$ vs. my kid

Can't speak about the Midwest, but out here where the real estate is costly, it seems to be hard for them to pay the rent. They come and go and when they're running, pinching every penny. Never seen it any other way.

Here in NJ I saw 4 of these places open up in the last year. 2 in the same city. None have shut down yet that I know of. The going must be tough as they need to make most of their money the 3 months of winter.

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has any one else noticed that it seems that sometimes these establishments are more concerned about getting your $ than they are about helping your kid get better

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They are in business to make money. That is the bottom line of any business. But to stay in business they must perform their job and if they do not, they will not be around long.

I don’t see a big problem here. . . unless. . . we get caught up in all the hype and marketing strategy of the training facility. Like they say, don’t go grocery shopping when you’re hungry. Some of the same applies when you go looking for a training facility. What are you, the parent, really hungry for? Many parents just want someone to tell them how good their son is. Some instructors capitalize on this and they become the support person that reinforces the parent’s unfounded beliefs in their son (rose colored glasses). There are many parents that come back to the instructors that tell the parent what he/she wants to hear. Instead, I say look for the facility that can provide the best instructions for your son. Ignore the sales pitches and the hype. The best way for your son to get better is to have an instructor point out what he’s doing wrong so it can be corrected.
IMHO,
Fungo

We've actually got an indoor facility here in Southern California that has been fairly successful. Just before and during the season they were packed at all times. This time of year they get very little business other than lessons. My son started with them before they had the facility and they've always treated him well and gone out of their way to make time for him. We try to spend a little more time, and money there during their "off-season" as a result.

Fungo......your comments are right on the money!! Well said!

freshman, I've seen what you describe in our area

"our fall team/select team is filled first with players recomended by "Academy A" or "Instructor B" -

translation - if you're not an absolute stud, don't call us, we'll call you if we need ya, but don't hold your breath

there seems to be extreme competition and ego among "some" academies & instructors

I'd stay away from those that try to bully you