We human beings do not like change. 
We like things to be settled, organized and have systems in place that operate smoothly and without disturbance.  So, when we hear over and over again that we need to upgrade our websites, create a Facebook page, and offer online booking, some of us dig in our heels and refuse to acknowledge the facts. We especially feel this way if we are not comfortable with computers, software, the internet, or social media.

However, we also understand that life is in a constant state of transition.  The younger parents and their children do not question the use of the internet in their daily life.  It in fact is a way of living in today’s world.  From searching for restaurant hours, museum showings, directions, booking a party, shopping, and almost anything you can think of…today’s consumers are online.

And, when they are ready to book or buy you need to have the mechanism in place so they can do business with you. 

Many companies are enhancing their party offerings because they realize that this is a critical part of their business.  A birthday party might be the first reason that a new customer will enter your establishment.  Once they attend the party this family and their friends might become lifelong customers and sign up for other events or classes that you offer.

Modernization is a great opportunity to replace old customers with new customers.

Fortunately, Partywirks is here to help you make this transition.  It's easy, affordable, and fast.  Change  can be exciting and invigorating for us and our businesses.   Let us help you expand your web presence to include online booking and buying options for today's customers!

Buena Lanes: A Business Without Parytwirks Online Booking is Like a Bowling Center Without Automatic Scoring!

In business since 1977 the Mission Statement of Buena Lanes is “provide the community with a recreational facility while at the same time make a profit,” states General Manager Dan Mueller.

“The only way to remain in business and thrive is with very little to no customer turnover.  And for this to happen you have to know what drives your market, you must be consumer driven and consumer focused.”

This attention to marketing is what led Dan to Partywirks and online booking.
Buena Lanes offers lots of parties for birthdays, scout troops, and clubs.  With 38,000 square feet, 42 bowling lanes, arcade, skating rink, snack bar, lounge, and a pro shop, they have the venue covered.

However, Dan’s concern was with missed phone calls and potentially lost business.  “I was concerned with the number of phone calls that were waiting for us on Monday mornings.  This meant we were missing sales.”  This was not in line with their customer driven focus.  “Our customers were calling us and they wanted to spend money but, we were not there to answer their call.”

Once they began offering online booking they noticed that most party reservations occurred between 7-10:00 p.m.

This is a time when most children are in bed and busy parents have the time to sit quietly with their computer at home and make their party plans.  These parents do not want to call and engage in telephone tag, they want to book online and on their timeframe.

Dan has also been very pleased with the customer service and rapid response by the Partywirks staff.  “If I have a question, I am confident that I will get my answer quickly and have found the service to be excellent.”

Not only does Buena Lanes know that their business is now open 24/7, they also know that their customers are receiving the same consistent and accurate party information from their website.  With Partywirks handling the online booking, the staff at Buena Lanes can spend their valuable time on other management details.  Dan says if you are not offering online booking then you are losing business.

A business without online booking is like a bowling center without automatic scoring.

 Customers like doing things online.  They like to read about it online, make their plans on their schedule, and then book it.  With just a couple of parties we pay for our Partywirks service for the entire year.”

“Adding online booking is not a capital experience that requires hundreds of thousands of dollars.  But, if you are an aggressive business person it is a must.  If you do not have online booking then you are losing business.”

Dan has switched all of his marketing online.  Partywirks takes care of their online bookings and Carey Tosello, consultant at ebowl.biz manages all of their online marketing; from email blasts, text messages, coupons, and Face Book.

Buena Lanes is certainly walking the walk and a perfect example of meeting the needs of their community.  With this progressive business attitude there is no doubt they will be providing their communities recreational needs for years to come!

Buena Lanes
1788 Mesa Verde
Ventura, CA.  93003
805.656.0666
http://buenalanes.com/

Partywirks: Part of a New Trend in Bowling Centers

Depending on your age, you or your parents might have once belonged to a bowling league.  This was very common back in the day when one parent worked and the mother usually stayed home.   

Dad had the leisure time to be part of a weekly game with his co-workers. He could relax knowing that his wife was at home taking care of the kids and preparing dinner.  Well, that lifestyle has been gone for quite some time, and been replaced with the more common lifestyle of two working parents.  

These busy parents work all day, pick up the kids from day care or school, run to the grocery store, do laundry and finally get dinner ready.  As you can image, the modern day lifestyle makes it difficult for parents to commit to a weekly evening event.   

Along with this cultural shift, it was evident that the bowling industry would also change and, that is what happened.  The traditional bowling centers of yesterday are shrinking; in fact, the industry count is now approximately 6,000 centers vs. 12,000 about 10 years ago.   

In order to keep pace with the changing times, many traditional bowling centers are now converting to a new type of center known as Bowling Entertainment Centers.  

In a recent article “Beyond Bowling” Chris Holmes talks in depth about the renaissance that the bowling industry is undergoing.  As Associate Publisher for International Bowling Industry magazine Chris lives and breathes bowling and understands this transition.  “Traditional bowling will always have its market however, today’s business operators are catering to more casual bowlers and are expanding their business operations.” 

 Last year 72,000,000 (yes, million) people went bowling at least one time.  This is a testament to the appeal of bowling as a sport and family fun.

Chris goes on to say that “Redemption gaming is at the forefront of this change.  Most kids today have video games on their computers and cell phones but, these new games are activities they cannot play on a computer.  Games such as skee-ball, merchandisers, and crane games are very popular and they are very hi-tech which appeals to this younger generation.”  

Along with expanded video arcades and other games, these new hybrid Bowling Entertainment Centers are adding laser tag centers and miniature golf to their arenas.  And, they are getting more parties than ever before!

Many operators are enhancing their party offerings because they realize that this is a critical part of their business.  A birthday party might be the first reason that a new customer will enter their bowling center.   

Once they attend the party this family and their friends might become lifelong customers.  They may eventually join a bowling league, or sign up for lessons or summer camp.  Modernization is a great opportunity to replace old customers with new customers.

Along with these changes, today’s business operators are improving their websites and offering online booking to attract the online consumer. 

  

They know that today’s modern customer wants to research, plan, and finalize party arrangements online. 

They do not have the time or the desire to use the phone, and certainly will not engage in telephone tag.

The days of Dad belonging to a weekly bowling league might be dwindling, yet the new bowling centers that cater to the whole family are moving full speed ahead.

Blue Fox Rock-n-Bowl: Online Booking a Must for Today’s Online Consumers!

One of the first things General Manager Caitlin Miner suggested upon joining the marketing team at Blue Fox Rock-n-Bowl was update their website and add online booking.  She first joined the company as the Assistant Manager and put her degrees in Public Relations and Marketing to good use.  Caitlin was familiar with event planning during her tenure in public relations for a pro-hockey team.  She says that “although it sounds rather odd, most people do not really want to speak to you, they would rather book online.”   

Not only did Caitlin feel it was important to tap into this online market she said it also allows clients to book after hours.  Now, clients book online instead of leaving voice mail messages and waiting for return calls, or worse, not leaving a message at all.   She also notes that many clients book much later in the evening and others make their party plans from work during the day.

Once Blue Fox decided to add online booking to their marketing plan Caitlin conducted online research to see what other similar businesses were doing about this issue; this led her to another Partywirks customer.

Since their market focus has shifted to consumers online Caitlin says they have definitely noticed an increase in bookings and upselling.  Clients are able to take their time and plan their own party when they can see the party descriptions, pricing, and add-on items on their website. 

With the addition of a 24 person laser tag arena to their 16 bowling lanes, and 18 hole miniature golf course Blue Fox stands apart from their competition.  They are the only facility within a 40 mile radius that offers these multiple services.  Caitlin says they rarely use print advertising and instead focus their marketing to where the clients are, which is online.   

With their upgraded website, online booking, and Face Book page, they are able to spread the word about their facility and product offerings.

Visit the website for Blue Fox Rock-n-Bowl and see how the online booking feature has set them apart from their competition!

1603 Hopmeadow Street

Simsbury, CT  06070

860.658.4479

www.bluefoxenterprise.com