I recently made my third used instrument purchase over the internet. And there are a few I considered but decided not to buy. So I guess I have a few general things:
- If you find a guitar at a seller you trust, or one that has a good reputation and/or a return period, then great. So this would mainly be for buying used from a shop. I've had great experience here, particularly at one which sets up and inspects guitars (and is an authorized dealer for what I was buying and knew the guitar well). Also, the salesperson answered my questions honestly and in detail.
- Ask questions. This is important to me, as not only am I asking things, but I want to get an idea on whether the seller is someone with whom I want to do business, whether a shop or individual. Of course I won't ask things stated in the listing and will only contact a seller if I'm really interested in buying, but I'll ask about condition of frets, any modifications, if s/he's the first owner, why it's being sold, etc. I've caught a few people in lies just from basic questions and decided not to buy from them. (I didn't get confrontational but just let them know I was no longer interested).
- Check the photos, and the more detailed the better. And if you're not too familiar with the guitar and details compare to factory and authorized seller photos.
- Be logical. We all want that special deal, but if you see someone selling a guitar for far less than they should be, ask why. Also remember many scams try to create a sense of urgency in buyers and/or get the buyer to believe s/he's taking advantage of the seller. If you use a service like PayPal don't use the gift option as you will not have buyer protection (and I think if you use the company's service they deserve to get paid).
- Related to the above, be honest and open. In general be the kind of buyer you'd hope to come across if you sold something. If someone is asking what you believe is a genuinely fair price don't try to lowball them. If you think the price is too high, be honest but not insulting and let the person know how much you're willing to spend. If you decide not to buy let the seller know.
- If you go through and get the guitar, go over it, make sure everything looks right. If you're not sure or want to have someone knowledgable inspect it take it to a tech or luthier for a going over. Then if everything goes right thank the seller and enjoy it.
As far as guitars are concerned I haven't had a bad deal. I've bought two from shops and one from an individual on a forum classified. All went well. (The guitar from the individual wasn't quite as well as described but I decided it was still well worth what I paid). I did buy an amp from eBay that didn't work out too well, however, but it was early on when didn't ask as much as I do now. My other used instrument purchases (woodwinds) were in person.
