APA or BCA?

[MilwShooter]

I was injured a few years ago and am FINALLY going to see my settlement this year. I've been considering investing in either an APA or BCA franchise for Milwaukee but don't know which draws more interest. Any opinions? I'm sure I'll post this in the "Room owner" forum as well, but I'd really like input from players as well.

 

[Beware_of_Dawg]

How much does a franchise run? ($$$)?

APA has more exposure and is really geared for the lower skill levles (90% of people) you'll prolly get more interest and be more monitarily successful with a APA franchise...

 

[MilwShooter]

How much does a franchise run? ($$$)?

APA has more exposure and is really geared for the lower skill levles (90% of people) you'll prolly get more interest and be more monitarily successful with a APA franchise...

Until I actually have the money, it seems pretty difficult to get a straight answer on the actual COST. But of course, if one costs more than the other and it's also favored more, then it would most likely still be the better investment. There is an APA franchise OUTSIDE of Milwaukee, but nothing in the city itself, not sure if that would/should sway the decision.

 

[Beware_of_Dawg]

The interwebz says...

Start-up Costs & Franchises Fees
How much does it cost to open a American Poolplayers Association Franchises?

Total Investment: $11,600-$14,000
Initial Franchise Fee: $5,000
Royalty Fee: 20%
Advertising Fee:
Term of Agreement: 2 years

 

[blueridge]

I was injured a few years ago and am FINALLY going to see my settlement this year. I've been considering investing in either an APA or BCA franchise for Milwaukee but don't know which draws more interest. Any opinions? I'm sure I'll post this in the "Room owner" forum as well, but I'd really like input from players as well.

Depending on the franchise costs which I don't know, the APA would probably make you more money. You'll have match dues coming in every week of the year, and lots of APA tournaments. The APA is perfect for the masses since it's a handicapped league / pyramid scheme with its 23 rule.

 

[Nitrox11]

As much as it hurts me to say it, APA is going to be more popular. APA probably out numbers BCA leagues in Dallas 2 to 1.

 

[tigerallenyim]

I would like to try the BCA, but it is a bit far for me to travel, so APA is going to have to do it so far.

 

[mongoose-]

An APA franchise as far as marketing goes in my opinion has the best out there. You also may want to look at a TAP league franchise. TAP is geared pretty much the same way as the APA. I don't believe you need a franchise for the BCA or ACS. What you ran for a business would be ALL your profit. From the business standpoint as you being the Operator either APA or TAP are probably pretty good. From a pool players standpoint I wouldn't pay 2 cents to play in an APA league. Best of luck to you on your venture.

 

[s'portplayer]

What makes the APA a pyramid scheme?

Depending on the franchise costs which I don't know, the APA would probably make you more money. You'll have match dues coming in every week of the year, and lots of APA tournaments. The APA is perfect for the masses since it's a handicapped league / pyramid scheme with its 23 rule.

 

[Flettir]

Before you decide you may want to go here to check out what it takes and if your area is open. It looks like it is at this time. Part of buying a franchise is to get exclusive rights to operate in a given region. Check it out.

http://www.apafranchise.com/

 

[MilwShooter]

Before you decide you may want to go here to check out what it takes and if your area is open. It looks like it is at this time. Part of buying a franchise is to get exclusive rights to operate in a given region. Check it out.

http://www.apafranchise.com/

I actually did go to that site already, ready through the 6 steps and whatnot, but still not sure if I like the way it sounds. Thanks though!

 

[ScottW]

If I were you I would contact a few APA franchisees in varying parts of the country, and pick their brains.

Also, anyone can run a BCA league - there's no franchises/regional exclusivity as far as I know.

 

[Rich R.]

I was injured a few years ago and am FINALLY going to see my settlement this year. I've been considering investing in either an APA or BCA franchise for Milwaukee but don't know which draws more interest. Any opinions? I'm sure I'll post this in the "Room owner" forum as well, but I'd really like input from players as well.

The APA would definitely be the better investment.

In the BCA, there is no official handicap system and it attracts more experienced players. It also excludes beginners and people who are just looking for an enjoyable night out.

Because of the APA's handicap system, no one is excluded, regardless of skill level, and everyone is a potential member/customer. I have seen APA players ranging from stone cold beginner up to pro level and everywhere in between. If you want the largest potential customer base, and the largest potential income, go with the APA.

 

[tjlmbklr]

I yet to play see any APA in my area. I did a BCA league and it was the nuts for bar box league, IMO. Not knocking APA, just know nothing about it.

 

[Texas Prez]

Which would interest me more? TAP. Enough Said.

 

[pooltchr]

As a higher level player, I would prefer BCA. As a potential business, it's got to be APA. No doubt about it.

Steve

 

[Scott Lee]

MilwShooter...There are a few current and former APA league operators who post here (I'm one). There are no real secrets about the APA. You do pay a lot upfront, and it takes a LOT of work to get a league going from scratch (which is why some league areas are purchased turnkey from other operators). But if you do it right, and make the players happy, they will keep coming back...and your league will grow.

The fact that there's an APA franchise area outside of Milwaukee, but not within, may or may not be a telling factor. The league areas are sold by county, and are exclusive. The franchise holder outside of your area would be someone to talk to. If he thought he could make a go of it in Milwaukee, he/she probably would have invested in that area. Maybe they just wanted to work closer to home. There are likely lots of reasons, pro and con, why there is no APA in Milwaukee proper.

There are no fees associated with starting a BCA league (and therefore no 'territorial' protection)...and as was mentioned by tjlmbkler, there are BCA leagues there already. One thing is for sure...if you're getting into a pool league, because you think it is easy money...it's NOT! As much as some posters here b*tch about APA (many more people who play pool love it than hate it), they have no idea what kind of work is involved, to keep a league running, year-round, year after year. Best of luck, and if you need more information, feel free to pm me.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

I was injured a few years ago and am FINALLY going to see my settlement this year. I've been considering investing in either an APA or BCA franchise for Milwaukee but don't know which draws more interest. Any opinions? I'm sure I'll post this in the "Room owner" forum as well, but I'd really like input from players as well.

 

[DogsPlayingPool]

What makes the APA a pyramid scheme?

I'm not involved in league play so someone correct me if I'm wrong. Gleaned from what I've read around here, the 23 rule limits the handicap total of a team. So over time as players improve and a team reaches the limit, it has to split up into two new teams and find new/beginner players with lower handicaps to fill the open spots, thus creating more teams and growing the league.

 

[ScottW]

I'm not involved in league play so someone correct me if I'm wrong. Gleaned from what I've read around here, the 23 rule limits the handicap total of a team. So over time as players improve and a team reaches the limit, it has to split up into two new teams and find new/beginner players with lower handicaps to fill the open spots, thus creating more teams and growing the league.

Which, while accurate, has nothing to do with pyramid schemes.

 

[pooltchr]

I'm not involved in league play so someone correct me if I'm wrong. Gleaned from what I've read around here, the 23 rule limits the handicap total of a team. So over time as players improve and a team reaches the limit, it has to split up into two new teams and find new/beginner players with lower handicaps to fill the open spots, thus creating more teams and growing the league.

You have just described a solid business plan designed to produce growth.
A pyramid scheme would be something like multi-level marketing. I don't see anything wrong with the way the APA operates. Nobody gets promised anything other than the opportunity to play pool every week. For that, they pay a standard fee. It's all very up-front, and good business.

Steve