It's hard to believe that something as seemingly simple as a billiard cue could have so many complex variations and styles. Although a novice billiard supply dealer might think a pool cue is a pool cue, just ask the professional players: nothing could be further from the truth.
A tremendous amount goes into making a variety of billiard pool cues and, if you're looking to be the "go-to" person at your organization who knows all of the shots about billiard cues, seek out some pool cues education and training that will best serve your clientele:
1. Pool cues are more than just shaped sticks, and if you're selling them, it's important to know the other components that come together to form a complete, ready-for-play pool cue.
2. Know what a customer wants from a pool cue. For serious players, it goes far beyond length and looks.
3. Personalized pool cues are big business, and providing a custom pool cue stick is all but imperative for a shop that caters to high-performance pool players.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Educate yourself, your staff on the components that make up a pool cue
Far from being just a shaped pieces of wood, a quality pool cue stick is a piece of craftsmanship comprised of a number of parts and components. Different combinations of the various materials and components that make up a complete pool cue are what give each cue a different hit and feel, and anyone selling cues has to be well-versed in cue makeup.
I recommend: Visit
Cue Components for comprehensive lessons in anything and everything related to pool cues, their components and how they're made. The site offers online videos and DVDs for purchase as well as extensive narrative on the making of a billiard stick. If you're looking for a simpler, more surface-level lesson in the makeup of a pool cue,
Pooldawg offers a nice visual of a pool stick with all of its components labeled and explained.
Learn what customers look for in a pool cue and why each aspect is important to their game
Although length is important and looks matter to most buyers, serious pool players have many more characteristics on their pool cue shopping lists. You need to know and understand the meaning of terms such as deflection, feel, energy, balance, quality and control in a pool cue -- and which cues offer or are known for each of these characteristics.
I recommend: Learn how to advise shoppers on the best cue for the money with
Dr G's School of Pool article, "Choosing a Pool Cue."
Easypooltutor.com offers lessons on equipment selection, a must-read for anyone who will be on the selling end of a cue stick sale and wants to know more about their customers' criteria for the perfect cue.
Become informed on the business of custom and personalized pool sticks
Customizing your pool cue stick, not only for outward appearance but also on the inside for performance, is big business in the billiards industry. Like in any sport, different players have different styles and preferences, and plenty of companies stand ready to cater to those preferences and create one-of-a-kind pool cues to help their customers make the perfect shot.
I recommend: If you're looking to make your own cues or sell handmade cues, the
American Cuemakers Association has an excellent "how to get started" article and other resource information posted on its website.
Raven Custom Cues offers a build your own pool cue page that allows you to piece one together yourself, and walking through the process could help you better serve your pool-playing patrons.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- A pool cue retailer's knowledge of pool cues will go a long way on the sales floor, but you and your staffers may get a better education from a professional pool player. Try and find a pro to come answer your sales and general pool-playing questions, and use the pro's answers to come up with some scripted answers for your staff.
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