Yes a system that had cameras focused back on the bowlers on the approach (Like what they do on roller-coaster rides getting pictures of the riders) would more likely generate more revenue. Plus it could probably be done with off the shelf camera systems that you could pick up pretty cheap. People would be more inclined to get photos of themselves, Relatives and friends bowling and their reactions.Originally Posted by Ryster
Last edited by bowl1820; 06-09-2021 at 07:21 PM.
Right handed Stroker, high track ,about 13 degree axis tilt. PAP is located 5 9/16” over 1 3/4” up.Speed ave. about 14 mph at the pins. Medium rev’s.High Game 300, High series 798
"Talent without training is nothing." Luke Skywalker
The way I was thinking of doing the short clips with the camera focused on the pin deck would be to have a motion detector half way down the lane that would start the clip, with either a timed clip or (to take very low-speed balls into account) with a second motion detector right at the pin deck that would stop the clip (well, after a few more seconds).
The camera-behind-the-bowler would have to figure out when to start the clip, which would not be trivial.
With all the financial damage done to bowling centers from Covid I can tell you first hand they aren't interested in huge investments. Right now most are trying to lick their wounds and press on.
Everyone in my area has drastically lowered bowling prices to get people in the door. Right now we are currently a $2 a game and $3 shoes or $10 unlimited bowling shoes included. Our focus isn't on making money off the bowling per say, it's now the food and beer.
Since I went back in Feb the leagues were sparsely populated and we continued to make very little in comparison to pre-Covid. Now that they are over I redesigned our menu and greatly expanded it. Same with the beer selection. It was a rather pathetic mixed bag of overpriced cheap beers that was nothing special.
Now I brought in a ton of craft beers, local beers, lagers, stouts, summer sours, ales and IPA's. In addition to the Seltzer's and ciders. Our cooler is packed now with options. Between just food and beer our revenue has gone up 77% since Feb as of the end of last week's report. We aren't at our pre-Covid numbers yet but we've been packing them in enough where we had to hire more help.
As for the gimmicky stuff like cameras, I think for right now most bowling centers, they are just going to maximize on what they currently have and make the best of it. That was the consensus at the last BPAA meeting anyway.
We have some huge expenses coming up. Our rental shoes are shot, bowling pins are shot, Lanes need to be cut and side boards are deteriorated. I'm hoping there is going to be enough in the kitty to be able to get all this done by fall league season. Not to mention some other items in need of replacement we are barely keeping together with bubble gum and duct tape.
Things are tough but we'll muddle through. In the meantime we just need to keep focused on parties, whole house bookings, events and whatever else we can to keep the train moving through the doors.
Our previously privately owned bowling center was recently purchased by Bowlero. We [regular customers] are waiting for the hammer to drop. We know it is staying open, however we anticipate numerous changes over the next several months. Only time will tell what the overall impact is, but I anticipate changes in all aspects of the operation (staffing, hours, prices, food/drink, league availability, etc.)
Our saving grace with being privately owned is that they also own a rather large chain of movie theaters, a hotel and a ton of real estate. We're just a tiny part of the business. As long as the rest of company stays afloat then we will too.
That said, if the bowling alley just turns into a money pit they WILL call it quits turn this place into storage. However we have been profitable for the most part and whilst all the theaters were shut down we were the singular business that was still up and running bringing in income.
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