Purchasing Cues From Certain Websites

Kel_82

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I would like to know why cues cost more If you order them directly from their site. Example, the JOSCOM (N7) is $850 from the joss website, but can be found brand new from $700-$765 on other sites, AND the other sites offer free cases etc with purchase where the actual manufacturer offer nothing.

Can someone explain to me if the ones sold at Joss are higher In quality, or if the other sites are just a better deal.
 
Like many things the cues at the mfg website are being sold at MSRP. They establish what they feel is a good price for their product that will give the dealer a good profit margin. They then sell the cues at wholesale prices to these retailers who can then sell them for whatever they want. Many offer them at less than MSRP at a cost that they feel gives them enough of a profit while remaining competitive in pricing. The mfg can't sell below MSRP really as then they would upset some resellers who do try to charge that much. Often you'll find places online selling for less than brick and mortar stores, some of which probably are right at MSRP.

When it comes to production cues you'll definitely be better off purchasing through a reseller most of the time. There isn't going to be any difference in quality.
 
As a dealer, the manufacturers give me three price lists.

1. MSRP - What they believe it's worth.

2. MAP - The minimum price I can advertise their products for sale. This is generally 15-20% depending on the manufacturer. This is designed to prevent dealers, retailers and distributors from having price wars and driving the value into junk. The idea of the MAP also gives online retailers a lower price because you have to wait on shipping vs the MSRP when you buy it in the store.

3. Cost - This is the price a dealer pays less shipping.

You can usually save money by shopping online through a retailer who, although can only list the MAP discount, will offer tons of free goodies to get you to fork over the cc digits.

If you don't care about the cheap goodies and just want a good deal on a nice cue or case, speak directly with a dealer.

MSRP and MAP only apply (generally speaking) when the sell price is posted, printed or otherwise publicly viewable.
 
I spoke with Dan Janes today. He has the solution, he's going to make me what I really want.... A JOSCOM with 5 points instead of 4 :)
 
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