along with internet advertising since production costs for paper advertisements would be astronical unless I'm only selling products in a maximum of 20 centers when starting out.
--------------------
My current arsenal includes:
Columbia 300 Perfect Rival
Hammer Jigsaw
Storm Reign & Natural (best ball ever)
Nu-Line The Gauntlet (my favorite)
900 Global Break Out (my new toy)
Post by: Badger856 on June 30, 2010, 02:53:25 PM
Post by: Baboon on June 30, 2010, 02:56:19 PM
I don't think you understand the high barriers of entry to becoming a manufacturer. You won't find a company that's eager to pour 10 cores or even 100 cores, you'd have to have a contract for thousands and thousands of balls.
Post by: NeumannKnight on June 30, 2010, 02:59:55 PM
quote:
I second the idea of hiring a consulting company. But moreover, the business end of it pretty much takes care of itself if you have a great product. You need someone with an engineering or chemistry or whatever else background who can design the things, not someone who can market them.
I don't think you understand the high barriers of entry to becoming a manufacturer. You won't find a company that's eager to pour 10 cores or even 100 cores, you'd have to have a contract for thousands and thousands of balls.
I have people going to school for chemical and mechanical engineering. I got this figured out for right now. I have a business plan semi-developed. Also, my entrepreneurial management professor runs his own consulting firm and he thinks I would be able to pull it off. Well this was back in Spring of 2009 right before I graduated.
--------------------
My current arsenal includes:
Columbia 300 Perfect Rival
Hammer Jigsaw
Storm Reign & Natural (best ball ever)
Nu-Line The Gauntlet (my favorite)
900 Global Break Out (my new toy)
Post by: NeumannKnight on June 30, 2010, 03:01:50 PM
quote:
I second the idea of hiring a consulting company. But moreover, the business end of it pretty much takes care of itself if you have a great product. You need someone with an engineering or chemistry or whatever else background who can design the things, not someone who can market them.
I don''t think you understand the high barriers of entry to becoming a manufacturer. You won''t find a company that''s eager to pour 10 cores or even 100 cores, you''d have to have a contract for thousands and thousands of balls.
I understand that bowling manufacturers has a few monopolies (Brunswick, Ebonite*, Storm, 900 Global), but there are companies that are willing to take smaller companies and pour them. ex. VBP taking Insite at the time. 900 Global taking Seismic, etc. And Seismic has 4 balls, well 5 including their Kinetic release.
--------------------
My current arsenal includes:
Columbia 300 Perfect Rival
Hammer Jigsaw
Storm Reign & Natural (best ball ever)
Nu-Line The Gauntlet (my favorite)
900 Global Break Out (my new toy)
Edited on 6/30/2010 3:03 PM
Post by: Badger856 on June 30, 2010, 03:28:15 PM
Post by: ImBackInTheGame on June 30, 2010, 03:30:17 PM
Lane #1 (Global pour) and MoRich (Brunswick Pour) seem to be doing pretty well. Each of them have their own "cult" type following, and both have some great products.
If you have the money and the time that it takes to get something like this off of the ground, do it. Life is short!
I don't think you'll find the answers you seek on a forum like this though. Talk to people you know that are in the business and get their thoughts.
Good Luck, and if you do get something going be sure to send me some testers, lol!
Post by: icefiction on June 30, 2010, 03:33:42 PM
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Post by: milorafferty on June 30, 2010, 03:34:47 PM
quote:quote:
I second the idea of hiring a consulting company. But moreover, the business end of it pretty much takes care of itself if you have a great product. You need someone with an engineering or chemistry or whatever else background who can design the things, not someone who can market them.
I don''t think you understand the high barriers of entry to becoming a manufacturer. You won''t find a company that''s eager to pour 10 cores or even 100 cores, you''d have to have a contract for thousands and thousands of balls.
I understand that bowling manufacturers has a few monopolies (Brunswick, Ebonite*, Storm, 900 Global), but there are companies that are willing to take smaller companies and pour them. ex. VBP taking Insite at the time. 900 Global taking Seismic, etc. And Seismic has 4 balls, well 5 including their Kinetic release.
--------------------
My current arsenal includes:
Columbia 300 Perfect Rival
Hammer Jigsaw
Storm Reign & Natural (best ball ever)
Nu-Line The Gauntlet (my favorite)
900 Global Break Out (my new toy)
Edited on 6/30/2010 3:03 PM
You might want to contact LaneMasters. They pour their own balls and are not set up to do thousands like the big guys. They might be interested in doing the work for you.
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Nine in the pit with the Tenpin left standing. dooooh!!
Post by: qstick777 on June 30, 2010, 03:34:50 PM
I never met the guy, but I believe at one time he owned several (maybe 3 or 4) pro shops while he was running Insite.
You could also look at having stuff poured and imported from China - Check out http://www.alibaba.com/ - you should be able to find some info there. You wouldn't have any problem getting shoes or bags with custom embroidery.
I'm not saying it can't be done, but you're going to be looking at quite a bit of money. It's expensive to just have a company make you an exclusive - using their older cores and coverstocks. When you get into designing your own cores it's probably going to be cost prohibitive. I think the last number floated around was $10-15k just for the core molds.
Also, didn't somebody mention that Elite and/or Bowler's Paradise might be for sale? Not sure if they were joking or not, but might be something to look into.
Post by: NeumannKnight on June 30, 2010, 03:36:29 PM
quote:quote:quote:
I second the idea of hiring a consulting company. But moreover, the business end of it pretty much takes care of itself if you have a great product. You need someone with an engineering or chemistry or whatever else background who can design the things, not someone who can market them.
I don''t think you understand the high barriers of entry to becoming a manufacturer. You won''t find a company that''s eager to pour 10 cores or even 100 cores, you''d have to have a contract for thousands and thousands of balls.
I understand that bowling manufacturers has a few monopolies (Brunswick, Ebonite*, Storm, 900 Global), but there are companies that are willing to take smaller companies and pour them. ex. VBP taking Insite at the time. 900 Global taking Seismic, etc. And Seismic has 4 balls, well 5 including their Kinetic release.
--------------------
My current arsenal includes:
Columbia 300 Perfect Rival
Hammer Jigsaw
Storm Reign & Natural (best ball ever)
Nu-Line The Gauntlet (my favorite)
900 Global Break Out (my new toy)
Edited on 6/30/2010 3:03 PM
You might want to contact LaneMasters. They pour their own balls and are not set up to do thousands like the big guys. They might be interested in doing the work for you.
--------------------
Nine in the pit with the Tenpin left standing. dooooh!!
That's actually something I was looking into
--------------------
My current arsenal includes:
Columbia 300 Perfect Rival
Hammer Jigsaw
Storm Reign & Natural (best ball ever)
Nu-Line The Gauntlet (my favorite)
900 Global Break Out (my new toy)
Post by: icefiction on June 30, 2010, 03:38:15 PM
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Post by: ImBackInTheGame on June 30, 2010, 04:02:10 PM
I agree that Mo knows bowling! I should have skipped work the day he was in town for a demo a few months ago. I would love to get fitted by the master!
Post by: milorafferty on June 30, 2010, 04:07:06 PM
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Nine in the pit with the Tenpin left standing. dooooh!!
Post by: ImBackInTheGame on June 30, 2010, 04:16:43 PM
Post by: batbowler on June 30, 2010, 04:27:52 PM
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"Train a child up in the way they should go and when they are old they will "Get MOTIVated, and not turn from it and become a bowling VISIONARY who sees a striking future.
Bruce Campbell
USBC Bronze Certified Coach
IBPSIA Certified Technician
Originator of the -35deg x 25 leverage drilling!
http://www.900global.com/
http://www.amf300.com/
http://www.motivbowling.com/products/2/
http://visionarybowling.com/?cat=4
Post by: kidlost2000 on June 30, 2010, 06:53:30 PM
I would actually consider something more in terms of accessories first and build from there.
With any industry the biggest mark up is in the accessories. If you where able to do something good there and get your name out that would make a great stepping stone with a lot smaller investment in start up cost.
Take advantage of the internet and use it for free marketing.(youtube,facebook ect)
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" men lie, women lie, numbers don't "
Post by: tywithay on June 30, 2010, 07:00:23 PM
Post by: luckyxxx on June 30, 2010, 09:02:19 PM
Post by: kidlost2000 on June 30, 2010, 09:37:04 PM
People get really hung up on cores because the manufactures have to sell new bowling balls. When you compare most of the newer bowling ball core numbers with older ones you see a lot of the specs are not much different. Many companies re-use cores with different/newer covers because it will work and doesn't take a lot of R&D to do it.
Ebonite is one that I like with reusing the Puma core in a lot of newer equipment. The V2 series had the proven Nitro core in them and they were awesome. Plus by just adjusting the density you can alter the core numbers to make it stronger or weaker for different covers.
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" men lie, women lie, numbers don't "
Post by: nextbowler on June 30, 2010, 10:44:38 PM
Dyno-Thane in Las Vegas on a shoestring. I also seem to remember that he
had something to do with the origination of Track. I remember seeing him
on the lanes as I bowled in a league with his father and he came to watch. We
talked of new releases often. Again, I may be wrong.
Post by: dizzyfugu on July 01, 2010, 03:56:46 AM
Lanemasters used to have the massive balls with industrial diamonds as particles. That's an USP, but they neglected it IMHO, probably due to cost reasons.
MoRich used to have the most aggressive core designs, concerning high mass bias cores, paired with solid Brunswick covers. Other manufacturers caught up, though, and MoRich seems to be in a re-orientation phase, which IMHO leads to mediocrity at the moment. I guess they over-did their USP...
And then Lane#1 - marketing genius, keeping the myth of their core designs and the price tags up.
There certainly IS a niche for everything, but you have to find it, and keep up with the ever-changing market conditions. Good luck!
--------------------
DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany
Confused by bowling? Check out BR.com's vault of wisdom: the unofficial FAQ section (http://"http://www.ballreviews.com/Forum/Replies.asp?TopicID=74110&ForumID=16&CategoryID=5")
Post by: dizzyfugu on July 01, 2010, 06:31:43 AM
quote:
You could also look at having stuff poured and imported from China - Check out http://www.alibaba.com/ - you should be able to find some info there. You wouldn't have any problem getting shoes or bags with custom embroidery.
.
As an addendum: a German pro shop just started with two reactive balls under their own label called "Aloha". They started with cheap polyester balls for social bowler enthusiasts, which have been around here for some years, and now they offer reactive pieces as well.
http://www.bowling-store.de/shop/P_203.php
Price point is mid range, for German standards Note the familiar (and surely NOT licensed) core designs... AFAIK, they are manufactured in Malaysia. Pretty, even though I have no clue about their quality or strength.
--------------------
DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany
Confused by bowling? Check out BR.com's vault of wisdom: the unofficial FAQ section (http://"http://www.ballreviews.com/Forum/Replies.asp?TopicID=74110&ForumID=16&CategoryID=5")
Post by: qstick777 on July 01, 2010, 10:35:03 AM
quote:
My memory may be failing me on this but I remember that Phil Cardinale started
Dyno-Thane in Las Vegas on a shoestring. I also seem to remember that he
had something to do with the origination of Track. I remember seeing him
on the lanes as I bowled in a league with his father and he came to watch. We
talked of new releases often. Again, I may be wrong.
I guess it would depend on the definition of "shoestring."
It could be done, but I'm going to estimate you'll need at least $50k to get started. That won't get you much more than a ball produced with an older core and coverstock formulation.
You need to order at least 400 (if not 500) balls - some companies may do fewer quantities depending on their workload. Remember there are only a few manufacturers - Storm, Visionary, Brunswick, Ebonite, 900G - and I guess Legends/LM.
A few years ago I had conversations with a few people that were looking at making a custom ball - mix and match core and cover from previous releases. The price was much more than expected. Nobody mentioned any exact figures - as per NDA and such - but let's just say you aren't going to sell the ball for less than $110 and make money. The number was pretty amazing considering you see things like Buddies selling Cool Noize for $45, bowlingball.com selling Morich LevRG series for $65-70, etc.
Of course the people may have been inflating figures. You can look at stuff historically and try to figure it out. The Revelation was a new core, and limited production (100) and the starting price was $220! Insite typically sold their releases at $120-140, eventually dropping to $90-95. I don't ever remember seeing one of their balls cheaper than $80 shipped. Hard to imagine he would sell for less than cost, but maybe just to blow out the remaining inventory?
How many people are willing to pay $120+ for an unknown ball from an unknown company?
Then you're going to need a place to store those 400+ balls, package, label and ship them.
I did ask Eric Thomas (AMF/900G) about doing a re-run (think Changeling) a few years ago. I had some money sitting around from a cash-out refinance, and thought it would be "fun." You won't get any info via e-mail or PM, but basically it came down to setting up a face to face meeting, showing financial ability, and signing a NDA before you can any serious discussions more than "yes we could produce a ball for you." I'll assume it works the same way with the other guys.
My wife decided she would rather have a remodeled kitchen instead of 400 bowling balls sitting in the garage, so that was the extent of my research.
I guess if you are able to sell all the balls and make $10 on each, you could operate on a "shoestring" budget - assuming you consider $40-50k a "shoestring." You'll sell 400 @ $10 and make your money back and an additional $4k - your time and labor will be free. Roll that into your next release and so on and so on. Eventually you'll have enough to get into designing your own core and having it produced (again, estimates are $10-15k).
Post by: psaunders300 on July 01, 2010, 12:25:42 PM
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Thanks,
Paul Saunders
USBC Bronze Level Coach
http://bowling.psaunders.net
Edited on 7/1/2010 12:27 PM
Post by: ImBackInTheGame on July 01, 2010, 12:34:12 PM
Post by: NeumannKnight on July 01, 2010, 12:39:38 PM
quote:
What qstick777 wrote is very good and accurate. Making a living at it is tough - you have to have or build up a core customer base otherwise you won''t make it. That was the biggest issue with InSite, the balls were great, but there was not a core group of customers that could be relied on the buy the latest releases, like Lane #1 or MoRich. I used to work with Mark Russo on his website, so I got an insider''s view of the business and it ended very badly for InSite.
--------------------
Thanks,
Paul Saunders
USBC Bronze Level Coach
http://bowling.psaunders.net
Edited on 7/1/2010 12:27 PM
Oh I'm well aware of who you are Paul. I purchased a Revelation from you and Mark. I was the one you spoke extensively on the phone with. I actually still roll that ball and I love it
--------------------
My current arsenal includes:
Columbia 300 Perfect Rival
Hammer Jigsaw
Storm Reign & Natural (best ball ever)
Nu-Line The Gauntlet (my favorite)
900 Global Break Out (my new toy)
Post by: StickZ on July 01, 2010, 01:11:41 PM
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Career High Game: 300x3
Career High Series: 774x2
High Game 09'-10' Season:300
High Series 09'-10':774
KiDSGoTGaMe
Post by: psaunders300 on July 01, 2010, 02:03:22 PM
quote:
Oh I'm well aware of who you are Paul. I purchased a Revelation from you and Mark. I was the one you spoke extensively on the phone with. I actually still roll that ball and I love it
--------------------
My current arsenal includes:
Columbia 300 Perfect Rival
Hammer Jigsaw
Storm Reign & Natural (best ball ever)
Nu-Line The Gauntlet (my favorite)
900 Global Break Out (my new toy)
I still use my Revelation too, although there are not too many of us around who do, LOL. I wish you well and hope your business takes off!! Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you out!
--------------------
Thanks,
Paul Saunders
USBC Bronze Level Coach
http://bowling.psaunders.net
Post by: NeumannKnight on July 01, 2010, 02:28:14 PM
quote:quote:
Oh I'm well aware of who you are Paul. I purchased a Revelation from you and Mark. I was the one you spoke extensively on the phone with. I actually still roll that ball and I love it
--------------------
My current arsenal includes:
Columbia 300 Perfect Rival
Hammer Jigsaw
Storm Reign & Natural (best ball ever)
Nu-Line The Gauntlet (my favorite)
900 Global Break Out (my new toy)
I still use my Revelation too, although there are not too many of us around who do, LOL. I wish you well and hope your business takes off!! Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you out!
--------------------
Thanks,
Paul Saunders
USBC Bronze Level Coach
http://bowling.psaunders.net
Wanna team up? Haha.
I think I may have already asked you this before, but do you know if Mark was sitting on any backstock of InSite equipment. I was just curious
--------------------
My current arsenal includes:
Columbia 300 Perfect Rival
Hammer Jigsaw
Storm Reign & Natural (best ball ever)
Nu-Line The Gauntlet (my favorite)
900 Global Break Out (my new toy)
Post by: psaunders300 on July 01, 2010, 03:10:54 PM
quote:quote:quote:
Oh I'm well aware of who you are Paul. I purchased a Revelation from you and Mark. I was the one you spoke extensively on the phone with. I actually still roll that ball and I love it
--------------------
My current arsenal includes:
Columbia 300 Perfect Rival
Hammer Jigsaw
Storm Reign & Natural (best ball ever)
Nu-Line The Gauntlet (my favorite)
900 Global Break Out (my new toy)
I still use my Revelation too, although there are not too many of us around who do, LOL. I wish you well and hope your business takes off!! Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you out!
--------------------
Thanks,
Paul Saunders
USBC Bronze Level Coach
http://bowling.psaunders.net
Wanna team up? Haha.
I think I may have already asked you this before, but do you know if Mark was sitting on any backstock of InSite equipment. I was just curious
--------------------
My current arsenal includes:
Columbia 300 Perfect Rival
Hammer Jigsaw
Storm Reign & Natural (best ball ever)
Nu-Line The Gauntlet (my favorite)
900 Global Break Out (my new toy)
Haha. I am very close to where qstick777 was (with a little capital), but I'm in the process of finishing my basement and putting in a pool, so ...
Mark did not have any inventory left, but I believe Visionary had / has some because every now and then I see bunch (20 or so) NIB Revelations on eBay when there were only "100" of them made...my guess is that Visionary made a crap load of these (400-500) and Mark only took delivery of 100 of them while Visionary kept the rest - please remember that this only is my guess, I have no proof or basis other than my observations to go on.
--------------------
Thanks,
Paul Saunders
USBC Bronze Level Coach
http://bowling.psaunders.net
Post by: jls on July 01, 2010, 04:00:57 PM
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jls
Post by: jls on July 01, 2010, 04:04:15 PM
quote:
I was just gonna say something about pin breaker as well. I owned a few of these way back. Details hazy but it seems like he Almost had a deal worked out with a big maker, that fell thru, and then slowly faded out of business.
Sir
One of the reasons they may have failed was that, when they came out, they tried selling them to pro shops for $72...While selling them directly to the public for $45...
I knew of a few pro shops that were just a little p-off when they found that out...
Now I wonder who it was that told them...
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jls
Post by: SteveAustin2808 on July 02, 2010, 06:54:05 AM
The one point of advice I would give you is to be "pro shop loyal".
As a league bowler is the "bread and butter" to the bowling center, I believe pro shops are just that to a bowling manufacturer company. Be fair, have integrity, show that to your potential future customers, have class, and for the love of God, BE HONEST.
Hope everything works out for you NeumannKnight and God Bless You!
--------------------
Michael Price - Office Manager
McCorvey''''s Pro Shop Staff
Phone: (256) 539-1560
McCorvey''''s Pro Shop - "The Complete Bowler''''s Pro Shop!"
http://www.mccorveysproshop.com/http://
VISIT McCorvey''''s Pro Shop AT OUR BRAND NEW ONLINE STORE!
http://www.bowlerclub.com/http://
Hammer Advisory Staff
Edited on 7/2/2010 6:55 AM
Post by: Mike Austin on July 02, 2010, 11:44:41 PM
quote:quote:quote:
Oh I'm well aware of who you are Paul. I purchased a Revelation from you and Mark. I was the one you spoke extensively on the phone with. I actually still roll that ball and I love it
--------------------
My current arsenal includes:
Columbia 300 Perfect Rival
Hammer Jigsaw
Storm Reign & Natural (best ball ever)
Nu-Line The Gauntlet (my favorite)
900 Global Break Out (my new toy)
I still use my Revelation too, although there are not too many of us around who do, LOL. I wish you well and hope your business takes off!! Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you out!
--------------------
Thanks,
Paul Saunders
USBC Bronze Level Coach
http://bowling.psaunders.net
Wanna team up? Haha.
I think I may have already asked you this before, but do you know if Mark was sitting on any backstock of InSite equipment. I was just curious
--------------------
My current arsenal includes:
Columbia 300 Perfect Rival
Hammer Jigsaw
Storm Reign & Natural (best ball ever)
Nu-Line The Gauntlet (my favorite)
900 Global Break Out (my new toy)
When you are ready to hire a road sales manager/staffer, let me know!! I'm great, just ask me!! I can sell ice to jls!!
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Me, a couple balls, two lanes, all that is right with the world. Bowling is my haven!
Post by: Russell on July 05, 2010, 10:34:41 AM
Bowling is in serious decline, most of the mid-major manufacturers and brand names have been sold due to a lack of profitability (Track, Hammer, Roto Grip). Brunswick moved its operation south of the border because it couldn't maintain a competitive profit here in the US.
Even if you are successful, you are going after a dwindling customer base. League bowlers are down 70% since 1980, and will continue to do so until there is noone left. You might as well take whatever capital you were going to invest in it and burn it. The game isn't growing, and won't for some time soon (until USBC is gone).
I just think you are wasting your money...
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Little known fact: In Russian "Hope" and "Change" translate to "Tax" and "Spend"