Do's and Dont's Guide To Ordering Custom Cues

skins

skins

Likes to draw
Silver Member
Here's a short guide I put together with some advice I'd like to share in hopes it helps you have an enjoyable cue ordering experience.
................................................

1. Have a good idea of what you want.
A makers time is not infinite. BUILDING your cue is their top priority. So be prepared BEFORE you contact makers. Understand they don't want their shop time wasted on constant phone calls, texts, emails etc..about design changes or "different ideas". Know what you want, order what you want, and "want" that build. Have your request rehearsed in your mind so once you do discuss the cue with a maker it will help you iron out any other details or ideas that may arrise in the intial discussion and there will be less chance of not being on the same page later on.

2. PICK AN EXTREMELY REPUTABLE CUE MAKER.
THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE OF THEM ALL.... So many choose makers for so many reasons but I think what gets most into an issue is choosing ones because of price first. THATS a BIG mistake. Reputation should be first. For the most part a good reputation means a better chance for a quality product and overall better cue buying experience. Your $ will much better spent following this advice. To this brings the issue of deposits. Many cue makers require a deposit at the time of order. Be prepared to pay a little to start your order. A nominal amount is fair IMHO for reasons such as to cover materials that will need to be ordered and such. Be prepared to treat deposits as NON REFUNDABLE no matter the policies of whom you place your order with.

3. Have money set aside BEFORE you place your order.
You may not know exactly what a custom cue will cost and may run into an under estimated scenario, very common, but you can get a very good guestimate if you ask the right questions to the maker, others who have ordered, or even on forums such as AZB. If you're not sure whether you can keep money aside for a length of time, DON'T ORDER A CUE.

4. Once ordered, leave the maker alone!
Don't bother them wth progress reports or pic's or guesstimates for your cues completion even if these were discussed when ordering. Maybe a freindly note or reminder ONCE is ok but after that leave it alone. Leave the maker to do his job. If by chance your cue IS running over the date quoted, there will ALWAYS be a good reason with REPUTABLE makers and most will contact you about any delays or changes in delivery date. When your cue is ready YOU will know.

5. When your cue is ready SEND PAYMENT IMMEDIATELY.
No excuses for delays or why your $ is no longer available.

6. Choose a fast shipping method
DO NOT choose a method of shipping based on price. You do that and you open up the door for possible delivery issues. The cheaper the price usually means more shipping time. The more time a shipping company has your cue, the more time they have for a screw up. Next day air or AT MOST 2nd day if weather is good are good suggestions.

7. Make sure the cue is packed EXTREMELY well.
Discuss this in detail with the maker and pay extra if need be to lessen any chance of damage in transit.

8. Share your experience, pictures, etc..with others.
That alone will help others who are looking to have a custom cue made make a more educated decision.

.............................................

I hope this helps those of you wanting a good custom cue experience, make it more possible to experience one.

Good Luck!
 
I have a short list that will help all that orders.................

Send 500.00 to Pete Tascarella and never have a sleepless night.
 
Number 1 was the most important, I had my consultation the same time as another guy. I had about 50 pics printed off of things I liked and didn't like from other cues etc while the other guy had no idea what he wanted. Needless to say, but mine was done about 11/2 months sooner because I was prepared!
 
skins said:
Here's a short guide I put together with some advice I'd like to share in hopes it helps you have an enjoyable cue ordering experience.
................................................

1. Have a good idea of what you want.
A makers time is not infinite. BUILDING your cue is their top priority. So be prepared BEFORE you contact makers. Understand they don't want their shop time wasted on constant phone calls, texts, emails etc..about design changes or "different ideas". Know what you want, order what you want, and "want" that build. Have your request rehearsed in your mind so once you do discuss the cue with a maker it will help you iron out any other details or ideas that may arrise in the intial discussion and there will be less chance of not being on the same page later on.

2. PICK AN EXTREMELY REPUTABLE CUE MAKER.
THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE OF THEM ALL.... So many choose makers for so many reasons but I think what gets most into an issue is choosing ones because of price first. THATS a BIG mistake. Reputation should be first. For the most part a good reputation means a better chance for a quality product and overall better cue buying experience. Your $ will much better spent following this advice. To this brings the issue of deposits. Many cue makers require a deposit at the time of order. Be prepared to pay a little to start your order. A nominal amount is fair IMHO for reasons such as to cover materials that will need to be ordered and such. Be prepared to treat deposits as NON REFUNDABLE no matter the policies of whom you place your order with.

3. Have money set aside BEFORE you place your order.
You may not know exactly what a custom cue will cost and may run into an under estimated scenario, very common, but you can get a very good guestimate if you ask the right questions to the maker, others who have ordered, or even on forums such as AZB. If you're not sure whether you can keep money aside for a length of time, DON'T ORDER A CUE.

4. Once ordered, leave the maker alone!
Don't bother them wth progress reports or pic's or guesstimates for your cues completion even if these were discussed when ordering. Maybe a freindly note or reminder ONCE is ok but after that leave it alone. Leave the maker to do his job. If by chance your cue IS running over the date quoted, there will ALWAYS be a good reason with REPUTABLE makers and most will contact you about any delays or changes in delivery date. When your cue is ready YOU will know.

5. When your cue is ready SEND PAYMENT IMMEDIATELY.
No excuses for delays or why your $ is no longer available.

6. Choose a fast shipping method
DO NOT choose a method of shipping based on price. You do that and you open up the door for possible delivery issues. The cheaper the price usually means more shipping time. The more time a shipping company has your cue, the more time they have for a screw up. Next day air or AT MOST 2nd day if weather is good are good suggestions.

7. Make sure the cue is packed EXTREMELY well.
Discuss this in detail with the maker and pay extra if need be to lessen any chance of damage in transit.

8. Share your experience, pictures, etc..with others.
That alone will help others who are looking to have a custom cue made make a more educated decision.

.............................................

I hope this helps those of you wanting a good custom cue experience, make it more possible to experience one.

Good Luck!
Click to expand...


Fantastic list but it does not work for all Cuemakers.

I refuse deposits until the Cue is done. I used to build houses for people and refused deposits, I knew the house would sell for more if the buyer had an issue, same with my cues. My cues are not in the price range of yours and you deserve the deposits you get.

After they receive the cue, they can return it for a full refund regardless of reason. Chalk it and play it, it's still returnable up to two weeks.

I enjoy phone calls between 5am and 7 am West Coast time, after that, I may not hear the phone. We all have email, texting and messaging, OP has a great point.

I have been self employed since 1988, never paid a fine, never had a problem, never needed a Lawyer. Who determines the next guys reputation?


I truly Thank the OP for posting this, it's a great discussion.


How about a consumer tells us how they would like to see things with their own thread.

Thanks, Dave.
 
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I think it is important to do a search on AZ at least to see if there has been issues with builder. When I posted about a builder that I was having issues with, I found that I wasn't alone he had ripped off many guys. Cue makers are like politicians as there are some good ones but there are a lot of gators and snakes in the swamp. Cue dealers here and other places kiss cue makers a$$ to get ahead of other folks in line, and talk up cue makers to drive prices up for their own self interest.


Sent from my iPhone using AzBilliards Forums
 
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This is all good advice.

I've only ever custom ordered one cue, my Runde. I knew exactly what I wanted, provided the details, and then waited. I made one check up phone call. 9 months after ordering my cue arrived at which point I was able to check it out and confirm it was exactly what I wanted (it was!!) and only then did I have to pay for it (which I did immediately). A great experience.
 
Avoid deposits if at all possible.

There are some cuemakers who it is just fine to send a deposit to, like Bob Dzuricky for example

I have a list of cuemakers who have a good track record, ones I trust to do what they say. I also have a list of ones I don't.

If you are going to send a deposit, do your research, ask questions of other customers. Find out if the cuemaker meets their own time lines, or if they are always late with delivery. To me that is a big red flag, since most of them set their own build time and if they are constantly late by months or longer why trust them with your money? There are other cuemakers out there that will deliver as promised.
 
CuesDirectly said:
Fantastic list but it does not work for all Cuemakers.

I refuse deposits until the Cue is done. I used to build houses for people and refused deposits, I knew the house would sell for more if the buyer had an issue, same with my cues. My cues are not in the price range of yours and you deserve the deposits you get.

After they receive the cue, they can return it for a full refund regardless of reason. Chalk it a play it, it's still returnable up to two weeks.

I enjoy phone calls between 5am and 7 am West Coast time, after that, I may not hear the phone. We all have email, texting and messaging, OP has a great point.

I have been self employed since 1988, never paid a fine, never had a problem, never needed a Lawyer. Who determines the next guys reputation?


I truly Thank the OP for posting this, it's a great discussion.


How about a consumer tells us how they would like to see things with their own thread.

Thanks, Dave.
Click to expand...

I beleive deposits are nessesary "evil" for those who's income is soley derived from custom cue building. The chance of selling a custom built cue specially made to the miriad of intricate specifications of one, for the price agreed upon, to another who did not order it is exceptionally difficult if not impossible. You ONLY see THAT when a makers cues are EXTREMELY difficult to aquire. IMHO any maker who's majority income is derived from building cues that does not take a deposit is asking for issues.

To each their own. Those who don't can't complain later.... Im glad it's worked for you Dave
 
cubswin said:
Avoid deposits if at all possible.

There are some cuemakers who it is just fine to send a deposit to, like Bob Dzuricky for example

I have a list of cuemakers who have a good track record, ones I trust to do what they say. I also have a list of ones I don't.

If you are going to send a deposit, do your research, ask questions of other customers. Find out if the cuemaker meets their own time lines, or if they are always late with delivery. To me that is a big red flag, since most of them set their own build time and if they are constantly late by months or longer why trust them with your money? There are other cuemakers out there that will deliver as promised.
Click to expand...

Ok so what happens to those makers who split their time between build and design time? Many makers will work on a customers design well before their build starts. So you're saying it's ok to not have to pay for the makers design conceptual layout time?

Also many times materials for the cue have to be ordered close to the time of the order being placed to insure they will be availble at the build time. Should the maker take the chance of possibly eating these costs?

I understand some makers don't take deposits. But MOST that don't more than likey have a massive waiting list and just to get accepted on their list is a BONUS to the customer...
 
skins said:
I beleive deposits are nessesary "evil" for those who's income is soley derived from custom cue building. The chance of selling a custom built cue specially made to the miriad of intricate specifications of one, for the price agreed upon, to another who did not order it is exceptionally difficult if not impossible. You ONLY see THAT when a makers cues are EXTREMELY difficult to aquire. IMHO any maker who's majority income is derived from building cues that does not take a deposit is asking for issues.

To each their own. Those who don't can't complain later.... Im glad it's worked for you Dave
Click to expand...


Fantastic response, Thanks. I do believe in deposits at some point, if a customer wants me to write that Jim loves Lucy or something, I would never have another market for it and I would get a deposit, same with the very nice inlay work you do.

Thanks again, Dave.
 
Andy Gilbert
Bob Runde
Pete Ohman
Dennis Swift
JB Cases

I have had personal dealings with all of these folks and Pete Tascarella. I will say the above group do what they say and when they say. A great group of folks if you are fortunate enough to work with them.
 
The OP is well written, accurate, and contains some good advice.

I would emphasize that your specs and design should be in writing and I agree that the buyer should not bother the cuemaker.

If you are someone who requires pictures and constant updates, that should be stated up-front so that you will be working with someone who will accommodate you in that regard. Progress photos are nice to receive but IMO not a valid measure of the quality of a cuemaker.

If you are inflexible on a completion date, waiting for completion of a true custom might not be a pleasant experience. I add 50% to a quoted delivery date for any one of number of factors that may cause delays.
 
when i wanted a Gus SZamboti,he interrupted my advice"How much can you spend"
I told him

He said,quit worrying"I make you a fine cue"

that was that

not only that was that,but i was better off and so was he

I sometimes order certain things,hoppe style,straight grain,ebony on ebony
but once im down,i leave the cue makers alone

if you give too much advice it takes the fun out of it for the cue maker
constant calls and request for updates drives a good cue maker crazy

here are some good guys to buy from

Bob Owen
,he makes anything you could want and you get it in a year or so
his work is good and his word is gold

Jerry Rauenzahn
he gives you a date for this,he does it,pictures on oct14...they are here

cue on dec25...its here
he is mr dependable,and his cues are fantastic
especially his Brunswick 360

Barry and Laurie are 100% dependable,ther cues double in value after you get them
but the wait is long

there are a bunch of guys with big reputations that will cheat you blind

there are many who make promises and take years to get out what they promised in 1 month

your only protection is to know it before you start because its toolate afterwards


another great guy is Larry Vigus
one of the new breed,if he takes your order you will be treated like
you wish everyone treated you

but Larry does not like to be told what to do or how

he enjoys making what he enjoys making
he is doing this as a hobby

so if you want a Szamboti,don't call Larry
call Barry

Bob Runde is also a thoroughbred
he put schon on the map
he is second to none
he is honest ,his work is legendary

but I think you have to order through a dealer friend

and you better do it now

Bob is getting ready to retire
so you better order one now or forget it

Jake Hulsey is a great guy to get a cue from
if you are lucky enough to get him to sell you one

his designs are so far ahead that you better be prepared for
something you didn't design

when you get it,you better hold onto it
even if you are not in love with it because

collectors buy every one they see

his customer service is not for the antsy type

he agrees to make it,its ready when he has time to make it and he has no time to hold your hand in the meantime

his quality is second to none,everything is top drawer

but he has a very successful business and is busy

buy only if you can handle not having your hand held on the way


John Nemic is also a talented engineer who makes great cues at
very reasonable prices,his quality is great and the cues hit a ton

if you are looking for something reasonable,beautiful and built to last
call him and you will be thrilled

i think he makes the best full splice in the world,
at least i would bet the points were super sharp and even both up and down



don't buy from anybody but these guys is my advice
 
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deanoc said:
when i wanted a Gus SZamboti,he interrupted my advice"How much can you spend"
I told him

He said,quit worrying"I make you a fine cue"

that was that

not only that was that,but i was better off and so was he

I sometimes order certain things,hoppe style,straight grain,ebony on ebony
but once im down,i leave the cue makers alone

if you give too much advice it takes the fun out of it for the cue maker
constant calls and request for updates drives a good cue maker crazy

here are some good guys to buy from

Bob Owen
,he makes anything you could want and you get it in a year or so
his work is good and his word is gold

Jerry Rauenzahn
he gives you a date for this,he does it,pictures on oct14...they are here

cue on dec25...its here
he is mr dependable,and his cues are fantastic
especially his Brunswick 360

Barry and Laurie are 100% dependable,ther cues double in value after you get them
but the wait is long

there are a bunch of guys with big reputations that will cheat you blind

there are many who make promises and take years to get out what they promised in 1 month

your only protection is to know it before you start because its toolate afterwards


another great guy is Larry Vigus
one of the new breed,if he takes your order you will be treated like
you wish everyone treated you

but Larry does not like to be told what to do or how

he enjoys making what he enjoys making
he is doing this as a hobby

so if you want a Szamboti,don't call Larry
call Barry

Bob Runde is also a thoroughbred
he put schon on the map
he is second to none
he is honest ,his work is legendary

but I think you have to order through a dealer friend

and you better do it now

Bob is getting ready to retire
so you better order one now or forget it

Jake Hulsey is a great guy to get a cue from
if you are lucky enough to get him to sell you one

his designs are so far ahead that you better be prepared for
something you didn't design

when you get it,you better hold onto it
even if you are not in love with it because

collectors buy every one they see

his customer service is not for the antsy type

he agrees to make it,its ready when he has time to make it and he has no time to hold your hand in the meantime

his quality is second to none,everything is top drawer

but he has a very successful business and is busy

buy only if you can handle not having your hand held on the way


John Nemic is also a talented engineer who makes great cues at
very reasonable prices,his quality is great and the cues hit a ton

if you are looking for something reasonable,beautiful and built to last
call him and you will be thrilled

i think he makes the best full splice in the world,
at least i would bet the points were super sharp and even both up and down



don't buy from anybody but these guys is my advice
Click to expand...

Well Dean, with respect, you had me up until your last sentence...

"My guy" Keith Josey is FAR and above MOST makers when it comes to ALL the categories you mention and is respected by most all makers for that.. That is very well known.. As well as others stated here. So although those you mention are worthy as stated, NO don't follow Dean's advice and ONLY buy from "those" guy's. Though I am a huge fan of everybody on your list Dean, some are not accessible to most buyer's. If you can't get a cue from those on Dean's list that doesn't mean there aren't others that fit Dean's criteria , in general. Do the research and you will find them...
 
The community needs a Yelp-like place to provide info on cue makers, for customers to leave feedback, and for cue makers to respond.
 
I would add Paul Drexler to Dean's list. The man does what he says he will do and the end result do noes not require additional endorsement.
 
Very good advice skins. However .....there seems to be an issue concerning reputation with a lot of posters on here.

There have been numerous threads on here where some one had an issue with certain cue makers on here where the op was blasted by many posters.

Some poster on here refuse to believe certain cue makers who have a sterling reputation can have such issues as a customer may describe.

Posters reply.....i reserve judgement until I hear the cue makers side....there must be a misunderstanding.....he will.make it right some day and all will be well again.....and some accuse the op of out right lying.

A perfect example of the above would be zinzola. 4 years before tikklers issue a poster came on and ststed about problems with zinzola. Par for the course on here posters did not believe the op due to zinzolas "reputation "

Obwe the next 4 years he continued with his "issues" and screwed several more members of this forum and it finally came to a stop with tikkler.

I am.a.firm believer in the saying...where there is smoke there is fire. There are several cue makers that have had complaints lodged against them on this forum that still manage to have sterling reputations due to their quality of work that I will.never deal with.
 
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