What costs come with buying a bowling alley besides the price?

The price on a listing is only the first line of the buyer’s outlay. A bowling centre carries heavy machinery, a large building and a seasonal customer base, and each of those adds costs after closing. Our buying a bowling centre guide covers the process. This page lists what to budget for next to the price.

Working capital

Bowling traffic rises and falls through the year, and some months bring less cash than costs. Ask the seller for monthly sales and expenses so you can see the low points. You will need enough cash to cover payroll, utilities, rent and supplier bills until sales recover. Lenders often ask how you plan to fund this, so build it into your plan from the start.

Pinsetters, lanes and repairs

Pinsetters, ball returns, lane surfaces and scoring systems all wear out. Ask for the age of each and for the service records. Ask whether the machines are supported by a service contract and whether parts are still made. Set aside a reserve for repairs and replacement, and ask an equipment technician to look at the machines before you commit.

Deposits, fees and transition

A landlord may ask for a new deposit, and service providers may ask for new agreements. You will also pay your lawyer, your accountant and possibly a lender’s fees at closing. Then there are transition costs: training, signs, new accounts and perhaps a period when the seller stays to help. Ask each adviser for a written estimate.

• Cash to cover the slowest months.
• A reserve for pinsetter and lane work.
• Lease and equipment service deposits.
• Lawyer, accountant and lender fees at closing.
• Training, rebranding and handover time.