That makes sense. Never thought of it that way. If I had the choice though I'd rather carry a $40 Players cue than a $40 sportscraft. The sportscraft has less of a chance than being straight than a Players cue does. But I can understand your point. Maybe carry cues with warranties from the manufacturer that cover warpage? I know McDermott has cues for around $100 that have lifetime warranties that cover warpage. Other companies have similar warranties. I would think carrying better quality products would be ideal but IDK.'
You're comparing $40 RETAIL cues here ~ the wholesale on Sportcraft cues is considerable lower (and personally , the highest retail I've EVER seen on a Sportcraft is $27.95 ! - they have a 2pc decal with a wrap that RETAILS for $6.95 , and I'm NOT allowed to tell you how low dealer cost is on that!). Of course , the quality is lower , but those sporting goods chains are looking at cost per unit and mark-up.
Some sporting goods chains , such as Dick's here in Florida , do at least carry lower-end production cues (i.e. Cuetech) .
But the bottom line is , very few walk-in consumers have ANY idea of the quality and value invoved in differing price points . How many times has a friend or relative , who knows nothing of the sport , but knows you're 'a poolplayer' given you a Wal-mart cue as a gift with a great big smile on their face ? Then you , as the grateful recipient , forced the smile and thanked them heartily for their thoughtful gift ?
Many retailers and their wholesale buyers are thouroughly un- or under- educated on our equipment , and sadly , the hucksters of off-shore cues and equipment prey on this . Sears , a retail giant , does try to offer different grades of all the products they sell , rating them as "good" , "better" , and "Sears Best" . Unfortunately , a few years ago , one of the Champions of our sport approached them (with his SUPERIOR knowledge of our sport and it's equipment),and offered to supply all three grades of cues , signing them to a multi-year contract . Unfortunately , his supplied "Sears Best" cue would be considered as barely entry-level by most knowledgable players . . . but the buyers at Sears bowed to his reputation ( and low cost-per-unit !)
Why do the sporting goods chains carry good golf clubs ? Because they are dealing with a large and informed public . The name Calloway isn't just on the cover of mainstream sports magazines like Sports Illustrated , it's on Playboy and Newsweek too ! If McDermott or Viking had that kind of press , there'd be an outcry for their product , and the stores would bow to demand !
