Southwests (and cues from most top cue makers) don't follow the same rules as normal commodity type items. Their cues are more like limited edition works of functional art that have incredible brand recognition. Think about it. No words or signatures... Just an engraved cactus with a serial number on the pin. Just by that, everyone knows what it is if they hadn't already figured it out by the design.
I honestly can't think of anything that I'd order knowing it's going to take nearly two decades to get. But, here's the thing, when you get on their list you're not ordering anything. You're simply putting your name on a list to maybe get a chance to order a cue one day. No deposit. No nothing. Just a name on a list. And I'd imagine that most people who get on that list basically forget they're on it at least to some degree. So calling it "waiting" probably isn't accurate for most cases. And if you really are "waiting' for your Southwest from the day you get on that list, you're doing it wrong and driving yourself unnecessarily crazy.
I used to wonder why they didn't bother to expand their business to try to get at least a little caught up on orders. But after thinking about it for just a little bit it all made sense. They don't have to. They know how many cues they need to make a year to hit their financial goals and they're able to do it. Plus, they know as much as any business can that they've got a steady flow of cash for the foreseeable future because people will continue to get on that list and buy cues when their number comes up.
Personally, I think it's beautiful that our little pool world has such a quirky and unique thing in it.
