Need Advice on Cue Purchase and Return situation

[clarkie39]

I’d really appreciate everyone’s opinion on this transaction. I’m going to try to explain everything as clearly and unbiased as possible. If I’m in the wrong, please let me know — or help me understand how to handle this better. I'm not cue dealer.. Just becoming a small cue collector.

About a month ago, I was interested in purchasing a collector’s cue. Specifically, a Southwest cue from a reputable cue dealer on this site. I don't wanna say his name because I honestly like the guy. He seemed like a nice guy and, before we proceeded with the sale, he Face Timed me to show the cue and several others to prove he was legit — which I really appreciated.

After some thought, I realized I really wanted a Tascarella instead to add to my collection. He could tell I was unsure, and during our conversation, he mentioned that he runs a Facebook page and that if "I didn’t like the cue, I could return it". That gave me peace of mind, so I decided to go ahead and purchase the Tascerella cue instead. H wanted me to send via PayPal “Friends and Family.” That didn’t bother me because I trusted him. The cue arrived in perfect condition — nothing at all wrong with it. It just didn’t feel right to me. It wasn’t my style.
I contacted him told him it was in excellent condition but that I didn’t like the way it felt. He then told me "I couldn’t return it". At that point, I was confused and irritated. It felt like I got hustled. He offered to take it back with a 5–10% restocking fee. I wasn’t okay with that and said I wanted a full refund. After some back and forth via text, he eventually agreed to a "full refund" that . I was relieved.

However, he said it would take two weeks to sell the cue before he could refund me. I wasn’t thrilled, but I understood. Now it's been a month, and I’ve only received about 65% of the money. I just want my balance I even told him to subtract the 5% restock fee. He says he still needs more time.

I understand that he's a cue dealer and cash flow can be an issue, and I’m trying to be fair about that. But we had an couple different agreements that he hasnt honored.

I’m open to hearing thoughts. How would you handle this?

 

[KenneyTran]

Ok, I’m gonna be straight and honest. The cue dealer that cue is me.
Here’s my side of the story.
I sold him a beautiful and perfect condition Tascarella with a great price. During the sell, we did video chat, I sent him all the descriptions about the cue. He was very skeptical about buying the cue with me and paying PayPal friend and family. I did told him that I will give him a full refund if any issues. From my aspect of issues is mishaps from shipping if it get lost, or damage, and if there’s any false information that I gave during and in the cue transaction. I even sent him express shipping after it was sold. The cue came to him and took it to a pool hall and tested it. After few days, he told me that he wanted a return the cues to me and get a full refund. He said the cue is abit light for his liking and he thinks that he found the Gina cue that he likes.
I asked if there’s any issues or problems of the cues. He said no issues at all, just the cue may not fit him, so he wants refund. I told him that, it’s not possible due to, I can’t guarantee on how people feel or buyer remorse. I was guaranteed the condition of the cue sent to you as perfect or as how I described it to be. I offered him with other cues that I have and a trade but he won’t do it.
I also talked to few of my cue dealers friend about this issue, they said no such thing as return the $$$ but if this customer is a good friend then 5% “restocking fee” is good. Honestly, I didn’t want to charge the guy, but here’s my issues. I’m from Canada, received and ship out item cost more moneys than usa. Also, receive a cue also cost me duty tax on it. So that 5-10% makes sense. I offered him to help him sell it or find a buyer and have him ship out the cue. He starts to call me Names n such, then he also threatened me to let people know.
The cue is beautiful and I sold to him at a very beautiful price, so I offered to take it back but I will need 2 weeks to post it and sell it as fast as I can. After 2 weeks, even though lots of offers, but mostly traded and cash offer. I told him I’m trying my best but as SBE is getting closer, it’ll be tough, so I offered him 2800$ of which 65% of the amount. He messaged me after a week to demand the rest, he threatened me if I don’t pay him back asap cause he’s going on vacation. I told him, I’m trying my best and not many people able to buy it now as SBE in 10 days. He went and said “that’s not my business, pay or I will post about you”.

So here we are, what do y’all think?

 

[clarkie39]

Everything Kenny said about the cue being in perfect condition is true. He was responsive, FaceTimed me, and shipped quickly. No issues with how the cue was represented or delivered.

What caused confusion is this: Very simple... During the sale, I remember he specifically said I could return the cue if "I didn’t like it". That gave me the confidence to move forward, even with the PayPal Friends & Family payment.

To be fair, Kenny agreed via text to give me a full refund. I was told it would take about two weeks to resell it, which I accepted. Now it’s been over a month and I’ve only received 65% back. I’ve followed up, and I know he’s trying. I have no recourse or buyer protection. That’s why I’ve been pressing for the remaining balance.

 

[bigpocket]

I’d really appreciate everyone’s opinion on this transaction. I’m going to try to explain everything as clearly and unbiased as possible. If I’m in the wrong, please let me know — or help me understand how to handle this better. I'm not cue dealer.. Just becoming a small cue collector.

About a month ago, I was interested in purchasing a collector’s cue. Specifically, a Southwest cue from a reputable cue dealer on this site. I don't wanna say his name because I honestly like the guy. He seemed like a nice guy and, before we proceeded with the sale, he Face Timed me to show the cue and several others to prove he was legit — which I really appreciated.

After some thought, I realized I really wanted a Tascarella instead to add to my collection. He could tell I was unsure, and during our conversation, he mentioned that he runs a Facebook page and that if "I didn’t like the cue, I could return it". That gave me peace of mind, so I decided to go ahead and purchase the Tascerella cue instead. H wanted me to send via PayPal “Friends and Family.” That didn’t bother me because I trusted him. The cue arrived in perfect condition — nothing at all wrong with it. It just didn’t feel right to me. It wasn’t my style.
I contacted him told him it was in excellent condition but that I didn’t like the way it felt. He then told me "I couldn’t return it". At that point, I was confused and irritated. It felt like I got hustled. He offered to take it back with a 5–10% restocking fee. I wasn’t okay with that and said I wanted a full refund. After some back and forth via text, he eventually agreed to a "full refund" that . I was relieved.

However, he said it would take two weeks to sell the cue before he could refund me. I wasn’t thrilled, but I understood. Now it's been a month, and I’ve only received about 65% of the money. I just want my balance I even told him to subtract the 5% restock fee. He says he still needs more time.

I understand that he's a cue dealer and cash flow can be an issue, and I’m trying to be fair about that. But we had an couple different agreements that he hasnt honored.

I’m open to hearing thoughts. How would you handle this?

Sounds like you have buyers remorse. I think he described the cue as it should have been. You decided that you wanted a different cue instead. I say its now your cue. That you have to try to sell it. He did his part.

 

[clarkie39]

I told him I didn’t like the cue because I was under the impression that I could return it if it didn’t suit me. If I had known that wasn’t the case, I obviously would’ve come up with a "different reason" — like saying it didn't rolled straight or pointing out a flaw. But I was honest, because I truly believed returning it was an option.

 

[Kid Dynomite]

Once you play with it and chalk it!

No one can guarantee something as subjective as a pool cue playablablity !

I am surprised that the seller has done as much as he did....


Based on your own account of the situation the seller did nothing wrong!

Nothing but get upset because you are asking for something he never promised!

Despite not making the promise ! Took the item back and working on the situation you created!

In my opinion! You owe the seller an apology! He didn't owe you a refund and you didn't have grounds to return the pool cue!

Another cue coming on the market is not grounds for a return!

But, you know that

Just trying to hurt the seller! A seller that should have sent the cue back to you and let you deal with .....

Kd

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[Bishop]

Once you play with it and chalk it!

No one can guarantee something as subjective as a pool cue playablablity !

I am surprised that the seller has done as much as he did....


Based on your own account of the situation the seller did nothing wrong!

Nothing but get upset because you are asking for something he never promised!

Despite not making the promise ! Took the item back and working on the situation you created!

In my opinion! You owe the seller an apology! He didn't owe you a refund and you didn't have grounds to return the pool cue!

Another cue coming on the market is not grounds for a return!

But, you know that

Just trying to hurt the seller! A seller that should have sent the cue back to you and let you deal with .....

Kd

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

I almost always agree with you and most of your points are valid. But my stance is different.

This is how it goes when you do business these days. The cue was perfect. As long as it’s returned in exactly the same condition then issue the refund. No harm no foul.

Restocking fees upon review look fair. However. The buyer should also eat the cost to return it. Especially since the cue was delivered in said condition.

The buyer may end up doing business with the seller again down the road. In my opinion the relationship and happy customer is worth the hassle of the return.

No one screwed anyone over here.

I would absolutely chalk this up to business as usual and you win way more than you lose.

I’d refund the guy. Sell the cue to someone else and keep OP a happy potential customer.

That’s just me and it’s just an opinion. I don’t think you’re wrong nor do I think the seller is wrong. But I always lean into the path of least confrontation and best outcome for everyone.

I have absolutely given out refunds to undeserving customers. A lot of times they circle back and overall I come out on top.

I have learned over the years that doing good business isn’t always going to be on my ideal terms.

 

[jmonche]

Every person is different. There is no right and no wrong. I am not a pro seller, but rather an end user who sells a cue here and there and buys another one. It's a hobby, not a job. If I sell a cue I want to make sure the other person is completely happy, even if it costs me. I sold a new Barnhart cue not that long ago. The buyer played with it at a weekend tournament and then on the following Monday let me know that he did not like the way it played. I took it back and issued a complete refund although the new Barnhart was now used. A lot of guys are like me, but a lot are not. I bought a cue recently, owned if for just hours and really did not care for it. I told the seller about it, but did not ask to return it. He made no offer to take it back, and that was that, all of which is his right. I had bought it, it's mine. Again, there is no right or wrong. Best thing to do is make notes for yourself for the future.

 

[Kid Dynomite]

I almost always agree with you and most of your points are valid. But my stance is different.

This is how it goes when you do business these days. The cue was perfect. As long as it’s returned in exactly the same condition then issue the refund. No harm no foul.

Restocking fees upon review look fair. However. The buyer should also eat the cost to return it. Especially since the cue was delivered in said condition.

The buyer may end up doing business with the seller again down the road. In my opinion the relationship and happy customer is worth the hassle of the return.

No one screwed anyone over here.

I would absolutely chalk this up to business as usual and you win way more than you lose.

I’d refund the guy. Sell the cue to someone else and keep OP a happy potential customer.

That’s just me and it’s just an opinion. I don’t think you’re wrong nor do I think the seller is wrong. But I always lean into the path of least confrontation and best outcome for everyone.

I have absolutely given out refunds to undeserving customers. A lot of times they circle back and overall I come out on top.

I have learned over the years that doing good business isn’t always going to be on my ideal terms.

Thanks

My point is that the buyer is

wrong for posting this to hurt the seller!


Wrong for requesting a refund!

But , I see the wisdom in refunding as a good business practice!

He asked for opinions!

The seller is not obligated to hold onto the money! He uses it as he sees fit! Once the cue arrived and played with ! The seller using the funds for other projects is normal....


Having used the funds and being blind sided with a return that lacks merit! It is only correct to shut up and let the seller have the time asked for to move money around!

The seller knows the dealer has a better chance of moving the cue than they do...

The seller acknowledged the balance owed on the refund and is doing what they can.

But , based on my read! The expectations are that 6k is supposed to be just laying around to refund the buyer, and there is no logical reason for that to be the case....


Kd


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[j2pac]

Sounds like you have buyers remorse. I think he described the cue as it should have been. You decided that you wanted a different cue instead. I say its now your cue. That you have to try to sell it. He did his part.

How so? If you tell someone that you will accept a return for ANY reason, then honor your word. The seller set the terms of the agreement. I don't have a dog in this fight. Just my opinion based on what I'm reading.
FWIW, Kenny seems to be a pretty honorable seller, based on what I've seen over the years.

 

[Kid Dynomite]

How so? If you tell someone that you will accept a return for ANY reason, then honor your word. The seller set the terms of the agreement. I don't have a dog in this fight. Just my opinion based on what I'm reading.
FWIW, Kenny seems to be a pretty honorable seller, based on what I've seen over the years.

You really believe that a refund for any reason exists!

Let alone for the reason being another cue came on market and despite the seller doing nothing wrong! A buyer can exercise a refund.....

I believe that the seller had limitations and logical expectations!

Kd

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[KenneyTran]

How so? If you tell someone that you will accept a return for ANY reason, then honor your word. The seller set the terms of the agreement. I don't have a dog in this fight. Just my opinion based on what I'm reading.
FWIW, Kenny seems to be a pretty honorable seller, based on what I've seen over the years.

I was in the process of paying him back his refund, and I don’t mind it at all. I sold that cue to him much lesser than what it worth. When we were chatting about the cue, I was ensure that the cue is perfect condition and he would love it. I also ensure about the cue shipping as he afraid it’ll get damaged through shipping. I also making sure to sent him all the details on the cue. I never ever promise about how it play nor how he would feel about the cue. How many cue sellers ever promised will refund based on how buyer feel. There alway reasons like too heavy, too light,the wrap doesn’t feel right issues, but I tried to give him options to take another cue or I’ll help him sell back. I asked for two weeks but it didn’t happened. I gave him 2585, and I asked for more time to sell. He pressured me n pressing for the rest of the $. Now, he called me names n threatens me. I’m trying to protect my name and also my reputation, but I’m not gonna let people threat or called me names.

 

[AnthonyLewis208]

What Joe said...

 

[j2pac]

You really believe that a refund for any reason exists!

Let alone for the reason being another cue came on market and despite the seller doing nothing wrong! A buyer can exercise a refund.....

I believe that the seller had limitations and logical expectations!

Kd

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

If that is what was stated, then yes. Obviously just sifting through the situation secondhand makes it tough to determine the exact language involved in the deal. Words mean things. If I offer someone a refund for ANY reason, then I mean ANY reason.

Going forward, if it were me, and we're talking about cues north of a few thousand dollars, I would clearly spell out the terms of the return policy, and a timely window for return acceptance.

As the seller, I would have probably held on to the funds for a few days, in the event that the buyer wanted a return. Hopefully all this gets ironed out, and both parties are as happy as can be. In situations like this, I think clarity with regards to the terms of the deal is paramount. I would have likely gotten the terms ironed out in writing, or saved the communication chain, when purchasing/selling a cue worth a few thousand dimes, but that's just me.

Just an opinion from the cheap seats.

 

[j2pac]

I was in the process of paying him back his refund, and I don’t mind it at all. I sold that cue to him much lesser than what it worth. When we were chatting about the cue, I was ensure that the cue is perfect condition and he would love it. I also ensure about the cue shipping as he afraid it’ll get damaged through shipping. I also making sure to sent him all the details on the cue. I never ever promise about how it play nor how he would feel about the cue. How many cue sellers ever promised will refund based on how buyer feel. There alway reasons like too heavy, too light,the wrap issues, but I tried to give him options to take another cue or I’ll help him sell back. I asked for two weeks but it didn’t happened. I gave him 2585, and I asked for more time to sell. He pressured me n pressing for the rest of the $. Now, he called me names n threatens me. I’m trying to protect my name and also my reputation, but I’m not gonna let people threat or called me names.

I have no reason to doubt you. Going forward, I would clearly state the exact terms of the return policy, and a window for said return. I wish the two of the best, and hope that you can reach an amicable outcome.
Best regards
j2

 

[KenneyTran]

I have no reason to doubt you. Going forward, I would clearly state the exact terms of the return policy, and a window for said return. I wish the two of the best, and hope that you can reach an amicable outcome.
Best regards
j2

Thanks bro. See you at the SBE, I’ll be at grassley booth. With coffee machine

 

[Biloxi Boy]

"I did told him that I will give him a full refund if any issues." I think this is clear, but if not, who should bear the burden of ambiguity? This matter has been clearly settled at law for a long, long time.

 

[j2pac]

You really believe that a refund for any reason exists!

Let alone for the reason being another cue came on market and despite the seller doing nothing wrong! A buyer can exercise a refund.....

I believe that the seller had limitations and logical expectations!

Kd

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

"I believe that the seller had limitations and logical expectations!"

We don't necessarily disagree. I'm just saying that if you tell someone ANY reason, that means ANY reason. If you have limitations or logical expectations as a seller, then set those expectations up front.
The buyer can only read what you write, not what you think.

 

[j2pac]

Thanks bro. See you at the SBE, I’ll be at grassley booth. With coffee machine

If I make it out there I will certainly drop but to say hello.

 

[Kid Dynomite]

"I did told him that I will give him a full refund if any issues." I think this is clear, but if not, who should bear the burden of ambiguity? This matter has been clearly settled at law for a long, long time.

Issues is a specific term!

What was the issues?

Per buyers own words! None....

Kd

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