How do I check an axe-throwing venue’s target wood supply and replacement rate?

Target wood is the venue’s main consumable, so treat it like inventory. Ask for supplier invoices, delivery habits and the replacement schedule per lane. See where boards are stored, whether they are kept dry, and whether the amount on hand matches what the records suggest.

Then ask how wear is managed. Do staff rotate boards, patch them or swap them at set intervals? Is replacement driven by league nights and busy weekends? A routine that varies by who is working suggests quality can slip. Walk the lanes and notice how the targets look, since worn wood affects both safety and how enjoyable a throw is.

Look at supply risk. Is there one supplier, or alternatives? Is the wood a standard size, or special order? Ask how the seller handled any past shortages. A single dependable source may be fine, but you should know what it is. Your accountant can help you see how the wood cost shows up in the financial statements, and whether the seller has been deferring replacement to look better on paper. Ask about disposal and reuse of worn boards as well, since sawdust, splinters and offcuts take time and space. It is a small cost, but it shows whether the day-to-day routine is organised.

Key takeaways

• Review supplier invoices and compare them with how many lanes and sessions run.
• Check storage and walk the lanes to judge wear yourself.
• Ask what the backup is if the main supplier stops delivering.