Your opinion on classifieds here please.

[TexasTwang]

So, I've finally settled on getting a baja telecaster. But there's no telling how long it will take for one to pop up on CL in the color I want (blonde). So I'm just wondering what your guys thoughts are on dealing through the classifieds here.

Also, I see used ones through guitar center are $500. They also don't have the color I want, but this is in my price range, and would I even be able to get one at this price or lower here? being there's shipping charges involved?

Also, I would want a very smooth, straight up transaction with no problems. I assume someone with positive feedback and regular dealings here would be someone i could rest easy dealing with?

Thanks so much guys for all your help! This site has been a godsend for me for I dont know anyone with a telecaster and im from texas even! lol!

p.s. generally also, if you were looking for a baja for $500 or under what would you do? besides waiting patiently for CL like a patient and resonable person would probably do?

[Ricky D.]

Just keep an eye on your local music stores and classifieds. Face to face and hands on the instrument is the safest way to buy, always.

Classifieds here? It's internet classified. If the seller is someone I've been seeing here for a long time, I feel pretty confident.

[caferacer]

look on ebay as well, sometimes you can find something close to home
(I would never buy a guitar that I couldn't play before any money left my pocket)

[Bones]

Have bought and sold several times and never had an issue here. Have never had an issue on CL or Ebay either. Use your head and ask the right questions.

[Geo]

I have seen folks advertise wanting a certain model on CL here.
There is a blond Fender Custom Shop Anniversary Baja Tele July 1 2011 on the
Nashville CL for $600 but most locals won't ship and most likely you would want to see
and play before pay.
http://nashville.craigslist.org/msg/2852712259.html

[Kyluckyman]

I recently bought a used guitar from a GC in California and had it shipped to KY. I had to add 30 bucks for taxes and 10 for shipping. If you are not happy with the purchase, you can take it back to any GC within 30 days with all the packing materials, etc. That really takes the risk out in my opinion.

[Stubee]

what your guys thoughts are on dealing through the classifieds here.

My thoughts are that if you are honest & up front & very clear about everything and deal with members who have a number of posts plus know what you are buying/selling, it works very well. I've done a fair bit here.

I had one member angry at me regarding a Tele I sold while he was 'very interested'. He had not asked me to hold it or anything else, just to weigh it which I couldn't do for a day because I had to take my dad to the hospital etc, and another guy who had responded earlier as 'very interested' did the PayPal thing during my running around so it was gone, but that was the only snafu ever and though I apologized and got another miffed & rude response I just thought "oh well". No I try to make clear that the first person that actually buys the darned thing is, in fact, the buyer.

There are some very good deals here if you are patient & lots of good members. It is a much smaller market of course than EBay but I always try here first.

[TexasTwang]

Thanks guys, yeah, GC weird to say is probably a good bet. The $500.00 used price is fair and sweet in my opinion, and just for drill i have a wanted ad on CL. I just KNOW the baja is going to sound super sweet to my 93' 4x10 fender super amp! I actually love the gain on this bad boy, turn it up just enough to make it bite!

[PoiDog]

Ebay and Craigslist are hit or miss from my experience. From now on, I only buy guitars that I've actually played (and liked, of course)!

[ludashoeless]

Is selling on the forum easy? Or does it take a long time?

[robt57]

I can't talk about it, it is classified.... [ducking]

[TeleKato]

Originally Posted by ludashoeless

Is selling on the forum easy? Or does it take a long time?

That depends. You're certainly getting a much smaller audience than you get on eBay, or maybe even CL. If someone is looking for what you have, then off it goes ... if not, you sit. I did very well selling some pickups, my S-1 switch control assembly, and some tuners; not so well on a couple of guitars (bigger ticket items). I've a neck up there now, and have had some bites but no buyers.

My advice is put it up here first and run it for 7-10 days. If it doesn't sell, then go with your next favorite option -- CL or eBay. I don't like CL because I get bombarded with BS (relay-call scam anyone?); eBay always works but between their fees, PayPal fees, and higher shipping costs (especially if you include shipping) I see a lot of my cash disappear (like, oh, 20% of the price).

[muzicmaken]

I've had smooth transactions on here and as someone stated if someone has been here for a long time as opposed to someone who just started I always feel more at ease.
If you pay through paypal you have that added protection, granted it's a process but you have it..

[PapaLion]

Much prefer the classified on TDPRI to Ebay or even CL. Less drama and a better class of Teleites.

[TDPRI]

We have all the pluses and minuses of any other internet Classifieds -- just much less of it.

A lot of folks want to think that everyone on here is a trusted friend, but many buyers and sellers only joined here to buy and sell on the Classifieds and they are complete strangers.

Like everywhere it's buyer beware, do your homework and communicate.

[indiobravo]

you are in Austin, Texas - if you cant find a tele there.....

----->Craigs List Telecasters <-----


[edit]
i see you have your ad out there
i'd just be patient and wait for the right one if you are on a really tight of a budget
[/edit]

[logan2z]

I've only had one transaction through the classifieds here, but it was one of the best buying experiences I've had. Beginner's luck? Maybe, but I'd use the classifieds here again before CL or eBay. Whenever I post anything on CL I'm guaranteed to get one or two 'is it still up for sale?' emails within a few hours, followed by a 'I'm going out of town but my secretary will send you the money' B.S. CL has become something of a joke in my experience.

[oldteleguy]

Hi,
It takes time here,but I've sold hardware,p/ups,etc. and traded an acoustic guitar for a MIM
strat.all dealings were positive-all buyers were honest and fair in these dealings. I won't ever sell on CL or Ebay.
Oldteleguy

[Thundersleet]

I would like to share my experience with the classifieds. These are the actual messages sent and received. I edited them because I'm not out to make enemies just share the experience. The seller has been a member since July 2006 and is still active as of March 2012 with almost 300 posts. The item was small and price with shipping was listed in the ad.

Me : Hi I'd like to buy that _____ from you. Is it still for sale? How would you like payment?

Him : It is, and it's yours if you want it.

Me: Sounds good, consider it sold. Would you like Paypal personal transfer so you don't have any fees? $__ with shipping. I'm in WI _____. If that works for you what e-mail would you like the payment sent to?

After two days and no response I sent this: Hi, I'd still like to buy that _____ from you. How would you like payment sent? If you don't use Paypal I would be willing to mail you a money order if you would prefer that.

The ad was deleted and I never had another reply nor did I leave any feedback. This happened in June 2011.

[xtrajerry]

Originally Posted by TexasTwang

Thanks guys, yeah, GC weird to say is probably a good bet. The $500.00 used price is fair and sweet in my opinion, and just for drill i have a wanted ad on CL. I just KNOW the baja is going to sound super sweet to my 93' 4x10 fender super amp! I actually love the gain on this bad boy, turn it up just enough to make it bite!

Don't know.. I think I'd be all over this one on craigs list if I was back in Austin..