Pro-Shop...

[Zims Rack]

Question for Room Owners concerning a Pro-Shop! When I refer to a pro-shop, I'm talking about repairs on cues, not sales (retail).

Would it be worth the space for you to set aside a 250-300 sq' enclosed room for a repair shop? You could build the room, include appropriate outlets, exhaust fan(s) and offer the space to a local cue repairman/cuemaker. What would you charge for this space monthly? Would you consider doing this if the cue repairman supplied all the equipment, you just provide the space.

Things to consider:
1) Does the repairman keep 100% of the repair income? (depends on how much you charge him for the space)
2) Insurance? (Add his equipment to you insurance and charge him a little each month for the coverage)
3) Repairs or cue building? (is he/she allowed to build cues or just do repairs out of this space)

Just something to consider to help out with the finances these days. I see a lot of pool rooms with extra space. I know 250-300 sq' seems like a lot, but it can be very effective if used wisely.

Something to think about...
If you have or don't have a retail section in your room, consider this:
find a local cue repairman that would be interested in running your retail section or Pro-Shop (after all he/she should know a lot about cues). Build a small room 250-300 sq' (or bigger if needed), move your retail items into this room and allow him/her to bring their equipment in there also. He/she is now the Pro-Shop Manager and his pay is his repair income.

Zim

 

[highrun55]

I have a small pro-shop in my room and do minor stuff like new tips and shaft cleaning, I have someone else do the ferrules,wraps, turning down shafts etc.

He charges me and I charge my customers my own fee, works great for me.

highrun55

 

[manwon]

Question for Room Owners concerning a Pro-Shop! When I refer to a pro-shop, I'm talking about repairs on cues, not sales (retail).

Would it be worth the space for you to set aside a 250-300 sq' enclosed room for a repair shop? You could build the room, include appropriate outlets, exhaust fan(s) and offer the space to a local cue repairman/cuemaker. What would you charge for this space monthly? Would you consider doing this if the cue repairman supplied all the equipment, you just provide the space.

Things to consider:
1) Does the repairman keep 100% of the repair income? (depends on how much you charge him for the space)
2) Insurance? (Add his equipment to you insurance and charge him a little each month for the coverage)
3) Repairs or cue building? (is he/she allowed to build cues or just do repairs out of this space)

Just something to consider to help out with the finances these days. I see a lot of pool rooms with extra space. I know 250-300 sq' seems like a lot, but it can be very effective if used wisely.

Something to think about...
If you have or don't have a retail section in your room, consider this:
find a local cue repairman that would be interested in running your retail section or Pro-Shop (after all he/she should know a lot about cues). Build a small room 250-300 sq' (or bigger if needed), move your retail items into this room and allow him/her to bring their equipment in there also. He/she is now the Pro-Shop Manager and his pay is his repair income.

Zim

Zim the only part I do not agree with is bring some one else in to do the work. While it may help with some extra income, the expenses may not make it worth it in the long run. Anyone can learn the basics of doing minor repairs, it is not rocket science. Most room owners also run there rooms, so they have the time if they want to take it to learn what is necessary. This is what I did, and I have taken over most of the repair work in the Western half of my state. In fact there is so much work that it is hard sometimes to get it all done in a timely manner.

I have a complete cue repair / building area in the back of my pool room. However, I work with a single apprentice and I do 90% of the work in this area myself. Basic repairs are offered while the customer waits, Tips, minor shaft re-taper, weight changes, wraps, and shaft cleaning.

However, I also keep at least $25,000 in inventory for resale, Production cues, cases and accessories. Equipment sales is something else not be over looked, this can be a very profitable section for a pool room. If you keep the prices fair, and back up the products that you sell.

For those who have the illusion that the pool rooms of old may return in the future. By selling drinks, some food, and renting tables alone you will never succeed, and you are kinda like the Dinosaurs, and it is time to adapt or die.

In todays billiards business, for year around success, you must combine the best attributes of Cue Repair, Retail sales of Billiards Equipment, and refreshments / Table rentals. The right combination of this in a good area supported by pool leagues, has worked for me since I opened in September 2004. In addition, my business has continually grown over the past 3 1/2 years, unlike others that are closing who have tried other methods to attract and keep customers.

Just my thoughts!!!