Anyone Else Notice Seyberts Drastic Cue Price Increases?
- Thread starter ChrisinNC
- Start date
I have absolutely nothing against Chris or ANY dealer/distributor.
Having said that, it is nothing but smart as a "buyer" to cut the "middleman" out of the equation.
Pool cues like everything else has to have a price increase for everyone involved.
If I make a cue and want to make 1k on it, but have 1500 in it.... I can sell it to the individual for 2500 and be satisfied.
If I sell that same cue to Chris, I have to take a loss in order to keep the 2500 price point for the customer.
As a buyer, I like the idea of direct sales.
Then again, if the maker raises the price of the cue to what the dealer was asking.... it's a wash and doesn't matter either way.
The middleman is nothing more than another set of hands to be paid for "handling" something.
Again, nothing against anyone particular
Having said that, it is nothing but smart as a "buyer" to cut the "middleman" out of the equation.
Pool cues like everything else has to have a price increase for everyone involved.
If I make a cue and want to make 1k on it, but have 1500 in it.... I can sell it to the individual for 2500 and be satisfied.
If I sell that same cue to Chris, I have to take a loss in order to keep the 2500 price point for the customer.
As a buyer, I like the idea of direct sales.
Then again, if the maker raises the price of the cue to what the dealer was asking.... it's a wash and doesn't matter either way.
The middleman is nothing more than another set of hands to be paid for "handling" something.
Again, nothing against anyone particular
A dealer can offer conveniences and customer service to the end purchaser that the manufacturer just can’t and doesn’t wish to get involved in doing.
You can walk in to your area dealer or poolroom, hold and even try out the product, and if you desire, purchase it and leave with it. If you have any issues with your purchase, your dealer will handle it for you rather than your having to deal with the manufacturer to solve your problem.
For those reasons, most manufacturers of products offer dealers a better price on their product to resell their product, so they don’t have to deal with the hassle of all the customer issues, and can just focus on producing their product.
I agree with you that as a buyer, if you know exactly what you want, you will purchase it from whomever can get you the best price, as long as it comes with the same warranty.
Dealing with a "dealer" is not always a positive experience. It just depends on the dealer and the problem at hand.
My wife bought a cue from RJ Billiards in Birmingham, AL as an anniversary present.
He charged her $1,350 for a cue that sold for ~$900 straight from predator.
On top of that, the butt had a roll to it. I called him and the first thing he said was:
"Warranty stuff is handled by predator. Call them"...
That was the last time I purchased from "any" dealer.
Predator refunded $300 of the cost and then sent me a new butt with an apology.
Any reputable cue manufacturer gives next to zero hassle with repairs as long as it wasn't abused. Heck, they don't even give issues with refunds as long as the cue is still sellable and their return policy allows it.
I understand exactly what your saying and I will say that inexperienced buyers are better off to buy "in person" after trying a cue.
I remember back when I new next to nothing (still don't know much) about what I like in a cue and could have never bought a cue without trying it first.
Dealers have their place and will continue to serve a purpose for a "targeted" customer base.
IMO, the dealer is supported mainly by people that don't know exactly what they want AND by impatient buyers.
In the end, I hope Dealers like yourself continue to make it. Other dealers....well... I'll just say they hurt our sport more than they help.
I'm a sales rep calling on the major furniture manufacturers here in the US . 25 years ago most of the products used to make furniture was made in the US. Today you wouldn't know it , besides the wood, that is about all that is made here. Last year at this time, it cost me 4500 bucks
for a 40 foot container to be brought in with parts from the orient. The last container that came through last week cost me 26,000 bucks. 5 time what it was last year and they are talking now about containers coming in a 30 grand each. You folks haven't seen anything yet when these pricing problems filter on down,,your just getting a taste of it. Told my wife and son, if they are needing something and can pay for it,,buy it now , don't wait
by this time next year , the price could easily DOUBLE.
for a 40 foot container to be brought in with parts from the orient. The last container that came through last week cost me 26,000 bucks. 5 time what it was last year and they are talking now about containers coming in a 30 grand each. You folks haven't seen anything yet when these pricing problems filter on down,,your just getting a taste of it. Told my wife and son, if they are needing something and can pay for it,,buy it now , don't wait
by this time next year , the price could easily DOUBLE.
