Surge Pricing comes to bowling
Surge Pricing comes to bowling
Mr. Yenni, a 42-year-old advertising executive, tried to book online in advance at AMF Boulevard Lanes, where he wanted to reserve two lanes for two hours at 3 p.m. on the last Thursday of the year during winter break. The price quoted by the website, run by national operator Bowlero Corp. , knocked him over: $418.90. “This strikes me as outrageous for a pedestrian family activity,” he said.
How bad do you want to go bowling?
Back in high school, to get rock concert tickets, you went to the Ticketron window on the second floor of Sears. My strategy was to go through the door to the Sears Automotive Department because it opened at 8:30 am. At 8:55, step over the rope to walk into Sears, go up the stairs, and buy a ticket as soon as the window opened. We got fourth or fifth row floor seats for Queen, Bob Seger, Bruce Springsteen and I don’t recall who else.
That time has passed. We have computers now. Why shouldn’t companies let customers bid for the busy times or have the option to go when it’s cheaper? To be fair, the pricing can’t be too dynamic. Customers should be allowed to lock in a price, and they shouldn’t be changed to often. That allows the company to staff appropriately. Retired people or people working second or third shift get a discount. Nothing wrong with that.