Electric Guitars

[theManfromAlab…]

Always have the person try before buying, and never make the offer of accepting a return for any reason.

I think the right thing for both of you to do is meet half way and accept the returned pedal and refund his $100...chalk it up as lesson learned.

[Tall]

50% Restocking fee.

[dmc69]

+1 to the people saying never have a return policy on CL. CL is already full of wankers and you don't know who will do what to screw you over if you offer them any leverage. The item is used. It's final sale. I always offer my buyers a chance to try it out, and to make sure they are happy with the item before I sell it to them. And I try to list everything about the item I sell for full disclosure, so they have nothing against me.

I go on CL knowing that I am paying less for an item that is not like a new item, and does not come with the warranty of a new item. As a seller on CL, I also understand that I have no obligation to offer a return policy on items I sell. If buyers really want a retrun policy, they should buy new.

[steve_man]

If the item was working when you sold it, then he owns it.  If he doesn't like it, he can re-sell it himself.  That's the way CL works.

[Ricochet]

Um, is this a surprise?

+1 on the 'no returns whatsoever' approach for CL deals.

There are decent folk on CL, but they do seem to be a minority. I take a very clear, inflexible stance on my CL dealings. Yeah, that approach loses some potential 'customers', but based on the number of CL horror stories online, I don't think they are customers worth having. All the legit folks on CL seem to get it, so it works as a good filter.

[Danhedonia]

What a shame that so many people seem ingrained to try and take advantage of others, rather than help them.

Hope you're never in a spot where another person's generosity is the difference in your life.  But betcha, if that DOES happen, you won't sell out some schmuck for a hundred bucks.

[drivelikejoewho]

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Danhedonia wrote:

What a shame that so many people seem ingrained to try and take advantage of others, rather than help them.

Hope you're never in a spot where another person's generosity is the difference in your life.  But betcha, if that DOES happen, you won't sell out some schmuck for a hundred bucks.

---

You are talking about a transaction on a classified ad. I personally always tell people that I'm honest and if there are any issues to give me a call. I always make sure they are very satisfied before they leave and tell them about a time I made a trade and a guy called me back a week later saying he changed his mind when he initiated the whole thing and even convinced me it was a good move. I did make the swap back but I was incredibly irritated. I would never buy anything or trade anything without full intentions of keeping it. Classified ads aren't for shoppers who have buyer's remorse. Sales are supposed to be final and the good deals you can find come with that caveat.

The flipside of your point is the guy is being very rude by changing his mind on what is suppose to be a one way transaction. Sure, I may tell people to call me if there are issues but that is if there is an issue, not a change of heart.

One thing the shenanigans CL and Ebay has done for me is convinced me to stop sampling gear and reselling it. It is so much of a hassle just to get rid of stuff now that I don't buy anything unless I know for sure I'm going to keep it. The hassle of selling anything just about anywhere makes it not worth it to me. I'm not desperate for money but at the same time, I'm not interested in just giving stuff away. I see the same shit on CL that has been there for 6 months to a year. The same guy selling an SG Special with "Half Moon Inlays" for $800. Dude, you can buy a brand new one for $500 up until a month or so ago.

[gibsunLPgoldtop]

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Ricochet wrote:
Um, is this a surprise?

+1 on the 'no returns whatsoever' approach for CL deals.

There are decent folk on CL, but they do seem to be a minority. I take a very clear, inflexible stance on my CL dealings. Yeah, that approach loses some potential 'customers', but based on the number of CL horror stories online, I don't think they are customers worth having. All the legit folks on CL seem to get it, so it works as a good filter.

---

Unfortunately you only remember the bad people. I worked in retail in my parents store for many years and I really grew to despise people but when I added up all the bad customers, they were in the minority.

Per my previous post, I've sold a lot and only a few [10%] were difficult but still bought.

The majority tried out the guitar, and then most try and get a further discount [sometimes I give it sometimes I don't, doesn't hurt to ask. I base it on how much I paid for the instrument and how much I'm actually losing. Once in a while I'm actually getting more than I paid for it so I'm a bit more open to a 'discount'] and then they pay and are on their way. No one has called back [yet, knock on wood] and asked for their money back.

Here's one story that pissed me off a bit but was really my fault. I only accomodated this potential buyer because I was hoping to sell it and CL had been a bit slow that month [it ramped up 1 week later though]

The repair guy at Westwood Music in Los Angeles wanted to check out my Eric Johnson strat.  Since I was going to be in West LA that day, he asked if I could bring it by the store. The guy already had 2 EJ strats but wanted my 1st year model. So I went up to the repair shop and the guy looks it over, measures it, plays it side by side with his other EJ strat thru his amp, back and forth, back and forth. Whole thing took close to 30 min [much more time than I allow] and then he said he'd think about it. The only reason I did this was I was selling it for $1000 without the EJ case, guitar only and had a bit of $$$ in my eyes...stupid!

Well, the whole thing was my call and I allowed it but here's another bad incident which teaches me a lesson. Always make them come to you, and meet in a parking lot. Won't have all that time to measure and crap.

Through the whole ordeal I just sat patiently and didn't say anything cause I thought I might make a sale.

In the end I started to play the EJ again so I pulled it from CL and I sold about 5 guitars that following week.

Thanks for letting me vent on the Westwood Music Repair person. He'll never really know how I truly felt but here I get to say "screw you asshole"

[drivelikejoewho]

I was just reminded of my last guitar sale on CL. I had a Gibson SG Gothic with HSC on CL for $450. They go for about $500 on Ebay plus shipping depending on the guitar and condition. Mine was in decent condition and included a brand new TKL case for it. All in all, a reasonable price. I was quite content to not sell the guitar because I was a bit attached to it for reasons I won't bore you with.

At any rate, I get hit up a few times by different people looking to pay $400 for it. Now, $50 isn't a huge deal but to me it is the principle of the matter. I stated specifically not to give me offers. So I just responded saying "no thanks" to those offers. Finally another guy says he is interested and to call him. He offers $400 over the phone as well and I told him I was selling it at $450 or not selling it. He said "I'll get cash and come right now". He did just that. He actually came over and the banks were closed so he offered to give me $100 to hold it until the next day. I told him i wouldn't feel right doing that and that if he called and picked it up by 7pm the next day, I would hold it. He followed through and everything went seemless. The following weeks I kept getting emails from these other guys (I think it was the same person) and I finally responded that it sold and the guy asks for how much. I told $450 like I said. HIs response, "dang, that was a good deal". I'm just scratching my head. If something is a good deal is $50 worth haggling over that much? I feel like people just have this sense that they need to "win". I'm about making a fair deal and hate negotiating. I do that at work all day. When I sell my crap I just want a fair price for it. I'm not looking to capitalize on people or rip anyone off. Anyway, as I said before. I'm over selling shit for the time being. Just too much of hassle.

[gibsunLPgoldtop]

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drivelikejoewho wrote:
I was just reminded of my last guitar sale on CL. I had a Gibson SG Gothic with HSC on CL for $450. They go for about $500 on Ebay plus shipping depending on the guitar and condition. Mine was in decent condition and included a brand new TKL case for it. All in all, a reasonable price. I was quite content to not sell the guitar because I was a bit attached to it for reasons I won't bore you with.

At any rate, I get hit up a few times by different people looking to pay $400 for it. Now, $50 isn't a huge deal but to me it is the principle of the matter. I stated specifically not to give me offers. So I just responded saying "no thanks" to those offers. Finally another guy says he is interested and to call him. He offers $400 over the phone as well and I told him I was selling it at $450 or not selling it. He said "I'll get cash and come right now". He did just that. He actually came over and the banks were closed so he offered to give me $100 to hold it until the next day. I told him i wouldn't feel right doing that and that if he called and picked it up by 7pm the next day, I would hold it. He followed through and everything went seemless. The following weeks I kept getting emails from these other guys (I think it was the same person) and I finally responded that it sold and the guy asks for how much. I told $450 like I said. HIs response, "dang, that was a good deal". I'm just scratching my head. If something is a good deal is $50 worth haggling over that much? I feel like people just have this sense that they need to "win". I'm about making a fair deal and hate negotiating. I do that at work all day. When I sell my crap I just want a fair price for it. I'm not looking to capitalize on people or rip anyone off. Anyway, as I said before. I'm over selling shit for the time being. Just too much of hassle.

---

I never say "no offer" I let people email me. Sometimes I'm in the right mood and I'll agree or give a counter offer. Then they either say yay, no or flake. but I ALWAYS make them come to me.

One big lesson  I've learned is never go out of your way to make the sale. Make them come to you.

I always say " Thank you for your offer but...[agree, counter, no price remains as listed]

I've made a few offers and they've been accepted.

One thing we all have to understand is that regardless of what we write, Craigslist involves haggling.

Also when a seller says he's honest, condition is excellent etc. Take it with a grain of salt.

When I sell I try and describe the item to the best of my ability, take pics but more importantly I want them to see the item in person. They can always back out but coming out to me means:

1. The are really interested in the guitar

2. They've invested time in coming to me

Also another thing to remember, this is what people in retail go through everyday. People can suck, that's the cost of doing business with the public. At least they can't bring it back to you! ONE WAY SALE.

I also take into account the ebay and paypal fees I would lose when pricing.

Remember on ebay they CAN return the guitar.

[Hookandcanman]

I'd be afraid he'd break it.

[Mad Tele]

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Danhedonia wrote:

What a shame that so many people seem ingrained to try and take advantage of others, rather than help them.

---

+1 you should have never offered a return, and now as a result he is trying to take advantage of you. velcro residue? what the hell is that? Thats like trying to return an item for spite. 

as is means as is. all sales final. 

[drivelikejoewho]

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gibsunLPgoldtop wrote:

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drivelikejoewho wrote:
I was just reminded of my last guitar sale on CL. I had a Gibson SG Gothic with HSC on CL for $450. They go for about $500 on Ebay plus shipping depending on the guitar and condition. Mine was in decent condition and included a brand new TKL case for it. All in all, a reasonable price. I was quite content to not sell the guitar because I was a bit attached to it for reasons I won't bore you with.

At any rate, I get hit up a few times by different people looking to pay $400 for it. Now, $50 isn't a huge deal but to me it is the principle of the matter. I stated specifically not to give me offers. So I just responded saying "no thanks" to those offers. Finally another guy says he is interested and to call him. He offers $400 over the phone as well and I told him I was selling it at $450 or not selling it. He said "I'll get cash and come right now". He did just that. He actually came over and the banks were closed so he offered to give me $100 to hold it until the next day. I told him i wouldn't feel right doing that and that if he called and picked it up by 7pm the next day, I would hold it. He followed through and everything went seemless. The following weeks I kept getting emails from these other guys (I think it was the same person) and I finally responded that it sold and the guy asks for how much. I told $450 like I said. HIs response, "dang, that was a good deal". I'm just scratching my head. If something is a good deal is $50 worth haggling over that much? I feel like people just have this sense that they need to "win". I'm about making a fair deal and hate negotiating. I do that at work all day. When I sell my crap I just want a fair price for it. I'm not looking to capitalize on people or rip anyone off. Anyway, as I said before. I'm over selling shit for the time being. Just too much of hassle.

---

the ebay and paypal fees I would lose when pricing.

Remember on ebay they CAN return the guitar.

---

Yeah that is why I always price my items at or below my net price after fees etc. I even invite people to check the prices for themselves because that is exactly what I do before listing. I had an issue recently where I sold a pedal on ebay and apparently set up the shipping calculator wrong and insurance didn't get added on. Well, that item got lost in the mail and then buyer was adamant that he still wanted the item so foolishly I sent in my request to USPS to locate the item and ship to him. A few weeks later he decides he wants a refund so I refunded him and now if they find it they are going to ship to him. Lesson learned. Don't use USPS and I should have had it shipped backed to me and ate the cost to ship to him again should it be found and returned. Oh well, like I said, too much hassle these days to even bother with it.

I have had decent success selling here but some items there just hasn't been any interest. I'm now to a point where I really don't have much useless stuff sitting around and I've come to the conclusion that the guitars I have are adequate. I'm not on the search for the perfect guitar or gear anymore. It was a fun ride but I think I'm more than fortunate to have what I already have.

I've just been venting some frustration with the whole selling process and I recognize that there are things I could do better with and I've also decided I can just go without the whole process and make my life a lot easier.

[gibsunLPgoldtop]

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drivelikejoewho wrote:

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gibsunLPgoldtop wrote:

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drivelikejoewho wrote:
I was just reminded of my last guitar sale on CL. I had a Gibson SG Gothic with HSC on CL for $450. They go for about $500 on Ebay plus shipping depending on the guitar and condition. Mine was in decent condition and included a brand new TKL case for it. All in all, a reasonable price. I was quite content to not sell the guitar because I was a bit attached to it for reasons I won't bore you with.

At any rate, I get hit up a few times by different people looking to pay $400 for it. Now, $50 isn't a huge deal but to me it is the principle of the matter. I stated specifically not to give me offers. So I just responded saying "no thanks" to those offers. Finally another guy says he is interested and to call him. He offers $400 over the phone as well and I told him I was selling it at $450 or not selling it. He said "I'll get cash and come right now". He did just that. He actually came over and the banks were closed so he offered to give me $100 to hold it until the next day. I told him i wouldn't feel right doing that and that if he called and picked it up by 7pm the next day, I would hold it. He followed through and everything went seemless. The following weeks I kept getting emails from these other guys (I think it was the same person) and I finally responded that it sold and the guy asks for how much. I told $450 like I said. HIs response, "dang, that was a good deal". I'm just scratching my head. If something is a good deal is $50 worth haggling over that much? I feel like people just have this sense that they need to "win". I'm about making a fair deal and hate negotiating. I do that at work all day. When I sell my crap I just want a fair price for it. I'm not looking to capitalize on people or rip anyone off. Anyway, as I said before. I'm over selling shit for the time being. Just too much of hassle.

---

the ebay and paypal fees I would lose when pricing.

Remember on ebay they CAN return the guitar.

---

Yeah that is why I always price my items at or below my net price after fees etc. I even invite people to check the prices for themselves because that is exactly what I do before listing. I had an issue recently where I sold a pedal on ebay and apparently set up the shipping calculator wrong and insurance didn't get added on. Well, that item got lost in the mail and then buyer was adamant that he still wanted the item so foolishly I sent in my request to USPS to locate the item and ship to him. A few weeks later he decides he wants a refund so I refunded him and now if they find it they are going to ship to him. Lesson learned. Don't use USPS and I should have had it shipped backed to me and ate the cost to ship to him again should it be found and returned. Oh well, like I said, too much hassle these days to even bother with it.

I have had decent success selling here but some items there just hasn't been any interest. I'm now to a point where I really don't have much useless stuff sitting around and I've come to the conclusion that the guitars I have are adequate. I'm not on the search for the perfect guitar or gear anymore. It was a fun ride but I think I'm more than fortunate to have what I already have.

I've just been venting some frustration with the whole selling process and I recognize that there are things I could do better with and I've also decided I can just go without the whole process and make my life a lot easier.

---

HCForum has turned a lot of people off.

I've heard once you're established that people have good luck selling on The Gear Page forum

I still like Craigslist for the finality of the sale

[jrockbridge]

I promise people the moon when I sell an item on CL.  And, when they contact me back wanting to return an item, I tell them I moved to China.  Works every time.  

Actually, I avoid CL.  I had to use it once to sell a hot tub.  Worked out ok in the end but way more effort than I prefer.

I'd rather pay the fees on eBay.  It's much less trouble overall IME.