To refund or not? That is my question....

Maybe.., Maybe not?

If you need the money, the deal is done, no return. If you dont need the money and think that in the end it will go a long way to helping put other deals together, no sweat, so long as the cue is in perfect condition.

I have moved many cues, 50+ and have been in your shoes a few times, if it not a big deal, dont make it one.
 
i think if you have already talked to the buyer you shouldnt now add a restocking fee.
the fact that you did not mention the buyers name and felt uncomfortable with not taking the cue back
speaks volumes for your character and hopefully you will have much success selling cues in the future
 
AnthonyLewis208 said:
I told the buyer that I would need the cue shipped back to me before I could refund anything, so as to allow me to evaluate its' condition and that if the cue was in the same condition that I would refund him his money less shipping costs...

I never mentioned, nor though about a restocking fee, but that does seem like a fair notion...idk...is it too late to mention that? Now I am in a position where I will have to potentially re-list a cue that has been discounted by me several times and has sold but has now been returned.

Thanks for all the input AZ. Much appreciated!!!! :):)
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Is it too late?!@?! Uhh, yeah. To return it!

Have no worries about changing the terms of the agreement. He certainly thinks it is possible to do so.

Nothing you do at this point should have you coming out behind or even, IMO. You did what you said you were going to do.

That said, maybe his Mom is gonna kick him out of the house and you'd be doing him a favor. Karma, and all that.

See: a simple matter to ponder!;)
 
AnthonyLewis208 said:
I told the buyer that I would need the cue shipped back to me before I could refund anything, so as to allow me to evaluate its' condition and that if the cue was in the same condition that I would refund him his money less shipping costs...

I never mentioned, nor though about a restocking fee, but that does seem like a fair notion...idk...is it too late to mention that? Now I am in a position where I will have to potentially re-list a cue that has been discounted by me several times and has sold but has now been returned.

Thanks for all the input AZ. Much appreciated!!!! :):)
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You're taking too much the worst of it. Now you gotta fade questions about why was the cue "sold" for so long and that guy returned it. Either gonna think it played like shit or looked like shit. Either way this is how cues turn to fire wood IMO, especially if the deal was online.

I just wouldn't do it man. Stick to your guns, in the end you will be better off for it.
 
I don't think this is a close call. We are impressed that you cared enough to ask for other opinions. But the buyer must have liked the cue for the first three days enough not to contact you. For many/most players, pool is a head game. The buyer's head is working against him. This is a common adjustment period for a new cue. The buyer needs to work with the cue to get back the feeling that made him want to keep it after 3 days. This is not your problem.

I don't agree that this will help your reputation for future transactions. You don't want a reputation as a seller who can be manipulated by a buyer. You don't want that kind of customer. You have been more than fair.
 
You've been more than fair if all is as described.. Buyer remorse, you gave him 3 days, not 2 weeks! JMHO
 
AnthonyLewis208 said:
I'll make it short and sweet.

I sold a cue two weeks ago...

Told the buyer that they had 3 days to test the cue out and if they did not like it they needed to return it to me at that time for a full refund and that the cue had to be in the same condition as when I sold it....

Sooooooo.....it has been two weeks and now the buyer says he does not like the hit of the cue and wants to return it to me for a full refund...

Should I accept this or not?

I want to do the right thing but two weeks!!!???? Seems like too long of a time span to pass and still offer back a refund. Especially since I specified that they had 3 days to try the cue out and make sure it was "right" for them..

Thoughts/advise would be greatly appreciated AZ :)
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I think its just good buisness to refund the money. Two weeks really isn't that long of a period of time anyways. I know with my schedule with all my kids stuff, it could definitely take me more than 3 days to correctly assess a cues hit. You did tell him 3 days, so you could deny the payment, but then you just have an unhappy customer who will probably bad mouth you. As long as the cue is in the same condition, I can't see why you wouldn't take it back.
 
How many dealers would accept a cue back and fully refund after two weeks? Obviously, the terms were clear as to the 'trial' period.

I gotta agree...I would be hard pressed to even entertain taking the cue back after two weeks...too much time in conditions you are unaware of...talk about a gamble!

Seriously....how many people here have purchased cues...either on the secondary market or even from a maker themselves...that turned out not to be their cup o' tea? Would a retail pool/billiard supplier accept back a cue after two weeks?....I'm thinkin' not.

After the third day, and no contact....the cue was the buyer's. That buyer is now free to do what they wish with that cue....including relisting it for sale if they do not like how it plays.

Lisa
 
mantis99 said:
I think its just good buisness to refund the money. Two weeks really isn't that long of a period of time anyways. I know with my schedule with all my kids stuff, it could definitely take me more than 3 days to correctly assess a cues hit. You did tell him 3 days, so you could deny the payment, but then you just have an unhappy customer who will probably bad mouth you. As long as the cue is in the same condition, I can't see why you wouldn't take it back.
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Would you sell someone a car...and then refund them two weeks later because they didn't like the way it handled? Again....I'm thinkin' not.

Anthony listed some cues for sale here because he has had a new addition to his family, and the extra income was needed. When you start entertaining one 'two week tire kicker' then the precedent is set...and they will start coming outta the woodwork, and why not? Who wouldn't love to have a nice cue to tote around for two weeks for basically free?!!

Family or otherwise...when I get a 'new' cue in, I'm gonna take the time to assess it ASAP...in case there are issues, so that immediate contact can be made and some sort of resolution worked out. However, if it is not a construction/manufacturer defect, I am not going to return a cue because I do not like how it plays....I should've have done MY research and understood what to expect....so now, it's on me.

Lisa
 
Typically, the return is to protect the buyer from the cue or item not being accurately described (i.e. not straight, finish issues, weight differentials, thickness of shafts, etc.). I'm guessing it has been described well because he was happy with it out of the box.

The hit of a cue is subjective, something that feels great to one, may not feel great to the new owner. I do not feel that 'how a cue plays' should be a criteria to return it after 2 weeks, there are too many variances in what people think of deflection, stiff vs. soft hit, etc.

Try ordering a new cue to your specs and it being delivered exactly as promised, and than asking for a refund if you don't like the hit.

In this case, it appears that this transaction falls into 3 categories to cause him to want to return the cue: 1) either the buyer wanted to flip it and it fell through; 2) the buyer was disappointed in the cues play (for him); or 3) buyer's remorse. None of these should be a reason for a return.

If the cue wasn't as described, definitely accept the return, all other reasons you are under no obligation. If you decide to accept the return, it would be nice if you named the person who returned it so others will know about the potential selling pitfalls before accepting their offer.

Cheers,

Dave
 
mikeyfrost said:
You don't owe them anything at all. That's a fact, don't even sweat it. This is restocking fee territory,

I'd offer them maximum 80% return plus whatever condition change you deem in the cue, like if it needs a refinish now or something then take that out too. No reason people should come back to you weeks later looking for a refund, that don't fly.

I had a guy I bought a cue from and after that time passed, he sent me a message like hope you are enjoying the cue...cause ITS YOURS now. I knew what he meant but I liked the cue so it was cool and those were the terms.
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I like this response the best, 20% is a very fair restocking fee. Given the opportunity to send the cue back for an 80% refund, the buyer may decide to keep it. You are being very generous under the circumstances. Saying they are unhappy with the hit is not a valid excuse. What I suspect happened is that he played with the cue several times, and decided he didn't like it that much. This is probably a guy who changes his mind frequently on cues. If he ends up keeping it, he may tell you next year how much he loves the cue!

I have sold many cues online, here and on eBay. On one deal the buyer was unhappy with one of the two shafts. He wanted me buy him another shaft ($200 - Bob Hunter cue), which I refused to do. I told him that he could return the cue for a refund. He ended up keeping it.

On a second deal, I sold a very nice high end Jacoby in perfect condition. The buyer was all excited about getting this cue and thanked me via e-mail afterwords. About a week later he wrote to me and told me he lost his job and needed to get his money back. I did not give him a refund. IMO losing your job (whether true or not?) is no excuse for backing out of a deal. He got what he paid for at a bargain price. I told him he should have no trouble reselling the cue. He gave me negative feedback on eBay. :confused:
 
AnthonyLewis208 said:
I'll make it short and sweet.

I sold a cue two weeks ago...

Told the buyer that they had 3 days to test the cue out and if they did not like it they needed to return it to me at that time for a full refund and that the cue had to be in the same condition as when I sold it....

Sooooooo.....it has been two weeks and now the buyer says he does not like the hit of the cue and wants to return it to me for a full refund...

Should I accept this or not?

I want to do the right thing but two weeks!!!???? Seems like too long of a time span to pass and still offer back a refund. Especially since I specified that they had 3 days to try the cue out and make sure it was "right" for them..

Thoughts/advise would be greatly appreciated AZ :)
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i hate to say it but you shouldn't refund anything. the deal was 3 days. it's been over 3 so it's a done deal.

you could be a nice guy and offer to buy it back from him. but obviously you couldn't buy it back for the same price you sold it for
 
I buy cues, tables and other things fairly often. I would describe myself as a bargin shopper and a little bit nitty but not over-the-top. Further, before I pull the trigger on any deal I make damn sure I can live with the transaction either way. And I never buy full price on impulse alone.

I get the feeling that your customer is either: 1.) impulse shopper but really wants the right cue or 2.) he/she is trying to earn a living flipping cues on AZ.

If No.1 is true you can't go wrong working something out. Maybe a trade or a refund or a store credit.

If No. 2 is true they are the new owner and should know better.

Also, the cue itself would have an impact on my decision. did I like the cue? Would I rather have the cue back at 80% investment?
 
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20% restocking fee is more than fair. Guess in the future you have to act like a lawyer and have a sliding scale of refund policy depending on when they want to return it. If you don't everyone wants to make up their own rules and slam you in reputation if you don't comply. Part of dealing with the general public. I cant tell you how many times I have sold something as a "Final Sale" and have people want to renegotiate months later.
 
Only read the very first post and the solution is plain and simple. If both parties agree on a trial/test period and that time is passed then the sale is final. The seller is under no obligation to send a refund of anykind, unless they chose to.
 
wahcheck said:
Hi....I agree with all those who say you do not owe him a refund..........

but if you feel you want to, a 25% restocking fee plus checking the cue for any damage or wear before you give him any money back would be fair, in my opinion.
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I am leaning this way if it was an in person deal....

If it was done online thru ebay or another service I would decline simply because of the hassle involved in doing the refund... You gave him 3 days in which you were willing to deal with the hassle after that the money gets spent..........
 
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