How do you handle this?

[Cannon]

You properly install a layered tip then the customer screws it up by using some kind of scuffer like a Willards or whatever which fluffs up the layers making it impossible for the tip to maintain it's shape. Of course you probably hear about this through somebody else rather than directly from the customer. Who knows how many people they've complained about the tip to? I've had this happen more than once, usually with a Sniper or Talisman. I usually tell them when I install the tip that if it mushrooms or flattens any to bring it back I'll gladly fix it. It's just a little disheartening when you know you've done your best for a customer. Thinking back, I used to do the same thing. lol.........Ah.....What the hell ya gonna do? Quit?

I guess I'm just venting, Bob

 

[macguy]

You properly install a layered tip then the customer screws it up by using some kind of scuffer like a Willards or whatever which fluffs up the layers making it impossible for the tip to maintain it's shape. Of course you probably hear about this through somebody else rather than directly from the customer. Who knows how many people they've complained about the tip to? I've had this happen more than once, usually with a Sniper or Talisman. I usually tell them when I install the tip that if it mushrooms or flattens any to bring it back I'll gladly fix it. It's just a little disheartening when you know you've done your best for a customer. Thinking back, I used to do the same thing. lol.........Ah.....What the hell ya gonna do? Quit?

I guess I'm just venting, Bob

You should have something printed on your invoice. You may also want to make up a little handout on your computer you can print on maintaining the tips. It would be helpful to the customer as well as keep you off the hook. Even if you are just doing it a a hobby you need to be professional in every way. Return the repairs in a nice plastic sleeve with a detailed invoice.

 

[rhncue]

You should have something printed on your invoice. You may also want to make up a little handout on your computer you can print on maintaining the tips. It would be helpful to the customer as well as keep you off the hook. Even if you are just doing it a a hobby you need to be professional in every way. Return the repairs in a nice plastic sleeve with a detailed invoice.

When I install a layered tip I inform my customers that layered tips are harder hitting than one piece tips but the leather that is used in their construction is actually very soft. I tell them that a layered tip will last 2 to 3 times longer than a one piece tip and are maintenance free and should never need scuffing or shaping. I tell them that if a scuffer is used the tip won't last but a couple of days and need replacing as the soft leather will just scuff away. You drive that into peoples head that it's going to cost them money quickly by scuffing then they usually are more apt to remember.

I also tell people that if their tip is getting a glaze and they are starting to miscue, then to take a tip pick and very lightly pick the tip only on the outer edge of the tip, not the center. I show them the layers and explain that the upper most layers are much smaller in diameter and a little thinner than the outer layers since the tip has a rounded shape and that if you poke a hole or two in those then there is no leather left. The center layers don't need to hold chalk well as if they are contacting the cue ball and no English is being used and the tip can't miscue. If the tip should mushroom or flatten then just bring it back and of coarse it will be taken care of free of charge.

Dick

 

[Cannon]

I haven't been on much in the last few days and wanted to say thanks guys. Dick, it sounds like you have maybe had some similar customers. Some people could tear up an anvil with a marshmallow I think. Others take care of their cues really well. I'll certainly use some of your advice. Thanks again, Bob

 

[WilleeCue]

You properly install a layered tip then the customer screws it up by using some kind of scuffer like a Willards or whatever which fluffs up the layers making it impossible for the tip to maintain it's shape.

That is a tough call.
But it sounds like you have got the answer already.

I have seen a lot of LePro tips that start acting like an accordian soon after being installed.
But ... you said this was a layered tip.

If the customer is using a tip side burnisher like the one Porper sells or any other like the Ultimate Tip Tool that twists on the sides of the tip to
burnish it ... then any tip could be damaged by its use and it is the customers risk.
Stabbing the tip with a Tip-Pik and twisting it can fluff and/or remove layers and that is not the tips fault either.

 

[cueman]

That is a tough call.
But it sounds like you have got the answer already.

I have seen a lot of LePro tips that start acting like an accordian soon after being installed.
But ... you said this was a layered tip.

If the customer is using a tip side burnisher like the one Porper sells or any other like the Ultimate Tip Tool that twists on the sides of the tip to
burnish it ... then any tip could be damaged by its use and it is the customers risk.
Stabbing the tip with a Tip-Pik and twisting it can fluff and/or remove layers and that is not the tips fault either.

I sometimes tell people jokingly: "If is mushrooms be sure and use your burnishing tool on the tip, so when you twist it off I can charge you to put another one on. Or I will trim the mushroom off for free. It is your choice." Then I explain to them how a burnisher at best just softens up the leather and pushes it upwards and at worst twists the tip off or damage the ferrule.

 

[Cannon]

I sometimes tell people jokingly: "If is mushrooms be sure and use your burnishing tool on the tip, so when you twist it off I can charge you to put another one on. Or I will trim the mushroom off for free. It is your choice." Then I explain to them how a burnisher at best just softens up the leather and pushes it upwards and at worst twists the tip off or damage the ferrule.

That brings up another question. If somebody does pop off a tip using a burnishing tool, how would you know?

Thanks, Bob

 

[poolplayer2093]

i have moori tips on most of my cues and scuff em every now and again and i've never had a problem with 'em. had the same tip on one of my shafts for the better part of 3 years

 

[Cannon]

i have moori tips on most of my cues and scuff em every now and again and i've never had a problem with 'em. had the same tip on one of my shafts for the better part of 3 years

Yeah that's the thing. Some people take care of their equipment very well while some people just can't.

 

[gregoryg]

Sounds familiar...

One of the guys I do tips for was using one of those "ultimate tip tool" gizmos on the Morri tips that I put on his cue. Prior to my seeing him use it on his cue, he was telling me that the tip was coming apart. When I looked at it, there were little chunks coming off of the outside edge of the tip. I had no idea why it was happening until I saw him use that tip destroying gadget he was using. I put two tips on for free just bcause I did not know he was killing them when he was trying to burnish the tip. I am so glad I witnessed him chewing up the tips that I was installing for him and could stop thinking that I gotten a bad batch of tips!