Ok, so.......Long story short, my buddy and I are opening an archery pro shop. Even longer story made shorter, I'm doing research on what gear we'll need and such. So, I'm looking for some suggestions on a bow press. I've used both an old school Apple press and a Last Chance archery press in the past and I think both have advantages and disadvantages. The Apple press is great for non-parallel limb bows and the cams are exposed so changing strings and such is pretty simple. The Last Chance press is great for parallel limb bows and simplicity. But, the cams are kind of covered and changing strings, cables, and DL modules can be....tricky. So, I'm looking for the perfect pro shop bow press. What is it?
i kinda want one of these... I liek the idea http://cgi.ebay.com/A-C-E-H-3-Verti...306?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a5fce377a
^^ i disagree, there is a gander mt, and a ****s all very close to my pro shop, and the little pro shop has more people buying, then both box stores combined, the owners say they love it, the people like the one on one they get there insted of the box stores and they like the better quality
Here in VA there is a store called GreenTop Hunting and Fishing off the same exit before GreenTop there is a Gander Mtn. and one exit before them is a BPS. GreenTop is still Thriving with business one of the busiest stores in the area. People will go where they get the best service.
Don, I'd pick the Last Chance press, simply because it will press any bow and I'm yet to find a bow I can't work on quickly while using it. With that said, the X Press can also press any bow out there (if you get the extra components for center pivots and extreme loaded/beyond parallel limbs). My thoughts are that what you gain in timing by having better access to the cams with the x press, you lose in having to set the press up differently for every bow that comes across the bench. The Last Chance also takes up less bench space. Just my thoughts.........if I had to buy only one I'd have the Last Chance. If I were opening a pro shop though I'd likely have both.
Thanks Matt. You're thinking about what I am as well. One nice thing with Apple I was noticing is they sell a pro shop kit. Bow press, saw, vice and a lot of misc. tools, e-clips, stuff like that. But, I already have a saw and vice so....... Maybe we get both presses.
I don't have any suggestions other than provide great customer service, but wanted to wish you good luck!
I'm with Stuntriders, I have no real advice other than be polite and helpful. I hate places that act like you owe them a favor because you get to shop at their store. One suggestion I do have.....Over at Jeepforum, there are some shops that give a 10% discount to forum members. 10% might be a little much just starting out, but a slight discount for your fellow bowhunting.com members, might be a way to get you some mail order business going as well. Like I said, just a suggestion. Good luck to you, I wish you all the best
I picked up a used Caution Bar press which is basically the same linear design as the EZ Press. If I had to have one this is it. Start out with the Last Chance and as you grow the shop add another if you feel the need. As a new shop you're going to be strapped on getting inventory so I wouldn't suggest 2 presses right off. Put that money where it's going to pay the most dividends and in the beginning that's on inventory. If people come in and see that you don't have anything on the shelf, or don't see what they want, they won't come back. You need people to walk in the door and say "Wow!". That and good service at a fair price is what'll keep people coming through the door.
Fuel stations are purposely positioned across the road from each other, Home depo and Lowes in the same town...and so on. this is done intentionally because one draws a customer base for the next, when you have options you check both options, and when the little guy (mom and pop shop) has the best service and quality people buy there. As we know the box stores sell the generics, at least where I'm from. Let them buy from them, customers will come to you for service (because box stores have none) when the junk breaks, then you can sell them a real bow! I'm looking for a press myself, so i read the thread. But figured i would show my support. Good luck with the shop!
I'd love to open my own shop. Someday. Maybe that will be my retirement project. Only 40 more years! One press that I've worked with is the Hydra Press. Simple to use, and it's pretty cheap. You could probably build one yourself with some square tube, a cylinder jack, some rollers, and a steel cable.
Probably goes without saying, but retail shops should NOT use presses that even APPEAR to be homemade.... Best way to have me walk in, look at your service counter and the area behind it, and do a U-turn and walk right back out. I'd also humbly suggest looking through my past couple years' worth of columns I wrote for Inside Archery on shops being the best they could be... let me know if you have any questions about any specific topics. Just maybe there's an idea or two in there you hadn't thought of much, or at least in a long time...
Working in a high volume shop I can tell you that you will greatly appreciate the simplicity and quickness of the electric Last Chance press. Ive changed a lot of strings using this press and can tell you it isn't a problem to get around the "fingers" to work on 90% of the bows out there. When there are wall to wall people in the shop and you need to work quickly the electric press and ease at which this press accommodates nearly all bows will pay for itself.
Don, That is awesome news! We need a good shop close to us. I'd love to help out your business. Do you have any ideas where you would be located? Good luck and if you need any free help hit me up!
