What do you guys think about all of those selling a used cue at a price higher than this market can support, with a statement saying, " I talked to ______, and he says he would not make this cue again for $3200.00" or what ever figure they choose. I mean we are talking about a used cue, not a new one. And not one we had made to our specs, or our designs. And any cue maker is going to throw out a high price, to keep the value of his cues up. In some cases, I find that you can have one made by the maker, for much less, and without such a long wait. There is always a wait to have a cue made properly. How do you offer them a fair price, without insulting their heightened expectations??
Cue pricing
- Thread starter AP2ez
- Start date
#1) Most cue makers I know, when asked what they would charge to build a cue actually respond by telling me what they would charge to build a cue. I can't think of one maker that "starts high" expecting to negotiate or trying to protect his position in the marketplace. Most I know are far more worried about filling their existing orders and getting it done.
#2) Some cues are worth more on the open market the minute they are delivered to a buyer. Some are always worth the original built out price, even when used. Some are always worth what it would take in dollars to replace it today (keep up with inflation). Some are worth less the minute you take delivery and go down as they are used. Depends on the market and the cue and the maker.
#3) If someone is offering to sell a used cue that you want to buy but you feel the price is too high, why look for community support? Why not just offer him less and see how it goes?
Thanks
Kevin
Kevin, all that you said is true, but there are only a hand full of cue makers whose cues go up as a used item. We all know who they are, and they are legends, with the exception of a few young ones who have there own niche. And also have fabulous wood....ie: Eric Crisp, Cory Barnhart, and maybe a couple more. Not looking for " community support" so to speak. I just put it out here for a sounding board. We have all seen cues on here with firm pricing, only to see them a month later by some of the dealers, with lower prices. I don't think the dealers are selling them lower just to take a loss. I'm interested in trying as many cues from different makers, as I can, as personal experience, to feel the difference in them, and see the workmanship of the different makers. I have yet to even break even on any of the cues I have resold. Even after improving their wraps..... That's all.......
Except for those few individuals who may pay out the nose for a particular cue or cuemaker because that is they want or specifically collect, It's pretty much a buyer's market.
I've recently sold quite a few cues on Ebay and a few off-line and from what I experienced people will pay what the current market and adverse economy allows them to pay. Either I broke even or took a loss and most of those cues were acquired more than ten years ago.
I've recently sold quite a few cues on Ebay and a few off-line and from what I experienced people will pay what the current market and adverse economy allows them to pay. Either I broke even or took a loss and most of those cues were acquired more than ten years ago.
Cue Value
I have learned over the years that there are only a handful of cues that hold their value. Even fewer go up in value. We all know the makers who are always in demand. These days I never expect to break even on a cue. Even a new cue made by a reputable maker is many times worth less on the secondary market even if it has never been chalked or hit.
-dj
I have learned over the years that there are only a handful of cues that hold their value. Even fewer go up in value. We all know the makers who are always in demand. These days I never expect to break even on a cue. Even a new cue made by a reputable maker is many times worth less on the secondary market even if it has never been chalked or hit.
-dj
