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Author Topic: Why not go to your local pro shop  (Read 7137 times)

brinen28

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Why not go to your local pro shop
« on: September 15, 2005, 12:45:07 PM »
Everyone always talks about buying bowling equipment online.  Well, did it ever occur to anyone about being loyal to your local pro shop that actually drills your equipment.  I mean, yes, online is cheaper.  But after you pay for shipping (usually around 20.00) and drilling (anywhere from 50.00 - 60.00 for basic drilling), are you really saving that much money.  

Besides that, you can actually talk to someone who can help you select the right ball, and you will get a good ball with good specs.  I have heard from a few people that they got an x out or blem, when they thought they were buying 1st quality.  And I have heard from others about iffy specs.
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a_ak57

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Re: Why not go to your local pro shop
« Reply #16 on: September 24, 2005, 06:18:51 PM »
quote:
i always go to my local pro shop, but the only thing is that its across the river about 25 min away.
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Lukas  

\M/ METAL MILITA \M/


http://www.folsomlakebowl.com/

Uh, not to critique, but...that's not far.  I drive farther than that just to go to my new league (which has a pro shop which I'll now be going to).  And before, I used to drive 45-55 minutes to go to a pro shop...

As for the debate, I buy stuff online mainly because I buy older things that shops don't have, and because i like to get used stuff to try out.
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- Andy
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Doug Sterner

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Re: Why not go to your local pro shop
« Reply #17 on: September 25, 2005, 06:16:35 PM »
People will continue to buy online until the local pro shops get smart and increase their drilling fees to the point it doesn't pay for them to buy it online.

Of course this brings up the problem of losing business because their prices are too high. It's a catch-22.

It certainly makes more sense for teh bowler who is planning on buying multiple items during the year to use his hometown shop but who knows?

Customer service does not mean much to a lot of people anymore...it seems that price drives the majority now....
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Doug Sterner
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Doug Sterner
Doug's Pro Shop
Owego, NY

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brinen28

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Re: Why not go to your local pro shop
« Reply #18 on: September 25, 2005, 07:14:43 PM »
Doug, you are right.

I mean, what are people willing to pay for drilling.  I mean, I like the guy that says he pays 25 bucks for a drill.  Well, he got a 25 dollar drill.  Nothing special.

I am a big fan of the pro shops who take their time and do an excellent job.  Where I go, the guy charges 60 to drill (w/o inserts) , but i buy my stuff there anyway so i dont have to pay that price.  But they way he takes care of his customers, it is clear why he charges so much.  And he told me the reason his prices are so high is becuase of internet shopping.  He said the public should not be able to buy a ball cheaper than what he can get it for.
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shelley

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Re: Why not go to your local pro shop
« Reply #19 on: September 25, 2005, 07:23:47 PM »
quote:
He said the public should not be able to buy a ball cheaper than what he can get it for.


Then he is doing a disservice by not switching suppliers.  If his customers can get it cheaper, why can't he?  If he can get pin and top weight requests online as easily as from his supplier, why doesn't he switch?

SH
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thfonz98

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Re: Why not go to your local pro shop
« Reply #20 on: September 25, 2005, 08:59:20 PM »
sorry lane#1 isnt carried by my proshop!

but the proshop that just moved in DOES have more competative prices than the previous IIRC.
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I have a problem..i'm a fluffer
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Edited on 9/25/2005 8:53 PM
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brinen28

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Re: Why not go to your local pro shop
« Reply #21 on: September 25, 2005, 09:10:32 PM »
I agree, with you on part of that.  Yes, pro shops are priced high on most items.  However.  You need to realize what goes into plugging and resurfacing.

Plugging.. you need to buy the plug mixture, plugging dams, plug cutter, sandpaper.. time.. etc.  you and i don't know what plug costs/but look at you local bar.. same concept with beer.

Resurface.... they take LOTS of time and sandpaper and ball spinner... ok, or if they have a machine, they need to pay for the machine, diamond wheels, (cost to resharpen diamond wheels), buffing pads, etc...

the only reason pro shops charge so much for balls, is they need to keep reordering their inventory, obviously... these guys online simply drop ship the ball, so they have no overhead costs to deal with.  

you get a more personal feeling when you deal with the pro shop, i think.  He knows your other equipment, sees how it is drilled, and can accommodate you accordingly.  He knows the bowling centers in the area and knows how the lanes react, and can sell a ball (or recommend one) based on other customers successes...

I can go on forever, but that just to name a few.

Again, I am not saying you are wrong, but here is my view on things
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brinen28

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Re: Why not go to your local pro shop
« Reply #22 on: September 25, 2005, 09:25:04 PM »
that is why the pro shops charge so much for blank drilling... to deter individuals from buying products online
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Cbjdc

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Re: Why not go to your local pro shop
« Reply #23 on: September 26, 2005, 12:36:34 PM »
Wrongside,
  Yup it is a long drive to go from where I live to where I moved from.  Reason is that we have family back there and the proshop is really great.  I like the proshop where every ball I have gotten drilled has matched my game.  The proshop guy is terrific in telling me if that is the right ball or even wrong ball for me.  Sometimes I dont like it but after seeing the alternatives he suggests he is right 9 out of 10 times.  I dont think he has actually sold me a bad ball yet.  As for online shops.  Yes I do like them.  Simply because if I have what I already want in mind its quick and easy.  A perk yes but still if the ball doesnt work for me then its my own fault.  Like others have said it has its perks.  Now people saying that prices drive everything and not customer service.  I have only encounterd two proshop operators in my life time who are willing to provide superior customer service.  Where as others are just wanting to move product.  I had a operator, who without even knowing me or my bowling game, want me to purchase a ball (The Rock) for myself because he said that it was the best ball on the market.  He never met me or anything.  Just tells me that that ball is the best.  Yet this was 2004.  Come on.  You would think before you tried to sale something to somebody.  Maybe I am wrong
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brinen28

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Re: Why not go to your local pro shop
« Reply #24 on: September 27, 2005, 11:42:11 AM »
I have not run into anyone that has just recommended one ball.  That is probably a rarity amongst pro shops.  I just think going into a pro shop and talking to them is a much better experience.  

If you want to go into a pro shop and by loyal, great
If you want to buy online, and get it drilled at a pro shop, be prepared to pay.
If you want to buy online, and get it drilled online, do that, but I think that is not the way to go.
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shelley

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Re: Why not go to your local pro shop
« Reply #25 on: September 27, 2005, 11:47:33 AM »
quote:
I had a operator, who without even knowing me or my bowling game, want me to purchase a ball (The Rock) for myself because he said that it was the best ball on the market.  He never met me or anything.  Just tells me that that ball is the best.  Yet this was 2004.  Come on.  You would think before you tried to sale something to somebody.  Maybe I am wrong


He probably had one that was collecting dust on the shelf and was trying to move it.  So long as he wasn't charging you the original price for an old ball, I don't see much wrong with it.  How many here would say the same thing about, for example, the Danger Zone?

He should at least point out that it's still a good ball, even if it's not the latest release.  He shouldn't make it sound like it's a brand new release if it's not, just to sell it.

SH
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brinen28

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Re: Why not go to your local pro shop
« Reply #26 on: September 27, 2005, 11:49:37 AM »
i agree with that 100%.  if it is a new ball, and it has had a lot of success, then yes, i think they will try to push it, becuase obviously, it has worked.  If it is an older ball, with similar reaction, the pro shop should say "this is a little bit older ball, but will also fit your needs"  again, not charging what a BRAND NEW ball costs
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splendorlex

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Re: Why not go to your local pro shop
« Reply #27 on: September 27, 2005, 12:29:41 PM »
My problem is that I want to give my guy the business, but he still charges for the drilling even if I buy the ball from him.  He's offered to throw in the grips and slug if I buy there.  Not much of a deal, really, when I can get the ball online for 100 bucks less and still save about 40 bucks having him drill the blank.  He does great work and is my coach as well, but I have a hard time spending the money on a ball in the first place, so every dollar counts.  I suppose that maybe if I went to him every time he would start giving me more breaks, I just don't know.
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Injury

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Re: Why not go to your local pro shop
« Reply #28 on: September 27, 2005, 01:36:29 PM »
Several reasons I don't buy balls and shoes from my pro shop (although he does a good job on my drilling).

Being a small center in a rural area he doesn't keep any stock so anything I'd want would have to be ordered and he apparently can't get left over stock of discontinued products. Due to costs I generally stick with lines one to two seasons old he can't get them.

Costs, online is way cheaper for me.

Shipping time/bad shipping. I order my gear online I will get it in 3-4 days normally. Lady I know ordered her shoes from the proshop in the center, after an initial 3 week wait the first pair came in wrong size, sent it back week later next pair came in wrong size, 1 week later finally got the correct size shoes. 5 weeks is no good, and while it wasn't our pro shops fault (the center gave her free shoe rental  have never had that happen when I personally order something. One screwup is in the meantime) whomever was on the other end kept sending the wrong size. This first screwup is fine but several in a row means his suppliers have their head up their butts.

The Pro Shop has pretty casual hours and really doesn't stay on top of new gear. Picking out gear in our pro shop consits of getting handed the notebook with that years catalogs all in it. So I'm already using online sources for product research, and I can't be guaranteed the guy will even be in to order the stuff when I'm at the center. Compare that to being able to order anytime of day or night while I'm at home. The pro shop guy seems to really know his drilling and the game itself (which I do take advantage of by paying him to drill my balls), however staying up on new gear seems to have passed him. I could see feeling bad if I were to take up his time with asking for gear suggestions and guidance then turning around and ordering from someplace else.

The bowling center (pro shop and bowling center owned by the same guy) already gets my money for lineage, food, drilling, jukebox plays and the higher margin consumable accessory purchases they keep in stock (tape, nuskin, easy slide, etc etc) I frankly have no problem with going for a better deal elsewhere when it comes to buying balls and shoes.

As far as the OP's costs of 50-60 bucks for basic drilling...basic drilling at my center is $30, but if you bring in multiple balls to be drilled he only charges $25 per ball.
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brinen28

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Re: Why not go to your local pro shop
« Reply #29 on: September 27, 2005, 01:42:32 PM »
if your pro shop had a bigger, more current selection, would you buy your bowling balls there though
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splendorlex

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Re: Why not go to your local pro shop
« Reply #30 on: September 27, 2005, 03:32:50 PM »
Any of you tried online drilling too?  I figure if I can get them a copy of my spec sheet it shouldn't be too hard.  May be able to REALLY save a bundle that way.
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