But, before the playing starts. Or before the game that you're betting on starts. Happens all the time, and nobody generally thinks the guy who backs out before a ball is hit is a sh!tbird. And that's what the case really is. Even Judge Judy pretty much always give one party the option to pay the money back, or give up the goods. Usually doesn't make a difference to her, which is which.
Personally, I feel it's his transaction to cancel any time he sees fit, up to the time the cue is shipped, and for any reason. Nobody is "getting hurt" either way, as long as the payment is returned in full. So nobody in the future has anything whatsoever to be "leery" about with Duane, as long as he returns the money promptly.
Really, no one is getting hurt here. It's a pool cue. I don't judge you for being upset, but there's been plenty of times I called someone off Craigslist, told em I am on the way with the money, and the item is gone when I get there, and all I get is a "Sorry, man.. They had the money ready to go..." Dem's the breaks, sometimes. Oh, but I WILL say this....... Those who try to get the seller down on prices as a habit... DON'T be surprised if this happens to you a lot. If you had paid what he originally asked, 100% chance this thread does not occur. :-D
Either way, I hope it works out.