Hi forum members,

Recently I've been having trouble with purchases of instruments that are not accurately described. In particular the terms "near mint" or "only shop wear" are problematic. When the isntrument arrives, I'm frustrated that the instrument is not in the condition described in the solicitation.

What is a purchaser to do??? The seller has the money and therefore holds all the cards.

I've tried to describe the issues with the instrument with the seller, but the response is typically defensive.

I'm getting frustrated with spending money on shipping charges and hoping the refund arrives.

Thanks

PS If this belongs in a different section, please direct me to the right section. This is an important issue for discussion as players use the internet for buying and selling isntruments.

Ken

Unfortunately, the best solution is likely to go through a dealer whose reputation rests on their real or perceived integrity. I'm with you, however, and I have pretty much finally confined my purchases to trusted dealers or local try-before-you-buys. One excellent dealer example is Andrew Wright at http://www.guitarmatch.com/ ...a disclaimer, however: I have some guitars consigned there currently. Another is Steve Miklas at Acoustic Music Works and, of course, our friends Kevin and Pat in Austin/Wimberley. It just isn't worth it to me anymore to purchase online from strangers.

One point: if the guitar does not arrive as described, I would not try to negotiate a lower price. It should simply be returned based on a previously-agreed upon, no questions asked approval period. It is a common strategy to purchase a guitar, receive it and then try to reduce the net cost by claiming misrepresentation. Such communications are sure to create a bad situation. You're still out the shipping charges, however.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Homer,

I guess I am lucky or blessed or both. I am an infrequent contributor but frequent observer of this forum. Very nice people, lots of good info...I have bought and sold numerous instruments on forums such as this one, and that famous online auction house. I take pride in my descriptions of the instruments I sell and my perfect feedback rating with zero complaints. No returns, no issues, just happy people. My last sell was a Collings OM1A-C that sold very quickly and the new owner was tickled and pleased that my description was dead on. I am not a dealer but sometimes I find myself in a situation where I can sell an instrument that did not "grab" me the way I thought it would so it has to go. And of course I have sold more than one for the $$$. My point being, I value my integrity when I sell and describe something. Please do not lump all individuals who choose to sell an instrument, for whatever reason, together as someone who will not honestly describe their instruments.

Craig

PS

I agree 100% about Steve at AMW...super guy.

My own experience has been more like that of jjmcjames. I have bought and sold a number of guitars on ebay and bought one or two here, and have had good experiences generally. Anything a seller can do to reduce risk is worth money to the buyer. Online, it's pretty much down to two tools: Reputation (feedback on eBay, comments noted on this forum) and some sort of buyer protection offer such as a no questions asked return period. With word so easily spread over the internet, dealers' ability to earn profits over time from members of a community like this depend heavily on their reputation. Those dealers mentioned above are examples of people whose reputations are very good, and there are many others.

Reading your post, though, makes me think about the reliability of verbal ratings like "mint" or "near mint." Instead of using those expressions, I try to describe every mark on a guitar, from swirls to fingernail scratches, assuming the buyer will be at least as observant as I am. Correspond with your seller. If you can get your seller to describe the guitar, not rate it, you'll probably encounter fewer surprises. And if they won't, thank them for their time, hang up, and call Hill Country Guitars, Guitar Tex, Acoustic Music Works, ...

I bought my last guitar from this forum and it was overhyped. If I were to do it again here is what I would do...

Make sure you have a detailed discussion with the seller about everything outside and inside of the guitar. Make a checklist of everything you want to know so you don't forget to discuss it.

I also use these used guitar descriptions from Elderly so everybody is on the same page:

http://elderly.com/vintage/abbreviations.html

What is clean to one person is totally dirty to somebody else. I guess it comes with buying used from somebody versus from a store.