was that TONY ZINZOLAS hand in my pocket?

[Kickin' Chicken]

I just want my cue like everyone else in here, just want to be sure all this info is true before I make my next move..I have no relationship with Tony other than customer.

right off the top you have heard from the op, tikkler, danktrees, travd, and myself, who, combined, have a score of 307 all positive iTraders. We have relayed first-hand reports of Tony Zinzola's poor quality work, dishonesty, lies, and many excuses why cues were either messed up or not finished (or shipped).

There are 10 pages containing other similar stories on this thread.

I think it's safe now for you to be sure that "all this info is true".

best,
brian kc

 

[CMD]

Not sure what happened? The dealings I have had with Tony went well. Hopefully he can make this right with all of his customers.

How many $3,000 cues have you ordered from him?



<~~~~ thinks the number is under 1

 

[Koop]

Koop

I don't enjoy posting this up but it had to be done. This scumbag stole too many people money and he thinks is okay and thinks we owe it to him. When I talk to him before i can hear him smirk over the phone and think this shit is funny.

Don't blame you at all, man.
Truthfully, I wish more people would come out with the negatives but get so beat up on here they are afraid to. At least knowing this stuff it might help people going forward.

 

[hang-the-9]

So this leaves N.E with what, two good cuemakers left? Webb and Drexler?

Shame, I have seen quite a few Zinzola cues for sale on AZB and have always thought they were very well made with a good reputation, especially concidering the prices they went for.

He was one of the makers I was going to approach at some point to make my son a cue when he got older, off the list now for sure.

 

[Kickin' Chicken]

So this leaves N.E with what, two good cuemakers left? Webb and Drexler?

Shame, I have seen quite a few Zinzola cues for sale on AZB and have always thought they were very well made with a good reputation, especially concidering the prices they went for.

He was one of the makers I was going to approach at some point to make my son a cue when he got older, off the list now for sure.

don't forget joe callaluca, barry cameron, and greg kucharsky.

best,
brian kc

 

[iba7467]

Here's what I don't understand

This guy says he has another relatively successful business which keeps him too busy to build cues. Ok, all well and good. If I remember correctly he numbered his cues starting at 1 and has at least 110 on his site. Meaning he has sold and been paid for at least that many and let's assume averaging $1,500 per cue which should be low considering what everyone here has said. That mean $165,000 in additional revenue beyond his "day job".

The above does not even include all the people he owes or who have paid deposits or more on pending cues. So the question must be asked why can't he pay people back. I am making no accusation but normally when someone has large amounts of discretionary income that flows out as quickly as it comes in its either going up their nose or in their arm. I hope someone close to Tony is checking on him. He and/or his family may be in danger if this is the case. Everyone deserves what is owed them, but his family does not deserve to be in harm's way.

 

[Koop]

So this leaves N.E with what, two good cuemakers left? Webb and Drexler?

Shame, I have seen quite a few Zinzola cues for sale on AZB and have always thought they were very well made with a good reputation, especially concidering the prices they went for.

He was one of the makers I was going to approach at some point to make my son a cue when he got older, off the list now for sure.

Joe Callaluca should be in there too. He makes a great playing cue as well.

 

[hang-the-9]

Joe Callaluca should be in there too. He makes a great playing cue as well.

Thanks I heard that name but did not know he was local to N.E.

Found this quote from Mike Webb about Joe "To start with which has nothing to do with his cues, Joe is a true Gentleman,
He makes a nice hitting cue. His point and inlay work is clean. He cares about his cue making."

I know Mike and I know he does not bullshit about his ideas so if he said Joe does good work, we can be sure he does.

 

[Koop]

Thanks I heard that name but did not know he was local to N.E.

Found this quote from Mike Webb about Joe "To start with which has nothing to do with his cues, Joe is a true Gentleman,
He makes a nice hitting cue. His point and inlay work is clean. He cares about his cue making."

I know Mike and I know he does not bullshit about his ideas so if he said Joe does good work, we can be sure he does.

True story:
When Country Club was still open in Chelmsford a bunch of us met there to shoot around. Tony and Joe were both there and I got to hit with both cues. I will say this, Tony makes a very pretty cue but when it comes to hit and playability, Joe's was hands down my favorite.
If, for some reason, something happened to where I couldn't get another Webb, I would definitely ask Joe to make me a cue.

 

[KRJ]

I love and cherish my Zinzola and couldn't be happier!! About lack of ability?? I find it hard to believe that Tony would put out something less then amazing. He re-did my cue and it came out GORGEOUS!! It seems most arent too happy but my god is my cue brilliant!! He was very punctually and professional in my purchase. I have no problems with Mr. Zinzola

that's great... of course, the value now only has one way to go with the junk he is putting out now.... nobody will remember the good cues, only the bad ones like this POS shown in the thread, his lack of character and integrity, and the rest is history.

Just another thief caught with his hand in the cookie jar, and the inability to control the quality of his own cues....

Zinzola for sale.. not interested, ever.. when I buy a cue, I don't want to have to figure out if this was his "down" period or not... just pass... much easier. Just too many great makers out there to even go this route...

 

[Big-Tattoo]

Here is a Thread from the Liar TZ
I asked Tony before I buy that Cue, the ringwork will Looks not perfect in the Pic and he replied me, trust me it's a ugly Pic EVERTHING is perfect don't worry, okay I but it and when it comes HORRIBLE, i was pissed off from this Liar nothing was good
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=121338
burn in H..L
Ralf

 

[mia]

Here is a Thread from the Liar TZ
I asked Tony before I buy that Cue, the ringwork will Looks not perfect in the Pic and he replied me, trust me it's a ugly Pic EVERTHING is perfect don't worry, okay I but it and when it comes HORRIBLE, i was pissed off from this Liar nothing was good
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=121338
burn in H..L
Ralf

Not sure why anyone would buy the "it's just a glare in the pics" excuse. Those barbells are awful and clearly WAY off.

But when did you take delivery of this one?? If you hated this cue so much why order others direct from Tony after the fact?

 

[Monstermash]

Perfect diagnosis! I think the rules in the For Sale forum really contribute to this problem. I can say "monster cue" and "hits a ton" in every freakin post. But if I want to post, "why is this regular cue from a new maker priced over $550?" or "the inlays don't look right," I'm subject to being banned. It's a perfect echo chamber that can lure in the unwary buyer.

DING! DING! DING! EXACTY!

FWIW, I had an interesting (almost) encounter with Tony right before SBE this year. Seeing this, I'm glad I dodged that bullet.

I'm sorry Steve has to deal with this crap. He and I have had our disagreements but it all ended well. He's a class act and I hope he gets made whole.

 

[Drawman623]

Don't blame you at all, man.
Truthfully, I wish more people would come out with the negatives but get so beat up on here they are afraid to. At least knowing this stuff it might help people going forward.

I suspect others who feel the same way are quiet because they have deposits and hopes of some day getting their cues. Steve has been clear that he has written Tony off. There are others, I believe, who avoid joining in because they cannot afford to lose their investment.

It is not about the money...it is faith in cuemakers and the order process, business on a handshake, and trust toward others who offer products we crave.

Worminator was right to note that in dealing with a broker, the guess work is gone...the cue is in hand, and you are in control as a buyer. Even the greatest builders are susceptible to the unexpected...but guys who have no proven record of integrity are a crap shoot at best.

Another member mentioned several makers who were honorable and reliable in their business practice...Like Keith Josey...I'm reminded of what a credit these kinds of cuemakers are to the industry/sport.

Lastly, I've bought direct from several builders who don't accept deposit money up front. I've been told that if I don't hold up my end, they won't build me another cue...that kind of confidence sells in my opinion.

 

[wawacue]

I suspect others who feel the same way are quiet because they have deposits and hopes of some day getting their cues. Steve has been clear that he has written Tony off. There are others, I believe, who avoid joining in because they cannot afford to lose their investment.

It is not about the money...it is faith in cuemakers and the order process, business on a handshake, and trust toward others who offer products we crave.

Worminator was right to note that in dealing with a broker, the guess work is gone...the cue is in hand, and you are in control as a buyer. Even the greatest builders are susceptible to the unexpected...but guys who have no proven record of integrity are a crap shoot at best.

Another member mentioned several makers who were honorable and reliable in their business practice...Like Keith Josey...I'm reminded of what a credit these kinds of cuemakers are to the industry/sport.

Lastly, I've bought direct from several builders who don't accept deposit money up front. I've been told that if I don't hold up my end, they won't build me another cue...that kind of confidence sells in my opinion.

there no need to stay quite because most of them are not getting their property because he have his chance to pay Steve * Tikkler * back the money last year when he called me for help and others for help, I'm sure he told others the same story about Steve threaten him and he wants to pay Steve back and move on. afterward, he pocket the money to take his family on vacation on his buyer expenses and not delivering what was owed.

Some feel comfortable going through a dealer and some likes to deal direct but regardless which route any one takes, dealer or cue maker should have a spine to stand on. there alot of stand up cue maker with great principle and honors.

In my opinion, AZ need to put up a new area for all the dishonest cue makers name put up such as T.Z. being on top of the list to beware not to order or purchase anything.

 

[tikkler]

Hey

On Monday my attorney will be contacting the district attorneys office in zinzolas area. we will find out what exactly is the right course and what we need to do.

TO ALL THE PEOPLE THAT GOT RIPPED OFF BY ZINZOLA PLEASE PM ME, SO THAT WE CAN INCLUDE YOU IN OUR CASE.

Tommie, I will keep you up to date on what information we get back.


.

 

[flyvirginiaguy]

On Monday my attorney will be contacting the district attorneys office in zinzolas area. we will find out what exactly is the right course and what we need to do.

TO ALL THE PEOPLE THAT GOT RIPPED OFF BY ZINZOLA PLEASE PM ME, SO THAT WE CAN INCLUDE YOU IN OUR CASE.

Tommie, I will keep you up to date on what information we get back.


.

Good for you. People need to be held accountable for stuff like this. Not letting things go away. Letting something go away encourages other people to do the same un-ethical things...

 

[Kickin' Chicken]

the last two guys avatars make it appear they shop at the same store. :grin-square:

l'll be joining you soon.

Steve; I like that your atty will ne contacting the DA in TZ's district.

GL getting a resolution.

best,
brian kc

 

[wawacue]

On Monday my attorney will be contacting the district attorneys office in zinzolas area. we will find out what exactly is the right course and what we need to do.

TO ALL THE PEOPLE THAT GOT RIPPED OFF BY ZINZOLA PLEASE PM ME, SO THAT WE CAN INCLUDE YOU IN OUR CASE.

Tommie, I will keep you up to date on what information we get back.


.

Steve

thank you & I will gather all information together and others too to ready to go with this., I am very interested to know how much fund zinzola can battle this out in court. with that many complains and with amount exceeding over $20K owed.

 

[brandoncook26]

Steve

thank you & I will gather all information together and others too to ready to go with this., I am very interested to know how much fund zinzola can battle this out in court. with that many complains and with amount exceeding over $20K owed.

I am not an attorney, but I imagine with the amount of money taken, Tony might be looking at some jail time as long as theft can be proven. In my state taking that much money is a felony.