Ernie Martinez List Ideas

Perhaps you could manage/segregate the lists by price... and have buyers commit a certain amount of money (say $750 each for PJs, $1500 for PTs) for their place in line.

Collect the commited money up front once Ernie commits to the number and types of cues for delivery... those who don't pay will get removed from the list. This way all the cues will be paid for once Ernie delivers.

The buyers on the list who take delivery are done. If there happens to be a price discrepancy between the actual price and what the buyers commited, the administrator collects or reimburses the difference.

Those who want to wait will sacrafice their commited payment (until someone buys their cue), but they will not loose their place in line. And to remain in line for the next delivery, they must be prepared and commit to put up another payment when Ernie announces the next batch of cues, else they will be removed from their place in line.

Obviously, if no one buys the rejected cue, the listed buyer will be the owner of the cue and can do with it whatever... sell it, auction it, etc.

In this way, paying is really the key to keeping your place in line... and since the cues must be paid for, the money should be collected before the cues are delivered. This would be similar to, but not exactly the same as, buying an 'option' to own one of the cues in the upcoming batch. However in this case, the 'option buyer' is obligated to take delivery.
 
Personally, I think we are all trying to overmanage this issue

It is just my opinion, but I thought we entered into this list as a way of showing Ernie that he had a loyal following wanting his cues, and in order to help him get his feet planted back on the ground.

I don't think there have been any real issues so far, with maybe one exception. We all knew that the first cues Ernie made upon his return were going to be his choice, and that we would be the fortunate few who would get to choose from them.

While I earlier stated that I am not particularly a fan of plain birdseye cues and I hope Ernie adds some more variety as he moves along, if a birdseye player's cue is what is available when it is my turn, that is what I will take, and I will thank Ernie for the opportunity to purchase one of his cues.
Joe
 
I like the dollar value list idea, but what would happen to a guy who really wants a pointed cue but would also take a plain jane if that were to come up first. Does he then give up his place in line and have to go to the back of the line to again wait for the pointed cue. I guess he could get on both lists.

You may have bit off more than you can chew once you get into it as an "administrator" of the list. I would cut off the list as it is now and try to work out the details with the potential buyers. I don't know if it was ever spelled out at the beginning whether or not someone who got on the list was going to expect a plain jane or pointed cue. If there was no clarification, you get what you get when your name comes up. If you don't like it, pull your name off of the list.
 
I think if a person decides to pass...they wait until the next batch

....and they stay in their position on the line but the cue choice bounces down the line.
 
Possible suggestion.
In the 2nd batch there were 5 plain cues, 1 pointed w/out veneers, 3 w/ recuts, 1 w/ traditional veneers, and 1 hi/lo 6 pointer. If we accept that this is the range of cue styles to be produced for those on the list and Ernie is currently tooled to produce these styles smoothly, what would be the problem with some input as to what style a buyer may want?

Contact those on the list before a batch begins and they commit to one of the styles above at the set pricing. Post the list of those in that batch with their style selection next to their name so everything stays kosher.

Note I keep saying "style". Ernie would still select wood combinations, etc, so he isn't loosing any artistic license or is bothered by the business side of things and can still create whats in his minds eye. But the buyer is ensured his style will be available when his number comes up and maybe Ernie makes more money, maybe the whole next batch wants pointed cues.

Patiently waiting at #50
Jason
 
4thHorseman said:
Possible suggestion.
In the 2nd batch there were 5 plain cues, 1 pointed w/out veneers, 3 w/ recuts, 1 w/ traditional veneers, and 1 hi/lo 6 pointer. If we accept that this is the range of cue styles to be produced for those on the list and Ernie is currently tooled to produce these styles smoothly, what would be the problem with some input as to what style a buyer may want?

Contact those on the list before a batch begins and they commit to one of the styles above at the set pricing. Post the list of those in that batch with their style selection next to their name so everything stays kosher.

Note I keep saying "style". Ernie would still select wood combinations, etc, so he isn't loosing any artistic license or is bothered by the business side of things and can still create whats in his minds eye. But the buyer is ensured his style will be available when his number comes up and maybe Ernie makes more money, maybe the whole next batch wants pointed cues.

Patiently waiting at #50
Jason
Click to expand...

I just sat here thinking about this for fifteen minutes, and came up with exactly this as my best suggestion. Don't split up the list, keep it intact but with preferences. Maybe talk to Ernie as to how much input he would appreciate. I'd like a plain jane birdseye, but just a plain jane would do too.

gr. Dave <- on the second list.
 
Again...only problem I see with splitting up the listed folks into groups is that some of us (myself included) are not sure what they want yet. We'll be better prepared to make that call, once the next batch is done.

I'm a fan of both plain jane cues AND higher end pointed cues....and to pigeonhole myself to one specific style...without actually seeing what's available...doesn't seem to follow the intent of the list to begin with.

All of us on the list KNEW we wanted a Martinez cue...and signed up to get one. I don't think any of us knew what we were gonna get, until the batches were complete and made available.

I, for one, would like to be able to chose which one I like best, based upon how many are available when my turn comes.

Could be, I'll want a nice 4/6/8 pointer....or could be, I'll pick a plain jane cue with a billion birdseyes. Until I see 'em, I won't know WHAT I want to pick up. I'm a REALLY big cocobola fan....but I've seen some cocobola cues that don't do anything for me. Grain wasn't right....or color wasn't right. It's all dependent on the final product, not the initial specs.

Truth be told, I wasn't a fan of a couple pointed cues that came out in the 2nd batch....and if my number had come up early on in that set (3rd or 4th pick, for example), I would have preferred the merry widow maple ones.

Still, though.....everyone is guaranteed a Martinez...and isn't forced to take a higher end cue if they don't want one/can't swing one. Either way, I'm still looking forward to playing with mine!! :)
 
I wonder..

..if all this kind of stuff is what makes Ernie (or any cuemaker, for that matter) want to go on a walk-a-bout from time to time...
 
No...this is

CUE EXPO AWARDS
February, 1993 Houston Cue Expo. Best of Show Competition

First Place - Richard Black
Second Place - Ernie Gutierrez
Third Place - Bill Stroud
Fourth Place - Thomas Wayne
Fifth Place - Ernie Martinez



Bamacues said:
..if all this kind of stuff is what makes Ernie (or any cuemaker, for that matter) want to go on a walk-a-bout from time to time...
Click to expand...
 
suggestions

why couldn't the next 10 or so on the list at least have a little input on what is made?? atleast then there would be a better chance of 10 people not wanting the same cue. not a specific design but a ballpark. i would think the plain jane market, atleast as far as the list goes, will get burned up quick. pretty soon you have a ton of plain janes and there resale or collectability will suffer. jmo.
 
I think the list should stay as it is. If you want to pass once then it just goes to the next guy in line. You would maintain your position in the list. You would be allowed one pass only after that you would be required to pick from the next batch or lose your spot and be moved to the bottom of the list.

I can see why there is no imput allowed. It is a logistics and time issue. It is just faster to do it on a take what you can get basis. I do think they should accomadate you in the getting a second shaft.
 
lenoxmjs said:
I think the list should stay as it is. If you want to pass once then it just goes to the next guy in line. You would maintain your position in the list. You would be allowed one pass only after that you would be required to pick from the next batch or lose your spot and be moved to the bottom of the list.

I can see why there is no imput allowed. It is a logistics and time issue. It is just faster to do it on a take what you can get basis. I do think they should accomadate you in the getting a second shaft.
Click to expand...
I'd agree there, sir.

Getting a second shaft would be cool....but from what I hear, if the customer is willing to wait a bit longer, it's not too much of an issue.

As far as actual DESIGN or wood elements go...I can see there being some issues.....especially if Ernie doesn't have what the buyer from the waiting list is looking for. Most of us take it on faith that Ernie's not going to put together a cue that is a complete wreck, design-wise. While they may not be for us all...all the time....they're still gorgeous cues, thusfar.
 
List ideas

Ideas (or lack of ideas):

1) Do not be forced to buy a plain-jane cue.

OK - I will say it. This already happened in the last batch.

Not to pick on anyone, but the next two in the current list were not forced to buy one of either a fancy cue or a plain-jane cue that you sold outside the list. No one on the list – me included - was forced to buy the final plain-jane cue from the last batch.

My guess would be it was not coming up with the money to buy a plain-jane as much as posturing for 1st and 2nd pick of the entire next batch. I would have done the same in their spot.
(Side note: Viperkiller and 8-ball Rat: You Lucky, Lucky Dogs.)

You had no trouble selling these cues last time (as I understand) and Ernie was able to build what he wanted. Note that Ernie still got the cash flow with this system of not having to buy a plain-jane cue.


2) Anyone on the list can swap places with anyone already on the list for any reason - as long as they both agree. Seems like this happened already. This could cause potential delays when a batch is finished. Most of the time, someone is swapping to buy a cue – so this does keep things rolling.


3) If there are ten (10) cues in the next batch, the next fifteen or so get their current email address, home phone number and mobile phone number to you to improve your ability to contact them. Makes it easier for you to find them.


4) Everyone has an option for two (2) shafts maximum. If the cue is finished with a single shaft, this might delay getting the second shaft and perhaps the entire cue. Additional cost is understood and price is documented for each batch’s cues that have only one shaft. Up front, you estimate that cost increase less any fancy ring work. They do not have to buy two (2) shafts, but have that option. One shaft can be sold with the cue if it comes with one shaft.

Keep the fancier cues coming with two (2) shafts.


5) If someone decides to pass buying one from the current batch of cues, they stay on the list.

6) If no one on the list selects a cue from a batch, you can sell it any way you want. First on the list does not have the option of those leftover cues plus the next batch.
 
robertno1pool said:
Ideas (or lack of ideas):

1) Do not be forced to buy a plain-jane cue.

OK - I will say it. This already happened in the last batch.

Not to pick on anyone, but the next two in the current list were not forced to buy one of either a fancy cue or a plain-jane cue that you sold outside the list. No one on the list – me included - was forced to buy the final plain-jane cue from the last batch.

My guess would be it was not coming up with the money to buy a plain-jane as much as posturing for 1st and 2nd pick of the entire next batch. I would have done the same in their spot.
(Side note: Viperkiller and 8-ball Rat: You Lucky, Lucky Dogs.)

You had no trouble selling these cues last time (as I understand) and Ernie was able to build what he wanted. Note that Ernie still got the cash flow with this system of not having to buy a plain-jane cue.


2) Anyone on the list can swap places with anyone already on the list for any reason - as long as they both agree. Seems like this happened already. This could cause potential delays when a batch is finished. Most of the time, someone is swapping to buy a cue – so this does keep things rolling.


3) If there are ten (10) cues in the next batch, the next fifteen or so get their current email address, home phone number and mobile phone number to you to improve your ability to contact them. Makes it easier for you to find them.


4) Everyone has an option for two (2) shafts maximum. If the cue is finished with a single shaft, this might delay getting the second shaft and perhaps the entire cue. Additional cost is understood and price is documented for each batch’s cues that have only one shaft. Up front, you estimate that cost increase less any fancy ring work. They do not have to buy two (2) shafts, but have that option. One shaft can be sold with the cue if it comes with one shaft.

Keep the fancier cues coming with two (2) shafts.


5) If someone decides to pass buying one from the current batch of cues, they stay on the list.

6) If no one on the list selects a cue from a batch, you can sell it any way you want. First on the list does not have the option of those leftover cues plus the next batch.
Click to expand...
Not at all a bad list of ideas, sir......but I want to be clear on something, here.


I was fully expecting to have to buy one of the last two remaining cues in the 2nd batch. No....I did not openly volunteer to do so.. I was waiting on the PM, telling me I had a decision to make between the last two cues. I was never offered that option, and Dave explained his reasoning behind it, when he said he was going to sell the last two elsewhere. Yes, I was fine with it. Yes, I was happy to see that I was right at the top for the 3rd batch (thanks to 1pRoscoe getting his Martinez, and allowing me to swap spots with him). Yes, that is the way I would have preferred it to be..........

....but at no time did I "posture" an inability to buy one of the two cues. I was prepared to do so...and would have been happy to have one, if I had to make that choice. I'm happy that I get a wide range of cues to pick from in the 3rd batch....but I didn't engineer my way into it, trying to avoid the remaining two cues from the 2nd round. Matter of fact, the last mention I made of it was after most folks had already made their selection, and me thanking 1pRoscoe for giving up his spot. At that time, I had assumed I was going to get my cue that week...since a couple folks from that list had "disappeared."

As for your other suggestions, I think you have some great ideas, sir. I think most of us cue nuts would like to get the cue we buy with 2 shafts (that's how most of us buy all our cues, anyway)....and it makes complete sense to make sure Dave has our contact info (to include phone number), in order to prevent an issue like he had with Scruggsinhand during the 2nd batch selection.
 
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Ernie List

8-ball Rat - Agreed.

A couple of more cues in a batch or bought and you could have easily been at the bottom of the list. Just the luck of the draw based on when you got on the list.
 
Just got in & checked this thread...you guys have been busy :). Too much to respond to now, but know all of your ides will be reviewed.

I love the idea of all those on the list provide me with their phone #s & email addresses.

And just so you know, Viper & 8-ball had nothing to do with my decision not to force them to buy the 2 remaining cues just because they were next in line. First, I didn't think that there would be anybody dropping off the list, and secondly, the cutoff list was already published. I didn't feel it was fair to force them to buy since they already were already queued up for the next batch, so I opened up the cues to all those on the list - for which there were no takers. I sold then locally in 2 days so no problem. I would have done the same for anyone on the list and felt it was the most fair thing to do.

People have the right to drop off the list for whatever reason or they can swap with someone further down if their money situation isn't right at the time. Most of the swapping took place prior to the batch being finalized, but not all. If the person wants to remain on the list but isn't prepared to buy at the time designated, should they be allowed to swap with someone? I don't know the answer, but it worked out.

I am creating a word document of all suggestions so they can be reviewed together. Keep it up, you guys are doing great.

Dave
 
12squared said:
Thanks for the bump, but what does it mean? :confused:

Dave
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a bump is a way of posting in the thread when you have nothing to really say but you want the thread to go to the first page so other people have the chance to see it, in case they dont read back to page 5... so what you are doing is "Bumping it back to the top"

chris
 
ChrisOnline said:
a bump is a way of posting in the thread when you have nothing to really say but you want the thread to go to the first page so other people have the chance to see it, in case they dont read back to page 5... so what you are doing is "Bumping it back to the top"

chris
Click to expand...

:o :o :o I'm so embarrased. I knew what bumping was but was confused about the page 5 thing since there was only 3 pages in this thread. (Oh, did I admit that out loud?)

Thanks - sheepishly yours, Dave
 
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