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Thread: Trading instruments in the classified

  1. #1

    Default Trading instruments in the classified

    I'm interested in trading for a guitar posted in the classifieds, but can't find what the proper protocol for making such a transaction would be.
    Any help would be greatly appreciated.

  2. #2
    Teacher, repair person
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    Default Re: Trading instruments in the classified

    You can reply to the ad and ask the seller if they are interested in a trade.

  3. #3

    Default Re: Trading instruments in the classified

    They are fine with trading. I wasn't sure how each person verified that they weren't being suckered into mailing a guitar off to a stranger and seeing nothing in return.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Trading instruments in the classified

    Any internet sale is a risk. There is no foolproof way to verify such a transaction. I like to talk to people over the phone when I do any business over the internet. I can get some idea of a person's character when I can hear their voice, but that's not foolproof either. If they won't talk to me over the phone, there will be no transaction. If he is within driving distance, perhaps you can meet somewhere at a public location.

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  6. #5
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    Default Re: Trading instruments in the classified

    You're pretty new here........ does the other party have a track record of posts or transactions?

  7. #6
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    Default Re: Trading instruments in the classified

    Somewhat expensive with fees, but you can "sell' each other your instruments for the same price using PayPal. Then you have the buyer protection from PayPal if things head south. That said, I've done several trades on the Cafe with no issues. I think Scott and Dan do a great job of behind the scenes security and fraud protection...
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  8. #7
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    Default Re: Trading instruments in the classified

    You haven't mentioned what the value of these instruments are. A couple hundred bucks well maybe you take a flyer. Any more not for me. I agree with scotta above. Consider each transaction individually. I'm selling you my instrument for X amount of dollars and you are selling me your instrument for the same.
    My preferred method has been USPS money order for traceability reasons.
    But choose your own way to protect your asset.
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  9. #8
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    Default Re: Trading instruments in the classified

    I've done a lot of trading in the past from the classifieds here. I always found comfort in having a telephone conversation first.

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  11. #9
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    Default Re: Trading instruments in the classified

    Yes, phone call is a really good misunderstanding avoider, skype calls work pretty well if you have decent microphone plugged into interface into computer
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  13. #10

    Default Re: Trading instruments in the classified

    I've traded before with great results. We simply set a day to send our instruments, after the instruments were in transit, we took a photo of the receipt and tracking number and texted it. That said, I wouldn't do an exchange like that anywhere but the cafe.

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  15. #11
    Registered User urobouros's Avatar
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    Default Re: Trading instruments in the classified

    The only exchanges I've done on the Cafe were through sponsors (Thanks MandoMutt & Elderly Instruments!!) but I find my one's level of confidence in the deal is in direct proportion to the response of the other party. Whether here or on other sites, protocol hasn't ever come up anymore than conversations. And pictures. And maybe a phone call...

  16. #12
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    Default Re: Trading instruments in the classified

    Once I have a mailing address I do a google satellite search to view the place I am sending it to. I'm not sure what I actually gain by this except perhaps a little piece of mind that I'm not mailing to a location that looks shady.
    I never did a trade but I like Scotta's suggestion of using PayPal. I, personally, do not find PayPal fees exorbitant. I have sold a few mandolins here and purchased several without a problem. I always ask for, when purchasing and offer when selling, a 24 hour trial period with the buyer paying postage both ways if not satisfied.
    When selling I try to describe my instrument as accurately as possible with no attempt to oversell. I have found all of my purchases to be as described and at least three to exceed expectations.
    This site seems to me to have a very honorable group of followers and the Cafe does a good job of outing those that are not.
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  17. #13
    Registered User Stephen Cagle's Avatar
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    Default Re: Trading instruments in the classified

    All these protocols I'm sure are good. I actually do believe in them as well. At the end of the day I pretty much look at how long they've been a cafe member. If a week probably not doing business. If a long time member then I'm doing business. I purchased a cream colored calton off the cafe years ago from a long time member and this gentleman sent me the calton before I could get to the bank and purchase the money order. He was with in 4 hours of me and it showed up at my house in a day and a half. I messaged him and explained that I was getting the money order that day but the case just showed up USPS. His Exact words to me was "Stephen if you can't trust someone here on the cafe then you cannot trust anybody" and to enjoy the case. I got the money order that day sent it and all was completed and everyone was happy. Again the only thing I look at is longevity.

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  19. #14
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    Default Re: Trading instruments in the classified

    Quote Originally Posted by Pittsburgh Bill View Post
    Once I have a mailing address I do a google satellite search to view the place I am sending it to. I'm not sure what I actually gain by this except perhaps a little piece of mind that I'm not mailing to a location that looks shady.

    This site seems to me to have a very honorable group of followers and the Cafe does a good job of outing those that are not.
    I am sure if you searched my location you would think it looks shady. I have had several transactions on the cafe and all good. Looks can be deceiving.
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  21. #15
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    Default Re: Trading instruments in the classified

    All good advice above. I traded a Weber Hyalite OM for a Collings MT with a gent in Massachusetts several years ago, and it went splendidly. I don’t believe we ever spoke on the phone but did exchange several emails, and we both volunteered some work info so we could verify with whom we were dealing (as neither of us did much on social media outside of the Cafe, lol). There’s always a leap of faith, but Scott and the crew do a great job monitoring the classifieds and keep out the troublemakers as best they can.
    Chuck

  22. #16
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Trading instruments in the classified

    I did a high end trade a couple of years ago that worked out great for both of us. We did talk on the phone and I also recognized my trader as fairly active on these boards. I have done probably two other trades and in none did I ever lose out. However my fingers are always crossed.
    Jim

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    Default Re: Trading instruments in the classified

    Ironic as it may be, I've had more than a few transactions with people who seemed very responsible yet the deal went south and I got hosed. I've also had some fantastic ones where I literally met someone behind a truck stop in rural Tennessee & West Virginia with a brown paper bag full of cash and within ten minutes they were my new best friend.

    Many days a solid handshake with a respectable human goes a lot farther that fancy titles and internet provenance...
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