Pool Hall Marketing Question

[jwine1088]

Those prices seem on the steep end, basically $14/hour to play for 2 players. Is the room in a high rent district like Manhattan or something? If it's competitive for the area then no problem, but if it's higher than the competition that could be the problem right there unless the equipment, room, and service make up for it and the clientele can afford the higher rates.

BTW, a lot of rooms have two tiered pricing, lower during the day and bumped up for night play.

As for leagues, it seems most places give the table time in consideration for the traffic the league brings in (food and beverage revenue).

But as for table time prices and memberships, so much depends on the location and the clientele. One place I think has daytime memberships available for around $100/month and anytime for maybe $150. I would recommend that memberships be only via auto pay to a credit card. You don't want the hassle of collecting every month from every member. You just need to decide on a policy for if there is a wait list: Do members get preference, wait in line, or no table when there is a wait list.

Yeah we're about 15-20 minutes from the city in the suburbs of new jersey. North Jersey specifically, however i'm not sure what the other places charge so you make a good point there. The memberships idea is sturdy though, but yeah the rules have to be set forth for that to work. What do you pay for pool an hour where you live?

 

[DogsPlayingPool]

Yeah we're about 15-20 minutes from the city in the suburbs of new jersey. North Jersey specifically, however i'm not sure what the other places charge so you make a good point there. The memberships idea is sturdy though, but yeah the rules have to be set forth for that to work. What do you pay for pool an hour where you live?

South Orange County, CA is generally not cheap real estate. The room closest to my house gets $7/hour (1-4 players) daytime and $12/hour after 6P.

I think another idea would be to offer a reduced rate for one player so that more guys will come to practice and just knock balls around. The room where my league plays is $6/ hour day and $10/ hour nights.

 

[cueandcushion]

Considering your area I dont think the prices are out of line for pool at all. To satisfy the high repeat regulars, a VIP card can be set up to get discounts the more pool they play. Most computer programs can be set up that the first hour is the highest and it goes down each hour afterwards. Another system is a rewards program for the amount of pool played. I know the Panera by me has this system and you just swipe the card and every purchase is documented and gives freebies depending on the gross amount of dollars spent. This way you satisfy the regulars who spend more than the bangers and you get top dollar for the once a year player who just wants a fun night out and isnt really shopping price very often.

 

[Island Drive]

I know a gentleman who has owned a pool hall for many years. When i first started going there was a high demand to play pool(every table was filled), but in recent years business has been slower. We talked today and we were trying to brainstorm some good ideas for his pool hall. I have two questions that maybe some of you can answer(if you have a few suggestions thats fine):
1. What are some good ways that would attract new customers, and how could one go about creating some incentives to get more people to come in and play? Maybe some common deals or things that you look for in a pool hall would provide some good insight.
2. Theres incentive for me to bring in new players to his hall as well, because for each new player i bring i get half off my pool time. What are some good ways of bringing and introducing people who aren't necessarily players(just like to play for fun) to this pool hall?

Thanks guys and don't hesitate to share an idea i'm looking for suggestions.

Are your in a smoking/non smoking state?

 

[One Pocket John]

Yeah we're about 15-20 minutes from the city in the suburbs of new jersey. North Jersey specifically, however i'm not sure what the other places charge so you make a good point there. The memberships idea is sturdy though, but yeah the rules have to be set forth for that to work. What do you pay for pool an hour where you live?

I would visit all the places in your area, one visit during the day and one visit at night. Take notes on each visit.
List the following:

Name of business
Location
Time of day or night
Number and type of tables
Table rates - specials
Do they serve food / liquor
How is the atmosphere. Good, bad, what is special
How many customers
Ask bartender or employee questions about how business has been.
Be observant of type of clientèle, males, females, age group etc.

Just a few thoughts

Good luck.

John

 

[Island Drive]

I know a gentleman who has owned a pool hall for many years. When i first started going there was a high demand to play pool(every table was filled), but in recent years business has been slower. We talked today and we were trying to brainstorm some good ideas for his pool hall. I have two questions that maybe some of you can answer(if you have a few suggestions thats fine):
1. What are some good ways that would attract new customers, and how could one go about creating some incentives to get more people to come in and play? Maybe some common deals or things that you look for in a pool hall would provide some good insight.
2. Theres incentive for me to bring in new players to his hall as well, because for each new player i bring i get half off my pool time. What are some good ways of bringing and introducing people who aren't necessarily players(just like to play for fun) to this pool hall?

Thanks guys and don't hesitate to share an idea i'm looking for suggestions.

I'd spend the money and work with Jay, he know's what Doesn't work....

 

[TX Poolnut]

Get a liquor license.

 

[realkingcobra]

First.... and formost, in which you ALL seem to forget, make damn sure you're POOL TABLES are worth having people show up to give you business....everything else is secondary....just ask "Skip & Jan's" in Tempe, AZ....then ask Kolby's where all their customers went, when THEY were suppose to be the TOP place to play in the Phoenix area If your equipment is shit....nothing else matters

PS. I don't care how MUCH you spend on a new saddle, riding lessons from the Pro's, and all the rest of the tack to go along with riding that damn horse...if it's DEAD...it AIN'T getting UP!

 

[realkingcobra]

I know a gentleman who has owned a pool hall for many years. When i first started going there was a high demand to play pool(every table was filled), but in recent years business has been slower. We talked today and we were trying to brainstorm some good ideas for his pool hall. I have two questions that maybe some of you can answer(if you have a few suggestions thats fine):
1. What are some good ways that would attract new customers, and how could one go about creating some incentives to get more people to come in and play? Maybe some common deals or things that you look for in a pool hall would provide some good insight.
2. Theres incentive for me to bring in new players to his hall as well, because for each new player i bring i get half off my pool time. What are some good ways of bringing and introducing people who aren't necessarily players(just like to play for fun) to this pool hall?

Thanks guys and don't hesitate to share an idea i'm looking for suggestions.

Since no one has bothered to ask...what kind of pool tables are we talking about here...and what condition are they in?

 

[jwine1088]

First.... and formost, in which you ALL seem to forget, make damn sure you're POOL TABLES are worth having people show up to give you business....everything else is secondary....just ask "Skip & Jan's" in Tempe, AZ....then ask Kolby's where all their customers went, when THEY were suppose to be the TOP place to play in the Phoenix area If your equipment is shit....nothing else matters

The equipment is great it's 1970's brunswick tables they play great gold crown tables with i think 860 cloth done by one of the guys that do pro tables tournament blue. I agree thats the one of the most important factors, but i think more of the promotional aspect to attract more customers.

 

[realkingcobra]

The equipment is great it's 1970's brunswick tables they play great gold crown tables with i think 860 cloth done by

one of the guys that do pro tables tournament blue

. I agree thats the one of the most important factors, but i think more of the promotional aspect to attract more customers.

First...where are you located? Second...see if you can bank the cue ball five times down and back the length of the table, then see if you can bank the cue ball 9 rails around the table....that'll tell me what condition your "70's" Gold Crowns are in. Last, what size are the corner pockets...and are they all the same size....per table?

 

[snipershot]

If you really wanna draw a crowd, offer free weed, beer, and midget strippers. People will flock to your pool room.

Joe

 

[jwine1088]

First...where are you located? Second...see if you can bank the cue ball five times down and back the length of the table, then see if you can bank the cue ball 9 rails around the table....that'll tell me what condition your "70's" Gold Crowns are in. Last, what size are the corner pockets...and are they all the same size....per table?

Located in North Jersey, it's not my pool hall it's my friends so these aren't my tables. The tables however were refelted like maybe 3-4 years ago and they have 860 cloth done by a professional, and gold crown tables. I mean i'm sure they would pass your test.

 

[deadhead]

If you really wanna draw a crowd, offer free weed, beer, and midget strippers. People will flock to your pool room.

Joe

that would work for sure.... especially in jersey......:thumbup:

on the real, I would think looking at a kitchen and LQ license would do wonders for increasing revenue, (typical markup on liquor is approx. 300% as opposed to 100% for most retail items, beer is even better if you break a wholesale keg into 3.00 draws)

I love the challenge table idea as well, as a solo player walking into the hall most nights, I would love to know there was a table reserved for and intended for good solid action.

D

 

[jwine1088]

Some pictures

Just to give you guys some visuals of what the hall looks like and a picture of the tables. Just to give you a feeler of the place.

 

[vasilios]

coolboy

that is a nice looking room.can you post his schedule of when the room is open.also can you post the amount of people that the room employs.


bill

 

[jwine1088]

coolboy

that is a nice looking room.can you post his schedule of when the room is open.also can you post the amount of people that the room employs.


bill

The room only employs my friend and his wife. It's more of a hobby than a job for him, but ways to attract new customers are a necessity to keep it open. He's open from 3pm-12am on weekdays and 2pm-12:30am on weekends.

 

[realkingcobra]

Located in North Jersey, it's not my pool hall it's my friends so these aren't my tables. The tables however were refelted like maybe 3-4 years ago and they have 860 cloth done by a professional, and gold crown tables. I mean i'm sure they would pass your test.

Try out the test...and post what you find out

 

[Island Drive]

The room only employs my friend and his wife. It's more of a hobby than a job for him, but ways to attract new customers are a necessity to keep it open. He's open from 3pm-12am on weekdays and 2pm-12:30am on weekends.

Your open/close times would fit well by doing earlier AM birthday parties. You'd be surprised at how much good will you get. Kids have friends, all the parents come, and if it works, they will tell their friends. Good way to start off your day dollar wise.

 

[jwine1088]

Try out the test...and post what you find out

You see the tables correct?(The first picture shows how good they are kept and the condition of them are great). He also sets aside two special tables for people who are more serious about the game so those are immaculate. Whats the point of doing this test? The tables play great as i have played on them many times. My friend doesn't settle for bad equipment. But also i don't think buying all new tables would settle this problem, i mean i've been to halls in the area and none compare and newer tables aren't made as good as the old ones unless you spend a ton on getting some newer ones. I think it lies in the customer personally, and i agree if the tables were bad it would be a problem but i don't think thats the case. Next time i'm in i'll try the test out but whats the catch, what are specifically getting at?