Help me decide for a commercial location!

[snowa1]

A place in town closed and is selling off their simulators, which I found on Craigslist. A week later, we're seriously thinking about opening up a retail simulator location. My hold up at the moment is whether or not I should offer on these units, or if I should go a different route.

The units for sale are TruGolf Technique Pro models. Bought new in 2014. Being sold off by the bank with no other interest so I could likely get them for VERY cheap. I hesitate, though because they do not include the TruTrack2 tracking/hitting mats, and I'm not sure what models the projectors/computers are. I mean they're 3+ years old, which can be significant in the world of electronics. I could likely buy better new projectors/computers for pretty cheap. The software does include the entire suite of E6 courses, though.

Beyond that, I've gotten into the other brands and can't decide what would be best. I mean I could theoretically get a few Optishot setups, larger hitting screens, DIY the rest of it for pretty darn cheap. And I'm not trying to "BE" cheap here, just trying to spend my dollar wisely.

What would be your ideal setup in a new retail simulator location? Brand new TruGolf Vistas? Or would the Technique models suffice? Would you recommend any other brands/manufacturers of simulators?

[DFDubb]

Nobody on gods green earth is going to pay $$$ to play on an Optishot. TruGolf setups aren't much better. There is a reason pretty much all commercial golf SIM businesses go out of business rather quickly. Just walk away.

[legendsfan]

I completely agree with DFDubb. A very nice indoor golf simulator place in the Seattle area opened about 6 months ago and since then they have cut their hours open in half and are closed three days a week. They use Trackman 4 which are the only launch monitor I'd use for commercial purposes. About Golf would be great but super expensive.

[BadEddieKit]

I think a commercial sim business by itself is a tough gig. If you're gonna serve drinks and food, or maybe ice cream, and a have a putt putt for the kids, you would have alot higher chance of success. Just my 2 cents..

[swammer]

I think you need to figure out a business plan, if you haven't already. Location, marketing, pricing, a budget, etc. The big question is, what are you going to do differently than the place that closed its doors? Also, its a gamble, can you afford to make that gamble?

If I were going to start a SIM business, I'd make it like Top Golf meets Dave & Busters. Food & Drink to make customers want to stay longer, hang out with friends. There's a place called NDoor golf in Scottsdale, AZ. I'd model my business after theirs. It would take a serious investment to make it work, I don't think a couple bays for people to come practice on is going to last.

Agreed with those above, people are going to be extremely disappointed to show up and play on an Optishot.

[snowa1]

Thanks for the insight, folks.

To answer a couple of the comments, we're looking at going in next to a sports bar and having them serve food next door at our spot. Additionally we'd have a fully stocked bar for drinks. But eliminating the food thing is a big cost savings.

With regards to the "why would your place be better?" - the placed that closed down was in a terrible location. Up at the edge of town, past the college campus. No golfers up there. Down here on the opposite side of town, we'd be in between the two city courses, and nearby another 4-5 nice courses/country clubs. Basically we'd be nearby/in the middle of the target clientele. Thing is, if I can keep costs low (startup, rent, etc) and still have a decent setup, I think there's a margin that could make it worthwhile. And I'm going into it knowing that it's not meant to be a get-rich-quick thing... profits would likely range from $40-60K. Not enough by itself, but I'd keep working and it'd be a great supplement to that income.

Will think about it more. Again, I appreciate the opinions.

[wbond]

I think the fact that you mention optishot as a setup option means you have a lot more research to be done. Many of these places open and close every year, it's not an easy business to be in.

[snowa1]

I was being somewhat facetious mentioning the Optishot. I'm aware that it's not meant to be a commercial unit. Was just saying "in theory, I could go THIS cheap". Thx for the input

[swammer]

I think you're spot on with bringing food over from the bar next door. Saves costs and could drive in some traffic. You might even be able to negotiate a small percentage of the sales that take place in your building. They're gaining additional space and customers, might be willing to pay for it. The atmosphere and location are probably your two biggest things to get right and sounds like you're on the right track.

And as it sounds like you've already figured out, you don't need top of the line simulators since people aren't going there to work on their game. That said, I'd try to make each of the units the same.

I'm a little jealous, wish I had the means to try something like this! Good luck!

[WalksAus]

Hmmm golf sim business on its own.... 👎

Unless it was unmanned and 24-7 like a gym so no staff costs (and even then it would be stretch) you'd need to have a pro shop and sell golf gear and equipment along with basic food and drink. There is a lot of money to be had in selling a bucket of fries, the pack that you serve them in actually costs more than the fries. That's what we do at our MX club and we turn $100 into $2000.

Or if you have another business location and have spare room for it then a 24-7 option may be a way to use the space to your benefit.

[Willie Vader]

I'm getting in this business too. But I own and operate a bar and deli on the other side of a brick wall that I will open up. The bar has been in the black for 5 years and has a name. I think I'm definitely going to get a sim with multi sport games to attract birthday parties and families.

[tlhammond5]

The only time I've seen these types of businesses work is when a teaching pro opens them and also teaches there. I know a couple of very good teaching pros here in Ohio who have indoor teaching centers with Trackman 4 simulators. They do a lot of marketing! They both give at least 6 lessons a day at $120 - $200/ hour. They rent out the other sim bays for $40/ hour and also sell memberships. These are both very high end golf studios, and the pros are both top notch who work with numerous tour pros.

[Igor-247-golf]

Hmmm golf sim business on its own.... 👎

Unless it was unmanned and 24-7 like a gym so no staff costs (and even then it would be stretch) you'd need to have a pro shop and sell golf gear and equipment along with basic food and drink. There is a lot of money to be had in selling a bucket of fries, the pack that you serve them in actually costs more than the fries. That's what we do at our MX club and we turn $100 into $2000.

Or if you have another business location and have spare room for it then a 24-7 option may be a way to use the space to your benefit.

oi! Don't reveal my business secrets