Dover Bowl EDGE STRING Case Study

“The EDGE String Machine has exceeded, in all areas, my expectations,” Mark shared, then added, “I call it the ‘low stress machine!”

Mark Bowen is the owner of Dover Bowl, Dover, N.H. a full entertainment center. Mark has been in the bowling business for more than 30 years. He houses nine leagues during the week and a bevy of open bowling customers on the weekend. In addition to having 22 lanes of 10- Pin bowling, Dover has Laser Tag, bumper cars, a Full Bar and Pizza Kitchen. Dover Bowl is also used as an entertainment venue for a variety of community events, including bingo. His bowling operation accounts for 40% of total revenue.

Mark’s challenge

As brisk as business was, the operational cost of the bowling operation was cutting into cash flow while distracting the staff from devoting energy to the non-bowling areas of the business that accounted for 60% of total revenue. The main culprit of this challenge: his older free-fall machines. As a result, Mark had to allocate several mechanics to handle the increasing repair work. Both customers, in dealing with stoppages, and employees, listening to unhappy and frustrated customers, were adding to the stress and performance of the operation. “The machines were frequently breaking down leading to stoppages and soaring repair costs,” said Bowen, “when lanes are down, you either refund money or give away free games; you don’t make money that way.” Additionally, escalating energy costs were leading to higher electricity bills, resulting in reduced operating margins.

OBSTACLES TO OVERCOME:

- Customers were becoming frustrated with the number of stoppages due to machine breakdowns.

- Refunds and/or free games were constantly being issued to unhappy customers.

- Employee morale was low because of dealing with dissatisfied, angry customers.

- Cash flow was tied up in housing pinspotter spare parts.

- Labor costs were high as three, sometimes four mechanics were on payroll.

- Skyrocketing energy costs were cutting into operating profits.

“The machines were frequently breaking down leading to stoppages and soaring repair costs,” said Bowen, “when lanes are down, you either refund money or give away free games; you don’t make money that way.”

Given these challenges, it was time to look for a solution.

 Read here how EDGE string impacted Mark's business