Attracting female players

Club Billiards

Club Billiards

Absolute Billiard Service
Silver Member
Hey this may have been brought up before, and if so, I apologize. I run a small room (8 tables, 2500 sq ft.) with no alcohol in Dayton, Ohio. Unfortunately, the previous two owners though a place like this would maintain itself with no upkeep. I'm sure if you're a poolroom owner or manager reading this thread, you probably already know how well that works. Anyway, one of the things we've talked about to help rebuild more business here is the need to attract more female players. In our opinion (tell me if I'm wrong), more female players in the room will bring more male players and keep them in the room longer. Seems to me that guys are the bulk of the money-spending clientele in a dry room.

So the question is... what ideas do you guys have or what has worked in the past for you to draw more regular female players? We've tried a half-price ladies night, and an after-hours night where ladies played for free. The after-hours thing was cool because people would come in and sober up from the bars, but in this size room it wasn't really enough to justify the additional wages. The ladies night seemed to flop completely. Maybe a lack of effective promoting/advertising?

What are good (inexpensive) methods of advertising/marketing aimed towards the female players?

Any help here would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, everyone! Happy Holidays!!!
 
Club Billiards said:
Hey this may have been brought up before, and if so, I apologize. I run a small room (8 tables, 2500 sq ft.) with no alcohol in Dayton, Ohio. Unfortunately, the previous two owners though a place like this would maintain itself with no upkeep. I'm sure if you're a poolroom owner or manager reading this thread, you probably already know how well that works. Anyway, one of the things we've talked about to help rebuild more business here is the need to attract more female players. In our opinion (tell me if I'm wrong), more female players in the room will bring more male players and keep them in the room longer. Seems to me that guys are the bulk of the money-spending clientele in a dry room.

So the question is... what ideas do you guys have or what has worked in the past for you to draw more regular female players? We've tried a half-price ladies night, and an after-hours night where ladies played for free. The after-hours thing was cool because people would come in and sober up from the bars, but in this size room it wasn't really enough to justify the additional wages. The ladies night seemed to flop completely. Maybe a lack of effective promoting/advertising?

What are good (inexpensive) methods of advertising/marketing aimed towards the female players?

Any help here would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, everyone! Happy Holidays!!!
Click to expand...

that is a tough one - if you are looking for actual players and not just female presence, it is all in the equipment and atmosphere. as a woman player, i will go anywhere nearby that makes me feel safe coming and going. but, if you just want more women to come into your place, target the men too. girls don't just go into the pool room by themselves unless they are real players or aspiring to be. if you are near a college, hit the sororities with flyers and special (fruity drinks rule) :) it doesn't help much, but thought i would offer my opinion and bump you back to the top.

good luck.
 
Times have changed.

We used to have ladies half price all the time or free when they were accompanied by a gentleman. These days that is illegal in many states and opens you up to major fines or lawsuits. Be careful and consult an attorney before deciding on a gender based promotion. Women have different priorities than men don't give a second thought to. SUPER clean bathrooms. Put a lock on the womens room if you have to. VERY bright lighting on the parking lot. So whatever YOU think is comfortable lighting? At least DOUBLE it. Not an exaggeration. Women tend to come in groups because of this reason so coming alone they have to feel really safe. They will already have to deal with undesirables offering to "help them" with their stroke...lol. Women also want personal service. Send women to a table that has just been cleaned, or give them a set of balls right out of the ball cleaner. Its a lot of little things as opposed to a gimmick I believe will keep them coming in more. Unadvertised specials like buy their first soda when they come in. Just some ideas thrown out there.
 
I think a stripper pole would do wonders for that place!:D
Poker table? Whoops, we know what happened there!:D

For that place, getting beer in there is you ONLY ticket to surviving.

Bump for some opinions for my good buddy Josh!
 
Being somewhat familiar and experienced in the world of advertising, may I suggest. . .
Format the following into cheap, inexpensive, poster paper, 3' x 5' or 4' x 4', and display occasionally throughout your billiard hall
Using the ceiling is a neat trick and very well accepted by patrons and fans.
A nice black&white Humphrey Bogart wouldn't hurt either.

You can also check your local movie rental shop for free posters.
 
Last edited:
blusystems said:
Being somewhat familiar and experienced in the world of advertising, may I suggest. . .
Format the following into cheap, inexpensive, poster paper, 3' x 5' or 4' x 4', and display occasionally throughout your billiard hall
Using the ceiling is a neat trick and very well accepted by patrons and fans.
A nice black&white Humphrey Bogart wouldn't hurt either.

You can also check your local movie rental shop for free posters.
Click to expand...

as a woman, i am curious what you think this will do to bring in other women? not knocking down your suggestion, but wondering about the thought behind it.
 
Lady night

When I had ladies night. I used to give them a rose. They seemed to like that. I also bought them a soda pop. The women didn't seem to have a lot of money so whatever you can do for them they would appreciate.

John Alexis
 
blusystems said:
Being somewhat familiar and experienced in the world of advertising, may I suggest. . .
Format the following into cheap, inexpensive, poster paper, 3' x 5' or 4' x 4', and display occasionally throughout your billiard hall
Using the ceiling is a neat trick and very well accepted by patrons and fans.
A nice black&white Humphrey Bogart wouldn't hurt either.

You can also check your local movie rental shop for free posters.
Click to expand...


I'm with 9balllvr, I don't get it?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top