Buying on Craig's List

[zplay]

I'm thinking about buying a guitar from a Craig's List posting in the Nashville area, though I'm in PA. I've never bought anything from Craig's List, though I'm aware it's best to buy locally, meet the other person , not give out personal info and be aware of scams, etc. Unfortunately, because of the distance, it won't be a local, in person deal. So far, the would-be seller and I have exchanged emails and I intend to call him tonight.

So, ...... any warnings, words of wisdom, encouragements, discouragements, or other general comments from other LTGers would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

P.S. I'm posting this here, as I assume this forum gets the most traffic, though let me know if I should move it.

 

[Qvart]

I'm thinking about buying a guitar from a Craig's List posting in the Nashville area, though I'm in PA. I've never bought anything from Craig's List, though I'm aware it's best to buy locally, meet the other person , not give out personal info and be aware of scams, etc. Unfortunately, because of the distance, it won't be a local, in person deal. So far, the would-be seller and I have exchanged emails and I intend to call him tonight.

So, ...... any warnings, words of wisdom, encouragements, discouragements, or other general comments from other LTGers would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

P.S. I'm posting this here, as I assume this forum gets the most traffic, though let me know if I should move it.

I'm sure you'll get some good advice here, but I can tell you I've purchased two guitars the same way and everything worked out fine. Just be sure to get all the information you need to feel comfortable and keep a record of your correspondence. If you do the money via PayPal they can send you an invoice for the item so it's on record as a sale/purchase.

Good luck!

 

[dogberry]

I just bought a guitar through Craigslist, and it was a good experience. We arranged to meet at a music store where I know the folks who work there. That way it's in a public place. I think meeting in music stores works well; the staff's usually cool with people meeting in the store to have a transaction, in my experience. I get there early so I can give the staff a head's up, and there's never been a problem. Good luck.

 

[gilded]

I know two people who have bought from Craigslist 'long distance' and been stiffed, as in money sent and no guitar shipped. I don't think I'd do it.

Okay,,,,,,,since you're probably gonna do it anyway, at least talk to the person, see if they are someone you think you understand/feel comfortable with/have a good feeling about, etc. Then, get some references. You know, where do they work, go to church, buy guitars, etc. then check them out. If they don't want to do it, don't trade, no matter what.

Oh yeah, if they give a criminal defense attorney as a reference, definitely don't do biz with them!

sincerely, gilded (criminal defense attorney)

 

[Qvart]

I'm thinking about buying a guitar from a Craig's List posting in the Nashville area, though I'm in PA.

Also: Find an LTG'er in Nashville. Anybody out there?

 

[jgmaute]

I just had a very successful long-distance purchase from Craigslist with the excellent help of other LTGers. Chip drove to meet the seller at a public place and played the guitar then sent me a very detailed report so I knew exactly what I was getting prior to final purchase. It did, however, come down to me sending a check before I got the guitar. I had talked to the owner on the phone several times, knew her name, her address, etc and felt comfortable. (I also kept a copy of the cashier's check and had them put the guitar model and serial # in the memo area then sent the check overnight so it had to be signed for.)

Depending on the cost of the guitar, I know some people on other forums who use a lawyer to do escrow. You give the check to the lawyer, the lawyer notifies the seller that he/she has it and it is good. The guitar is shipped, you notify the lawyer that the guitar has arrived and the lawyer releases the check. Not sure if all sellers would go for this but if it is a very expensive guitar it could be an option.

Some sellers list on Craigslist specifically because they don't want to ship, they want cash on the spot, etc. So, that may be an issue. I have bought a lot of things both in the Chicago area and down here on Craigslist. Obviously when it is furniture I have to go to their house; I usually take someone or one of my dobermans along. When it is something small (I recently bought a computer) I meet them at a public place (used Atlanta bread co for the computer so I could try out the internet connection). Many people offer less than the asking price for items on Craigs list. I have always thought the asking price was a very good deal and never negotiated...especially on the guitar I just bought.

so, it can happen and it can be good...but you'll want to cover as many bases as possible.

Do we have any members in Nashville?

good luck and let us know what happens, Joan

 

[Tunes]

The general guidelines that I have read indicated that Craigslist is best for local deals only, where you can meet the seller and eyeball the purchase. You might get lucky and find an LTG'er who is in the area and willing to spend a few hours checking this out for you.

Here's some things I usually do when buying "blind". I have bought and sold a couple high end (multi-thousand $) watches online, and so far no problems. In the process of buying my first guitar off e-bay, not arrived yet so we'll see how that goes. Things I do...

1. Make sure I get an e-mail form the persons place of employment. At least I can track them down. I google the workplace, or even call to make sure that person works there.

2. Talk to the person. You often get a good sense of trustworthiness from a couple of conversations. If your spidey sense tingles - back off.

3. Use google earth to locate their house. Make sure it actually exists. If they don't want to give out their work or house location - walk away.

4. If they are a professional (doctor or lawyer), there are usually professional listing websites for the state or city where you can verify they are who they are. I bought a watch from a doctor and checked him out using this method. It's amazing what you can find on the web.

5. Get at least one refernece and check it out.

That being said, I have done 3 watch deals with no problems at all. My wife of course thinks I am completely nuts to send off thousands of dollars and get nothing but a promise. Fact is, I think, that most people are basically honest, and it's a few goofs who ruin this kind of transaction process for the rest of us. Unfortunately they are out there.

 

[Tunes]

zplay -

Not everyone reads all threads - you might think of a seperate post that has the subject "Need help in Nashville", or something like that and someone may stick their hand up. I would be surprized if there was no-one from Nashville on LTG.

 

[zplay]

Everyone, thanks greatly for all of the really sage advice. This is really such a great community to be part of. :!:

I'm feeling somewhat reassured after talking with the seller on the phone tonight(he furnished his home no.). Sounds honest. Googling was very helpful, as I located his business in the same town as the listing specified and found him in the white pages.
Does piano repair. Has a family.

Didn't occur to me to try to find someone down there to actually meet him, but I actually have a friend in Nashville who I'm sure COULD do it, though I'm not sure I'd want to put him out.

I'm going to speak again with him before closing any deal and may get a chance to find out more about him. Also, we agreed to use PayPal if we do this and I'm saving all emails.

I'll report about what happens.

 

[Graham]

Best of luck Z. And yes, this is a great community!

Thank you Don!!

 

[john_kidder]

I've had a few good Craiglist experiences, the best being the magical assistance from Bluesdan when he went out of his way to visit a man on Long Island, play a guitar a bit, call me for the OK, buy it and ship my my DV-73. Doesn't get better than that.

I've also bought two guitars direct from non-local CL sellers, after good telephone conversations and a general sense that they were OK. Some risk there all right, but it sounds as if you certainly have all you need for assurance.

Hope it works out for you.

 

[onewilyfool]

do you have any guitar playing friends in the Nashville area????

 

[fronobulax]

Didn't occur to me to try to find someone down there to actually meet him, but I actually have a friend in Nashville who I'm sure COULD do it, though I'm not sure I'd want to put him out.

I get the distinct impression that there are a lot of LTGers who would consider it an honor to be asked to help. True, you are still trusting a stranger but the same techniques to verify things can be applied with the added benefit that you can research them on LTG as well.

 

[capnjuan]

... I actually have a friend in Nashville who I'm sure COULD do it, though I'm not sure I'd want to put him out ... I'm going to speak again with him before closing any deal and may get a chance to find out more about him. Also, we agreed to use PayPal if we do this and I'm saving all emails.

Hi Z: I bought a Rickenbacker 360-12 last year off CL. My brother was kind enough to do the meet and greet, test and check, and payoff / shipping. I reimbursed him including dinner out for two ... it worked out well. Good luck! John

 

[zplay]

Just wanted to add a postscript to this earlier thread.
Everything worked out fine with the purchase of this guitar I spotted in a Craig's Listing from the Nashville area. Certainly everything was on the up and up, as the seller was a gentleman and represented the piece accurately and sold it a good price.
The advice from LTGers was of great benefit and it is certainly nice to have the experience of a bunch of "old hands" behind one when one's taking a shot at something new. Thanks to you all.

Paul

 

[jp]

So whatja get, whatja get?

 

[zplay]

So whatja get, whatja get?

WARNING: NON-GUILD CONTENT !!!!!!!

Okay, here are a couple of pics ......
It's a Bourgeios OMS-C(12 fret OM with cutaway).
Lately, I've been gravitating toward used Bourgeois and new Guilds.

URL=http://s134.photobucket.com/albums/q98/zplay1/Bourgeois%20OMS-C/?action=view&current=BourgeoisOMS-C011.jpg]

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