Factory or Cue Maker?

[scdiveteam]

I have a Viking cue that I picked up and would like it rewrapped and another shaft made. I could send it to Viking for the work, about $150. Also there is a new cue maker in the area. He's been doing this for about a year and a half. I've seen one of his new shafts the other day and it looks like he has it down, but he's charging around $200 dollars for the shaft. I'm willing to pay for quality work, but do up and coming cue makers usually charge full price until they are more established and get their name out there? He is a great guy and seems very knowledgable and is also a great player. I've never used a cuemaker and am just curious. Thanks.

Hi,

If you are happy with the hit of your Viking go with Viking as they produce a great product. $ 150.00 for a shaft and warp is a great price indeed.

I don't think $ 200.00 for a shaft is out of line if he has quality shaft wood, especially if you have to match ring work. If your are looking for a different taper for a reason, find the cue maker that has the shaft feel you like.

$ 200.00 does not buy much today, a quality shaft will last for many years.

Good Luck,

Rick

 

[Lexicologist71]

Trent,
Just because you charge $90.00 does not mean other people have to do it as well.
I know a couple of cuemakers that nobody knows and they have started doing cues not for too long and the quality of their work is phenomenal. I would not mind to pay the $200.00 because it is quality work.
Nobody puts a price tag on my cues or repair work just because I started doing it.
If you do quality work and don't have to live off of it I think you have to charge a fair price in order to be true to yourself and to the quality of your work.

This reminds me of a conversation I had with Ray Schuler once. He said he felt silly charging high prices for his cues because it was just wood; he wasn't saving the world. If he didn't charge prices comparable to the competition, people would assume his quality was inferior to theirs and buy their product instead.

 

[98falstaff]

Thank you all for you informed answers, they are indeed helpful. I did not mean to stir up any hard feeleings though. I guess I shouldn't have brought up specific dollar amounts. Thanks again.

 

[tsp&b]

Let us know what you desided and how it turns out. If you don't want to post it here send me a PM.

Thanks a Million!!
Todd