Klarinet Archive - Posting 000112.txt from 2000/07

From: "Dee D. Hays" <deehays@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Bass Clarinet/EBAY
Date: Mon, 3 Jul 2000 16:31:21 -0400

----- Original Message -----
From: "F. S. Sterns" <fssterns@-----.com>
Subject: Re: [kl] Bass Clarinet/EBAY

> This is, no doubt, a minority view but having been stung by an active
seller on
> eBay, I am about as negative as anyone can be about buying instruments
through
> an on line auction.

Stung in what way? I have always received exactly what I expected but then
I always approach it from a buyer beware and don't bid too high philosophy.
Of course the seller's descriptions should be taken with a very large grain
of salt. My expectations were never based on those descriptions.

>
> There is, from my viewpoint, one immutable guideline that must be adhered
to if
> you are considering an eBay instrument...be sure you can get your money
back if
> dissatisfied!

Although a few of the sellers will do that, it is not the norm. Most say
"as is" and "all sales final". It is an auction for heaven's sake. Treat
it like one. Just because it is on the internet, doesn't mean it's any
different than going to an estate or farm auction. You can't return things
there either if they turn out to have hidden flaws.

To use the auction system successfully, you need to do a lot of research.
1. Ask lots and lots of detailed questions of the seller. For example,
spring condition, pad condition, wood condition, key condition and so on.
For instruments that are no longer made, you need to be sure that none of
the keys are broken as they might not be repairable or replaceable.
2. Know what the equivalent normal, mail order, new price is from the
reputable mail order dealers such as International Music or Woodwind and
Brasswind. In the case of things other than instruments, the new price at
your local discount store.
3. Calculate a maximum price that you are willing to spend and don't go
over it. For most things, I use half the new discount price (mail order or
discount store). For instruments, I deduct the cost of an overhaul. For
beginner grade instruments from one of the better makers, I stay under $100
and plan on doing any repadding myself. If you have to go more than half of
the new discount price, you are better off buying locally where you can
personally examine a used instrument or buying a new one via mail order.
4. Never, ever expect the seller to let it go for less than the reserve if
he has one set. His refusal to sell below that is *not* unethical although
many people seem to think so. If his reserve is unreasonably high, he'll
find out soon enough in that he will have no takers.

Too many times the prices are bid up by people who have not done the
necessary research. On at least one occasion, I saw an R-13 bid up to a
price that exceeded the new cost from International Music Suppliers, etc.
I've seen some other Buffet models bid up to almost new prices.

Unethical sellers really don't last very long on eBay. However there are
many sellers who lack knowledge on the items that they are selling. This is
not unethical and it is up to the potential buyer to do the necessary
research to be sure he doesn't get "stung."

I have purchased many opera videos, several pieces of computer software,
some records, and six clarinets from eBay. There were no problems with any
of them. But I kept my expectations and bids low.

Dee Hays

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