Help - How to buy a guitar with a check or money order

[islandguitar]

OH! Nice ending.....nice guitar!! Congrats and thanks for following up with the details you shared with us!

[catndahats]

Love a happy ending, and congrats!
It's really appreciated when posters follow-up and post the outcome. This is a perfect example.
Thanks again!

Originally Posted by Alexrkstr

Happy to report that I took a chance, and it went well.



Now, I did my homework. Here’s a few things that I checked:
1. That he was a real person (LinkedIn confirmed)
2. Asked for a reference, which he gave me and I spoke with someone he knew extensively, all facts matched on who the recommended was and who the seller said he was and the guitar he was selling
3. I did a personal check for traceability, certified mail for confirmation of receipt, and spoke with the gentleman several times on the phone

Still risky, but I took a measured risk and it paid off. I love the guitar.

[rampix]

Glad it all worked out for you cat.

I was in a similar situation once and the seller agreed to meet me halfway and do the transaction in person. I see you’re in Chicago and it’s about 9 1/2 hours between there and Ashville. Louisville would be a little over 4 hours for each of you and that’s about the same travel time as I had for my transaction. It would kill a day for both of you and add some gas$ but eliminate the risk and shipping cost. We were both happy with the transaction and had a nice lunch together and talked guitar nerd stuff for an hour. I was home playing my new guitar by supper time and didn’t have to worry about shipping damages.

[Alexrkstr]

Thanks, guys. Yes, I think I took a measured risk and checked all the boxes that I could check. It's good to see how many other creative options can be considered.

There are still good humans in the world. But definitely do your due diligence!

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by Dogma

No one responded to my earlier question about Zelle/Paypal buyer protections (do they exist? I am skeptical) but isn't this (quote above) the potential issue with all private transactions? As I understand, it's the argument for Reverb or eBay.

I kept waiting for this response myself.
Is Zelle or whoever going to get your money back when the guitar never shows up? I think not.
I thought the proponents of the electronic payment process were inferring a “my way or the highway approach”.
I pick the highway and…see ya’ …wouldn’t want to be ya’.
Anyway, glad it all worked out.