I would think that a person who acts as an "Escrow Agent" could help eliminate some of the disagreements. If he inspects the cue correctly, and there is a problem, he could negate the transaction before it goes any further.
:) my 2 cents.
I was told a story just last week of a friend in a pool room and the room had several sticks stolen at the same time. Two guys started a "fight" a couple of tables down and when people went to help, another guy picked up the cues and left.