Need advice on EBay Tele purchase

flip · April 26th, 2003, 05:33 AM

I have a friend who's getting into Tele's in a big way. After playing my 52RI he's now hunting around for one for himeself and found this one on eBay.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....tem=2525656760

We are in Australia, seller is US, so there are some factors to consider in following thru on a purchase like this ie shipping, insurance etc. Neither of us has bought off eBay before.

One thing that worries me is that the seller is displaying a 52RI that is "like the one" for sale. He's offered to borrow a digital camera and email the pics, but AFAIK this hasn't happened yet.

Anyone want to offer advice on what protections are available to my friend in this situation? What would be the best way to proceed assuming the Tele really is near-mint?

Any advice appreciated.

Colo Springs E · April 26th, 2003, 05:45 AM

There are a few concerns for me here.

Only 6 references. None can be confirmed as "seller," appears that he's largely been a buyer.

In that he's so new to the game, I personally wouldn't buy from him even if everything about the auction was great: ie, excellent description, lots of pictures, etc.

In that the pic is not of the actual guitar, and he doesn't have much of a history, I'd walk away (personally). No slam against the seller, I just won't do business with people on eBay unless they have LOTS (maybe 25 or more?) of references, and preferably, a considerable amount of guitar transactions.

But maybe I'm a little paranoid. I'm sure I've missed some potential great deals this way, but I've also never been screwed (knock on wood).

Take care and good luck,
-Eric

PeterUK · April 26th, 2003, 06:31 AM

I've bought and sold guitars on eBay, and in both cases I have provided lots of puictures and expected to see lots of pictures of what I'm buying.

If you're looking for a 52-RI, these come up every week so be patient, make sure you can see pictures of the actual guitar, ask lots of questions and make it clear you are an overseas buyer and they are prepared to ship overseas.

Clear up payment BEFORE you post the final bid. PayPal is good, but having to send a Money Order can be a pain and create an unwelcome delay: for you and the seller.

Pass on this one for a number of reasons:

1. Because there are no actual pictures
2. It makes me anxious that he says " I am a musician for 20 years, and know how to care for my instruments.". I'm not a musician, but I also know how to look after my instruments, so his comments make me suspicious.
3. Musicians play nearly everyday for long hours, so a mint guitar to him may be different to your definition.

Good luck. BTW, don't forget to check the eBay UK and German sites. The Germans are great in that they tend to bid in small Euro units and are very, very polite and efficient,

Regards

Peter

TeleGeir · April 26th, 2003, 07:15 AM

I can only agree witht he others. '52s pop up on eBay almost once a day, so you will always find a bette one.

Now, being in the same situation, sitting in Norway bidding on US auctions, here is my way of handling it:
1. Always ask the seller something, even when there is nothing to ask. You can tell a lot from his reply. Be polite and patient, though. If you come on hard, you may expect a similar response.

2. Always ask for more pictures, unless he already shows the blems and wear. The ones they post are often taken to show the best of the guitar. See my other post with the close up of the fretwear as an example. The guitar looked unplayed in the eBay photos...

3. Go for sellers with a good feedback, espcially on high price items. Consider though that everyone has to start somewhere. (Remember my frustration when I started and no one would sell to me because I had no feedback...)

4. If possible, choose PayPal. This leaves a trail of payment and receipt in case you need to complain, and some buyer protection. Money orders or cheques are an option, but usually slower and more expensive. Some sellers will accept PayPal if you ask, they just want to avoid the PayPal fee (which is 4% for international transactions.) You may of course offer to cover that, it may still be cheaper than a money transfer...

5. Make sure that you know the shipping fees before bidding. US to Norway has been between 150 and 250 dollars, a substantial amount which may tip a low dollar item to a not so good buy.

6. Remember that when you import a guitar, you will most likely be hit with import duities and sales tax. In Norway, there is no import tax, but I have to pay 24% sales tax.

So adding 5 and 6, that 650 dollar guitar will be 650*1,24 + 250 = 950 dollars. Put in your own tax rate and shipping cost and do the maths. That is what you have to compare to when you decide!!

Since I have business in the US from time to time, I have ended up using a US shipping address, then picking them up when I go over. Which may mean having to wait for months for that new guitar, which is hard of course. And if I bring it as baggage when I travel, it may be lower than the tax free amount (700 dollars here).

Geir :)

jazzguitar · April 26th, 2003, 03:42 PM

But it's quite possible these are rare in your country.

I just did a search on "Fender Reverb" on Ebay Australia and <FONT COLOR="red">zero</FONT> finds came up!

BADFISH · April 26th, 2003, 03:54 PM

He has no credit..............I would hold out.

flip · April 26th, 2003, 04:23 PM

MikefromOZ · April 26th, 2003, 09:13 PM

As A Fellow Aussie It Is a long way to go to get your money back.I have seen these go for around two to two and a half grand. forget the shops These guys want near new price for them.i Would keep an eye on the TRADING POST,S. they have more realistic prices.I paid $2500.00 For a mint and i mean mint 1990 one a while Back.so They are around.as The guys say though if you go the USA way be Very cautious i would go as far as to say talk to the seller in person. Hope this Helps Mike.By The Way Brisbane and Melbourne prices are much Better than Sydney. I Have seen up to a grand difference on a lot of occasions between silver face twins and some guitars Ect.........Mike

Caper · April 26th, 2003, 09:36 PM

Definately a good one to let go as everyone says. It's gotta be tough if this is your only way to get a deal on a decent guitar. There are lots of guys on ebay who are honest though if you wait you will find the right one. There is a guy at Fendertalk who goes by the name of ac_fixer, he has a knack at finding quality guitars on ebay, he sells quite a few as well.

PeterUK · April 27th, 2003, 02:17 PM

..with a real steal if you Buy It Now.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tegory=38 083

Hit that button. You know you want it!!

Good luck.

Regards

Peter

April 26th, 2003, 05:33 AM	#1 (permalink)
flip TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 47	Need advice on EBay Tele purchase I have a friend who's getting into Tele's in a big way. After playing my 52RI he's now hunting around for one for himeself and found this one on eBay. http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....tem=2525656760 We are in Australia, seller is US, so there are some factors to consider in following thru on a purchase like this ie shipping, insurance etc. Neither of us has bought off eBay before. One thing that worries me is that the seller is displaying a 52RI that is "like the one" for sale. He's offered to borrow a digital camera and email the pics, but AFAIK this hasn't happened yet. Anyone want to offer advice on what protections are available to my friend in this situation? What would be the best way to proceed assuming the Tele really is near-mint? Any advice appreciated. __________________ Flip "Swing is based in confidence. It is the grace that you acquire after years of paying dues. Swing is the dividing line between those who can play and those who can't" Sonny Sharrock

April 26th, 2003, 05:45 AM	#2 (permalink)
Colo Springs E Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 4,903 5 Photos	Hi There, my thoughts.... There are a few concerns for me here. Only 6 references. None can be confirmed as "seller," appears that he's largely been a buyer. In that he's so new to the game, I personally wouldn't buy from him even if everything about the auction was great: ie, excellent description, lots of pictures, etc. In that the pic is not of the actual guitar, and he doesn't have much of a history, I'd walk away (personally). No slam against the seller, I just won't do business with people on eBay unless they have LOTS (maybe 25 or more?) of references, and preferably, a considerable amount of guitar transactions. But maybe I'm a little paranoid. I'm sure I've missed some potential great deals this way, but I've also never been screwed (knock on wood). Take care and good luck, -Eric __________________ Now his hat is on backwards He can show you his tattoos He is in the music business He is calling you "DUDE!"

April 26th, 2003, 06:31 AM	#3 (permalink)
PeterUK Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Nottingham, England Age: 47 Posts: 2,768 4 Photos	I agree with Eric I've bought and sold guitars on eBay, and in both cases I have provided lots of puictures and expected to see lots of pictures of what I'm buying. If you're looking for a 52-RI, these come up every week so be patient, make sure you can see pictures of the actual guitar, ask lots of questions and make it clear you are an overseas buyer and they are prepared to ship overseas. Clear up payment BEFORE you post the final bid. PayPal is good, but having to send a Money Order can be a pain and create an unwelcome delay: for you and the seller. Pass on this one for a number of reasons: 1. Because there are no actual pictures 2. It makes me anxious that he says " I am a musician for 20 years, and know how to care for my instruments.". I'm not a musician, but I also know how to look after my instruments, so his comments make me suspicious. 3. Musicians play nearly everyday for long hours, so a mint guitar to him may be different to your definition. Good luck. BTW, don't forget to check the eBay UK and German sites. The Germans are great in that they tend to bid in small Euro units and are very, very polite and efficient, Regards Peter __________________ I Facebooked your Mother.

April 26th, 2003, 07:15 AM	#4 (permalink)
TeleGeir Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bergen, Norway Posts: 1,998	My eBay "rules" (long) I can only agree witht he others. '52s pop up on eBay almost once a day, so you will always find a bette one. Now, being in the same situation, sitting in Norway bidding on US auctions, here is my way of handling it: 1. Always ask the seller something, even when there is nothing to ask. You can tell a lot from his reply. Be polite and patient, though. If you come on hard, you may expect a similar response. 2. Always ask for more pictures, unless he already shows the blems and wear. The ones they post are often taken to show the best of the guitar. See my other post with the close up of the fretwear as an example. The guitar looked unplayed in the eBay photos... 3. Go for sellers with a good feedback, espcially on high price items. Consider though that everyone has to start somewhere. (Remember my frustration when I started and no one would sell to me because I had no feedback...) 4. If possible, choose PayPal. This leaves a trail of payment and receipt in case you need to complain, and some buyer protection. Money orders or cheques are an option, but usually slower and more expensive. Some sellers will accept PayPal if you ask, they just want to avoid the PayPal fee (which is 4% for international transactions.) You may of course offer to cover that, it may still be cheaper than a money transfer... 5. Make sure that you know the shipping fees before bidding. US to Norway has been between 150 and 250 dollars, a substantial amount which may tip a low dollar item to a not so good buy. 6. Remember that when you import a guitar, you will most likely be hit with import duities and sales tax. In Norway, there is no import tax, but I have to pay 24% sales tax. So adding 5 and 6, that 650 dollar guitar will be 650*1,24 + 250 = 950 dollars. Put in your own tax rate and shipping cost and do the maths. That is what you have to compare to when you decide!! Since I have business in the US from time to time, I have ended up using a US shipping address, then picking them up when I go over. Which may mean having to wait for months for that new guitar, which is hard of course. And if I bring it as baggage when I travel, it may be lower than the tax free amount (700 dollars here). Geir :)

April 26th, 2003, 03:42 PM	#5 (permalink)
jazzguitar Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Germany Posts: 280	You will surely find another one. But it's quite possible these are rare in your country. I just did a search on "Fender Reverb" on Ebay Australia and *<FONT COLOR="red">zero</FONT>* finds came up!

April 26th, 2003, 03:54 PM	#6 (permalink)
BADFISH Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Daytona beach Fl. and Austin Tx. Posts: 348	No selling "Feedbacks" (History)........... He has no credit..............I would hold out.

April 26th, 2003, 04:23 PM	#7 (permalink)
flip TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 47	Great advice, thank you all (no message) __________________ Flip "Swing is based in confidence. It is the grace that you acquire after years of paying dues. Swing is the dividing line between those who can play and those who can't" Sonny Sharrock

April 26th, 2003, 09:13 PM	#8 (permalink)
MikefromOZ TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Australia Posts: 89	Be Very Cautious! As A Fellow Aussie It Is a long way to go to get your money back.I have seen these go for around two to two and a half grand. forget the shops These guys want near new price for them.i Would keep an eye on the TRADING POST,S. they have more realistic prices.I paid $2500.00 For a mint and i mean mint 1990 one a while Back.so They are around.as The guys say though if you go the USA way be Very cautious i would go as far as to say talk to the seller in person. Hope this Helps Mike.By The Way Brisbane and Melbourne prices are much Better than Sydney. I Have seen up to a grand difference on a lot of occasions between silver face twins and some guitars Ect.........Mike

April 26th, 2003, 09:36 PM	#9 (permalink)
Caper Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 2,150 6 Photos	Definately a good one to let go as everyone says. It's gotta be tough if this is your only way to get a deal on a decent guitar. There are lots of guys on ebay who are honest though if you wait you will find the right one. There is a guy at Fendertalk who goes by the name of ac_fixer, he has a knack at finding quality guitars on ebay, he sells quite a few as well.

April 27th, 2003, 02:17 PM	#10 (permalink)
PeterUK Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Nottingham, England Age: 47 Posts: 2,768 4 Photos	Here's a good one... ..with a real steal if you Buy It Now. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tegory=38 083 Hit that button. You know you want it!! Good luck. Regards Peter __________________ I Facebooked your Mother.