Tips for buying things on Web Auctions (no names!)

[toneguy86]

Originally Posted by Mike60

...be careful of the Paypal scams...I usually get a couple a week...

What do you mean by that? Do you mean as a seller you get paypal scams?

Mark

[refin]

I've gotten emails saying my Paypal account was suspended,or that they need to "update" it,so they need all my personal info.

[kingedb]

my tip....

never bid until the last minute. better yet the last 10 seconds.

2 reasons this is optimal.

1) you pay what you are willing to spend with no chance to second guess (spend more).
2) you give the current bidder(s) zero chance to out dime you.

i have had much success.

[Kipp73]

ask the seller to take specific photo's for you. eg, down the neck (check for bowing), closeups of bridge etc.

will give you faith in the item being purchased, faith in the seller, and a hard copy of the item should it arrive looking different.

[rumbling_groover]

Always check the serials with the manufacturer. They should be able to tell you when it was made and what colour it was when it left the factory.

[UITA]

Originally Posted by ptate

Well,

1. Check feedback carefully and look at the items sold/bought. Anyone with hidden feedback avoid!

Yes care should be taken but don't forget Ebay is set up for the buyer more so the seller. Negative feedback can and has been given too easy by buyers who try to try it on with the sellers after they have bought an item. I agree though wih the hidden feedback, don't get that one.

Originally Posted by ptate

2. Check the location and determine whether there are any issues with you getting your money back if it all goes "tits-up". China is a long way away....!

Can't work this one out. Location should have nothing to do with getting your money back, Ebay and Paypal are set up for any eventuality (yeah right). Are you saying if it goes "tit's up" you should become some kind of vigilante and visit the seller at home?

Originally Posted by ptate

3. Check the item description is full, complete and factual (no bullsh*t!, i.e. " it's the best guitar I own"- why are they selling it then?).

Credit crunch!!!!! Shit happens and sometimes you have to sell "the best" guitar.

Originally Posted by ptate

4. Don't rush into it. There are plenty more (generally!). E-mail the seller like mad. I do it all the time. If they lose their temper with me asking questions, why would I want to buy from them and what have they to hide?

Emailing is fine but like mad is a pain in the arse. I've had a lot of time wasted by the most inane of questions. I'm always polite but can sniff out a bullshitter.

Originally Posted by ptate

5. Ask if you can pick it up. If it's a fraud, they'll try to make some excuse (see my other thread). I've avoided many scams with this ruse. Give it a try, you meet some cool folks as well.

Why the hell would I want a local pick up, I'm selling it on Ebay an auction site not in my local Craigslist/freeads/loot. This opens up a lot of problems for the seller such as time wasters, and hagglers. Don't forget if they turn up don't like it and don't want to pay you can't leave them negative.....but they can to you.

Some good points for the buyer but don't forget the seller needs to be aware as well.

[UITA]

Originally Posted by theworrierpoet

I'm from the UK and I was looking at some Gibsons on the American Ebay site. Anyone know the score regarding importing them (they would be second hand)

What's the difference with them being second hand? The score is that the exchange rate isn't the best at the moment so that goes against you, add the shipping and it's becoming more expensive obviously. The real expense is when it gets into the UK, you should budget for import duty, VAT, tax, couriers charges etc (not all the time mind you). All of a sudden that cheap LP ain't so cheap.

[melrockLPF]

MLP,

one of my favourite tips is to ask for a photo with a tag with my name placed on th strings above the pickups. Any legitimate seller will provide without any second thoughts if you are a legitimate buyer.It does not mean that you still wont have problems but it does eliminate a scammer who does not have the product as advertised.

Barry

[Tons of Sobs]

Originally Posted by UITA

What's the difference with them being second hand? The score is that the exchange rate isn't the best at the moment so that goes against you, add the shipping and it's becoming more expensive obviously. The real expense is when it gets into the UK, you should budget for import duty, VAT, tax, couriers charges etc (not all the time mind you). All of a sudden that cheap LP ain't so cheap.

I'd echo that. Last August, when the exchange rate was very favourable - £1 = $1.90 - I bought an R9 from the US. Total cost in £GB was £2000. However when the Customs guys got hold of it, I was billed £475 in import duty.

Still saved myself about a grand over the shop price in the UK, but not as much as I had hoped.

Another warning though; I got lucky with my guitar, because it plays and sound wonderful. Had it been a pup, at best I'd have had to foot the bill for the import duty PLUS postage both ways; at worst, I'd have been stuck with a guitar I didn't like, and my R9 dream still not fulfilled.

Of course if the value of the guitar on the box is marked down really low, you would have less duty to pay.

It's a can of worms

John

[robb01]

great info in here, there is so many scams around its crazy

[Jasper11]

Hi everyone.. I believe ebay one of the auction site.. Even i prefer ebay to buy anything..