What can pool room owners do to promote pool / billiards to the next generation?

manwon

manwon

"WARLOCK 1"
Silver Member
Hello fellow pool room owners and Az members, what do you all think we as pool room owners can do to promote pool to the next generation without pool having a governing body, like in days past.

I would appreciate any insight that anyone has regarding this subject. I also want to make clear that I do not consider the BCA as a governing body, if anyone has a different view about this please post it, but also please list some facts that prove your point of view.

I think that this forum is a good place to brain storm this subject, I am new to this business, I have only owned a room for 2 years. I think that possibly as a group we may be able to come up with some idea's that will bennifit us all and pool / billiards in general because this is the purpose of this post!!!!!

Thanks in advance for your support!!!!!

By the way if anyone wants to talk privately about this I can be contacted at the phone number or email address below!!!

Craig W. Rittel
(Manwon)
Full Splice Billiards Inc.
9324 South Tacoma Way
Lakewood, Wa 98499
1-253-512-6898
Fullsplicebilliards2@comcast,net
 
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manwon said:
Hello fellow pool room owners and Az members, what do you all think we as pool room owners can do to promote pool to the next generation without pool having a governing body, like in days past.

I would appreciate any insight that anyone has regarding this subject. I also want to make clear that I do not consider the BCA as a governing body, if anyone has a different view about this please post it, but also please list some facts that prove your point of view.

I think that this forum is a good place to brain storm this subject, I am new to this business, I have only owned a room for 2 years. I think that possibly as a group we may be able to come up with some idea's that will bennifit us all and pool / billiards in general because this is the purpose of this post!!!!!

Thanks in advance for your support!!!!!

By the way if anyone wants to talk privately about this I can be contacted at the phone number or email address below!!!

Craig W. Rittel
(Manwon)
Full Splice Billiards Inc.
9324 South Tacoma Way
Lakewood, Wa 98499
1-253-512-6898
Fullsplicebilliards2@comcast,net
Click to expand...

If any Az members have any idea's or information concerning this issue please post them!!!!

Thanks in advance!!!

Manwon
 
Go to your local schools.i see high school kids at bowling alleys for GYM CLASS why not Pool Halls..tell the athletic director you will put on a seminar and teach kids about the basics..then in one 6 week period they can have their GYM class at your hall...........also in almost every church there is a youth group..make them an offer of pool playing..alot of them have sleep overs in their churches and are looking for things to keep the kids busy...why not pool... the bigger congregations have adult groups you can cater to...tell them they will have a few tables reserved for them..go to the local HOG (Harley Owners Group) theey plan nights out too...any big corporations in your area..how about a company party at your place..aaahhh the ideas are flowing now..good luck Manwon.have a nice day..:)
 
Hey Manwon,

student ID discount! that's what I do and also student special on cue. I have special plans for students, 30% down the cue cannot leave the pool hall until it paid off.

Cen
 
My husband teaches the kids with the police athletic league at their location. For 2 days a week, 2 hours a day he teaches them the fundaments, explains the equipment, lets them play and at the end of 6 weeks the 2 classes have a round robin tournament with tropheys. The police athletic league buys them rage cues, cases and shapers from cue and case which we order for the pal at wholesale. We don't make any money on the products but, the kids who keep an interest manage to find their way to our poolroom where they can play on good equipment and compete in our handicapped tournaments.
I also have a new hire who came from New Mexico, she taught kids through the billiard education foundation in her state and even brought them to Florida to compete in junior tournaments. Google billiard education foundation it is really interesting, you can even learn about billiard scholarships.
Getting into the high schools is also a great idea, but I have hesitated since we allow smoking in our room. I did see another poolroom owner (on this forum) teaching kids pool on Saturday mornings before he opened to the public. That looked to be a good idea. He charged them, I think the lessons were for 2 hours and at the end of the semester he gave them cuesticks.
This is an excellent thread Manwon! Kids are the future of our sport!
 
Set aside a small area for a lounge. Have a sofa, coffee table, some chairs, pool magazines, books, a small tv and pool videos.

Then advertise a "Seniors Day or Night", with discount for people over 50. Maybe have some board games, checkers, chess, backgammon, dominoes. Offer discount on cues, and let them put it on "lay away"
 
juegabillar said:
Set aside a small area for a lounge. Have a sofa, coffee table, some chairs, pool magazines, books, a small tv and pool videos.

Then advertise a "Seniors Day or Night", with discount for people over 50. Maybe have some board games, checkers, chess, backgammon, dominoes. Offer discount on cues, and let them put it on "lay away"
Click to expand...

Just curious...don't mean to offend...but how do I pay the rent and utilities with your suggestion?
 
Obviously you charge the seniors for the use of games. You figure that out for yourself. One night a week or one night a month wont hurt you that much.
 
APA vs BCA

Hey Craig,

I don't look at either of these organizations as governing bodies....they are facilitators....helping to organize, promote and maintain league play :)

The question I have (since we have neither) what is the differences between the two (APA vs BCA) and what are the pros vs cons!?

For us, we think building up our league play to generate more $$$ is an area we need to focus more energy. Recently, we just started offering a Scotch Doubles Tournament once a month instead of our normal weekly tourney on Sundays. Also, we are kicking around the idea of hosting some singles or mixed doubles tourneys on a more frequent basis.

We operate a bar and restaurant business, so the kids don't really do much for us :eek: :rolleyes: :D

Cheers,

Ken ;)
 
I ran my first pool room in Houston in the mid to late 80's. Part of my package was a commission on gross sales, so it was in my best interest to hustle up new business.

There was an independent garage at the end of my strip center. While I was waiting for my car to be fixed, I started asking the mechanics if any of them played pool. They all said yes and I asked for the owner.
I told the owner who I was and asked if he and his crew ever thought about having an employee pool party. He said that it was a great idea and he would call me for details.
He called and said he would have 13 people and we set a date and time.

This is what I supplied to him:
-Two tables-free of charge from 8-11 p.m.
-Happy hour prices for his group.
-Catered with nachos, pizza and finger foods. $ per person.
-Run a company tournament for his employees. I went to the trophy shop and got very small inexpensive paperweight size trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Basically, the trophies were for bragging rights.

They had a ball! I got 4 regular customers from the garage who came in at least 3 times a week, That woke me up.

One of my regulars was a pro photographer and I traded him a bar tab for some very nice pictures of my pool room to show it was a very upscale family pool room. I had some of my employees dress up for the pictures and pose as customers as pictures of an empty room doesn't say much.

I put the pictures in a nice portfolio along with a menu for catering the parties. Each afternoon, I would satellite out from my room talking to the business owners in my area. In the first week, I lined up 6 events.

Eventually, I was booked six weeks out on company parties. I ended up giving portfolios to my employees and paid them a commission based on the size of the groups they brought in. I was amazed how many people my staff brought in.

Each time I had a party I would get at least a couple of regular customers out of it.

Many large corporations have employee activity groups. Pool is not an activity that many think of.
For example, Shell Oil had its headquarters about 5 miles from my room. I talked to the head of their employee activity group and I had 278 people show on that one. I had to rope off part of the parking lot and have the beer companies bring in portable beer stations to take of care of everyone.

In six months, I tripled the room's monthly gross sales to the point of having a waiting list for tables 5 nights a week.

All it took was a little leg work during the slow part of the day. I learned you can't wait for them to come to you.
 
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I like Stones reply of the employee pool parties!

My suggestion is to also host tournaments - for women, juniors, seniors, open events, etc. Many tours advertise ahead of time and this will get your name out, bring business, and also promote to the next generation.

Personally, I think pool rate specials are good, also. For example, juniors pay half price on certain days/time of day. I know I personally like the specials - I go when it is cheapest for me (ladies play free on Mondays). :)

Melinda
 
krbsailing said:
I don't look at either of these organizations as governing bodies....they are facilitators....helping to organize, promote and maintain league play :)

The question I have (since we have neither) what is the differences between the two (APA vs BCA) and what are the pros vs cons!?

For us, we think building up our league play to generate more $$$ is an area we need to focus more energy. Recently, we just started offering a Scotch Doubles Tournament once a month instead of our normal weekly tourney on Sundays. Also, we are kicking around the idea of hosting some singles or mixed doubles tourneys on a more frequent basis.
Click to expand...
BCA appeals to a certain niche of pool players.
APA has a much broader pool player appeal. It'll appeal to the top notch, mediocre, and even lower level players as well. This is why they are the largest and most successful of all the pool organizations.

Beware, some people may try to dissuade you with misinformation. Don't let them fool you. As a business owner you are looking for certain things. What is gonna create a fun environment, and what is gonna bring you not only people, but customers who will spend money in your establishment.

This is where league play mentioned above will provide a great asset for your establishment. Tournaments are good, but they can be hit or miss at times. League play will provide a regular flow of people that you can rely on. In addition you can expect a higher density of people per table than average customer flow. For example, you'll usually get 8-15+ players per 1 or 2 pool tables. The more teams you have in your establishment, the more benefit you'll receive. Treat them well and keep them for the longevity and the benefit will be returned.
 
cuejoey said:
Go to your local schools.i see high school kids at bowling alleys for GYM CLASS why not Pool Halls..tell the athletic director you will put on a seminar and teach kids about the basics..then in one 6 week period they can have their GYM class at your hall...........also in almost every church there is a youth group..make them an offer of pool playing..alot of them have sleep overs in their churches and are looking for things to keep the kids busy...why not pool... the bigger congregations have adult groups you can cater to...tell them they will have a few tables reserved for them..go to the local HOG (Harley Owners Group) theey plan nights out too...any big corporations in your area..how about a company party at your place..aaahhh the ideas are flowing now..good luck Manwon.have a nice day..:)
Click to expand...
In addition to this, pool is all about Physics. Why limit the educational function to just a Gym class?

dean
 
Trade services.

I know from talking to a lot of students and younger players that they many times have more time than money. I also know that "networking" is what younger people do without even realizing it. They text, Email, videopost online and with each other more than people know. If you want to get younger people playing pool, you give it to them free. Why? Because if their friends are playing pool then they will too. You just have different promotions that require effort on thier part and free pool on your part.

Example. Anyone that links their myspace page to your website gets a free session of pool. They will leave it up for a long time and you just give away one session.

Example. Anyone that videotapes a trick shot, posts it on youtube.com and links it to your site gets a free session of pool. Once its online its there for a long time. You get free advertising.

Example. Give one free hour of pool for every person that joins your email list. Eventually you will have a great mailing list to send coupons and specials to increasing your long term income.

Example. Let kids design thier own tee shirts promoting your pool room. Winner gets one month of pool. Everyone that enters gets free pool on contest day. Everyone that wears their new designed shirt gets half off pool the rest of the month. They do free advertising FOR YOU..THEY get cheap pool. Good for everyone. :)

There are lots of ideas that may pertain to your pool room. Think of things that will help YOU and THEM in the long run.

Just a few suggestions. I just got back from Derby City and I cant think of anything anymore...I am behind on my sleep....ZZzzzzz...

http://www.cueandcushion.com/specials/webspec1.htm
 
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FLICKit said:
This is where league play mentioned above will provide a great asset for your establishment. Tournaments are good, but they can be hit or miss at times. League play will provide a regular flow of people that you can rely on. In addition you can expect a higher density of people per table than average customer flow. For example, you'll usually get 8-15+ players per 1 or 2 pool tables. The more teams you have in your establishment, the more benefit you'll receive. Treat them well and keep them for the longevity and the benefit will be returned.
Click to expand...

I agree - leagues are good. The more different ones, the better... including in-house leagues.

Melinda
 
Getting back to the original topic.
The Billiard Education Foundation is interested in holding qualifiers for the junior nationals. There are 2 divisions 19 and under and 14 and under. It only costs $25 per division. The kids pay $15 to be paid to the BEF and you can charge a little more for greens fee or to put into the tournament. The winner of your qualifier will get to play in the Junior Nationals. Location to be determined, but will be this summer.
I think this is another good way to get the next generation into our poolrooms.
I am having one of these qualifiers April 21st. If anyone else is interested in holding a qualifier I can put you in touch with the powers that be.
 
Stones said:
I ran my first pool room in Houston in the mid to late 80's. Part of my package was a commission on gross sales, so it was in my best interest to hustle up new business.

There was an independent garage at the end of my strip center. While I was waiting for my car to be fixed, I started asking the mechanics if any of them played pool. They all said yes and I asked for the owner.
I told the owner who I was and asked if he and his crew ever thought about having an employee pool party. He said that it was a great idea and he would call me for details.
He called and said he would have 13 people and we set a date and time.

This is what I supplied to him:
-Two tables-free of charge from 8-11 p.m.
-Happy hour prices for his group.
-Catered with nachos, pizza and finger foods. $ per person.
-Run a company tournament for his employees. I went to the trophy shop and got very small inexpensive paperweight size trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Basically, the trophies were for bragging rights.

They had a ball! I got 4 regular customers from the garage who came in at least 3 times a week, That woke me up.

One of my regulars was a pro photographer and I traded him a bar tab for some very nice pictures of my pool room to show it was a very upscale family pool room. I had some of my employees dress up for the pictures and pose as customers as pictures of an empty room doesn't say much.

I put the pictures in a nice portfolio along with a menu for catering the parties. Each afternoon, I would satellite out from my room talking to the business owners in my area. In the first week, I lined up 6 events.

Eventually, I was booked six weeks out on company parties. I ended up giving portfolios to my employees and paid them a commission based on the size of the groups they brought in. I was amazed how many people my staff brought in.

Each time I had a party I would get at least a couple of regular customers out of it.

Many large corporations have employee activity groups. Pool is not an activity that many think of.
For example, Shell Oil had its headquarters about 5 miles from my room. I talked to the head of their employee activity group and I had 278 people show on that one. I had to rope off part of the parking lot and have the beer companies bring in portable beer stations to take of care of everyone.

In six months, I tripled the room's monthly gross sales to the point of having a waiting list for tables 5 nights a week.

All it took was a little leg work during the slow part of the day. I learned you can't wait for them to come to you.
Click to expand...

I want to apologize for this post.

I had back surgery earlier in the day and was on some pretty good pain killers when I read the thread title. Problem was I only read the first half about promoting pool and missed the part about the next generation.

Good drugs, what can I say?

Sorry,

Stones
 
Dude...you may have been a bit off topic but those are some great ideas on how to build revenue and repeat business for a pool hall.
 
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