Meucci Originals...tread cautiously...!!!

Jagr Fan

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
On September 1, 2005, I purchased a Meucci Original Custom Cue (Model BMC-1i) which was being promoted on Meucci's web-site. I spec'd out several customizations, including cue length, shaft diameter, and weight...all of this was done via a direct phone call with Bob Meucci and his daughter jointly discussing, and ultimately confirming, the order.
When the cue arrived (3 weeks later than promised), there were a number quality issues, including an incorrect overall length of the cue (+ 3/16"), a noticeable imperfection (depression in the wood) on one (1) shaft, the diameter taper dimensions were NOT as Bob Meucci personally quoted, and last, but not least...the promoted BMC Custom cue which was to be signed, dated, and numbered by Bob Meucci himself was, in fact, NOT signed, dated, or numbered...!!! This element alone speaks volumes about the lack of attention to detail, not to mention the fact that it nullifies the commercial value of a "Meucci Original".
Now, after discussing these concerns by phone directly with Bob Meucci, and confirming said conversation with an E_Mail, I agreed to "try" the cue, but with the open option to return the cue for a refund of the original price minus a 15% re-stocking fee...ultimately, the cue was returned and delivery confirmation received via UPS on October 13th.
However, upon inquiring by phone about my refund on October 27th (two (2) full weeks after it had been returned/received at Meucci), Bob Meucci's story now is that he won't refund any of my $$$$ until he "sells the customized cue", a condition that he absolutely NEVER brought into any prior communications...and, as of this writing (November 5th), Meucci not only has the returned cue, but he's still holding my $$$$.
So, AZ Billiards Forum readers...what do you think and do you have any creative ideas about how I might "accelerate the process of my promised refund" short of costly legal action...????
P.S. In the meantime, I'd highly recommend that you look elsewhere if you're in the market for a custom cue with redeeming quality of workmanship and lasting commercial value (particularly if you prefer NOT to deal with irresponsible, unreliable service and integrity issues from the manufacturer).
 
Meucci Custom? HAHAHAHAHAHAH

The on thing that has stuck out in my mind about BOB Meucci that I have heard from several prople is that his only regret in life is that he won't be able to scew everybody. Ekw it for what it's worth.

The first thing I would do is talk to a lawyer, find out what if any legal avenues you have, and then pursue accordingly, I had a similar problem with a national league system over non paymnet from their national event. after several months and proving to them that they were in the wrong they paid up because, If I took it to court they would have paid for the entire season cost of travel hotel stay and so on.

If iwas me I would figure up cost of cue, cost to have same cue made from another reputable cue maker. shipping, cost of your time, phone calls and then pay yourself a little and then throw that # at them and see where you stand,

Good luck
 
You may be able to bypass the lawyer part(unless you know a good one that can give free advice), by calling the local DA at wherever meucci is.

Find out what evidence and charges could be made, fax the communications and see if charges can be filed against muecci locally. Often the charges alone will be enough to get the refund and then you can drop the charges.

Also, this thing could also be done in small claims court(this is civil and not criminal) but that would require you to go to that town(I believe you can have someone acting on your behalf, but I'm really not sure).

But as I said talk to the local DA, he is the one that would be bringing(criminal) charges, not a personal lawyer....

Also be sure to call meucci before this informing him that you are about to call the DA or your lawyer, and that after that happens he would be responsibile for court cost and any attorny fee's, and if he wants to give a straight out refund now is the time.
 
MacGyver said:
You may be able to bypass the lawyer part(unless you know a good one that can give free advice), by calling the local DA at wherever meucci is.

Find out what evidence and charges could be made, fax the communications and see if charges can be filed against muecci locally. Often the charges alone will be enough to get the refund and then you can drop the charges.

Also, this thing could also be done in small claims court(this is civil and not criminal) but that would require you to go to that town(I believe you can have someone acting on your behalf, but I'm really not sure).

But as I said talk to the local DA, he is the one that would be bringing(criminal) charges, not a personal lawyer....

Also be sure to call meucci before this informing him that you are about to call the DA or your lawyer, and that after that happens he would be responsibile for court cost and any attorny fee's, and if he wants to give a straight out refund now is the time.

I've had issues with some of your posts in the NPR section but this is about as sound a piece of advice as you could give/get.
I have to give respect when someone posts something this informative.

Regards,
Koop
 
alstl said:
What does he want for the que?

I have no idea what he wants for the cue...???? My honest opinion is that he's making little or no effort to do anything, but I could be mistaken about that.
I do know he was extremely embarrassed and mad that I would highlight those problems and return the cue to him, but it was done exactly as we had discussed on the phone...the only surprise came when he said he would NOT refund my $$$$ "until" he sold the cue...and that stipulation was NEVER mentioned in any prior agreements...!!!
 
J.F. Shaffer said:
On September 1, 2005, I purchased a Meucci Original Custom Cue (Model BMC-1i) which was being promoted on Meucci's web-site. I spec'd out several customizations, including cue length, shaft diameter, and weight...all of this was done via a direct phone call with Bob Meucci and his daughter jointly discussing, and ultimately confirming, the order.
When the cue arrived (3 weeks later than promised), there were a number quality issues, including an incorrect overall length of the cue (+ 3/16"), a noticeable imperfection (depression in the wood) on one (1) shaft, the diameter taper dimensions were NOT as Bob Meucci personally quoted, and last, but not least...the promoted BMC Custom cue which was to be signed, dated, and numbered by Bob Meucci himself was, in fact, NOT signed, dated, or numbered...!!! This element alone speaks volumes about the lack of attention to detail, not to mention the fact that it nullifies the commercial value of a "Meucci Original".
Now, after discussing these concerns by phone directly with Bob Meucci, and confirming said conversation with an E_Mail, I agreed to "try" the cue, but with the open option to return the cue for a refund of the original price minus a 15% re-stocking fee...ultimately, the cue was returned and delivery confirmation received via UPS on October 13th.
However, upon inquiring by phone about my refund on October 27th (two (2) full weeks after it had been returned/received at Meucci), Bob Meucci's story now is that he won't refund any of my $$$$ until he "sells the customized cue", a condition that he absolutely NEVER brought into any prior communications...and, as of this writing (November 5th), Meucci not only has the returned cue, but he's still holding my $$$$.
So, AZ Billiards Forum readers...what do you think and do you have any creative ideas about how I might "accelerate the process of my promised refund" short of costly legal action...????
P.S. In the meantime, I'd highly recommend that you look elsewhere if you're in the market for a custom cue with redeeming quality of workmanship and lasting commercial value (particularly if you prefer NOT to deal with irresponsible, unreliable service and integrity issues from the manufacturer).
Why would you or anyone else buy a Meucci cue after sooooooooo many people out there have written about Meucci quality issues over the past few years!!!! i owned 2 Meucci cues 3 years ago nothing But Junk >>>>>>
 
Cuejoey is right about there being too many custom cue makers to spend money on something as questionable as a custom Meucci. May I ask how much you paid for the cue, and what the basic design was?

In addition to MacGyver's advice, I'd recommend telling Bob Meucci that you'll post the details of the transaction on every pool message forum you can find. I had a similar problem with a humidor I'd ordered online, but I suddenly got a refund with gobs of excuses after mentioning cigar forums and the BBB.

Interesting how Bob Meucci thinks the refund is hinged on his ability to sell the cue. "You sold me the wrong product, so would you put it on consignment for me?"
 
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Bob Meucci Customs

Direct to the player who wants something special:



BMC-1i
$490
1 shafts BMC-1b
$490
1 shafts
BMC-2ww
$790
2 shafts BMC-2bw
$790
2 shafts


Introducing a new limited edition line of cues, designed, signed, and dated by Bob Meucci himself.
There will only be 100 of each of the above cues ever made. Order now to get the lowest numbers.
These are collector's cues that will increase in value every year that you own them.

Call sales directly to arrange for your custom special to be built,
the waiting line is getting longer each week:​

Here is the ad for Bob Meucci Custom Cues, to be signed, dated and numbered, directly from www.meuccicues.com

As a person who has owned many, many Meucci cues and still collects Meucci Originals, it is sad and disturbing to see Meucci in its current state.
 
Bamacues said:
Bob Meucci Customs

Direct to the player who wants something special:



BMC-1i
$490
1 shafts BMC-1b
$490
1 shafts
BMC-2ww
$790
2 shafts BMC-2bw
$790
2 shafts


Introducing a new limited edition line of cues, designed, signed, and dated by Bob Meucci himself.
There will only be 100 of each of the above cues ever made. Order now to get the lowest numbers.
These are collector's cues that will increase in value every year that you own them.

Call sales directly to arrange for your custom special to be built,
the waiting line is getting longer each week:​

Here is the ad for Bob Meucci Custom Cues, to be signed, dated and numbered, directly from www.meuccicues.com

As a person who has owned many, many Meucci cues and still collects Meucci Originals, it is sad and disturbing to see Meucci in its current state.

Just what is so special about a Meucci Original that you think they are worth collecting?
Dick
 
rhncue said:
Just what is so special about a Meucci Original that you think they are worth collecting?
Dick
Because you get to argue with people over how to pronounce the name?
 
Use your credit card

I always tell people to never buy anything you can't pay for with a credit card. If you did use a credit card call the credit card company and they will get your money back. Good luck!!
 
Another option for these matters is file a complaint with the Attorney Generals office for that state. If they deal with a-holes like they do out here, you'll get a refund. File a complaint with the BBB too. It won't do much but it would make him go through the effort to reply. Its to bad more people don't follow up on such matters.

I doubt much would come of a court case. Even if you win collecting is another matter. Near 80 percent of such cases are never paid. As mentioned your best option as far as court cases go is if a DA would/could file criminal charges. Not likely and most of these a-holes bank on the fact most people won't take it that far. Be sure to contact the Attorney Generals office though. Let us know what happens.

Rod
 
rhncue said:
Just what is so special about a Meucci Original that you think they are worth collecting?
Dick

Dick,
They are what I started collecting some time back. Most are from the 70's or early 80's...Piano Cue, some MO's, Tomahawk, Quazar, Cues of Month, etc. I don't buy them anymore unless it is something I think is really rare, etc. The old cues are really nice playing cues, IMO, before red/black dot.

I will also say that if I wanted to sell my rarer Meucci Originals. I would have a very easy time of it. I have been offered top dollar for some of my old cues at shows like SBO, GCO, etc.
Joe
 
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Bamacues said:
Right...is is moo-chi or me-oo-chi?
Joe

Close....is it Shi-tty or Schi-tty?

Nick

Go look at some of the outright propoganda on his site:
Quote:An unsurpassed shaft taper which has never been copied effectively by any other manufacturer.

Whattever like the other guts can use a verneer caliper.
 
Right, but keeping with Jim's (J.F. Shaffer) problem with Meucci, I saw the cue when it arrived. It had several issues that I could easily see. One was a serious flaw/chip in one of the shafts, the taper was not what he wanted (in fact, the measurements on the 2 shafts were different from each other), the length was off somewhat. All in all, Jim could probably have overlooked and lived with those issues, but the cue was not signed, dated or numbered as a custom or "limited" production cue like the ad called for.

I had gotten Jim a Viking cue custom made to his particular specs in the past, and Jim wanted to upgrade to a "nicer" cue. Jim is "old school" in that he only plays with 57" cues with particular tapers, etc. He contacted Bob Meucci for one of his custom (remember, Bob advertises these as custom, not production) cues. He was very excited in that he dealt straight with Bob on the particulars of the cue and was looking forward to receiving something special. When he came over with the cue, he was just about sick, because it was just not what he had been promised, or what he felt he had paid for. It was just another production cue, not signed, dated, or numbered at all. Now he just wants a refund because he did not receive the product that was advertised or promised to him. Seems like a fair request to me.
 
In Writing

I experienced a similar problem with a custom ordered cue many years ago. Since that time I always confrm phone conversations with cue makers with a follow up letter, which lists the particulars. They sign and return a copy before I send the deposit. I have yet to have another problem, but if I do I at least have what was expected and agreed to in writing.

Joke:

Bob Meucci is walking down the street with a friend when they see this drop-dead gorgeous babe walk by. Bob's friend says "I'd really like to screw her." to which Bob replied "Out of what?"
 
Rod said:
I doubt much would come of a court case. Even if you win collecting is another matter. Near 80 percent of such cases are never paid.

Rod

Not necessarily true. Many states now have laws in place that if you are awarded a judgement against them, a lien is automatically slapped on the individual's property. In this case, against Meucci itself. Even if the company were to go into bankruptcy, or sale...you would be guaranteed payment before any action could be finalized. Most people don't take kindly to liens against their property!

Lisa
 
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