Survey- Private Billiard Club...

[12310bch]

Couple things to consider:
1) Can't turn into a Chuckee cheese. Gotta keep a signfiicant partition between adults and the kiddees.

2) Cannot have free pool all the time. The bangers would drive the more serious players of the tables and ruin your equipment.

To help relieve some of this you could offer discount programs to the frequent player along with other incentives such as lockers for their cues etc.

Example: Regular hourly fee of $5.00 per hour. FP (frequent player) buys a discount card for 50 hours and a locker for $175.00. Maybe throw in ability to make reservations a day ahead. It's a win - win if the numbers are worked out right. Possibly discounted repair work too. Lock in the regulars. That's bread and butter. No discounts on food and beverages though. That's your diamonds and pearls.

About pool I know nothing. About retail, I know twice as much. ( Old Jewish saying)

 

[Rodney]

I'm not sure what it's like in your area, but in mine, theres about 10 club type places that have 1-3 9 ft. tables that are kept better than the local pool hall. Of course there's a full bar, free pool, poker machines, and all types of club events. Usually the membership is roughly a $60 initiation fee, and $20-$40 a year dues. I bought a lifetime membership at one place for $200, and it has 3 GCIII's, covered in Simonis.

In this economy, $300 a year, plus table time seems pretty steep. I know in my area, your plan would have no chance at all.

I wish you well in your endeavor.

Rodney----JMO

 

[joelpope]

more than one way to skin a cat...

The annual fee is attractive to me as it keeps the punks & bangers out. You might want to look into a monthly auto debit to a charge card so it is less painful to some folks.

Another approach is to charge an annual fee & provide some $ back in "funny money" that can be used for table time as well as some guest passes. 1) adds value to the membership proposition 2) provides an incentive for them to come back & use the room and give you additional share of their wallet for F&B consumed 3) provides a means for your existing customer base to introduce potential new members to your club

One critical issue is your ability to create a "Cheers" environment... my favorite room is my favorite because I know I can go there any day or time and have a good game with people the owner has introduced me to... everybody knows my name & I always know I am going to see a friend when I go.

Weekend round robin member tournaments also help create the club feel as do any other member events.

Good luck

 

[joelpope]

Couple things to consider:
1) Can't turn into a Chuckee cheese. Gotta keep a signfiicant partition between adults and the kiddees.

2) Cannot have free pool all the time. The bangers would drive the more serious players of the tables and ruin your equipment.

To help relieve some of this you could offer discount programs to the frequent player along with other incentives such as lockers for their cues etc.

Example: Regular hourly fee of $5.00 per hour. FP (frequent player) buys a discount card for 50 hours and a locker for $175.00. Maybe throw in ability to make reservations a day ahead. It's a win - win if the numbers are worked out right. Possibly discounted repair work too. Lock in the regulars. That's bread and butter. No discounts on food and beverages though. That's your diamonds and pearls.

About pool I know nothing. About retail, I know a little more.

all really good points

 

[dr9ball]

We've talked about FREE pool, but after researching other poolhalls in a 2hr radius, hourly prices range from $6-$9 per person... So we looked at it as if you're getting 1/2 price on pool table time for about 82 cents/day or $25/month or $300/yr.

Our initial cost for the tables will determine our actual pool table rates. We are also considering FREE pool time Mon-Thurs and hourly rates on weekend-- a compromise!

Zim

Here's a link to a local private club. Click on the Membership tab at the top of the page to see their deals for members.

http://www.bedrockbilliards.com/bedrockbilliards.html

 

[Measle Ball]

Personally, I would like to see more 9' tables. Just not keen on 8's

I agree, there should be a higher percentage of niners which is why I voted "maybe" instead of "yes"- I almost voted "no" because of it. Sure, one does need to consider what is most popular in the area, but I would think the serious players who would join such a club would in fact prefer a nine-foot table...

But there is the flip side of the coin. Many years ago in north Seattle at Windy's Pub they had a slew of eight-foot bar boxes and a lone nine-foot one as well. The nine-footer was ALWAYS open and I loved to shoot on it not only because of the greater challenge but also because it was always available. I do remember after a few beers the table grew in length but that is to be expected...

Just my opinion.

 

[gh8st]

I think it depends where your private hall would be located, because given the rates in NYC, $300 is a nobrainer, I would do it in a heart beat.

I agree if you are charging a membership fee it will attract the adults and keep out the punks walking in off the street.

Anyone who is going to be a member is an avid player and 9 ftrs are a must.

Reasonable liquor prices are a must.

I would also like to see free pool for members during some of the off peak hours like in the morning or late at night. Or every second Sunday, something along those lines to distinguish the members from general population.

I agree the wives or a guest pass for a "x" visits should be granted for free. If the wifey is tagging along she may not play but is definitely going to buy a couple of drinks.

Free lockers would be nice.

Thanks for listening.

 

[Baxter]

If I'm paying dues, I'm not paying table time on top of it. Completely defeats the purpose, simple as that. So I say NO.

 

[Gerry]

I think its a good idea, but to have the annual fee plus table time is the same as paying higher table time at another pool room right?

Why not have a base membership, then an add-on amount to have access to the pool tables for free. Don't forget....you might get members who don't play pool and don't want to pay for it. Then you can have a different table rate for non-members, guests, or members without the add-on pool stamp.

Also to base the hourly rate on the price of the tables is wrong....it should be based on what your market will bare. I think the #1 mistake most rooms make is table rates are too high. Make the rates so cheap, the tables are full all the time....then slowly raise the rate. Jacking up the table time to pay the bills will kill any room IMO.

Poker machines, and me trying to get in some serious practice time, or action just doesn't seem to work. It is the same as a loud juke box near the tables.....just annoying.

If you have room....put a nice 9 footer in a room by itself closed off from the noise with some nice seating. Charge a little more for it, and your serious players will have a place to practice or match up.

good luck with it.

G.

 

[metallicane]

Steel tip darts would be good too.

 

[Zims Rack]

Thanks to all who have responded...

Ok...
1) The jukebox will be kept at a very comfortable level, just for background noise, not loud enough to "get your groove on" while everyone else is trying to enjoy the equipment. The jukebox is a MUST HAVE, it brings in extra revenue into the PBC.

2) The noise on the poker machines will be set low as well and will be in a secluded room away from the pool table area.

3) Steel tip darts are not popular around here, but darts are popular enough to have 4-6 boards.

4) Just assume that the 8 tables are all the same size (which ever you prefer, 7', 8', 9'). Each region is going to have a prefered table size (our area happens to be 8').

With the juke box, video machines, and free table time issues addressed, now would you change your NO or MAYBE to a YES? Seems that free table time is why most of you voted MAYBE!

Thanks,
Zim

 

[Georgia Boy]

Thanks to all who have responded...

Ok...
1) The jukebox will be kept at a very comfortable level, just for background noise, not loud enough to "get your groove on" while everyone else is trying to enjoy the equipment. The jukebox is a MUST HAVE, it brings in extra revenue into the PBC.

2) The noise on the poker machines will be set low as well and will be in a secluded room away from the pool table area.

3) Steel tip darts are not popular around here, but darts are popular enough to have 4-6 boards.

4) Just assume that the 8 tables are all the same size (which ever you prefer, 7', 8', 9'). Each region is going to have a prefered table size (our area happens to be 8').

With the juke box, video machines, and free table time issues addressed, now would you change your NO or MAYBE to a YES? Seems that free table time is why most of you voted MAYBE!

Thanks,
Zim

Zim
My vote goes to yes

 

[Zims Rack]

What if membership was around $200/yr & table time is $4/hour, but for $300/yr you get FREE table time. Just throwing this out there!

Zim

 

[nksmfamjp]

I like the idea, but it needs fine tuning, IMO. I don't think you can attract people for the pool at $300 per year and $3-4 table time, but this has been said. The gambling is a turn off for me, but if it could pay the bills and keep the pool room afloat, it would be ok.

Frankly, I think I just like the idea of a public place and controlling the trash the old fashioned way. . .throwing them out.

What's wrong with the old fashioned idea of 2 - 4 9' tables with 8' at each end, a 3 cush and a snooker with a bar along one wall and a good kitchen behind it? Under $5 per hour for the 8' and maybe $7 for the 9'. Free pool open til dinner rush starts. Happy hour drinks. Leagues at night and maybe special cover charge events like a pro in town.

 

[lfigueroa]

In process of opening "MY PBC", a Private Billiard Club- combination of VFW style social club and a pool hall.

Here's what's planned:
The main room will be "ALL AGE", family friendly area with pool tables, dart boards, juke box, snack/vending area, fooseball, & a few other amusement games.
POOL TABLES
8- 8' drop pocket tables
1- 9' Gold Crown or Diamond
1- 10' Snooker
1- 10' 3-Cushion
DART BOARDS
4-6 Arachnid Galaxy II (soft tip)
JUKE BOX
Internet Juke Box by Touchtunes (all the latest music and the oldies also)
SNACK/VENDING
We will sell pizzas, Landshire style microwaveable sandwiches, chips, etc & will provide a small room with microwaves & condiments (this room will eventually be made into an actual kitchen w/fryers & grills)
LEAGUES
We will sponsor teams in local dart & pool leagues, we will also run in-house dart & pool leagues
TOURNAMENTS
Annual or Bi-Annual dart & pool tournament with ADDED $, will host regional tours, weekly tournaments, monthly tournaments and league members only events will be held often.
PRO SHOP
We will have on site cue repair, darts, pool cues, cases & accessories available for sale.

The "OVER 21" room will have 4-6 round tables (seat 6-8 pple) with nice comfortable rolling lounge chairs, TV's, able to hear music (but can be turned off). This room will also serve as a mini casino (Illinois has legalized gambling and is in the process of putting new casino style Video Lottery Terminals in locations) & also a poker/card room.

There will be 1 full service bar (beer, liquor, soda) that can be accessed from both the "ALL AGE" & "OVER 21" rooms.

Pool Table rates will be $3-$4 per hour. Drinks, music and food will all be priced cheap also. This is a PRIVATE BILLIARD CLUB, membership is required to use the facility. We are looking at $300/year per person ($25/month), temporary memberships of $5/day can be purchased for guests or potential new members that just want to visit on occassion, but not regularly.

With the information given & a place like this was in your area, would you join a My PBC?

Thanks in advance,
Zim

For me, no.

First off, for me, you'd need at least 4 9' tables. (Eight of them would be better, because then there could also be the occasional tournament.) If I'm going out to play, I want a reasonable expectation of actually getting to a table.

Second, if I'm paying a membership fee, there's no way I'm also paying table time. You might want to consider something like what Comet Billiards used to do: I think it was something like a flat $50 a month and you got to play all you wanted.

Next, I've been in some "family friendly" rooms that, at any moment can turn into a day-care center with kids running around while the parents play the poker machines, or drink and schmooze at the bar. Not interested in paying a membership fee for that.

Other things that might come into play: if you're going to get a snooker table, then for goodness gracious sakes, get a snooker table and not one of those 10' pretend snooker tables. Also, the hours of operation might be an issue, because I like to play in the early afternoon. Don't know what time you plan on opening.

As just a general comment, around here, I would be very surprised if you could get very many folks to pony up $300 for membership and then charge them additional fees...

Lou Figueroa

 

[Zims Rack]

With the type of tournaments that I'm already running every month around here & the prejected tournaments at the PBC, 8 tables of the same size is a must. Sure 12-16 tables would be great, but we're not leasing a 10,000 sq ft building to start with either. Things have to progress!

We do plan to open around 11am- 1 or 2am.

I've heard some great feedback (many things we've already thought of, some we haven't) and appreciate any inputs (likes/dislikes)!

We are still writing our business plan, thus the reason for the survey and feedback!
Zim

 

[almostgood]

Im apart of a private room, Its pretty cool. Not that big but very clean and tity.

 

[JoeW]

I would very much like to join a private club and would pay a premium to do so. I would even kick in a few thousand initiation fee (like a golf club) to help buy / replace equipment. A monthly fee plus table time would be OK if the table fees were lower than local halls again like greens fees at a golf club.

I would support a mandatory bar / restaurant fee that was charged to help support the bar and table maintenance. I would expect someone to take care of the room(s) including cleaning and equipment maintenance.

A Pro shop that sold equipment and possibly offered lessons would be good for me as a member and a potential source of support for the club.

There should be a standard fee for non-members to play over several occasions after that they would have to apply for membership.

I have reservations about opening the club at all times as a family center. Perhaps some specified times would be acceptable. Other than that -- no kids.

If I am a member then I should be able to bring my spouse / significant other at any time for dinner or to watch. In a limited membership she would not be allowed to play more than x times per month.

Essentially I would like a golf club atmosphere with selected / accepted members and I would be willing to pay a premium for it.

What you have described is potentially interesting depending on how it is run. I would want a 30 day trial membership before deciding if I wanted to be a permanent member.

 

[bobroberts]

Private membership is fine with me but should include the wife who usually don't play but would want to join you and maybe have a drink and play the poker machine. I don't understand the 8ft. tables. i don't care what your area calls for. That is what the people had to get use to because of space requirements to have more 8' tables so the owner could make more money on more tables. If you had all 9' they would learn to play the correct way.
Also food that is well prepared would be a good thing also.
Tourneys should be according to level of play. An A level a B level and so on.
This would be so that no one person would dominate the tx. and people would then join their level believing they had a chance at winning.Maybe to discourage better players from entering lesser class have only a trophy and not money rewarded to the winner.

 

[upprc04]

I see a lot of complain about bringing kids in. Why don't you have an age requirement of around 13/14. It seems you want to be able to let people bring in their sons or daughters who enjoy playing pool or cater toward the junior levels. I would consider this to be teenage aged. You could treat it like some sports bar do where you must be 18 or 21 to enter, but kids of ages 13 and up can come with parent until 9PM. That way you would avoid the daycare issue, but still let a dad/mom play pool with his son/daughter. I'm assuming a member would have to be 18 or 21 years old at least. I would lean toward 21, so that it doesn't turn in to a teen hangout (but I'm sure the $300 yearly fee would keep them out.) Kids younger than teenagers probably shouldn't be playing on a private club's pool table anyway.