Custom cue pricing

[Bluewolf]

I think that there may be another factor too? Does the cue-maker do this full time as their livelihood, having to pay overhead like renting or purchasing the building they make their cues in, hiring employees etc? I know of some cue makers that do this part time, have the equipment in their home and earn their primary living working another job. I think that this may be part of the cost too.

I know a guy in Canada named Layani who sounded like he was making good cues, but there was no way to visit him and feel his cues to see that they were right for me.

We were thinking about Ted Harris and Tim Scruggs, both of whom I had heard good things about. The fact is that Harris lives 6 hours from us, while Scruggs was within 30 minutes. We were able to go to his shop, feel and shoot with a few cues he made and ask questions.

This made a huge difference to me. Regardless of how good the cuemaker is, how is one to know if it is the perfect cue for you if you are going on trust and having it shipped half-way across the country? I have heard great things about Blud's cues too and a few others, but the proximity of scruggs shop was a factor.

I had confidence then that the cue would feel just right for me. As it turned out, the cue I got exceeded my expectations.

It was not a thing of owning a scruggs. Sure I trusted his reputation, but also was able to visit him a feel how his cues hit, the balance etc before plopping down the money. And in spite of all of that, the price was reasonable. We sure did NOT pay 1500 but then we were not getting a bunch of inlays. From what I hear that increases their labor in addition to the actual cost of the inlay.

Laura

 

[LRockwell]

I was in the same situation as you were earlier this year. I had guys giving me large quotes and long waits for a cue with my design. Some actually acted like they were gods and I was wasting their time. While I do know the price is based on a maker's reputation, overhead, materials, I think a few just pull prices for people out of thin air. I've since found a maker who made me a great playing cue for what I was willing to spend and I don't regret it one bit.

I would like to know how a custom cue maker determines the price for one of their cues. I know that obviously there is the materials used and amount of time and work required. but are there any other variables that determine the price. The reason that I ask is because I have contacted a lot of cue makers about a design that I have for a cue and there was this wide range of prices from 450 to 1500. That is a big difference. Are there cuemakers out there that charge more for their cues just because of their name and reputation? I know that there are some famous cuemakers out there that make some awesome cues but why would their cues cost so much more than the others if they are using the same materials and taking the same amount of time. Now Im not talking about some no name cuemakers that I just happen to come across. All the cuemakers that I have talked to ( I feel) are some of the best cuemakers out there. They have been talked about numerous times on this messageboard. But are some cuemakers better than the others? Is one ACA members cue better than another members or non-member?Its not that I have a problem with their prices its just that I would like to know why there is such a huge difference in the pricing ?What are some opinions are custom cue pricing?

 

[Bluewolf]

I hate those long waits too. Maybe if you are getting a lot of fancy stuff done, it is one thing, but, scruggs said 4 months and I got it in two.

I know one cuemaker who does it part time and is getting so many orders that there is a year wait time. I am sure his working a full time job is a factor in how fast he can make the cues. His cues have gotten pretty popular because they have a nice hit,look good and are less expensive than some out there. The people I know who have gotten them seem to be pleased.

I just wonder why there is such a long wait, even when the cuemaker does this full time.

Laura

 

[cuewhiz189]

over looked cuemakers

some really good cue makers that are over looked are people such as paul dayton,rick howard of mace custom cues,guys like this should really be considered in cues.....by the way both guys are good players.....good luck in cue search.....juston coleman

 

[cuewhiz189]

oh by the way i left out another great over looked cuemaker........mr kerry zyler of zylr cues........juston coleman

 

[NOSAJ03]

Re: over looked cuemakers

some really good cue makers that are over looked are people such as paul dayton,rick howard of mace custom cues,guys like this should really be considered in cues.....by the way both guys are good players.....good luck in cue search.....juston coleman

Paul Dayton was actually one of the cuemakers that I spoke to because he is one of the local cuemakers here in florida and I dont mean to speak negatively about him but he was not very friendly when I spoke to him. When I asked him questions about his cues he seemed to not want to talk to me and I tried to be as polite as possible and he acted like i was wasting his time. I understand that he may be busy doing a lot of work but the way that I see it is anyone who inquires about one of your cues is a potential customer. That is money in the bank and one more person to help bring you more business. I got a call from Ted Harris yesterday after emailing him about a design that I had and I have to say that he is one of the nicest and most down to earth people that I have ever spoken to. He took the time out to call me (long distance) and answer all the questions that I had. He explained everything I needed to know and if you to hear the conversation you would think that we were friends for a long time. I admire that. Although the price he gave me was not the cheapest, he is more than likely going to be the person who is going to make my next cue.

 

[Zims Rack]

I would have to agree with NOSAJ03 about Ted Harris. We have only exchanged emails a few times, not any verbal conversations, but I too got a very friendly vibe from Ted. I've been looking at his cues (on his website) and reading his ENTIRE website, and I too will be purchasing a Ted Harris Custom Cue next! I'm really impressed with his background as a cue repairman and now custom cue maker.

Zim

 

[deadstroke32]

Ok isee everbody talking about the big time cuemakers .And there some little guy's out there that makes some jam up cue's and playes jam .One of the best q'z i EVER EVER played with is a Andy Gilbert The first time i met Andy at VF he was a little fish in a big pound and now look at him .Makes a Jam up cue from his B/j to his HI Enders.Thay all play great.And another Man that makes some sweet SWEET q'z is Mr.Webb .When i meet him he was doing cue repair work.And now look.Jam up playin q'z And jam up work..So show so love for the little guys..
And both of them the coolest ..