My stringing business... Website progress. Comments?

[pingu]

I don't know what kind of machine that you have, but if you had an expensive one, I think you should mention that.

Good luck with your business !

[nalvarado]

Originally Posted by mikeler

Can we see your website too?

Sure, I'll have to set it up first though :P

In all seriousness I'll probably end up getting a domain and a dedicated host before the end of the summer.

[Bottle Rocket]

Originally Posted by TenFanLA

1. As stated before you need to put a more modern racket/string on your main page. APD GT, BLX, IG Speed, etc., something that modern players and kids can identify with.

2. You need to let the customers know that you carry all the major brands (if you don't, you need to.) Your website gives the impression that we only have 2 choices. 99.99% of non-TT players want the name brands that the pros use. They don't want no-name brand from a no-name stringer. If Big 5 or Sports Chalet started carrying Topspin, BHBR, B5E, etc., it's one thing. If you ONLY carry those, they will think you are weird. Offer them the choices of Babolats, Lux, Wilson AND more TT-oriented brands such as Topspin, Signum, Tourna, Polystar, etc. to show you have a more in depth knowledge of strings than the big store employees.

3. Why no phone number on the website? I never trust a company or a website with no phone number.

Good points, mostly things I plan to address. Working on the picture, working on the services/inventory stuff. I don't mind giving my phone number out, though I also like the idea of users viewing the website emailing me for service. I gladly give out my number through email as well as on my business card. However, email is easy, I'll never miss it, and I want to work with guys which are easy to get ahold of by email, text, etc... With that said, I mostly agree.

I intend on getting a new business phone number using Google voice integration, so this is in the works and will be taken care of. I am wanting to keep all contact and interactions related to stringing seperate from the rest of me.

Originally Posted by Carolina Racquet

After reading through the entire post I think there's some great comments.

I would ask you the basic question "What makes you different"? After all, many consider racquet stringing somewhat of a commodity where people are focused primarily on cost and convenience.

For instance, you can be different by offering an initial consultation for every client (not customer) that will better match their playing level, style and racquet type to the right string and tension. We all know big box stores don't do that. You can also call the client a week after their stringing to see how their racquet is performing and ask for any referrals, offering $5 off their next stringing if their referral leads to a client. In short, be different and position yourself as their racquet consultant who also appreciates referrals!

Concerning the strings shown on your website, I would classify them as "Featured Strings". That helps the visitor to your website understand you offer an array of strings, but you are just highlighting the two.

Keep perfecting it... This site has great potential.

All really good points and good ideas. Thanks!

Originally Posted by beernutz

My comments fwiw:
Hopefully you plan to buy a domain name and forward it.
You charge the same for Wilson Extreme SG and Topspin Cyberflash but the latter is more than twice as expensive as the former isn't it?
No phone number listed to contact you?

I use string reels. Cyber Flash costs very slightly more than the synthetic gut. I'm having a hard time getting pricing figured out, though its really nice and simple to continually tell people $20. I've been throwing in free overgrips, headguard installation, and other things as well for $20, I guess I'm actually sort of negotiable... Going to deal with this soon.

Originally Posted by nalvarado

Ah another competitor. I believe Steve D mentioned your name to me.

Hmm... I thought all users from Kansas City were blocked from this thread.

Just kidding. I don't think I string nearly as many frames as Steve does. Where do you do your stringing? Do you work with teams and such as he does?

If you're in a different area of the city, I'd be happy to refer players to you if their much closer to you than me.

Originally Posted by mikeler

Can we see your website too?

Originally Posted by pingu

I don't know what kind of machine that you have, but if you had an expensive one, I think you should mention that.

Good luck with your business !

Agreed. Thanks!

[nalvarado]

Haha I'm actually a player out at winnetonka, I string for my team as well as anyone around who's keen enough to text me:P I'm located right by liberty, pleasant valley to be exact.

[b0mb34man]

It's funny, I saw this exact ad on craigslist when I wad looking to buy tennis strings and stringing machines! Maybe should do a gathering to hit a bit

[nalvarado]

If I'm not mistaken bottle used to be a member of a kansas city tennis forum. The name eludes me but I believe they used to get together on a regular basis.


EDIT: http://www.kctennisplayers.com was the site. I knew I remembered your site from somewhere bottlerocket.

[Bottle Rocket]

Originally Posted by nalvarado

If I'm not mistaken bottle used to be a member of a kansas city tennis forum. The name eludes me but I believe they used to get together on a regular basis.


EDIT: http://www.kctennisplayers.com was the site. I knew I remembered your site from somewhere bottlerocket.

You found me!!

On the "contact me" page I have a specific mention of the kctennisplayers.com website, which has been there since the beginning. I contribute as much as I can to the kctennisplayers website, trying to get others involved and get the word out about our group of guys which frequent the public courts. Most guys heavily involved with USTA in Kansas City know me pretty well (or have run into me in tournaments), but I'm easy to find on the public courts of KC.

[COPEY]

Originally Posted by Bottle Rocket

I use string reels. Cyber Flash costs very slightly more than the synthetic gut. I'm having a hard time getting pricing figured out, though its really nice and simple to continually tell people $20. I've been throwing in free overgrips, headguard installation, and other things as well for $20, I guess I'm actually sort of negotiable... Going to deal with this soon.

Something to consider that will make things more simplistic is to price all string according to what it cost per set. I haven't backtracked through this thread to see if you're marking up the price of your string (doesn't sound like you are), but if not, using reels often time affords you a small savings (as you probably know) compared to using sets. Instead of passing that savings on to your customers, keep it. I for one don't think it's underhanded or unethical, and in my opinion it's a better option than marking up the price of string.

[nalvarado]

Originally Posted by Bottle Rocket

You found me!!

On the "contact me" page I have a specific mention of the kctennisplayers.com website, which has been there since the beginning. I contribute as much as I can to the kctennisplayers website, trying to get others involved and get the word out about our group of guys which frequent the public courts. Most guys heavily involved with USTA in Kansas City know me pretty well (or have run into me in tournaments), but I'm easy to find on the public courts of KC.

When my elbow heals up I'll have to swing by your courts for a hit :P

[b0mb34man]

Originally Posted by nalvarado

When my elbow heals up I'll have to swing by your courts for a hit :P

Same I'm down with TE recently from trying so many different strings...

[mikeler]

Originally Posted by b0mb34man

Same I'm down with TE recently from trying so many different strings...

Stop trying new strings and throw some Mantis Comfort Synthetic into your racket until your arm gets better. Good luck!

[b0mb34man]

I stopped using synthetic bc I break them too fast lol...

[Bottle Rocket]

Originally Posted by COPEY

Something to consider that will make things more simplistic is to price all string according to what it cost per set. I haven't backtracked through this thread to see if you're marking up the price of your string (doesn't sound like you are), but if not, using reels often time affords you a small savings (as you probably know) compared to using sets. Instead of passing that savings on to your customers, keep it. I for one don't think it's underhanded or unethical, and in my opinion it's a better option than marking up the price of string.

Yep. I agree with you. I'm still a little bit unsure about pricing, though there are some very interesting threads about it here in this forum and also within this thread. The Cyber Flash should cost a little bit more and its possible the synthetic gut should cost a little bit less.

I get the feeling that many of the guys I currently string for would be happy with a very inexpensive string like Gosen OG Micro, especially if they could get a completed string job from me for $15, which is a real possibility with that string. Lot's of things to consider.

I really like $20 across the board currently as it keeps things simple, though its not great marketing, and its not necessarily fair depending on your string choice.

Originally Posted by nalvarado

When my elbow heals up I'll have to swing by your courts for a hit :P

I'm currently in physical therapy for my back, so I'm taking a little bit of time off myself. Though, regardless of my condition, I'll be playing the huge Plaza tourney the second week of June. You should definitely drop by sometime though.

Originally Posted by b0mb34man

Same I'm down with TE recently from trying so many different strings...

Looking to try a few more?

[b0mb34man]

No it's ok lol... My arm is gonna break in half if I keep switching! I barely make it through each day playing tennis lol

[COPEY]

Originally Posted by Bottle Rocket

I really like $20 across the board currently as it keeps things simple, though its not great marketing, and its not necessarily fair depending on your string choice.

I think if you consider your stringing endeavors (now or in the future) a serious and legit business, you'll want to consider pricing that people can "put their finger on". Sometimes it's not what you charge, but rather that people can clearly see and understand what they're paying for. I string for quite a few people, but I have absolutely no plans of making it a business; it's just something to support my string habit. On my business card I state that my fee for labor is $10, and that I don't mark up the price of string. I sometimes have more business than I know what to do with because people can clearly see what my prices are, they understand that they're getting a quality string job, AND I'm a heck of a lot more convenient and cheaper than the pro shop 30 mins away.

Finally, yes, $20 across the board is simple, but so is a clearly defined labor fee and charging by the set, rounding off where necessary.

[fortun8son]

Cyberflash is not a substitute for synthetic gut. Save it for your hard hitters.

[Bottle Rocket]

Originally Posted by COPEY

I think if you consider your stringing endeavors (now or in the future) a serious and legit business, you'll want to consider pricing that people can "put their finger on". Sometimes it's not what you charge, but rather that people can clearly see and understand what they're paying for. I string for quite a few people, but I have absolutely no plans of making it a business; it's just something to support my string habit. On my business card I state that my fee for labor is $10, and that I don't mark up the price of string. I sometimes have more business than I know what to do with because people can clearly see what my prices are, they understand that they're getting a quality string job, AND I'm a heck of a lot more convenient and cheaper than the pro shop 30 mins away.

Finally, yes, $20 across the board is simple, but so is a clearly defined labor fee and charging by the set, rounding off where necessary.

I do agree with most of what you're saying. I've always had about $15 in mind for my labor. Using reels, the cost of string is between $3.50 and $8 most of the time, so that's where the $20 comes from.

More than that, I just believe my labor is worth $15, especially when I'm getting rackets back the same day or at the tournament the next morning. It's not worth it for me to do a one-time string job for $10 using two packages of string for a hybrid.

I've gladly told people about other stringers which will be a few dollars cheaper than I, guys that want nothing but the cheapest string job possible. I'm ok with this right now. Maybe I'm an idiot, but I'd prefer to string for those looking for a stringer as careful and knowledgeable as I am and are willing to shell out a few extra dollars for that piece of mind. Of course, I need to find a better way to prove to complete strangers that I'm not a goof-ball. Currently working on this.

I want to be distinguished by the quality and consistency of my string jobs and the time and care given to each. I don't intend on being the cheapest around, but I do intend on putting out the highest quality string job for less than every pro shop, club, and big box store. And I am still significantly less than such places. A quality polyester string job for $20 is a good deal, I am sure of it. And of course, the free rubber band dampener with each string job...

I may drop down to $17 or $18 for the synthetic gut. I'm also considering a business card with some time rows of rackets to initial or something... Free string job with every 5 or with every 10. I've always been a big fan of those types of things...

There's a good chance I will make some changes and be very clear about my baseline labor price, probably $15, even though I recall being called all kinds of names for this much earlier in this thread. I'll have to go back and check.

For what's it worth, and it's possible I've never stated this in this thread, but I also don't intend on turning this into a large business, though I've kept the option open. It's just something I want to do, this website thing. It's been a fantastic learning experience. I have no intentions of making a living off of this. If it pays for my own strings, shoes, and a portion of my physical therapy sessions so I can play again, I'm happy.

[mikeler]

As a customer, I always preferred a base labor rate plus strings. I don't like when the stringers tried to make a few extra dollars by marking up the strings too. Keeping things simple for you could make your potential customers leery of that extra markup. Just my 2 cents, good thread!

[COPEY]

Originally Posted by Bottle Rocket

I do agree with most of what you're saying. (1) I've always had about $15 in mind for my labor. Using reels, the cost of string is between $3.50 and $8 most of the time, so that's where the $20 comes from.

(2) More than that, I just believe my labor is worth $15, especially when I'm getting rackets back the same day or at the tournament the next morning. It's not worth it for me to do a one-time string job for $10 using two packages of string for a hybrid.

I've gladly told people about other stringers which will be a few dollars cheaper than I, guys that want nothing but the(3) cheapest string job possible. I'm ok with this right now. Maybe I'm an idiot, but (3a)I'd prefer to string for those looking for a stringer as careful and knowledgeable as I am and are willing to shell out a few extra dollars for that piece of mind. Of course, I need to find a better way to prove to complete strangers that I'm not a goof-ball. Currently working on this.

(4) I want to be distinguished by the quality and consistency of my string jobs and the time and care given to each. I don't intend on being the cheapest around, but I do intend on putting out the highest quality string job for less than every pro shop, club, and big box store. And I am still significantly less than such places. (5) A quality polyester string job for $20 is a good deal, I am sure of it. And of course, the free rubber band dampener with each string job...

I may drop down to $17 or $18 for the synthetic gut. I'm also considering a business card with some time rows of rackets to initial or something... Free string job with every 5 or with every 10. I've always been a big fan of those types of things...

There's a good chance I will make some changes and be very clear about my baseline labor price, probably $15, even though I recall being called all kinds of names for this much earlier in this thread. I'll have to go back and check.

For what's it worth, and it's possible I've never stated this in this thread, but I also don't intend on turning this into a large business, though I've kept the option open. It's just something I want to do, this website thing. It's been a fantastic learning experience. I have no intentions of making a living off of this. If it pays for my own strings, shoes, and a portion of my physical therapy sessions so I can play again, I'm happy.

Understood, and believe me, I'm not trying to convince you to change how you're currently doing things--I just figured I'd throw in my thoughts since it appeared as though you were still trying to figure things out. I'm not saying my way is right either; it's just what works for me. You'll undoubtedly figure out what works for you as you proceed.

A few comments, however...

(1) That's a very common and reasonable rate for labor. Some places charge as much as $20, which, of course, has a lot to do with your location.

(2) I hear ya. I absolutely know my labor is worth more than $10. I settled on $10 because I string for a number of high school/college kids, and most are paying for their own strings. That rationale, coupled with not marking up strings gives them a really affordable string job, and the money I earn has paid for my Apex 2, more strings than I possibly know what to do with, and a variety of other little non-necessities. I also educate people about the frequency at which they should restring. More often than not, players leave their strings in far too long (both syn and poly), and with my prices they're more than willing to string more frequently because of the low cost. Could I make more money? Definitely, but for me it was never about that.

(3/3a) Probably not intentional, but what those two statements say to me is that the guy/girl whose rates are cheaper is not going to be as good as you are, so if your customers pay a few bucks more, they'll get better workmanship for their money. Using that rationale, the same can be said about you compared to big box stores and pro shops, correct? Just playing devil's advocate. The point is inexpensive is not necessarily synonymous with poor workmanship/quality, as I'm sure you know.

(4) This statement pretty much emphasizes the previous point. How much you charge is immaterial to your quality of work and customer service. I'm not sure of your age, but if you've been around for any length of time, you've undoubtedly encountered a situation or two where you've paid less for an item/service and were more satisfied than the supposed higher priced item/service.

(5) Vague and subjective - one man's quality polyester is another man's garbage. In the string section you'll see guys talking about Gosen Polylon--how they love it, feels great, has decent tension maintenance, etc. To them it's an inexpensive, "quality" poly. It's about $1.88 per string job, yet if you strung it up for a customer who did the math, what do you tell them when they ask why they're paying $20 when according to their calculations they should pay $17? I'm the kind of guy who always wants to know exactly what I'm paying for. Some people aren't like that, I know, but some are. If you say, "hey, I simply charge a flat rate of $5 regardless of string type", and they're ok with that, cool. Obviously that's been the case thus far since I get the impression you have repeat customers.

On the other hand, if you're stringing up Lux M2 Plus and you're charging $20, then you'll probably have people lined up in front of your door lol. But what about the guy that says, "um, ok...how about if I just bring you a reel of Polylon and have you string it up for me, that way it's cheaper for me?" If you agree to it, you're setting a precedent to do it for others, then you end up managing other people's string. I've had people wanting me to do that as well, thinking they'd come out cheaper.

Anyway, again, I'm not trying to convince you to do anything differently than what you're doing, partner. I just figured I'd throw a few thoughts at ya, and you can take some (or none) of the input and use it as you see fit.

[Bottle Rocket]

Originally Posted by COPEY

(1) That's a very common and reasonable rate for labor. Some places charge as much as $20, which, of course, has a lot to do with your location.

Originally Posted by COPEY

(2) I hear ya. I absolutely know my labor is worth more than $10. I settled on $10 because I string for a number of high school/college kids, and most are paying for their own strings. That rationale, coupled with not marking up strings gives them a really affordable string job, and the money I earn has paid for my Apex 2, more strings than I possibly know what to do with, and a variety of other little non-necessities. I also educate people about the frequency at which they should restring. More often than not, players leave their strings in far too long (both syn and poly), and with my prices they're more than willing to string more frequently because of the low cost. Could I make more money? Definitely, but for me it was never about that.

That all makes perfectly good sense and I do understand. I'd gladly help a younger guy out, especially a high school student, though I have yet to tap into that market... I'm strongly considering doing a punch card type deal where you get a free stringing after 5 or so, which would provide a discount for those stringing more often.

Originally Posted by COPEY

(3/3a) Probably not intentional, but what those two statements say to me is that the guy/girl whose rates are cheaper is not going to be as good as you are, so if your customers pay a few bucks more, they'll get better workmanship for their money. Using that rationale, the same can be said about you compared to big box stores and pro shops, correct? Just playing devil's advocate. The point is inexpensive is not necessarily synonymous with poor workmanship/quality, as I'm sure you know.

That's also all true. I would never say something like that on my website or to customers. Only to you guys.

Originally Posted by COPEY

(4) This statement pretty much emphasizes the previous point. How much you charge is immaterial to your quality of work and customer service. I'm not sure of your age, but if you've been around for any length of time, you've undoubtedly encountered a situation or two where you've paid less for an item/service and were more satisfied than the supposed higher priced item/service.

Perceptions is important. If someone is used to paying $35 for polyester and I ask $15, there are going to be questions. Probably questions now, as my pricing is still a little odd.

There are analogous situations with new cars as well as electronics, especially this new market of tablets. If anyone asks less for a tablet than Apple asks for the iPad, consumer will ask "why so cheap?". There's some subconscious super-interesting brain stuff going on there.

With that said, the majority of customers I've gotten are generally unfamiliar with typical costs, but feel they are getting a good deal from me (maybe that's because I keep throwing in overgrips for some reason). And I believe they are.

Originally Posted by COPEY

(5) Vague and subjective - one man's quality polyester is another man's garbage. In the string section you'll see guys talking about Gosen Polylon--how they love it, feels great, has decent tension maintenance, etc. To them it's an inexpensive, "quality" poly. It's about $1.88 per string job, yet if you strung it up for a customer who did the math, what do you tell them when they ask why they're paying $20 when according to their calculations they should pay $17? I'm the kind of guy who always wants to know exactly what I'm paying for. Some people aren't like that, I know, but some are. If you say, "hey, I simply charge a flat rate of $5 regardless of string type", and they're ok with that, cool. Obviously that's been the case thus far since I get the impression you have repeat customers.


On the other hand, if you're stringing up Lux M2 Plus and you're charging $20, then you'll probably have people lined up in front of your door lol. But what about the guy that says, "um, ok...how about if I just bring you a reel of Polylon and have you string it up for me, that way it's cheaper for me?" If you agree to it, you're setting a precedent to do it for others, then you end up managing other people's string. I've had people wanting me to do that as well, thinking they'd come out cheaper.

I agree, it might be appropriate to define the cost of string. Possibly a flat rate because I buy in "bulk" would be acceptable. I'm still thinking about a good way to do this on the website. Really want to keep things simple.

However, I haven't found that many of the new customers who have found me with a google search have heard of any of the strings discussed on this website. If I walk into the tennis superstore 25 miles from my home, the owner there hasn't even heard of most of these strings. Most know of polyesters, possibly Luxilon, and they know brands like Wilson and Prince. I feel like I've got the majority of the market covered. Most pro's don't even know any of these things. I have had a few that were skeptical of my choices and I offered to buy them a new set of string of their choice and string it up for them if they were unhappy with my recommendation, everyone (hope nobody is getting the idea that I have a huge base of customers, because that isn't the case) so far has been very happy and wanted the same thing again.

Originally Posted by COPEY

Anyway, again, I'm not trying to convince you to do anything differently than what you're doing, partner. I just figured I'd throw a few thoughts at ya, and you can take some (or none) of the input and use it as you see fit.

I really appreciate it! Really. Thank you. And everyone else previously!