You've seen what looks to be a really great value used pool table advertised on eBay, but you've also been looking at a new pool table available from an authorised dealer - which is really the better deal...

There are advantages and disadvantages to both options, but I will try to highlight the major issues that you will most likely not be aware of.

The first major issue you need to think about is - Does it come with any warranty?

In some cases there may still be an original manufacturers warranty, though I would advise you either insist on reading the original warranty if it was supplied, or try to look at the latest version via the manufacturer's website, and there is a simple reason why...Most manufacturers will only offer a warranty to the first owner, which means if anything is wrong, you won't be able to claim!

Of course the new pool table will come with a warranty fully assigned to you (if not - don't buy one!), and most reputable manufacturers will provide a Lifetime Warranty such as Brunswick or Olhausen. You should also check to see if this covers the slates too as in the case of Brunswick.

At this point, it would be fair to say that although the used table may appear cheaper, in the long run the new table offers far more security. So what's the next thing to think about...

Who is going to move and re-fit the table - Is delivery and professional fitting and levelling included?

I see many pool tables offered for sale whereby the seller states that the buyer must remove! Even pub type tables can weigh in at over 200kg (400lbs), and many tables are located either upstairs or down in the cellar - no wonder the seller wants the buyer to do all the hard work! Think long and hard here...you may be happy renting a van and travelling perhaps a few hundred miles. But if you're looking to buy a quality pool table (e.g. Brunswick, SAM, Olhausen etc...), then you will be dealing with sectional slates at around 110kgs (240lbs) per section, but the weight isn't the real problem, the real issue is if you chip the face of that slate. Even if you only chip the joint on the face of one piece of slate, you are my friend, looking at a bill for over GB850 pounds! This is because the tollerances are so tight to get the slates level, that each set is matched in the factory - bust one, you may as well bust them all.

Of course, go for the new pool table option and you should get professional delivery and installation included in the cost. This will also save you the hassle of trying to level the frame and the slates, and worse still - fitting the cloth, which leads us on to the final point...

Do you need new pool table cloth?

You may find that you can re-fit the existing cloth back on, but the chances are even if you can, you may well need to change it again within 12 months at an average cost of GB400 pounds. You could get a professional pool table fitter to re-fit the table for you if you do go for the used option, and if this is the case, get him to put a new cloth on as you're going to be paying around GB500 pounds anyway and this is something he would have to do, so the only extra expense is the cloth itself from around GB100 pounds and up.

The Bottom Line...

To me there are too many issues with buying a used pool table. The issue with any warranty claims, professional delivery and fitting are all jobs that you can really do without. Even if you have to choose a slightly cheaper table (or ask the dealer about their latest finance offer when buying new), think hard about the new table first. It should be far more enjoyable and cost effective in the long run