A Procurement Manager's 7-Step Checklist for Buying Simonis Pool Table Cloth

I'm a procurement manager at a 50-person billiard table manufacturing company. I've managed our cloth budget (about $200,000 annually) for six years, negotiated with 12+ vendors, and documented every order in our cost tracking system. So when I say I've seen the good, the bad, and the "we'll fix it in post" of buying Simonis pool table cloth, I mean it.

This checklist is for anyone who buys Simonis 860 pool table felt, 760 cloth, or any other Simonis product. It's not about getting the lowest price—it's about getting the right cloth at a fair total cost. Here are the 7 steps I wish I'd had when I started.

Step 1: Define Your Specs Beyond "Simonis"

From the outside, it looks like you just order "Simonis cloth." The reality is Simonis makes several lines: 860, 760, 860 HR, and more. Each has different durability, nap, and color options. For tournament play, 860 Tournament Blue is the standard. For home tables or lower-traffic commercial use, 760 might be fine.

Checkpoint: Write down the exact product name, color, and width. "Simonis pool table cloth colors" matter—Tournament Blue is not the same as Electric Blue or Green. If you're unsure, ask the vendor for a spec sheet. Don't assume they'll send the right thing (surprise, surprise).

Step 2: Calculate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

It's tempting to think you can just compare unit prices. But identical specs from different vendors can result in wildly different outcomes. I learned this in Q2 2024 when we switched vendors. Vendor A quoted $1,200 for 10 rolls of Simonis 860. Vendor B quoted $1,080. I almost went with B until I calculated TCO: B charged $150 for "expedited handling," $80 for a small-order surcharge, and required prepayment. Total: $1,310. Vendor A's $1,200 included shipping and net-30 terms. That's an 8% difference hidden in fine print.

I have mixed feelings about rush fees. On one hand, they feel like gouging. On the other, I've seen the operational chaos rush orders cause—maybe they're justified. Either way, put every fee in a spreadsheet before you commit.

Step 3: Verify Authorized Dealer Status

People assume any vendor selling Simonis is authorized. What they don't see is that some are resellers with no direct relationship to the manufacturer. That matters for warranty, freshness of stock, and consistency of color batches.

Per FTC advertising guidelines (ftc.gov), claims like "official Simonis dealer" must be truthful and substantiated. Ask for a copy of their authorization letter or check Simonis's official dealer locator. If they can't provide proof, walk away. Seriously.

Step 4: Request Physical Samples (Don't Skip This)

This is the step most buyers skip. I did once, and we ended up with a roll of cloth that was slightly off-color. (Note to self: always check the dye lot.) Request a sample swatch of the exact color and weave you plan to order. Test it under your actual lighting—showroom lights vs. warehouse lights change everything.

Checkpoint: Compare the sample against your current cloth. Is the nap direction consistent? Does the color match the Simonis pool table cloth colors chart? If the vendor hesitates to send a free sample, that's a red flag.

Step 5: Negotiate Terms, Not Just Price

Here's what you need to know: the quoted price is rarely the final price. Payment terms, return policy, and lead time matter way more than a few cents per square yard. For our quarterly orders, I now push for net-30 terms and a written return policy for defective rolls.

If you've ever had a delivery arrive damaged, you know that sinking feeling. A clear return policy saves a ton of time. (Unfortunately, some vendors still charge restocking fees.) Oh, and ask about minimum order quantities. Some vendors won't break a carton, which can leave you with excess inventory.

Step 6: Bundle Cleaning and Maintenance Products

Simonis X1 cleaner is often overlooked. If you're buying cloth for a commercial setting, consider adding X1 to the order. It's not a huge cost, but it extends the life of the cloth. (Which, honestly, saves a ton of headaches later.)

I should add that not every vendor stocks X1. If they do, ask if they'll include it at a bundled discount. If not, you can source it separately, but factor in extra shipping.

Step 7: Document Everything and Audit Quarterly

After tracking 40+ orders over six years in our procurement system, I found that 15% of our "budget overruns" came from unplanned freight charges. We implemented a policy requiring three quotes for any order over $2,000, and cut overruns by 22%.

Build a simple supplier scorecard: on-time delivery, color accuracy, response time. Review it every quarter. (Mental note: I really should automate this.)

Common Mistakes and Final Reminders

• Mistake 1: Assuming all Simonis 860 is the same. Check the specific product line and color.
• Mistake 2: Forgetting about dye lot consistency. Order enough for the whole job at once.
• Mistake 3: Not verifying dealer authorization. Fake "authorized" claims are common.

As of January 2025, Simonis 860 Tournament Blue remains the tournament standard. Prices vary by region and volume, so always request a current quote. And remember: an informed customer asks better questions and makes faster decisions. I'd rather spend 10 minutes explaining specs than deal with a wrong shipment later.

So there you have it—7 steps to buy Simonis pool table cloth without overpaying. It's basically a trade-off between thoroughness and speed. But trust me, the extra 30 minutes of checking will save you hours of frustration.