Page 300 - One Thousand Ways to Make $1000

A study of the cigar store’s operations revealed that the younger men were
inclined to remain in the store where they could meet and talk with friends
late afternoons and evenings. After four o’clock each afternoon there were
always several men grouped about the cigar stand, who seemed to have
nothing much to do. Catering to these men, reasoned Martin, providing them
with wholesome amusement that would help his tenant’s cigar sales, would
be profitable.

There was space in the store for two or three pocket billiard tables. There
were enough men in the store most of the time to justify expectation of a fair
play on the tables. So Martin decided to put in two tables. His tenant liked the
idea, appreciating that the more people who entered the store, the more cigars
and cigarettes he would sell. Tables and equipment were secured, and Martin
opened the billiard room. He charged five cents a cue, or rented the tables to
players at fifty cents an hour. Few rented the table by the hour, however.
Two, three or four men usually played and paid for each game when they
finished. The play on the tables was heaviest in the afternoons and evenings,
and his profit for the first month was one hundred and fifty-six dollars.

Martin’s total investment in tables and equipment was $198. The tables,
bought from the manufacturer, had been reconditioned and were in good
playing condition when he placed them in his store. He bought them on
deferred payments, so that very little cash investment was necessary.

Opportunities for opening pocket billiard rooms exist in many cities, and
reconditioned equipment may be picked up from manufacturers everywhere.
Store space in good locations is readily obtainable. By making arrangements
with a barber or cigar dealer for use of space in barber shop or store, your
rent is reduced and profit assured.

In time, as your business prospers, and you have accumulated a few thousand
dollars in profits from it, you can spread out into a store of your own, with
more tables. It is a business that requires no special training, and does not tie
you down. It offers many opportunities for money-making “side lines.”

A Coca-Cola cooler in the corner, for instance, will make almost enough to