Monday, December 2nd
2024 Pool Table Store Reviews
Billiard Factory
- 135 pool tables to choose from
- Prices range from $2,499.99 to $33,399.99
- Price match guarantee
- Nationwide delivery (fees range from $299 to $799)
- Financing options through Affirm
- In business since 1975
Would you believe us if we told you that Billiard Factory was founded by a man named Larry Stick? No joke: this pool table store has been in business since 1975, when Mr. Stick himself opened the original location in Houston, Texas. Over the years, ownership passed down to the second generation of Sticks, with numerous locations throughout Texas, several in Arizona, Las Vegas, and Florida, and a robust online store as well.
Prices from $2,499 to almost $34,000
There were 135 pool tables in Billiard Factory's inventory during our most recent visit to the site, ranging from $2,499.99 to $33,399.99. Let's take a look at those two options on the ends of the price spectrum here:
- Bevro Pool Table: Billiard Factory's most entry level table comes in a wide range of felt colors and can be either 7 or 8 feet long. It uses a solid wood foundation and a 1” thick, 3-piece slate playfield. The legs and aprons use engineered wood, so that you can maneuver the pool table a little more readily. It comes with the Diplomat accessory kit at no extra charge (two 2-piece cues, bridge stick, 6-cue wall rack, premium pool balls, plastic ball racks, brush, cue tip shaper/scuffer, rule book). For delivery to our area, we'd pay $299 for curbside drop-off, $399 for curbside/liftgate drop-off, or $799 for white glove installation.
- X-Base Pool Table: hand-crafted in the USA, this table lets you customize to your heart's content. You get to pick the hardwood, the length (from 6-9 feet), the cloth color, and even add a drawer for storage of your pool cues and balls. This table also comes with the Diplomat kit or with two optional upgrades. In our area, the X-Base Pool Table was also available for curbside drop-off at $299, liftgate curbside delivery at $399, or white-glove installation for $799. And what's that when you're already spending at least $34K on a pool table?
Easy to see details and upgrade options
Whichever table you select here, it's easy to see what your options are. Some felt colors come at an extra cost; just hover over the colors and you'll see the price to upgrade (if any). Specifications are clearly spelled out, so there's no need to worry that your table might not fit.
You might get gifts
There was also a promo in place at the time of our visit that offered up to three free gifts with any pool table purchase. For orders up to $3,299, customers could choose between a premium felt/cloth upgrade or a platinum accessory kit upgrade. On purchases from $3,399 to $4,999 (no, we're not sure what happens for orders of $3,300 to $3,398, but we assume it was a typo), orders would automatically get both the felt/cloth upgrade and the platinum accessory kit. And finally, for purchases of $5,000+, shoppers would get the felt/cloth/accessory kit upgrades and a Spyder conversion ping-pong table top or free local delivery instead.
Pop-up discounts and price matching
Also, when you first stop by the Billiard Factory site, you might get a pop-up discount of 5% off your first order. You'll have to sign up for email marketing, and some brands are excluded, but why not save a bit if you can? The pool table store also has a price match guarantee, in case you find a table you like at a lower cost on a rival's website.
Customer service is accessible
And, customer service is easy to reach too: call the toll-free number at the top of the site, use the live chat (though that usually consists of filling out an online form and waiting for a rep to get back to you), or reach out to the location nearest you.
No returns on pool tables
While technically Billiard Factory has a 14-day return policy, it doesn't apply to anything that has been personalized. Since most pool tables involve some degree of customization (even if it's just choosing the color of the felt), you can pretty much assume that once you've bought it, it's yours for good (unless the table was damaged during transit or installation).
BBB gives this store a failing grade
Unfortunately, Billiard Factory's reputation has gone from "bad” to "worst” since our previous review - if you look at the Better Business Bureau's rating falling from a "D-” to an "F”. Although there were only a handful of complaints filed with the BBB, reps from this pool table store failed to respond to any of them. When you look at the store's Facebook profile, you'll have to sift through a bunch of spam reviews for bitcoin to find what real customers have to say - and that's pretty mixed too. The only bright spot seems to be on Yelp, where some Billiard Factory locations have earned a solid 4-star average.
Last on our list of pool stores
Although it's possible that you could have a great experience buying your pool table here, there's not enough evidence to convince us that this retailer is at the top of its game with respect to customer satisfaction. It's not a great sign that Billiard Factory's BBB rating dropped to an "F”, and that there aren't many positive customer reviews that might balance that out. You've got other options for buying a pool table, and we'd recommend looking at those rival stores instead.
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Who Sells the Best Pool Tables?
Whether you're looking for a way to unwind, host friendly competitions, or hone your skills, owning a pool table can transform your space into a hub of entertainment. Pool, often considered a mix of precision and strategy, has been a staple in bars and game rooms for years, offering a laid-back yet engaging pastime that can be enjoyed solo or with a group. Having your own table at home means you'll never have to wait for your turn at the bar or pool hall again.
Shopping online can be a great way to get the pool table of your dreams. Not only do you have a wider selection at your fingertips, but online retailers often offer better deals, free shipping, or even white-glove delivery services to get the proper setup. Plus, you can read reviews and compare different brands and models without leaving your home.
Pool Table Store FAQ
Continued from above...
The game of pool, a term often used interchangeably with "billiards”, actually has its own distinct history and set of rules. Both stem from a 15th-century lawn game similar to croquet, but billiards came first and was played on a table without pockets. Over time, the game evolved, and pockets were added, giving birth to what we now call pool.
While billiards generally refers to games played on a pocketless table (such as carom billiards), pool is a broader category that includes various games like eight-ball and nine-ball, all played on a pocketed table. Though the terms are sometimes mixed, the main difference lies in the table design and game rules, with pool being more common and casual today.
When shopping for a pool table, there are a few key features to keep in mind. First, the size of the table is crucial - official competition size is 9 feet, but you might opt for a 7- or 8-foot table to better suit your space. Materials matter, too. Look for solid wood construction and a slate surface for the truest gameplay experience, though MDF can work if you're on a budget or looking for something lightweight. Don't forget about the cloth; wool or wool-nylon blends are the go-to for smooth, consistent ball roll.
Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned player, online shopping lets you find the perfect table that fits your style and budget without the hassle. But which pool table store should you go with? Here are a few criteria you can use to make some comparisons and ultimately decide where to make your purchase:
- Selection. The more pool tables in stock, the better your chances of getting one that you'll love, with all the features you prefer.
- Price. While you're likely to find very similar pricing when you compare one store to another for a specific pool table model, you may be able to get a discount for signing up for emails or by spotting a temporary promo code. Once you've picked a table you like, it's a good idea to comparison-shop at several stores, just in case there's a sale or discount being offered. Don't forget to factor in the cost of delivery too.
- Service. Can you get expert help if you need some guidance on choosing a pool table? Can you reach someone over the phone, or are you limited to live chat and email or online forms? Once your pool table is set up, how easily can you get assistance if something isn't quite right (it's not sitting level, the return isn't working)?
- Reputation. What do other shoppers say about their experience buying pool tables at the store? Does the retailer have a strong rating from the Better Business Bureau? Are there any ratings offered on individual models of pool tables, so you can check out customer sentiment on the ones you're considering?
Ready to rack ‘em up? Top Consumer Reviews has researched and ranked some of the most popular pool table stores online today, to help you find the right table for your game room space and skill level. Whether you're drawn to pool as a hobby, a social pastime, or a competitive sport, your new pool table will be a great way to invest in fun and relaxation for years to come.
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