Question about buying on reverb

[birkenweg42]

My experience with Reverb has been positive. After more than 20 transactions as a seller and buyer, I am yet to come across any real issues. Before entering into a deal with a seller without feedback I would at least want to talk to him on the phone and see if any red flags pop up.

[DCCougar]

Originally Posted by Slimt

Ask the seller lots of questions.

This! A first time seller is a little concerning, so I'd message him with a bunch of questions and try to figure out if he's legit. I've also used "reverb chat" in the past -- you might want to ask them "Hey, what if I commit my money to this transaction and then I don't get the guitar? What's the recourse?"

[PassingThru]

Originally Posted by pagedr

Yes as long as you go through Reverb payments you will be protected from fraud/a guitar that arrives in a condition that it wasn’t described/photographed in. I would recommend double checking the sellers return policy - some will sell guitars “as described”. In that case you’re still protected, you just aren’t able to return a guitar if say, you don’t like the sound, or the neck is too big/too small, etc.

Sound advice. Even sellers (music stores selling on Reverb included) with high marks may have a no return policy. Note, they mean no returns unless it's not as advertised.

[rllink]

Just thinking of this from the seller's point of veiw, for those who advise the OP not to buy from anyone with no feedback, how would you advise a person selling for their first time on Reverb to deal with that?

[Slimt]

Usually on reverb. A first time sellers funds do not clear till the item has arrived to the buyer. That is the way reverb set that in place. But buyers are encouraged to talk to the first seller often. That should be all even done prior to purchase. To see how the seller responds and in a timely manner. That sets a relationship. I bought my harp guitar from a first time seller. It was a good experience. I was not worried at all.


Keep in mind. We that are on Reverb. Were zero feedback sellers at one point in time. I sold a 67 Sj as my first sale. I never received funds till the item arrived at the buyers door.

[TiffanyGuitar]

Originally Posted by Slimt

Keep in mind. We that are on Reverb. Were zero feedback sellers at one point in time. I sold a 67 Sj as my first sale. I never received funds till the item arrived at the buyers door.

I was thinking this very same thing. I have sold some 170 items on Reverb and I have bought items too (I am now finished with selling gear - vowing nevermore). I have had a few things happen, but by and large all transactions went fine. By far, most of my sales and purchases weren't the kind of money you are talking about, but a few were.

Check their return policy and ask lots of questions.

[Grinning Boy]

Originally Posted by Boneyard75

I have had mostly positive experiences on Reverb.... Honestly, as a buyer, I prefer that site to eBay....
However, with the new rule of having to file a 1099 for sales totaling $600 per Annum, my time of buying and selling on any site is about to be over....I believe this policy begins at the start of the new year....
As usual, our government has increased their greed for the common man's money....

I don't really think the 1099 policy will be a big problem. Only a gain is taxable and I can't imagine people are making big gains selling their used guitars. Having to pay sales tax that was implemented a while back was indeed painful though.

The real purpose of 1099s isn't to tax occasional guitar trades. It's intended to flush out people running businesses and not reporting. This levels the playing field for those businesses that are reporting.

[AtotheJ]

I'm hopeful things go well. I purchased it this morning. It's a 2019 Taylor BE 614ce WHB for $2500 plus tax.
I actually "chatted" with the seller through the Reverb app for a few hours talking about the guitar and asking questions about the guitar, talked about other guitars we own, some of his road stories. He seemed like a kind and honest guy. I actually had a couple problems on my end and he was understanding about that.

The guitar is "new" as in he purchased it and it's been in its case humidified since. So no warranty but on the listing it says it was never played and it is returnable if it's not in the condition he stated it was in.

I'm not as worried as I was but I'll still be a little nervous until it gets here and I'm able to look it over and play it!

I appreciate everyone's help/advice and sharing your own experiences!

[docwatsonfan]

I think you will be just fine if the guitar is packed well...

On the other hand, I've had some pretty poor packing jobs done by " seasoned " experienced sellers.... so that is just not a given....

Please let us know how it goes!

[slimey]

I just sold a guitar for the first time on Reverb. My first sale, so no feedback. If everyone was unwilling to buy from people with no feedback Reverb would have never gained any traction.
Talk to the sellers, ask questions, in my mind feedback is no guarantee of anything.
On your first sale Reverb hold the money till the buyer says they're happy and have received the instrument. So the buyers moneys protected and the seller does not get paid till the buyer basically says OK.
No feedback, no risk to you the buyer, Reverbs keeping an eye on your money so there's no risk.

[AtotheJ]

Originally Posted by docwatsonfan

I think you will be just fine if the guitar is packed well...

On the other hand, I've had some pretty poor packing jobs done by " seasoned " experienced sellers.... so that is just not a given....

Please let us know how it goes!

He said he'd pack it well so *fingers crossed* and I'll definitely let you guys know how it goes. Thanks!

[AtotheJ]

Originally Posted by slimey

I just sold a guitar for the first time on Reverb. My first sale, so no feedback. If everyone was unwilling to buy from people with no feedback Reverb would have never gained any traction.
Talk to the sellers, ask questions, in my mind feedback is no guarantee of anything.
On your first sale Reverb hold the money till the buyer says they're happy and have received the instrument. So the buyers moneys protected and the seller does not get paid till the buyer basically says OK.
No feedback, no risk to you the buyer, Reverbs keeping an eye on your money so there's no risk.

Thanks for sharing your experience! It's helpful hearing it from the sellers perspective too!

[AtotheJ]

Originally Posted by docwatsonfan

I think you will be just fine if the guitar is packed well...

On the other hand, I've had some pretty poor packing jobs done by " seasoned " experienced sellers.... so that is just not a given....

Please let us know how it goes!

Just wanted to let you all know that I received the guitar last Thursday and I'm very happy with it. It arrived in perfect condition! It's spending the day at a luthier that my Dad is friends with so by tomorrow I'll know if there are any issues with it that I didn't see! After I get the word that it's all good I'll be leaving the seller positive feedback! We had a little issue with a shipping delay but I know so many people are stressed with the holidays and everything so that wasn't a problem!

Thanks again everyone for your responses. I may not have gone through with the sale if I didn't receive helpful feedback from all of you!

[DCCougar]

Originally Posted by AtotheJ

It arrived in perfect condition!

Good to hear it! And major congrats!

[buddyhu]

Hooray!!!!!!!!