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Topic: Online buying Lesson- BUYER BEWARE! |
Niels Andrews
From:
Salinas, California, USA
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Posted 19 Oct 2012 5:40 am |
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A while back a Fender Steel King came up for auction online. I was intrigued with it since it was listed as in new condition and I have one I really like, and they don't make them anymore.
In my pursuit I did not really ponder what "as is" means. It means no matter what you think you bought, you bought what they ship you. So to make a long story short when the FSK had arrived it had been in a flood and the speaker was blown, it was probably new before Rita.
Anyways it is back working with a new EPS 15C speaker and it plays great. I am out about $500.00. So not a good deal but no mortal wounds. So when you see "no returns" or "as is", buyer beware!
I will continue to buy online, but tend to go with an established seller and use paypal.
_________________
Die with Memories. Not Dreams.
Good Stuff like Zum S-12, Wolfe Resoport
MSA SS-12, Telonics Combo. |
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Jeff Garden
From:
Center Sandwich, New Hampshire, USA
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Posted 19 Oct 2012 7:50 am
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| That sucks...I'd like to see what the seller's definition of "new condition" is. |
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Jim Cohen
From:
Philadelphia, PA
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Niels Andrews
From:
Salinas, California, USA
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Posted 19 Oct 2012 8:15 am
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The seller was banned for other antics, and I am not inclined to "cry over spilt milk". I only bring this up to make others aware of what you can get into. For some people it could be a major deal. Unless you are willing to risk it all, you are better off with known entities like the vendors listed here in the forum.
_________________
Die with Memories. Not Dreams.
Good Stuff like Zum S-12, Wolfe Resoport
MSA SS-12, Telonics Combo. |
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Rich Hlaves
From:
Wildomar, California, USA
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Posted 19 Oct 2012 2:03 pm
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I sold a Epi Les Paul Gold Top at auction in September. It was perfect. A rare model MIJ with a Gibson Style headstock. It was not damaged in shipment. The buyer sent me a message the day after the guitar arrived that the guitar had a dent in the back. It wasn't there when I packed it in it's USA LP case to ship. I have the oics to prove it and I would never take advantage.
He either damaged it accidentally or intentionally as a reason to return the guitar. Maybe his wife caught him buying when he should have been selling.
In any case I took it back and refunded his money. This was a no returns, as is sale.
So it works both ways. there are bads sellers and bad buyers. A real shame in either case.
_________________
On man....let the smoke out of another one. |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 20 Oct 2012 4:49 am
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It's either in "NEW" condition, or "AS-IS" condition.
It can't be both.
"AS-IS" always, and I mean always, means "less than average", with defects, missing/damaged parts, or both. |
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Niels Andrews
From:
Salinas, California, USA
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Posted 20 Oct 2012 5:16 am
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Condition was "like new", terms of sale are the legal term, "as is, where is".
_________________
Die with Memories. Not Dreams.
Good Stuff like Zum S-12, Wolfe Resoport
MSA SS-12, Telonics Combo. |
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Dave Hopping
From:
Aurora, Colorado
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Posted 20 Oct 2012 8:07 am
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"Like new" does not exactly indicate how much like new.  |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 20 Oct 2012 5:41 pm
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Any sale that is termed "as-is, where-is" should be a flashing red light. It means the seller demands no responsibility after the sale, and that the buyer understands that fact...no warranty, no recourse. In short, when you accept such terms, you're automatically waiving practically all your rights as a consumer, but the item should be priced accordingly.
As an aspect of condition, "as-is, where-is" usually means "exactly as it appears, or is described", but non-disclosure isn't actionable. Many people get burned on amps that don't come with their foot switches. A seller may say "amp for sale", but he need not mention that the foot switch is missing. After the sale, the buyer has to sometimes fork over $100 for a used footswitch (sometimes sold by the same seller) because factories rarely retain stock of such items, and many modern amps require the footswitch for full operation.
Buying used merchandise from private parties comes with many pitfalls, but if the amp has cost you $500 total, that's not a bad deal. Occasionally on these types of deals, you can get a bargain. But more often than not, it's pot=luck as to whether or not you're getting your money's worth.
I understand your pain, but all in all, you were lucky to make out as well as you did.  I once bought a radio transmitter that was new, unused government surplus, and guaranteed to broadcast at least 30 miles....and it only cost $25. No other details were available, but how could I go wrong? Of course, those familiar with radio transmitters can imagine my dismay when I discovered after receiving it and opening the still factory-sealed box...that it operated on 1460 mhz. 
Not many listeners up there! |
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Lane Gray
From:
Topeka, KS
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Posted 20 Oct 2012 6:23 pm
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Yeah, but you were the most popular station on the band...
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects |
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Robert Burgess
From:
United Kingdom
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Posted 14 Nov 2012 5:43 am In the wording?
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There was a guy on ebay some time back selling insect and bug killers, guaranteed 100% effective in all cases. What buyers got was a box with two pieces of wood marked A & B and instructions to place bug on piece A' and hit with piece B'  he was telling the truth about the effectiveness but a lot of people were a bit upset  |
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