Help, asking a client that u sold a cue to if its for sale because another client has

southwestkid

southwestkid

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Ok. I have a question. Maybe I'm way out of line here, but I want to know what everyone thinks. I recently found a cue I wanted. I found out the cue was sold, so I contacted the seller, who runs a cue sale business, and I asked if he knew who owned the cue and if he would inquire about if the cue was available for sale or trade. He emailed me back and said "Are you out of your mind? I'd never consider disturbing any customer with something like that."

Now first of all I would never speak to a prospective customer, or for that matter a person, like that. Out of my mind? Was my request so terrible. I wasn't asking for contact info, just if the cue was for sale. Everything has a price as we all know. And if he was offended all he had to say was "no, I choose not to do that sort of thing". And if that was said, then no problem. It wouldn't have bothered me so much. But when he said "are you out of your mind " it really upset me. First of all, why would you say that to a cue buyer if that's what you do for a business. I am the one buyer you really don't want to upset considering I have a nice collection of high end boars, and manzinos to name a few and I'm not afraid to put big cash up for a big cue I want. And I always over pay, I'm sure, because I'm a collector and buy out of passion not investment. If anything he should have said "no I'm sorry sir, but I have this for sale or I can get you this or something. Make a sales pitch for gods sake!!! Sorry. I'm ranting ,,,, it just really upset me.

So back to my original question. Is it bad business to ask a client, that you sold a cue to, if that cue is for sale? I bought a $18k cue from grassley and 2 weeks later he contacted me and asked if I was interested in selling it. I had no problem with that. I could have flipped the cue and made a couple grand if I wanted, but I chose to keep the cue. But I liked having the option, and I didn't feel bothered at all with him asking? Would most people be bothered with that? Am I just unique? Most of the cue guys here buy and sell their cues all the time. And I would always welcome offers. I've got 3 cues I'd never sell. But if one of the old owners contacted me and said hey, would you sell that boar I sold you for $xxxxxxx. I sure as hell would welcome the offer. So what do you think. Keep in mind I never asked for the buyers contact info so I could "bother" the buyer myself.
 
Good timing… Just watched Sicario and Josh Brolin responded to a question in the movie that he was doing something "to dramatically over-react". I think the sellers response fits that perfect. Besides, you have a way of getting the cue in the end anyway if I remember correctly.
 
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He might over overreacted a tad. Depends on the person who bought the cue and the seller would know that persons personality. If my other client was that sensitive type I would have told you that I would keep your name at the top if the cue becomes available.

There may come a time when that person does want to upgrade, and the cue will be available.

JV
 
There are too many variables to answer that question.
Sometimes when dealing with cue buyers you need to have a little savvy before you disclose the name.
The type of buyer, the cue seller, and the cue itself are some of the variables
For instance if I sell a $500 cue to a guy who typically flips everything, he might appreciate to contact.
On the other hand, if I sell a $6000 Black Boar to a wealthy or unknown collector, he probably would get upset if his name was disclosed.
Some people are just secretive or paranoid, so if you have to ask the question, you aren't ready to make that type of contact.
 
But I wasn't asking for his name sir or contact info. Just a simple inquiry if the cue was available.
 
southwestkid said:
But I wasn't asking for his name sir or contact info. Just a simple inquiry if the cue was available.
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Personally, if I didn't know the seller, I wouldn't even start it up., and sometimes I don't
want to let people know who I'm dealing with, even a friend...especially a friend..:smile:

There are so many cues available, why put yourself through that type of brain damage?
 
Because I'm picky and only like certain cues :( I have issues. When I see one I want I have to have it. I asked 4 different people about a boar I wanted over 4 years. Each person said they knew the owner of the cue. Each time the owner declined to sell. But on the 5th time 4 years later we worked out a deal. It's like the little engine that could! I think I can I think I can I think I can lol
 
I know you are a serious collector....Money talks..tell the dealer you will offer X amount and if he could relay the message to the owner...if that doesn't work just post a buying thread willing to pay x amount for the cue....this is a fairly small community for big dollar cues...someone will know and pass the message along...if not then the hunt for that one cue will keep your juices flowing for a long time..gl..
 
Agreed. That's what I did. Hopefully someone will recognize the cue and help me. An addict needs his fix!!!!! I mean it's been 3 months since the last one. I'm a weak man, I need my fix!
 
southwestkid said:
Agreed. That's what I did. Hopefully someone will recognize the cue and help me. An addict needs his fix!!!!! I mean it's been 3 months since the last one. I'm a weak man, I need my fix!
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My curious mind would like to know, care to share the cue? I guess I need my fix. :thumbup:
 
southwestkid said:
Because I'm picky and only like certain cues :( I have issues. When I see one I want I have to have it. I asked 4 different people about a boar I wanted over 4 years. Each person said they knew the owner of the cue. Each time the owner declined to sell. But on the 5th time 4 years later we worked out a deal. It's like the little engine that could! I think I can I think I can I think I can lol
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If you are just going to throw money at it, then you can buy almost any cue you want
You mentioned trades, and out of the 100 cues I've sold out of my collection in the last
three years, I've had at least 400 trade offers, and only made four trades.
Typically we both like my cue better than his cue, and nobody wants to throw money at the deal.
I traded a Black Boar for gold, when gold was at it's peak...oh well, it will be a small hedge against inflation.
 
It's not a huge cue. I was told buy a friend these cues play really well and that I should try one out. Then when I went looking for cues I found it and then dreamt about it lol
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Oh I'll throw money at a cue. I think William made a reference to that in the first reply. But I can't throw money at a cue if I don't know who to throw it at lol. I guess I could just make a wanted picture with a reward posted lol
 
Nice Brugge......it will show up again....money is no object to some however making a handsome profit is really hard to pass up.....;)
 
southwestkid said:
I found a cue I wanted. the cue was sold, so I contacted the seller, I asked if he would inquire about if the cue was available for sale or trade. He emailed me back and said "Are you out of your mind?
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I don't see anything wrong with your asking, and I don't see anything wrong with the original seller asking the buyer if he would entertain an offer.

I don't see how anyone could be seriously offended if they receive an offer to buy.

On the other hand, the original seller should have simply said, "I prefer not to do that".
 
Hi Guys,

Actually I am quite surprised that the dealer did not at least contact the purchaser to present the option of flipping the cue for a profit, even suspecting that the buyer was not the type of person to flip. Here is why. It validates the fact that the dealer gave him a good buy! It validates the fact that the cue is desired.

I have posted cues in threads or the gallery. When I get unsolicited PM's wanting to buy the cue, it makes you feel good about what you have. I am not a flipper but when I go to sell any of these cues, I would like to see them go to someone who appreciates them like I do.

I think I would reapproach the dealer using the approach I suggested. After thinking he just might see this logic.

All the best Michael,

Phil
 
phil dade said:
Hi Guys,

Actually I am quite surprised that the dealer did not at least contact the purchaser to present the option of flipping the cue for a profit, even suspecting that the buyer was not the type of person to flip. Here is why. It validates the fact that the dealer gave him a good buy! It validates the fact that the cue is desired.

I have posted cues in threads or the gallery. When I get unsolicited PM's wanting to buy the cue, it makes you feel good about what you have. I am not a flipper but when I go to sell any of these cues, I would like to see them go to someone who appreciates them like I do.

I think I would reapproach the dealer using the approach I suggested. After thinking he just might see this logic.

All the best Michael,

Phil
Click to expand...
Grenny heading your way....plus 1
 
If I were a seller I'd love to call a customer and say "that cue I sold you is so desirable that another customer has asked me to inquire if you'd sell it to him."

A big problem for any seller (of anything) is Buyer's Remorse in which a buyer immediately questions/doubts the wisdom of his purchase. This situation pretty much quashes that...unless Buyer #1 overpaid and the seller is afraid Buyer #2 is going to offer Buyer #1 far less than he paid.
 
Nothing wrong with asking. The response you got seems a little short sighted for a guy who sells cues. My guess is a miscommunication. Maybe what he thought he heard was you asking him to tell you who the buyer was and did not fully understand what you were actually asking him to do.

Or the guy is just goofy and doesnt understand how to keep a dwindling customer base interested in what he sells.

EDIT: It always does kind of amuse me how some guys treat cue deals like nuclear secrets though. I suspect its often done so as not to spook the fish.
 
I would have contacted the seller for you
I can not think of a single reason not to

contact me if you want a cue
 
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