ilovecues.com ?

[bandido]

Lucky has done well here in Japan (where I too work in the billiard business). But even the people here know and admit that his prices are a crime. The only reason most people buy from him is because they can't speak the English to negotiate their own deal directly with the US based cuemaker/dealer. And, like another post mentioned, he has cues that although are made in the US, are not available in the US. He has tied up with a couple of cue makers with agreements that prohibit them to take orders from anybody other than his organization. Or, agreements that aren't so binding, but he pays so much for these cues, and orders so many, that the cue maker in question is backlogged with orders for Lucky only, and has no time to take orders from others that won't pay as much as lucky does. Several years ago, many other Japanese dealers had deals like these with several makers. I once ordered a cue from a well known maker and was given a quote for xxx amount of dollars. When the cue was finished, I sent my address (Japan) and the amount doubled. When I reacted, he told me to go the the local Japanese dealer where I could get one of his cues for about double the US price. Bullshit!! Three months later, I ordered another cue from the same guy, but disuised my Japanese address and had him send it to my Colorado residence where the price remained as quoted. I then had the cue reshipped from Colorado to Japan, and after all the shipping, I still had a better deal than driving across town to buy a cue locally!!
I admire luckys love for cues, and if I had the money, I'd love to be able to do what he has with his collection. However, dealers like him (and others) are responsible for making cues unavailable in the states, and untouchable in Japan............................my two yen (exchanged rate at 107/$1)
dave

How can Lucky and other Japanese Dealers be the direction where the finger is pointed when you just stated the source of the problem?

 

[Bruce S. de Lis]

Rent, marketing, labor cost, utilities and acquisition cost all contribute to the selling price of cues there. And the reputable dealers back-up their merchandise which is a big plus for the buyer. Purchasing direct from the maker is very risky specially if some adjustment or minor repair is required and more often than not, it is. FWS is one of the major causes for the difficulty in getting after sales service as pool cues with ivory content is on its hit list (BLING! BLING! BLING! POOL CUE IN FEDEX PACKAGE!) and majority of the US cuemakers just don't want to deal with the legal paperwork. Did you think that a reputable Japanese dealer will just say "I'm sorry" to his customer should his beloved cue get confiscated by the US Fish and Wildlife Service?

Well Bandito made some great point about Lucky’s business. Also I think Lucky’s Cost of doing business in Very Hi as Everything in Japan is High. Lucky appears to mark up most of his Whitten Cases 150-200 over what they could be purchased in the U.S.A. Think his Delivery Charges are higher than to a U.S. Customer. Use the Whitten Cares as an example maybe Lucky’s Price are not bad.

Think the one thing many forget is that a Businessman has Fixed Expense every day, or, month, or year of doing business. Before any sale is made, and the profits from that sale can be pocketed.

Stuff like;


Rent or Mortgage on you store/Showroom

Utilities

Telephone

Fax

Web-Site Expenses

Insurance

Healthcare Insurance for Boss/employees

Taxes

Employee Benefit

Postage

Salaries of employees

Taxes

licenses

Permits

and the list goes on and on

Have no idea as to what all the cost are in Japan. But bottom-line is they are the cost of doing business


Question Bandido, as you stated “get confiscated by the US Fish and Wildlife Service?” why would the a Cue be confiscated

 

[bandido]

Question Bandito, as you stated “get confiscated by the US Fish and Wildlife Service?” why would the a Cue be confiscated

The FWS regulation on importation of banned by-products from endangered species kind-of works the other way, "Guilty until proven innocent". So most ivory containing cues that get snagged during inspection requires the owner to prove that the ivory used is from a legal tusk (usually pre-ban and documented as such). This is a dilemma for the Japanese consumer and the US cuemaker because FWS seizes without regard for the origin of the pool cue. They just go by the rule that anything coming from outside the US is an importation which is a safe and uncomplicated rule of thumb for them to go by.

Unfortunately for the US cuemaker and the overseas buyer, that's requiring some service from the original cuemaker, this ruling can be downright hazardous to their prized possesion or legal hassle extensive at the least. A minimum of 1/2" thick of legal documentation for both sender and recipient.

As you see, this is another possible eventuallity where a financial outlay may have to be set aside for by a dealer in Japan. You may say that this is ridiculous and ask why doesn't the dealer ask the customer to sign a waiver. The answer is customer after-sales service culture and it's usually not thought of in the US because of accessibility to it without having to worry about legal complications. I'm sure that this "culture dictated insurance" adds to the price of the merchandise but it does bring peace of mind to the consumer when the time comes, sooner or later.

 

[bandido]

Well Bandito made some great point about Lucky’s business. Also I think Lucky’s Cost of doing business in Very Hi as Everything in Japan is High. Lucky appears to mark up most of his Whitten Cases 150-200 over what they could be purchased in the U.S.A. Think his Delivery Charges are higher than to a U.S. Customer. Use the Whitten Cares as an example maybe Lucky’s Price are not bad.

Think the one thing many forget is that a Businessman has Fixed Expense every day, or, month, or year of doing business. Before any sale is made, and the profits from that sale can be pocketed.

Stuff like;


Rent or Mortgage on you store/Showroom

Utilities

Telephone

Fax

Web-Site Expenses

Insurance

Healthcare Insurance for Boss/employees

Taxes

Employee Benefit

Postage

Salaries of employees

Taxes

licenses

Permits

and the list goes on and on

Have no idea as to what all the cost are in Japan. But bottom-line is they are the cost of doing business

And don't forget the cost of MONEY. If Lucky or any dealer can't inventory an item for immediate purchase, he will likely lose the sale. If he loses a sale on one item he might as well have lost sales on other items. To keep in inventory the multitude of items in this industry means tieing-up capital, that can otherwise be earning interest, which is then considered non-performing assets until they're sold. To the consumer, this price increasing factor translate to convenience. And convenience cost money.

Edit: Another price increasing factor is "representation expenses". A considered front-runner in the industry cannot not be seen in major equipment shows! Or fail to make visits to the suppliers where with it comes related expenses (domestic airfare/bus fare or car rental, hotel and meals plus social get-together with the supplier (cuemaker, casemaker, etc.)

Is this starting to make you hate to be a dealer in Japan?

 

[Bruce S. de Lis]

The FWS regulation on importation of banned by-products from endangered species kind-of works the other way, "Guilty until proven innocent". So most ivory containing cues that get snagged during inspection requires the owner to prove that the ivory used is from a legal tusk (usually pre-ban and documented as such). This is a dilemma for the Japanese consumer and the US cuemaker because FWS seizes without regard for the origin of the pool cue. They just go by the rule that anything coming from outside the US is an importation which is a safe and uncomplicated rule of thumb for them to go by.

Unfortunately for the US cuemaker and the overseas buyer, that's requiring some service from the original cuemaker, this ruling can be downright hazardous to their prized possesion or legal hassle extensive at the least. A minimum of 1/2" thick of legal documentation for both sender and recipient.

As you see, this is another possible eventuallity where a financial outlay may have to be set aside for by a dealer in Japan. You may say that this is ridiculous and ask why doesn't the dealer ask the customer to sign a waiver. The answer is customer after-sales service culture and it's usually not thought of in the US because of accessibility to it without having to worry about legal complications. I'm sure that this "culture dictated insurance" adds to the price of the merchandise but it does bring peace of mind to the consumer when the time comes, sooner or later.

Assume the same rule apply if a Cue is being shipped from offshore into the U.S.A.

 

[ATM]

Well I just listed my cue on fleabay http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=21212&item=7160997785&rd=1
(first transaction) and it has ivory in it. In the details I put U.S. only, but had a guy from Germany ask if Id ship and I said yes once paypal cleared. Heres the guys feedback, some help please, feedback looks good, should I trust this guy? http://feedback.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback&userid=clashbillard
Anyway would I have any problems shipping to Germany?

 

[Bruce S. de Lis]

no conditions mentioned in this post are any different than the conditions faced by american cue resellers

Well from picture on Lucky's Web-site he appear to have a VERY NICE SHOP. I would be interested in knowing his Cost/Square Foot of Operation. As compaire to say a Shop in a Major U.S. City. Could only assume Lucky's cost would be 3-5 Times that in the U.S.

Also I posted the Laundry list of Business Expences, as many who work for a paycheck on Friday, have Zero idea of what it cost to be in business.

 

[bandido]

no conditions mentioned in this post are any different than the conditions faced by american cue resellers

Ahhh yes, but not every viewer here has or do run a business so they are not aware of these things. And remember, we are talking about somebody who in not in the US so attending the trade shows is a lot more expensive for them than their American counterpart. Do you also know that most of the cuemakers that end up visiting Japan get their trips paid for by the dealer most of the time?

 

[bandido]

Assume the same rule apply if a Cue is being shipped from offshore into the U.S.A.

That was what I was talking about, US Agency Importation practice. Shipping out of (exporting) the US is not a problem. That importation part is the problem for overseas buyers that need repair services for their cues from the US cuemaker.

 

[bandido]

Well I just listed my cue on fleabay http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=21212&item=7160997785&rd=1
(first transaction) and it has ivory in it. In the details I put U.S. only, but had a guy from Germany ask if Id ship and I said yes once paypal cleared. Heres the guys feedback, some help please, feedback looks good, should I trust this guy? http://feedback.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback&userid=clashbillard
Anyway would I have any problems shipping to Germany?

I don't have anything to offer when it comes to ebay feedbacks but German importation law implementation doesn't seem to be as strictly enforced as the USA's.

 

[bandido]

Well from picture on Lucky's Web-site he appear to have a VERY NICE SHOP. I would be interested in knowing his Cost/Square Foot of Operation. As compaire to say a Shop in a Major U.S. City. Could only assume Lucky's cost would be 3-5 Times that in the U.S.

Also I posted the Laundry list of Business Expences, as many who work for a paycheck on Friday, have Zero idea of what it cost to be in business.

Tokyo is known to have the most expensive real estate in the world. Like I said in an earlier post, parking in Jiyugaoka, equivalent of Rodeo Drive in CA, cost us the equivalent of US$120 for 8 hrs.

 

[BlowFish]

I did not say this.

Well I just listed my cue on fleabay http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=21212&item=7160997785&rd=1
(first transaction) and it has ivory in it. In the details I put U.S. only, but had a guy from Germany ask if Id ship and I said yes once paypal cleared. Heres the guys feedback, some help please, feedback looks good, should I trust this guy? http://feedback.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback&userid=clashbillard
Anyway would I have any problems shipping to Germany?

Don't put any words in the declaration/description and/or invoice that says "Ivory".

If there is an authentication letter, mail that separately if it mentions "Ivory".

 

[Hidy Ho]

I don't know the guy ... but the last feed on Miltonio cue .. I remember chasing after that one and losing

I think long as the person is Paypal verified and you receive the fund, ship it with tracking info to confirmed address, it should alright - not that I've ever sold anything ...

Well I just listed my cue on fleabay http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=21212&item=7160997785&rd=1
(first transaction) and it has ivory in it. In the details I put U.S. only, but had a guy from Germany ask if Id ship and I said yes once paypal cleared. Heres the guys feedback, some help please, feedback looks good, should I trust this guy? http://feedback.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback&userid=clashbillard
Anyway would I have any problems shipping to Germany?

 

[ATM]

No I dont have a letter, which in this case is better. Thanks for your help guys.

 

[cornerstone]

no problem

Well I just listed my cue on fleabay http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=21212&item=7160997785&rd=1
(first transaction) and it has ivory in it. In the details I put U.S. only, but had a guy from Germany ask if Id ship and I said yes once paypal cleared. Heres the guys feedback, some help please, feedback looks good, should I trust this guy? http://feedback.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback&userid=clashbillard
Anyway would I have any problems shipping to Germany?

I have sold a couple cues to clashbilliard he ownes a billiard store in germany and i have nothing but good to say about him. be shure to cover shipping!!he is great and another satisfied customer www.cornerstonecustomcues.com

 

[Bruce S. de Lis]

That was what I was talking about, US Agency Importation practice. Shipping out of (exporting) the US is not a problem. That importation part is the problem for overseas buyers that need repair services for their cues from the US cuemaker.

Built in American, returning from Off Shore to the Builder For a Repair Should be a NO BRAINER.

 

[bandido]

Built in American, returning from Off Shore to the Builder For a Repair Should be a NO BRAINER.

One would think so but it just isn't so. Any restricted material that doesn't naturally originate in the US is likely to have been acquired through questionnable channels. And that's why it's rule of thumb is "guilty until proven innocent". Ask any of the cuemakers there who have had cues confiscated that's being returned from overseas for repair.

Put yourself in the shoes of the border agent. Scenario: You open a shipping box containing an object containing restricted materials that doesn't normally grow in this continent. You also have a memo from the boss, that was brought about by the pro/anti this/that organizations, to step up the enforcement of.... What to do, what to do?

Oh by the way, that scenario was years ago. Right now, records have been broken on the number of confiscations.

 

[Bruce S. de Lis]

Oh by the way, that scenario was years ago. Right now, records have been broken on the number of confiscations.

Post 9/11/01 everything must be check, or a lot more anyway.

 

[merylane]

Built in American, returning from Off Shore to the Builder For a Repair Should be a NO BRAINER.

boy i hope the drugdealers dont learn of this loop hole?