Do you ever turn away work?

WilleeCue

WilleeCue

The Barefoot Cuemaker
Silver Member
I got a call from a fella that wanted a jump cue.
I have made a few jump / break cues and a few jump handles but never really got into that type of cue.
I guess it is because I dont use a jump cue that I dont feel I would know a good one from a bad one.
So I advised the guy to visit the local pro shop and try the jump cues there.
He seemed a bit disappointed but I think I he will be a lot happier in the long run.

So my question is ... How far outside your cue making comfort zone are you willing to go before you say "I would rather not make that".
Have you ever taken on a job against your better judgment that turned into a disaster?
 
I refused to make snooker cues for the exact same reasons. I don't play snooker and wouldn't know what makes a good snooker cue.

I refuse to deviate from my own standards, like measurements, lengths, joint screws...etc. Be proud of what you do. The reason you chose one kind of joint screw for example is because you believe it is the best for your cues.

Why should you change for just one or two cues ?

Every step in cuemaking is a personal choice due to results of experimenting, trial and error and there's nothing wrong with telling someone you won't change these standards because of the fact that these make your cues the very best.

I use Radial pins. It's because I'm convinced they are the best for my cues and because I trust them for the full 100 %. Should I just accept making a cue with a 5/16 -18 screw and an insert in my shaft ?

Anyway, you have to decide for yourself. Believe in your expertise and be proud of your own personal touch in your cues.

Greetz,

Tom Penrose
 
I've taken on jobs that didn't really turn into disasters but took way more time than I originally thought.

I don't usually turn down work unless I don't think I can complete it to my standards, it decreases the value of a cue, it copies an existing design, or its dangerous to me or the cue.
 
It's not in my best interest to turn down work that comes through Sey, so I don't. I have refused work that's come through MY shop door. Sometimes you have to for the sake of the client. I'll explain why I'm declining so even if he proceeds to have the work done elsewhere, he'll at least have had my warning. There's not much I can't do on a cue but some things just shouldn't be done.
 
I have recently turned down a friend's request for me to make a bare wood cue to sell him, then he was going to have it airbrushed with MLB players pics, and logos, and then he wanted to have me finish over that. I respectfully declined due to my 'fear' of infringment, copyrights, etc. Me being the last to touch the cue, I would be the first one to get banged. I have also turned down a few pooltable recoverings due to the condition of the tables being bad, and recommending against it, then later hear that another person did it, and the rails almost disintergrated when disassembled. They ended up buying new tables, plus paying the guy.
You have to decide what you want to get involved with, and what you don't. Making the wrong choice can really damage your rep.
Dave
 
WilleeCue said:
I got a call from a fella that wanted a jump cue.
I have made a few jump / break cues and a few jump handles but never really got into that type of cue.
I guess it is because I dont use a jump cue that I dont feel I would know a good one from a bad one.
So I advised the guy to visit the local pro shop and try the jump cues there.
He seemed a bit disappointed but I think I he will be a lot happier in the long run.

So my question is ... How far outside your cue making comfort zone are you willing to go before you say "I would rather not make that".
Have you ever taken on a job against your better judgment that turned into a disaster?
Click to expand...


It depends upon the individual making the request. Sometimes customers can have expectations that are not realistic, because they do not understand what's required to accomplish the work.

For instance, I recently had a gentleman bring in a Very old McDermott Cue from the B-series. The cue originally had a White with Green Speck wrap that may have been Cortland Irish Linen. Anyhow, the Customer could not understand that the Linen was very stained and dirty, and he wanted the new linen wrap to look just like it. After a couple of minutes of attempting to explain that it was not possible, I just told the guy that I did not have the ability to help him, and I suggested some else who new more than myself.

In addition, I have also had other customers who for what ever reason can not be pleased. I have found that the easiest solution is to just send them some where else as politely as possible. I just do not need the business that bad where I am located, and I am also a really really nice guy, because I send these people to my competition, just to help out a fellow repairman!!!!!!!!:D :D ;)

Have a good night
 
I just tell them:

You know i wish I had a few customers like you! ANd they smile and ask: " really?" . I say: "yes, the problem is I have at least 20" .
Ba dah boom. Just kidding.
 
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