feelings???

[Run the Century]

I have read that...

If George Balabushka found out you sold one of his cues he made for you to someone else - he would NEVER make you another cue. Just another perspective.

 

[Cue Guru]

I like that George guy's style...:wink:

 

[pdcue]

If George Balabushka found out you sold one of his cues he made for you to someone else - he would NEVER make you another cue. Just another perspective.

Yeah, I can just imagine how angry I would be if people
did this to me. I mean I would get their money TWICE.

Wait, what if they did it once a month - then how angry would I be?

Dale

 

[rhncue]

If George Balabushka found out you sold one of his cues he made for you to someone else - he would NEVER make you another cue. Just another perspective.

I've heard that first hand about Gus but I've never read about George. Of coarse I haven't read much about him at all to be truthful.

Dick

 

[ridewiththewind]

A player's side....I recently have run into hard times, really hard. I have had to part with each cue I had, save one. The first one I treasured, and contacted the maker to let him know my situation, and if he would be forever angry with me if I had to part with it. He completely understood, and said it was okay.

The next cue was from a local maker and friend, and I had a soldier who had just returned from Iraq who wanted his own custom cue, and for whatever reason, fell in love with mine. I quoted a price, and he offered me $200 more just to have it. Needing the money, I agreed to sell it to him on the condition that he respect it and take care of it. I ran into the maker about a week later, and sheepishly told him I had had to sell the cue, and to whom. Again, he understood completely.

It's been a very long time since I have sold a cue because I was unhappy with it, or was looking to try something else. I wouldn't have sold these had the circumstances been different. If you show both the maker and their cue respect, and are honest up front...then it tends to not leave a bitter taste in anyone's mouth.

Lisa

 

[pdcue]

I've heard that first hand about Gus but I've never read about George. Of coarse I haven't read much about him at all to be truthful.

Dick

IMHO - it was for two very different reasons.

At a tourney shortly before he died, I heard Gus complaining about people
re-selling his cues for profit - that seemed to be what bothered him.

He especially noted those who ordered cues with the famous "Bushka"
ring in front of the wrap.

George, on the other hand, was widely known to only want top
players using his cues.

I have heard of him avoiding selling cues to players. He stalled a friend of mine for FIVE YEARS -
telling him " I'm too busy to take any orders, call
me back in 6 months". The guy was just a kid at the time and never did
catch on, faithfully calling every 6 months for 5 years.

I never heard about him cutting anyone off for selling their Bushka.

Dale

 

[cuesblues]

Cue Builders

This is an interesting thread.

I own several cues made by local cue builders in Colorado.
A-E, Chris Byrne, Ernie Martinez, Dave Kikel, Judd Fuller, Terry McFadden, Showcase, and I wish I could play with them all.
Typically if someone buys one of my cues it means they really wanted that cue so I broke down and sold it to them, so it should be considered a form of flattery.
But i've heard there's no greater form of flattery to a cue builder than seeing one of your cues for sale on Ebay.

 

[rhncue]

I guess I'm a Piccaso and most on this forum are Van Goghs. This is one of the big differences between part time/hobbyist makers and those who build and repair for a living. I wouldn't eat much if I fell in love with and married every cue that passed through my well calloused little paws.

Dick

 

[JCIN]

I asked Ernie this question during my interview with him and I found his response pretty interesting. To paraphrase " Once I sell it and deliver it the love is gone. A guy can do what he wants. Sell it, break it whatever. If you want another one just call me so I can get you a spot."

As a customer if I pay for something I expect to be able to do what I want with it. It can get muddy when friends are involved and special deals are cut. In that case it is just a judgement call on what the individual feels is right.

Interesting topic.

 

[ridinda9]

ive made a few cues now mainly for local people and friends and last night was the first time i seen one of my cues in the hands of someone that didnt purchase it from me, my first thought was maybe this guy stole it lol then i remebered that i overreact easily :sorry: anyways i ask the guy about his cue where he got it, how it played and what not and he frigging loves the cue couldnt say ebough about it.
i ended the conversation with ya i built that cue for my buddy so and so how did you get ahold of it??

turns out my friend wound up on hard times and had to let it go at the pool room but he sold it for more than what i gave it to him for:grin:

but my main reason for the post was if you see another person sell one of your cues or trade one or something like that does it ever kinda sit wrong with you, almost make you feel bad (they didnt like my cue:frown lol

maybe im the only one

Trent , this shouldn't make you feel bad , it should make you feel GREAT . Someone else liked that cue enough to pay more for it used than it sold for new. This is called appreciation. Great works of art appreciate in value . Commercial goods depreciate in value . Your status as an artist has just been confirmed . Bask in the Glory of that for a while !
Bet when your friend gets back on his feet , he'll come see you for another - and he won't blink at the price , cuz now he knows it will hold it's value.