Pinball Arcade

         

Shop Stories may get paid commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Meet Ethan Hayes, the owner of The Silver Ball Pinball Arcade, located in Austin, Texas. His love for pinball led him to create a unique space where people of all ages can enjoy playing vintage arcade games and pinball machines. In this interview, Ethan talks about his journey of starting The Silver Ball, the challenges he faced, and how he eventually found unexpected success with the help of Shopify.

1. How did you get started with The Silver Ball Pinball Arcade?

It all started with my love for pinball. I used to collect pinball machines as a hobby, and soon, it turned into a passion. I wanted to create a space where people could come together and enjoy playing vintage arcade games and pinball machines. So, I decided to open The Silver Ball Pinball Arcade in Austin, Texas.

2. What were some challenges you faced when starting the business?

One of the biggest challenges was finding the right location. I wanted a space that was big enough to house all the pinball machines and arcade games, and also had enough foot traffic to attract customers. It took me several months to find the perfect location. Another challenge was financing the business, but I was able to secure a loan from a local bank.

3. How did you initially market The Silver Ball Pinball Arcade?

In the beginning, I relied on word-of-mouth marketing and also placed ads in local newspapers. But, I soon realized that I needed a stronger online presence to attract more customers. That's when I started using Shopify to create an online store for The Silver Ball.

4. How has Shopify helped your business?

Shopify has been a game-changer for my business. It has allowed me to create a professional-looking online store and manage my inventory easily. I can also track my sales and customer data, which helps me make informed business decisions. Additionally, Shopify has helped me reach a wider audience through social media and email marketing.

5. What has been the most unexpected success of The Silver Ball Pinball Arcade?

The most unexpected success has been our online store. I initially created it just to have a stronger online presence, but it has turned into a significant revenue stream for the business. We have customers from all over the country who purchase our pinball machines and arcade games online.

6. What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own pinball arcade?

My advice would be to do your research and make sure you have a solid business plan. Look for a location with a lot of foot traffic and create a unique space that people will want to visit. Also, don't be afraid to use technology to your advantage. Shopify has been a game-changer for my business, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to start a business.

7. What are your future plans for The Silver Ball Pinball Arcade?

My future plans include expanding our online store and offering even more vintage arcade games and pinball machines. I also want to host more events and tournaments to bring the pinball community together. Ultimately, I want The Silver Ball to be a destination spot for pinball enthusiasts from all over the world.

Ethan's passion for pinball has led to the creation of a successful and unique business in Austin, Texas. Despite facing initial challenges, he persevered and found unexpected success with the help of Shopify's online store capabilities. The Silver Ball Pinball Arcade has become a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike, and Ethan's future plans are to continue expanding the business and the pinball community as a whole.

         

Shop Stories is designed to provide inspiration through stories about ecommerce success. Articles on this site including names, businesses, locations and any other element of the story have been created with a combination of human inspiration and generative AI. Articles may contain inaccuracies, untruths and possibly incorrect or dangerous advice. Use at your own risk.