LiveMusic Posted March 5, 2001 Share Posted March 5, 2001 Have you ever bought a guitar or other musical instrument off Ebay? Are you glad or sad? I can't figure out how you'd be protected. You send someone the money, they could just take it and run unless you use an escrow service or something. > > > [ Live! ] < < < Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jef5f Posted March 6, 2001 Share Posted March 6, 2001 Yes, I have. I bought a Hamer electric, an Alvarez acoustic, a Kustom practice amp, and a tuner, and some girls jeans (for my teenage daughter), and I have gotten deals. I haven't had a bit of problem yet. But some people have gotten burned. Thats the problem Check their feedback. If they have negative feedback, find out why, and if they have several negative feedback posts, then avoid them. I have a neutral feedback. I won an auction, but before the auction ended, I had auto repair that took all available cash. The gentlemen was not willing to wait for a couple of weeks, until I had the cash in hand again, but was kind enough not leave negative feedback because of the circumstances. But remember, just like in anything, you take a chance even if it is new. There are virtually no guarentees. Psalm 33:3 The best instrument you have, is your heart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa Posted March 7, 2001 Share Posted March 7, 2001 When you're the buyer, always check out the seller's feedback. Take note of how frequently they do business and whether all the feedback came from the same individuals. Some of the feedback posted may be for things that this person had purchased and not for items they sold to others. If they don't have feedback as a seller, then be more cautious about buying from them. Although eBay claims to offer protection, I've never heard of anyone being reimbursed if they've gotten burned on a deal. eBay transactions are pretty much based on trust. If you don't feel good about sending money to this seller, then don't bid. If the seller accepts payment by Paypal, Billpoint or Bidpay and you can pay with a credit card, you may get a certain amount of protection on the purchase from the credit card company, depending on the limits of the card. I think Paypal, Billpoint and Bidpay also offer some type of protection, too. If you are spending a considerable amount of money and paying by a money order or check and are sending payment by mail, I'd recommend that you send it by certified mail and get a return receipt, so the person has to sign for the envelope and there is a record that it was received. If the seller fails to deliver, then you have proof they received your payment and you can file a report for mail fraud with the US Post Office. If you do win an auction for a guitar or some type of fragile musical gear, be sure the seller will pack the item well and send the package by a reliable courier, with a tracking number and get the package insured for the full amount of your payment. Another bit of advice is to communicate with the seller before bidding, if you have any questions, including those about packing and shipping. If you're purchasing a guitar, ask if it's possible to have 24 hour approval (the shipping charges probably won't be refunded) and the option to return it for a refund if it is not as described. If the seller is a guitar dealer, they may be more inclined to offer that option, but may charge you for a restocking fee, as well as the shipping charges. If the seller doesn't respond to your questions or requests for information, then don't do business with them. Most of my own eBay experiences as a buyer have been good. However, I did get burned on one item that I purchased. You really have to do business at your own discretion. Buyer beware. Good luck! Lisa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff H. Posted March 8, 2001 Share Posted March 8, 2001 Yes, I bought a used Epiphone Casino on eBay about 6 months ago. The guy I bought it from was extremely courteous and helpful, answering all of my questions and shipped the guitar quickly and safely. Other than the truss rod needing adjustment, it was ready to play when it arrived. I got a great bargin and am extremely happy. Always ask as many questions as possible when you're buying a high ticket item like a guitar, like the condition of the instrument, has it ever been dropped, or broken, wear on the finish, any major or minor repairs, changed parts, etc...? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tedster Posted March 8, 2001 Share Posted March 8, 2001 While you're checking out Ebay, check out: http://www.gbase.com I just found the site. Pretty cool...a lot of vintage stuff there as well. "Cisco Kid, was a friend of mine" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THOR_dup2 Posted March 9, 2001 Share Posted March 9, 2001 I've heard way too many horror stories. No way. http://cwm.ragesofsanity.com/s/sp/cartmanico.gif Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHAN Posted March 9, 2001 Share Posted March 9, 2001 Ted Said: While you're checking out Ebay, check out: http://www.gbase.com I just found the site. Pretty cool...a lot of vintage stuff there as well. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here's one example: 1957 FENDER MARY KAYE STRATOCASTER, $23,500.00 http://cwm.ragesofsanity.com/s/cwm2/cwm14.gif VG-EC, highly collectible custom color Strat with translucent blonde finish and gold hardware, 1-21/32" neck width, maple neck, white pickguard, standard tremolo, 3-way switch, very clean with a small amount of neck wear and a small assortment of dings on the body, killer tone, rare model, all original, with tweed OHSC **7-57 ON NECK, 4-57 IN NECK PICKUP CAVITY, '57 POTS, 7/57 UNDER SPRING CLAW** (SN:21498) Item ID 30U-9482 ................................ http://cwm.ragesofsanity.com/s/big/cry.gif .............................. So Many Drummers. So Little Time... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allan Speers Posted March 10, 2001 Share Posted March 10, 2001 I got burned three times. Never again. Ebay is not worth using for anything. They actuall of NO PROTECTION AT ALL. Safe-Harbor takes you in circles, the fraud form is unprintable, the feedback system is a joke, etc etc etc. the simple truth is that ebay gets paid by the seller, so ebay protects the seller, even if the seller is a criminal. Believe me on this one, I've wasted DOZENS of precious hours trying to get some kind of satisfaction from ebay. You are much safer using Harmony-Central and the like. There, you can ask for references, and if something sound screwy at the last minute, you can back out. With ebay, the seller will get indignant if you DARE to ask questions after winning an auction, and will NEVER give refernces. "After all," so goes the logic, "you are protected by ebay." You have been warned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Richards Posted March 11, 2001 Share Posted March 11, 2001 My wife and I have made over 90 eBay purchases and all have been successful. I've bought, 71 Gibson ES325 for $600, Kubicki Factor bass for $800, Tannoy monitors, Crown Amp and many other items. I've also sold a Guild acoustic for $850. Start out buying small things. I bought lamps and Scandanavian glass and my wife bought bark cloth material and interesting post cards. You'll get use to checking the sellers feedback and you'll get a feel for the people selling. On big ticket items, I won't buy from a seller that has less than 25 good feedback notices, and I'll also email the seller with a few questions. eBay is successful for a reason. Because it works. As always, "Caveat Emptor" buyer beware. Dan Richards Pro Studio Reviews Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lrbreez Posted March 12, 2001 Share Posted March 12, 2001 I've bought several rare books and 2 Sunn amps and 1 Sunn folded horn bass cabinet and a Fender Vibroverb. So far I've never been burned. Everone I bought from had good feedback. One thing is to set a price that you are willing to pay for something and wait. Don't get in the bidding war and pay too much. There is always another item that will come along. Buddy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allan Speers Posted March 12, 2001 Share Posted March 12, 2001 I must respond again. I got burned by people who had long lists of good feedback. It is NO guarantee. Those who have not had bad experiences are just lucky. Careful, maybe, but that's no guarantee at all. I made about 70 successful purchases before my first bad one. Then several more REALLY bad rip-offs. -And I know what to look for. Just the way it goes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 16, 2001 Share Posted March 16, 2001 Have you tried www.digibid.com ? You actually pay through digibid.And, they dont charge your credit card till you receive the item(so they say). Now, I havent bought through them, but theyve always got interesting stuff floating down the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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