You're just wrong, so there's that
2025 Southwest Cues
- Thread starter wrldpro
- Start date
Thank you for saying what I was thinking.
Every time somebody posts their new SW, I get excited for them. But that excitement is usually fairly quickly replaced by confusion, frustration, and sadness as to how confidently wrong people can be about so many things. And yes, I realize this is the internet and that's just how it is. But still... wtf?
Everybody out there is more than welcome to start their own cue making business and show Laurie and them how it should to be done. I wish you nothing but the best. But all of my money is on SW still being around long after you're gone.
For anyone doubting Southwest's business model that actually has a shred of reading comprehension, here's why it works. Not all business models rely on volume to be profitable. Some business models, particularly those that deal in high-end luxury or boutique style goods, rely on lower volume but higher margin sales. Think about brands like Rolex, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Ferrari, etc... One of the main reasons they command the prices they do is because you can't just stroll into any old Walmart and pick one up. And there's a lot more to why Southwest's business works, but scarcity is the key ingredient.
And it's ok if you don't understand why someone would pay the price or "wait," as so many of you say, as long as it takes to get one. But just because you don't understand or like it doesn't mean it's wrong.
Now get out there, start your cue business, and show 'em how it's done.
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billiards_watch
Well-known member
I bet it plays well too. To be honest all cues shoot well depending on how I'm playing.
With that said I don't think anyone is waiting 20 years for a cue. It's more like a lottery and you put yourself down on the list and forget about it. I can't imagine someone being consumed about a cue build for 20 years. It's crazy. The good news is there is no money involved.
I have a two year wait for a cue I'm getting build and I think about it all the time. LOL Well, not all the time but pretty often because I play pool and go to the pool hall. There are phases in my life where I forget about it.
...but 20 years. Yikes. To me, its not a wait and more about luck.
I am going to be objective here and say if SW called me then I will take it.
With that said I don't think anyone is waiting 20 years for a cue. It's more like a lottery and you put yourself down on the list and forget about it. I can't imagine someone being consumed about a cue build for 20 years. It's crazy. The good news is there is no money involved.
I have a two year wait for a cue I'm getting build and I think about it all the time. LOL Well, not all the time but pretty often because I play pool and go to the pool hall. There are phases in my life where I forget about it.
...but 20 years. Yikes. To me, its not a wait and more about luck.
Most baby boomers may not have 20 years to wait.
I like SW cues and back in 1999, ordered one and got it in 2008.
I still have it.
I had another one, that I traded for a Prewitt.
These days I play with a cheap Mezz butt and an expensive Ignite CF Shaft.
If I ding the cue I don't loose sleep.
I also leave the extension on.
That rig is as long a rail rod for Blue Fin fishing.
I like SW cues and back in 1999, ordered one and got it in 2008.
I still have it.
I had another one, that I traded for a Prewitt.
These days I play with a cheap Mezz butt and an expensive Ignite CF Shaft.
If I ding the cue I don't loose sleep.
I also leave the extension on.
That rig is as long a rail rod for Blue Fin fishing.
nice cues
billiards_watch
Well-known member
Wow didn't know you have one.
I play with a Mezz to get me by and may sell it but it's starting to grow on me. It plays well.
you don't pay $5000 to win $5000 at the lottery....
A person that wants a cue now, will not be the same person in 20 years, if someone still take the cue, it for collecting or flipping for a quick $$ too bad, it used to be a player's cue (although a 16oz butt is not really what players go for these days).
I like the look and design of the classic SW but even if I had the money, I wouldn't wait more than 2 years, wouldn't even go on a free list. There are a lot of great cue makers out there that can make similar looking cues with more modern specs for less money and shorter waiting time. It will NOT be a SW but my Timexis not a Rollex either... I think that if I was living in the USA, I would offer to sell most of my cues and just keep a few players.
There's a part of me that gets what you're saying. But I ask you this, what's the difference between people getting on a list to get their cue(s) every year so they can sell them versus a dealer with a storefront or website? Southwest has developed a de facto distribution network of everyday folks. And it works beautifully for them. They make a fair margin on their product and the buyer (who is taking every bit of the financial risk as well as do the advertising, sifting through tire kickers, packaging, shipping, and dealing with scammers) most likely makes a little if/when they sell the cue to the "end user" who wants the cue right now.
Let's look at a hypothetical situation. Let's imagine that 20 years ago Southwest decided they weren't going to allow any more names on their list. And when they finally fill the last person's order, they'll just auction off every cue they make. I think they'd do alright at first. But I also think that it wouldn't be that long before people would complain about that sales format too. And the magic would be gone. But, as it stands, most people who are around when they finally get that call or email are going to design and buy their cue because it's not every day you get to buy a Southwest directly from Laurie. And for the people who aren't around, can't afford it, or don't want it... There's always somebody next in line. I wish I had a business with that problem.
For what it's worth, I've never owned a Southwest, I'm not on the list, and I probably never will own one. I think they're sweet cues but I thankfully got to the point where I realized a nice cue would only help my game so much. So unless something really nice just falls into my lap one day, I'm done buying cues. But it boggles my mind to see people rip on a family run business with a sterling reputation in the our wonderful little world of pool. And it IS little. I mean, you're more likely to see cornhole on TV than pool, which a sentence I never thought I'd be able to say truthfully.
I got no problem with their business strategy. Sell less luxury items for more money is a valid buisness paln.
But 19 years wait..... come on, that's just weird and silly.
Most people that can afford a SW are in their late 30's to late 40's, that means getting a cue when you are 60 years old... what are you going to do with it?
Jerry Franklin passed away in 1996, the guy who makes them now was taught how to make them, I'm sure that they can teach a few more guys to help around and cut production time.
I got on their list in 2005 I think...and it took around 16 years. I have a post somewhere on here about it. It was fun emailing Laurie once a year to check in...and she always responded in a timely manner. SW cues are legendary. I had mine a few years, enjoyed it, and sold it for a little profit. Neat experience.
Which means you actually have a four year wait for a cue.
It IS weird. It IS silly. But that's part of the beauty. There's a certain mystique that goes along with their cues and a big part of that is their insane waitlist. It's kind of like the nightclub with the huge line outside. Sure they could let more people in. But the line tells everyone driving by that it's a happening spot. And Southwest's waitlist lets everyone know that their cues are so awesome people are willing to sit on a list for 20 years before they even get to design it.
Also, I think it's important to understand that they didn't set out to have a waitlist this long. It's just kind of happened over the years. And it's working for them. So why change it?
if they started pumping them out like crazy what do you think the price of them and the used ones around would go . down is the answer.
they are a top cue and hit well and worth the price as people pay it. and for most it is a prize they waited for.
i knew jerry and could have had him make me one when he was first starting out. even then he was hard to get to go and do it.
they are a top cue and hit well and worth the price as people pay it. and for most it is a prize they waited for.
i knew jerry and could have had him make me one when he was first starting out. even then he was hard to get to go and do it.
SW CUES ARE THE BEST IN MY OPINION. HIGH QUALITY, GREAT HITTING CONSISTANCY, GREAT RETENTION OF VALUE, GREAT OWNERSHIP. WHAT ELSE IS THERE? AND ALSO IT TAKE ABOUT A YEAR TO BUILD A CUE FROM THEM IF THEY DID IT FAST, DUE TO THE FACT THEY DONT CORE. THIER WOOD IS VERY OLD AND YOU NAME ME A CUEMAKER THAT BUILDS STRAIGHTER CUES WITHOUT CORING PROBABLY NOT TOO MANY. JUST MY THOUGHTS. QUALITY IS ALWAYS WORTH WAITING FOR. IVE BEEN WAITING LONGER FROM SEVERAL HIGH END CUEMAKERS THAN SOUTHWEST ON CUES ORDER
billiards_watch
Well-known member
You have to pay to play.How 'bout post the current price sheet? Or is it a secret?
With that said I post on another site much more anonymous than this place with no marketplace. A guy received one last year and showed his receipt.
Only this place protects the privacy and price and I understand.
SW is doing alright.
my order is in from Oct 2006 and being built now... and for those discussing pricing, just suffice it to say that the secondary market pricing is on par if not lower that some of the SW shop pricing today. These cues are not cheap, and the flipping concept will be changing in the coming years...unless pricing on the secondary market changes accordingly, and it won't. I am thrilled to finally get my cue designed and built. That is the experience.
billiards_watch
Well-known member
jax_joe
Well-known member
Post the price list.