Lol
This will sound a little weird but I have found it true not only in cues, but guns, coins, cars, etc.
If you are looking for great deal, then buying new production cues is the kiss of death.
Lets assume you spend $800 on a production cue. You would be lucky to sell it later for 1/2 or $400. It will also be difficult to sell.
Look for what sells BEFORE you look to buy.
I have a Southwest, and frankly, IMO they are the easiest to buy and sell without a loss. So if you REALLY want a cue to use (pretty decent cue) and then sell it for pretty much what you paid for it later.
Try not to buy custom cues from "nobodys". Lets say you buy a cue from "Bob Smith" and you pay $1500, how many folks are going to buy that cue when you want to move it? Again when do sell it, expect a pretty good loss.
I am not a huge fan of Southwest cues. They are a production custom cue. But for value, you can buy one and a couple years later it WILL sell. Always a market.
So my point sometimes if you are cheap and spend little, it will actually cost you MORE, than if you pay more, and then have something that will sell easily.
Ken