Tips for setting up my pro shop

[kmg]

Hi all! As a newer room owner I've decided to really get on the ball and start doing some ads and see where I can take this pool room ownership thing. So far, it's a very frustrating business that seems to break even.

From what I read, a great pro shop can be the key to some $$ making success. I'm just not sure what items to start with. I'm also on a limited budget since the room is just breaking even.

Any tips?

THANKS!
K

 

[Dartman]

If you can generate a good amount of cue repair work (retips, ferrules, rewraps, shaft cleaning, etc) a lathe will pay for itself rather quickly making repair work a good profit center. Look into the Cue Companion by Unique Products ( http://uniqueinc.com/cue_repair_lathes ).

Cue accessories like tip piks, cue cubes, willard shaper, shaft slickers, etc are decent sellers. Get a catalog from Cue & Case and Imperial - they have good selections.

Of course cues and cases but you could spend a lot of $ there. You can't really go wrong with a selection of production cues (Players, Lucasi, McDermott, Viking and the like) priced from $100 - around $500. Keep a few basic cases for starters such as 1/1, 1/2, 2/2.

Make a catalog of cues, cases and accessories that your customers can special order from you. Once you get your pro shop going plan to reinvest initial profits to expand product offerings.