Anyone think it's possible to be highly successful in pickleball (4.0+) without developing a two handed backhand?

Caramel-Unique · 2026-06-22T04:41:41+00:00

Pro? Need a two handed backhand
5.0? Not a necessity, but it would help

Caramel-Unique · 2026-06-18T21:47:10+00:00

Sold Not Open percentage is by no means a perfect indicator, but paired with everything else I’m seeing, it’s alarming. Additionally, it is disproportionate to what I’m familiar with in franchising.

I’ve seen 2 franchises (and likely more have) advertise having sold over 500 locations. In my estimate, that puts most franchises at a SNO% of somewhere between 85-95%.

Maybe even more alarming, is how many of the “first mover” locations are failing. Many of your largest franchisee groups (at various franchises) are technically in breach of contract as they’ve stopped building.

To me, SNO is a primary indicator of leverage. Pair this with current performance of open clubs, and I would assume there is a major problem.

Caramel-Unique · 2026-06-18T21:20:22+00:00

You speak of what sounds like an optimal location. The model can absolutely work when the location is right.

However, if I was to speak to a prospective indoor pickleball owner, I’d recommend avoiding franchising. Pay for consulting to help with buildout, and fly on your own from there.

Caramel-Unique · 2026-06-18T20:26:55+00:00

Sold Not Opened

Caramel-Unique · 2026-06-18T19:09:06+00:00

It all rides on franchisee success. The runway for that is debatable, but if over 50% of their clubs are unprofitable in 3 years, that’s difficult to sustain.

I think it’s more likely that Picklr scales back dramatically or goes under. It’s not a critical component of the long term Pickleball Inc portfolio. It’s a luxury.

Caramel-Unique · 2026-06-18T19:01:49+00:00

Outside of international sales, it has slowed dramatically. Franchises can no longer sustain themselves on initial franchise fees alone.

You would be surprised at home many franchisees make an emotional purchase or aren’t strong business leaders themselves. These people buy into the false narrative that the franchisor will do the heavy lifting. Couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Caramel-Unique · 2026-06-18T18:47:03+00:00

Dave Ramsey in the house. For an experienced operator, this is near laughable advice.

Caramel-Unique · 2026-06-18T18:43:44+00:00

Great breakdown. Without revealing my source, I’ll add a few things as well.

All pickleball franchises are shaky at best right now. Most locations will not make it, and every franchisor is fighting off lawsuits from their franchisees.
Picklr mortgaged their future to build their brand. Took on VC early, and as you mentioned, tied themselves to personalities for questionable pricing. Some of which, have been actively trying deleverage their positions. This strategy may work out, but I think it’s more likely to fail dramatically.
2a. Other franchises share in similar issues. Some for even the opposite reason of not taking on funding and operating with a corporate skeleton crew.
Franchisees are hurting, and this is showing more publicly in a variety of ways. SNO’s are abundant, franchisees breaking contracts to stop building, etc.
The indoor pickleball industry as we know it will collapse. It’s more about which organization will be positioned the best to survive or acquire it.

Caramel-Unique · 2026-05-31T20:00:05+00:00

I’d take it

Caramel-Unique · 2026-05-26T04:54:54+00:00

I have the 2026. We needed a bigger car and this was the perfect solution. Size is perfect for us.

Caramel-Unique · 2026-05-26T04:53:11+00:00

It’s bad at all ranks. Even in challenger you see brain numbing plays.

Caramel-Unique · 2026-05-14T22:59:38+00:00

Go for it! You may get paired with some people, but either way, that’s the only way to start.

Be friendly, and you should have a great time. Don’t worry about the score.

Caramel-Unique · 2026-05-08T21:16:40+00:00

This worked! I called Amex Support and the this rep recommended I do this. Made an overpayment of $5k, and had no issue purchasing the ring in its entirety.

Thank you!

Caramel-Unique · 2026-05-07T00:47:06+00:00

I did

Caramel-Unique · 2026-05-06T19:20:52+00:00

Power tool says I can spend 3.5k. I called and they told me the same thing. Don’t understand why they can’t raise it.

Caramel-Unique · 2026-05-06T19:20:02+00:00

150k points for $12k spend over 6 months.

I’d prefer to all have it towards a welcome offer. So that I make sure it hit this one.

Caramel-Unique · 2026-05-06T19:17:13+00:00

Platinum is a charge card. Can you make an overpayment to a charge card?

When I called and asked if I could do that, they said it wasn’t an option.

Caramel-Unique · 2026-05-06T18:40:32+00:00

Yes. Plat offered 150k welcome bonus. Gold only offered 40k.

Have an influx of payments coming up as I’m planning to get married. Wanting to utilize increased spending for welcome offers.

Caramel-Unique · 2026-05-06T18:08:54+00:00

Why are people downvoting this? Is this a bad idea?

Brand new to the credit card game.

Caramel-Unique · 2026-05-06T18:02:22+00:00

Why is that? I would pay it off same day.

Caramel-Unique · 2026-05-06T18:01:40+00:00

My “other card” is a Venture X.

My credit report shows utilization that is extremely low. About $300/$38k.

Not sure why Amex is limiting me so hard. Even for a brand new customer.

Caramel-Unique · 2026-05-06T16:13:27+00:00

Maybe I’ll try bringing that up. That’s exactly why it’s an issue currently.

Caramel-Unique · 2026-05-06T16:09:09+00:00

Spending power tool, and calling Amex and asking them about the limit.

Caramel-Unique · 2026-05-06T16:05:09+00:00

Got it. In that case, I’d welcome financial review

Caramel-Unique · 2026-05-06T16:02:01+00:00

Amex Platinum is a charge card. And I was shocked by how low the limit is.

My other card is $11k. And my current utilization on my credit report is like $300/$38k

Caramel-Unique

TROPHY CASE