Cue Sales, Attention Buyers and Collectors

TATE

TATE

AzB Gold Mensch
Silver Member
I see people complaining that cues aren't selling, then I see them asking sky high prices. Price them right, or auction them, if they're good cues, they'll sell. Don't be stubborn unless you want to keep it forever - values have dropped in many cases and we have to live with it.

For buyers or collectors, if you ever wanted your dream cue, make offers. Now is the time to get that dream cue you've always wanted. Keep an open mind. If you buy smart, you'll come out OK. Buy what you love.

Over the years I've bought and sold many cues. Right now, at this moment, it is a buyer's or collectors dream. Cherry pick the best cues and keep them.
 
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Agreed.

I have seen cues posted and for sale that were $4K at one time and now closer to the $2K-2500 range.

It also give folks a chance to see what I have preached many times, buy the right cues, and they will drop less and buying the wrong ones and the absolute bottom has fell out.

The ones that I notice is the titlist conversions. For years you could have bought a 1 piece titlist for $50-100, then the break point was $200 now they are above that.

But if you look at the already converted titlists, they have dropped a ton, and it doesn't seem to matter who did the conversion as much. You see them for less that $1K now. I don't think you can even have it built for that, much less adding the cost of the titlist cue.

It still amazes me that folks still buy production cues. The cue that to me is a smoking deal was a Bob Owen cue, I think for $800. Just a few years ago that was an $1800-$2000 cue all day long. I don't know who the seller is, but I cant imagine that that isn't a big loss, I cant see how you could have it built for near that.

I agree with TATE, lots of great deals in the secondary market.

Ken
 
Its a very interesting market right now.

eBay keeps and publishes all sorts of "hot" lists, items that get the most bids, or looks or watchers, and I'm lucky enough to sell several items that make it into those lists. However, name brand cues ALWAYS outperform even the hottest "Hot List" items for looks and watchers (plus cue bidders have vastly different and aggressive bidding styles from bidders in most other areas of collecting). The number of people looking to bid on a name brand collectible cue are far less than those looking to acquire, say, Tiffany Sterling Flatware, but those that are interested are very interested, very active, and very alert as far as looking.

The parameters of what's a "good deal" have changed quite a bit from the market of 10, or even, 5 years ago, but there are still plenty of people that are very interested in acquiring cues that are a good deal. For one thing, price is a very very important consideration. 10 years ago, it was just getting the thing that mattered, and price was almost secondary (the belief being that even if you overpaid, the prices would catch up, just "having it" was what counted).

A top 20 name brand collectible cue, in excellent condition (I think properly refinished is better than original - market wise), priced at market, will sell immediately if made known and available to the players in the market.
 
You guys are right on the money with these posts.
Most new custom cues will not bring the prices they used to. I would say retail on my custom cues has dropped at least 25% over the past ten years.
 
I frequently scratch my head when I see a thread in wanted/for sale with the words "Fire Sale" in the title and it has 4 or more pages of bumps by the op.

This causes me to think maybe it really wasn't "fire sale" pricing after all.

Couldn't agree more, Chris, it's a great market for buyers right now.

Sellers need to be much more realistic in their expectations.

best,
brian kc
 
Agree

TATE said:
I see people complaining that cues aren't selling, then I see them asking sky high prices. Price them right, or auction them, if they're good cues, they'll sell. Don't be stubborn unless you want to keep it forever - values have dropped in many cases and we have to live with it.

For buyers or collectors, if you ever wanted your dream cue, make offers. Now is the time to get that dream cue you've always wanted. Keep an open mind. If you buy smart, you'll come out OK. Buy what you love.

Over the years I've bought and sold many cues. Right now, at this moment, it is a buyer's or collectors dream. Cherry pick the best cues and keep them.
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Excellent advice for both buyers and sellers.
 
Great series of posts. The secondary market has definitely moved.

One word of warning though. Be prepared when you make lowball offers to some here on this forum. Even though 99% of your offers are well meaning and respectful some people here are way over sensitive when they get offered a price they don't want to hear.

I've been called all kinds of nasty names.

Its just a byproduct of people who are emotionally invested in their cues.
 
Bishop said:
Great series of posts. The secondary market has definitely moved.

One word of warning though. Be prepared when you make lowball offers to some here on this forum. Even though 99% of your offers are well meaning and respectful some people here are way over sensitive when they get offered a price they don't want to hear.

I've been called all kinds of nasty names.

Its just a byproduct of people who are emotionally invested in their cues.
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it's still possible, though, to be unreasonable with offers, even in the current market.

How many times have you been called nasty names?

best,
brian kc
 
"Truer words were never spoken"

I was told, by and elderly man at a swap meet, about "Needs & Wants."
I wanted to buy something from him, at a price I felt was fair.
He didn't like my offer and turned it down.
I tried to haggle with him and he stood firm on his price.
When I decided to leave, he gave me some advice.
He said...

"Son, let me tell you about needs and wants. See, you want this *points at item*, but I doubt you "need" it. Now, if you do "need" it, then my price is fair."

What he said can go both ways. There are a lot of guys here that "need" to sell a cue, but they "want" way too much money. That's when the dirty names are said.
 
I want a cue made by Ed Prewitt, Joel Hercek or Danny Tibbits and
will buy/own a cue by one of these cue-makers within the next year.

I originally thought I needed a budget between $5k and $6k for a fancy
Level 5 cue.but have changed my mind based upon cue sales in 2013.

Prices have come down enormously and I'm sure I can get a cue if I
search hard for between $3500 and $4500...that's a big change from before.

In fact, if anyone has a fancy ivory joint level 5 or higher cue by Prewitt, Hercek,
or Tibbits cue that weighs under 19 ozs., and they inclined to sell it, keep me in
mind or contact me about your cue. I'd even tap into my IRA right now if it was the
right cue........Yes, prices on high end custom cues have really come down a lot.

Matt B.

p.s, Only ebony points please....brown woods not welcome.
 
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Bavafongoul said:
Yes, prices on high end custom cues have really come down a lot.

Matt B.
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Sorta true and sorta not true. It all depends on the maker. Barry's prices on the secondary market are up, as a matter of fact, I think he is very close to catching his dad in value (if he hasn't already).

George's values have dipped slightly.

Searings are still on the rise.

TADs have held steady.

Ginas have held steady with the lower-end cues rising rapidly.

Gus has held steady.

Palmers have held steady.

Randy Mobley is in fashion and on the rise.
 
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Everything.is 30% off of 2-3 years back. So many collectors paid full retail and unrealistically think they will get that back. Like the stock market real stability doesnt cone in a down market until full capitulation is reached. We arent there yet.

So when does this all botyom out? Honestly maybe it doesnt. So a cue collector passes abd a widow has 10 high end cues to sell. Whos buyibg them in another 10-20 years? Younger players dont know or care much about customs.

I have had to give away the last few cues I flipped. I dont buy anything unless its underpriced. It used to be easy. So many sellers are way out of line, like 40% on the high side.
 
takeitdown said:
Everything.is 30% off of 2-3 years back. So many collectors paid full retail and unrealistically think they will get that back. Like the stock market real stability doesnt cone in a down market until full capitulation is reached. We arent there yet.

So when does this all botyom out? Honestly maybe it doesnt. So a cue collector passes abd a widow has 10 high end cues to sell. Whos buyibg them in another 10-20 years? Younger players dont know or care much about customs.

I have had to give away the last few cues I flipped. I dont buy anything unless its underpriced. It used to be easy. So many sellers are way out of line, like 40% on the high side.
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Please find me a Gus, Searing, Barry, Gina or TAD for 30% off 2-3 years back.
 
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Kickin' Chicken said:
it's still possible, though, to be unreasonable with offers, even in the current market.

How many times have you been called nasty names?

best,
brian kc
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I guess. I've never been offended by lowball offers. I've had cues listed for 700-800 that sold for under 300 because they just didn't realize a market I thought existed.

Any offer I've ever received, ridiculous or not, has always been met with a thank you, appreciate the offer but that's just not where I want to be.

What is gained by being rude to an offer you don't like?

I spent decades in sales. A lowball offer is at least a starting point, not a reason to throw a tantrum.

I think we all know there's a great deal of members here who make offers they never had any plans of fulfilling or make offers just to see what you'll say but aren't offers to buy. Or worse the dreaded "I'll take it" then they never send payment and won't respond to your PM's. That to me would be a reason to be offended.

If I make an offer, its an offer to buy. I've floated 375 on quite a few cues listed for 450-550 that haven't moved in over 30 days. Only to be met with snide comments and rude responses.
 
Bishop said:
I guess. I've never been offended by lowball offers. I've had cues listed for 700-800 that sold for under 300 because they just didn't realize a market I thought existed.

Any offer I've ever received, ridiculous or not, has always been met with a thank you, appreciate the offer but that's just not where I want to be.

What is gained by being rude to an offer you don't like?

I spent decades in sales. A lowball offer is at least a starting point, not a reason to throw a tantrum.

I think we all know there's a great deal of members here who make offers they never had any plans of fulfilling or make offers just to see what you'll say but aren't offers to buy. Or worse the dreaded "I'll take it" then they never send payment and won't respond to your PM's. That to me would be a reason to be offended.

If I make an offer, its an offer to buy. I've floated 375 on quite a few cues listed for 450-550 that haven't moved in over 30 days. Only to be met with snide comments and rude responses.
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As Gordon Gekko would suggest, "Don't get emotional about cues"
 
kvinbrwr said:
Please find me a Gus, Searing, Barry, Gina or TAD for 30% off 2-3 years back.
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There was a cue bubble. 15 years ago everybody thought all cue makers would be valuable one day, speculators piled on. The air went out of the bubble and what stayed up there in prices were the Blue Chips, the names you mentioned and a few more that are legendary. Newbie makers were selling everything they could make at high prices.

Problem is now everybody piles into a few highly collectible names and completely abandons ship on the others.

For the non legendary makers, now is the time for the average player who always wanted to own a fancy custom cue to step up and buy something, I don't care if it's a Carmeli or a Gilbert - this is the time to get them at firesale prices. Sellers are going to lose some because they overpaid and buyers will get a good deal, but the prices needed to come down - a lot. The bubble was crazy and large on these non legend status cues. We collectors will continue to collect what we like and if bargains are there, so much the better.

Now is a great time for the average player to look for a deal on a great, fancy, quality cue at a bargain price. Do your homework and keep an open mind - the bargains are out there.
 
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Bishop said:
I guess. I've never been offended by lowball offers. I've had cues listed for 700-800 that sold for under 300 because they just didn't realize a market I thought existed.

Any offer I've ever received, ridiculous or not, has always been met with a thank you, appreciate the offer but that's just not where I want to be.

What is gained by being rude to an offer you don't like?

I spent decades in sales. A lowball offer is at least a starting point, not a reason to throw a tantrum.

I think we all know there's a great deal of members here who make offers they never had any plans of fulfilling or make offers just to see what you'll say but aren't offers to buy. Or worse the dreaded "I'll take it" then they never send payment and won't respond to your PM's. That to me would be a reason to be offended.

If I make an offer, its an offer to buy. I've floated 375 on quite a few cues listed for 450-550 that haven't moved in over 30 days. Only to be met with snide comments and rude responses.
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Really the best response to a low offer is affirm your valuation and maybe give the buyer your "rock bottom" price. There are items I will give away because I don't want to bother with them and there are items that I won't give away. You never know who will accept what and when unless you offer. I would rather sell something too cheap than have it rot in my closet for 20 more years.

For those who overpaid and must take a loss, let me say this; if you ever met an investor who never took a loss, they weren't much of an investor.
 
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TATE said:
There was a cue bubble. 15 years ago everybody thought all cue makers would be valuable one day, speculators piled on. The air went out of the bubble and what stayed up there in prices were the Blue Chips, the names you mentioned and a few more that are legendary. Unknown makers were selling everything they could make at high prices.

Problem is now everybody piles into a few highly collectible names and completely abandons ship on the others.

For the non legendary makers, now is the time for the average player who always wanted to own a fancy custom cue to step up and buy something, I don't care if it's a Carmeli or a Gilbert - this is the time to get them at firesale prices. Sellers are going to lose some because they overpaid and buyers will get a good deal, but the prices needed to come down - a lot. The bubble was crazy and large on these non legend status cues. We collectors will continue to collect what we like and if bargains are there, so much the better.

Now is a great time for the average player to look for a deal on a great, fancy, quality cue at a bargain price. Do your homework and keep an open mind - the bargains are out there.
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Yeah, absolutely the case. There's a ton of great makers doing great work that didn't make it into the upper stratosphere and without the hot market pulling those cues along, there are plenty of deals to be had, especially on playing cues.
 
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