Have the times changed?

[manningm]

Hi all,

This is just an observation on my part. I started bowling many years ago, it was the practice that when you bought a new bowling ball from the alley pro shop, and you were given a free game to try it out and maybe get a little advice (coaching) from the shop owner. After a long absence in the sport, I started bowling again about 6 years ago. I had to buy all new stuff because the game (synthetic lanes) had changed. I wasn't offered anything when I purchased my new stuff back then or even now.

What is the practice where you live?

Mike Manning

[mrbill]

Hi all,

This is just an observation on my part. I started bowling many years ago, it was the practice that when you bought a new bowling ball from the alley pro shop, and you were given a free game to try it out and maybe get a little advice (coaching) from the shop owner. After a long absence in the sport, I started bowling again about 6 years ago. I had to buy all new stuff because the game (synthetic lanes) had changed. I wasn't offered anything when I purchased my new stuff back then or even now.

What is the practice where you live?

Mike Manning

Yeah Mike, I just came back to the sport some months ago and the proshop in the lanes where I bowl is lacking to say the least.
Thats one of the reasons I dont use my spare ball any more, (they made the finger tips to big) He was Like I dont have what the other guy said we had so what do u wanna do? and I had to bowl that night.
I could get them switched out but I'm lazy be cause the pro shop I go to now is Half way across town but they are GOOD! They let you roll your ball and watch you and give pointers
So I understand what you mean

[Graaille]

I must still be in the land of the old school centers, because my guy drills them, I test the grip in the pro shop rolling it across the floor, then go out to the lanes and try it at full speed, and he'll come out and watch to make sure it works well off my hand (as long as he doesn't have someone else waiting for him.) I've had to throw 5 frames, then go back in and have him tweak something, then finish out the rest of the game, and if he has to tweak something again, I'll get another game free until the grip is right.

Of course, there are 3 different lanes in the city, and 12 within an hours drive, but I've not taken my equipment to anyone else - nor will I.

[bigern523]

I think the shop owner needs some new skills . To me , If a guy doesnt watch you bowl , he shouldnt drill your ball . You shoud never layout a ball without knowing the persons track .

[ebowler]

I must still be in the land of the old school centers, because my guy drills them, I test the grip in the pro shop rolling it across the floor, then go out to the lanes and try it at full speed, and he'll come out and watch to make sure it works well off my hand (as long as he doesn't have someone else waiting for him.) I've had to throw 5 frames, then go back in and have him tweak something, then finish out the rest of the game, and if he has to tweak something again, I'll get another game free until the grip is right.

Of course, there are 3 different lanes in the city, and 12 within an hours drive, but I've not taken my equipment to anyone else - nor will I.

This is exactly what happens at my local shop. I can't imagine not going through this process when purchasing a ball

[JAnderson]

It depends on the shop. Pro shops not located in bowling centers don't always have the leverage to get free games of bowling for customers.

Pro shops located inside bowling centers may or may not have an agreement with the center regarding free games. At the least, a pro shop technician should be able to watch customers throw to get an idea of general level of ability, speed, rotation, tilt, and rev rate. The track and resulting positive axis point is much easier to find with fresh oil on the ball - even if it flares. Without that information, the technician can only make a "best guess" for correctly matching equipment, surface, and layout to the bowler.

Even without the above, it makes sense for pro shop operators to know their customers. Recommending a ball a customer ends up not liking doesn't endear the customer to that pro shop. Conversely, being able to recommend a new piece of equipment to a customer that will help improve the customer's game can only increase business. Pro shops largely draw from word-of-mouth advertising. According to my college marketing class, a dissatisfied customer will generally tell more people about a bad experience than a satisfied customer will tell people about a good experience. Why do pro shops take that chance with "best guesses" when the information is available?

[kev3inp]

In the ones we go to, one is stand alone and doesn't have an agreement for games anyplace. You get to roll your new toy across the carpet a few times.

The other place is in a center and sometimes he has free games or an hour coupon, and sometimes he doesn't. It's whatever management of the center decides. New owners took it over and they've put some cash into the amentities, so I suspect the situation will improve.

[MH1313]

Where I've gone in years past, I've always gotten to bowl as much as necessary until everything is worked out right and perfect that day. My pro shop owner, watches me and gives me hints on how to get the ball to reach its full potential (which basically points out my shortfalls)

maybe I'm just in an old school area?