Mandolin Cafe Classifieds

[ron d.]

I have been checking out the classified ads list for awhile now and am very interested in buying a used mandolin. I am curious about how these transactions work. If I send someone money for an instrument, how can I be sure I will get it? ron d.

[jimbob]

I will relate only my experiences. I have purchased two mandolins and some misc. mando-stuff from the classifieds here. I may have been lucky, but I suspect it's mostly becasue there are just pretty good folks around here, but I have been very satisfied and have always received the merchandise in the condition promised and in a very timely manner. I just exchanged e-mails after replying to the adds and went from there.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Jerry Byers]

Communications. It's best to establish some dialog before commiting to a transaction. Most folks using the classifieds are part of the community - it would be pretty tough to run a shady deal when most people know you.

[steve in tampa]

Had mostly good experiences buying, and the s**t kicked out of my tires trying to sell.

[carleshicks]

I bought a Gibson Fern used through the classifieds had good luck. I called and talked to the guy 6 or 7 times checked out some of his posts on the message board to see if he is ligit and it worked.

[DryBones]

I had someone commit to buying a mando from me but never closed the deal and never bothered to let me know he changed his mind, just strung me along with a couple emails. #I held that mando for him for over a month but finally sold it elsewhere.

[Doug Edwards]

What Steve and Jason said. Buyings good, selling more of a challenge. All and all an excellent place to find good mandolins and good people to buy from. Buyers need to be more considerate and committed before pulling the trigger. I really like the new classifieds layout.

[fiddler]

I have bought several items and sold one through the classifieds. No problems were encountered with any of the transactions.

[JEStanek]

I've had 4-5 transactions from the classifieds (sold 2 bought three things). Never had a problem and most of the sellers are posters on the boards... Scott does a great job with managing this stuff.

Jamie

[Scott Tichenor]

Here are some tips I've gathered over the years of running this resource. You can avoid a lot of headaches and inevitable tire kickers by following a few simple steps. It's my experience and observation that a sizeable number of ads are placed lacking the information a buyer really needs.

- If you are willing to accept trades, best indicate as such. Otherwise, be prepared for those inquiries.
- If you have additional pictures available, say so in the ad or list a web site if you have one where they can be posted for display.
- Clearly state your accepted method of payment and any time for checks to clear.
- Clearly state if your price is firm, and do list a price. There are plenty of ads listed without a price which begs a ton of replies that shouldn't be necessary. If the price is not firm, list it as "or best offer".
- Clearly state the terms of the agreement. Personally, I won't buy from anyone not willing to provide their phone number and at least a 48 hour window of return. But with that, I expect to pay for the return shipping + insurance.

Having your ducks in a row will keep the tire kickers away. Sure there are other tips that someone might provide. Hope this helps.

[Mandobar]

i have sold quite a few mandos using the classifieds. i offer references to those who are a bit hesitant. i have also delivered things in person for a few folks as i was going that way. i think scott runs a really great resource with the classifieds.

if you are buying and selling something expensive i think telephone conversations are necessary.

[Bill Van Liere]

ron

I purchased two mandolins, a Brentrup and a BRW (yahoo), here on the Cafe. Hard to beat the selction around here.

Here is how my transactions worked: I replied to the add to get the sellers phone number. We then spoke on the phone until I was confindent in the mandolin and comfortable with the seller. At that point I had the seller write a contract which IDed the instrument and set up the terms of sale. They mailed me the contract signed and I sent them them a secure money source at the point. Common procedure is a trial period, a check clearing period and the seller paying one way shipping.
Thanks you very much to admisistrators, sellers, builders and the many fine upstanding cafe members making this resource possible.
Thanks Scott M. and Mike L. for the great instruments.

[Jerry Byers]

I buy and sell on the classifieds - it's a great resource. As a seller, I expect to establish a dialog prior to selling. In the long run, it makes for a better transaction. I'm even willing to help out other sellers, if asked.

As a buyer, here are a couple gripes that I have - nothing major, but it would make the experience a lot better.

- Unless it is clearly stated, I'm going to assume that pictures are available. If you don't have a link to other photos, I'm going to ask for them. And yes, sometimes I will ask to see them even if I'm not going to buy - it's fun and educating to see works of art. If that's a problem, tell me so - I won't be offended.
- Reply to your ads. I have sent at least a dozen emails with no replies. If you don't want to reply, then why waste this resource provided here. If the item is no longer available, so state it or remove the ad.

Scott has done a superb job with this site and the classifieds - kudos to you, Scott. And as I mentioned earlier, I consider the classifieds as an extension of the community, a community that I'm part of - what a great way to buy and sell this great work of art called the mandolin.

[Lane Pryce]

I have bought and sold many times and never had an issue. I agree with everthing that has been previously said but primarily most of the sellers are regular cafe members just trying to move something mandolin related. I have no problem what so ever purchasing or selling here and find it more secure than that online auction scam --- I mean site. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif Lp

[ron d.]

Thanks for everyone's replies, and I agree that the people on this site and the site itself is great. I just thought I might have been missing something but figured transactions had to work on the honor system. Maybe it's just that I have trust issues http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif Really looking forward to getting a decent mandolin soon, starting out with a used Martin backpacker. Better than nothing I guess, but not by much! Thanks all, Ron.

[otterly2k]

Ron-- lots of good info here. My experiences buying and selling here have been good all 'round. There is a community here, and those of us who have been part of it for a while and value it, would never do anything to jeopardize our reputation/good name in the community. So... for me, I find I'm more likely to trust someone who has been around here for a little while...and who seems to know their stuff.

Communications about the business transaction is critical, as mentioned. I've never done anything as formal (buying OR selling) as a contract, but it seems to me that anyone who is legit should not mind doing so if asked.

KE
ps- if you want a "decent mandolin", I'd save that backpacker money towards something better... imho

[Bob A]

Bought several instruments with only one problem, which was quickly resolved thru intervention of the site owner (thanks yet again). Anyone who is a regular poster here would doubtless be trustworthy; most folks here take their good reputations very seriously.

[tiltman]

I've bought a couple of things here (including a pricey mandola) and sold some strings once. Nothing but positive experiences.
- communication is key
- I would only buy from someone who has been on the cafe'
for a while (not a new account)
- ask for references, return policy, etc.
Kirk

[SternART]

Mando-lynn writes:"Common procedure is a trial period, a check clearing period and the seller paying one way shipping."

From my experiences the buyer pays shipping, as you would on any purchase.......and also return shipping if you decide to return the instrument after the trial period. I usually send a Cashiers check, the seller sends the instrument upon receipt of the check, but holds it till they hear the buyer isn't sending it back. If the buyer decides to not keep the instrument they ship it back, and the seller returns the Cashiers check upon receiving the instrument in the condition they sent it.

[glauber]

Had mostly good experiences buying, and the s**t kicked out of my tires trying to sell.
Hey, didn't i buy something from you? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[Jim M.]

To quote Dan B., I do a lot of "catch and release" with mandos. At this point, I have bought, sold and traded about a dozen total mandos through the Cafe. All transactions have been great, and, as far as I know, quite satisfactory to both parties.

At some point it is a matter of trust, but most of the Cafe folk are trustworthy (how many of you remember Wigglesworth?) and you're not going to find a better selection of mandos anywhere in the universe.

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[steve in tampa]

glauber,

You did buy that MM68, but that was never advertised by me on the classifieds! I reponded you your ad looking for one!

Mostly when trying to sell I got people who wanted a bunch of pictures, and then never replied back. A simple thanks or no thanks would have been nice. I did get a couple of replies, and one extremely screwy offer to let him hold the mando until so property sold so I could get paid.

In the future, I guess I might set up a web site with all the pictures, but for all that hassle, I'll just wholesale them out locally when I need to unload a few.

[glauber]

And i asked for a bunch of pictures, didn't i? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Buying is probably always easier than selling; it's a buyers' market right now, with so many mandolins for sale; and you're competing with things like eBay and Elderly, where typically people are able to see a lot of pictures. How do you differentiate yourself? You almost have to establish a reputation as a good seller; good writing/marketing skills also help.

That Ovation happened to be an exact match to what i wanted, and an spectacular instrument. If it hadn't been so, i could have probably saved 10-15% of the cost by shopping around more.

But i for one would much rather buy anything here than in eBay, because there is a sense of community here and you can have a feel for the person before you buy anything. In this case i paid a little more gladly, because i felt i could trust you.

I've only sold small stuff on the classifieds (picks and strings), but they sold quickly.


P.S.: i do like that Ovation, and it was a pleasure to buy it from you. I emailed you once saying that but my email bounced. Somehow i just forgot to resend it.

[Lee Callicutt]

Only one purchase here so far (my very first mando) from an active posting and selling member. My primitive reasoning was that he seemed honest enough about what he had (and he was). Furthermore, he was communicative and responsive to my request for additional pictures as well as communicative and helpful beyond the initial sale.

I tend to hold onto my instruments, so it's not likely I'll have any experience with the sales end, but who knows, I'm already entering the early phases of MAS with a powerful jones for the oval-holes.

Lee

[Stephen Perry]

I can't see that the classifieds here are any different from any other purchase from an individual. Make sure you can find the individual again. Make sure you know exactly what you're supposed to be getting. When it arrives, make sure the item meets the description. Don't assume things. If you're so inclined, arrange for escrow or some other appropriate intermediary service. If you like paper, get a paper signed agreement first.

I generally am a trusting soul in such things.

[chinatogalway]

I am in China, so a big part of the deal is trust ! I have bought, sold and traded many instruments in the classified and everyone that I have dealt with has been very friendly and honest. Infact this year I have traded about 4 instruments, and the experience has been fun and very interesting.

Selling is a bit tougher, lots of window shoppers but that can be fun and interesting too.

Kieron

[fatt-dad]

Part of my 12 step program included using the 'Cafe Classifieds. I fully enjoyed each and every transaction and had no problems. My method was to create a web page for each mandolin that I sold and used a brief description in the ad with a link to my web page. Sometimes a week or so would pass by, but overall the classifieds get a pretty good review. Often I would include shipping (I mean it's going to be $20.00 pretty much no matter where in the CONUS you ship), always I'd include a trial period (only once was it used) and sometimes I'd allow PayPal (hate those fees more than giving up free shipping though). I finally feel that MAS is cured, I have brought my fleet down to about 3 (o.k. not counting the wall hangers and the office Hondo) and in the wake of the big sell off, I think folks enjoyed their purchases.

This is a good crowd - that said, "Love many trust few, always paddle your own canoe".

f-d

[atetone]

When buying I ask the seller for their Cafe name and then I search and read a whole bunch of their previous posts on the message board.
That usually gives me a pretty good idea of what kind of person I am dealing with.
It has worked for me so far. Very few problems.
The thing that I find about buying mandolins from any source sight unseen is that you have to watch out for the uninformed seller.
They truly don't know how to describe the details and their idea of "excellent condition" may vary greatly from yours.
If you can establish that the seller is well aquainted with mandolins then you can expect less unpleasant suprises.

[ron d.]

Thanks to everyone for your input, I agree that this is a great community of people as all have said. If you want to find the nicest group of folks, go to a bluegrass festival! (or go to mandolincafe.net) Ron

[george kraushaar]

I currently have an add for an Old Wave mandolin in the classified and interested parties can't get through to me, apparently because I use a hotmail address. Scott says that spam filters somestime kick out anything with a hotmail address. Feel free to call at 828-479-2316 or email me direct at picker100@hotmail.com

[otterly2k]

re: classifieds--

buyers should also know that if they type in their email address wrong by mistake, even by one letter or digit, sellers have no way to get back to them. If you are a buyer and have surprisingly received no response to your inquiry, chances are good that it's either a typo or technological glitch or spamblocker, and not an apathetic seller. Try again, politely, rather than jumping to the conclusion that the seller is ignoring you. It is not in the seller's interest to do so.

[Brad Weiss]

I've bought and sold on the cafe without a hitch. #Good communication is a good indicator of a reasonable transaction. #Never communicated by phone, though, and still had nothing but great experiences.

[Jerry Byers]

I use the AutoFill feature of FireFox - so, I know that my email address is entered correctly. My conclusion is that my email address is being blocked or diverted somewhere due to spam blockers. Lately, I have been using a different address and will see if I get the same results.

It would be nice if the classifieds communications was tied into the forums.

[glauber]

I can't see that the classifieds here are any different from any other purchase from an individual.
Beautifully put.

[harleymando]

I bought my A9 from here, on the classifieds. I talked to the guy on the phone a couple of times, sent him a certified postal money order, that he signed for, got my mando right away! there is still honest people out there.Couldnt be happier with it!.thanks

[Seth Austen]

I've sold a couple and bought one with no problems. There is a great feel of community here, and thanks to Scott and every one else behind the scenes for making it work so well. Of course one should be careful if doing a transaction with a complete stranger, ask for phone number, etc.

Seth

[Mark Normand]

As always, make very sure the insurance and packaging is always 100% beyond any doubt. Few years ago I rec'd a test Yellowstone via UPS, and my heart sank when I opened the case to find the headstock snapped off. The seller was a perfect gentleman and finally had UPS come thru for him.
As a buyer, another tip is to verify the serial number with the builder. I was able to find out more info about my Weber Fern doing so, Paula pulled the card and verified everything. That was another vote of confidence before sending money.

[howbahmando]

Two purchases (Gibson F2 blkface,since sold, and a Buckeye, NFS!) w/ no problems. Looked at the pictures & talked to the guys on the phone. One seller wanted a cashier's check, which was something of a pain but bearable, other just asked for a personal check & mailed the mando the day the check got to him, which was great.

Note: Buyer pays ALL shipping costs, no exceptions.

[Jerry Byers]

Note: Buyer pays ALL shipping costs, no exceptions.
Not always true - some sellers will cover the cost.

[howbahmando]

Note: #Buyer pays ALL shipping costs, no exceptions.
Not always true - some sellers will cover the cost.
Well, good luck to 'em!

PS -
I have a $500 mando for sale, $30 shipping
Also a $530 mando w/FREE shipping .... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Greenmando]

Also a $530 mando w/FREE shipping .... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Can you send it to Nigeria??? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
I would add that the included shipping was for the 48 states, additional charges for other locations. I have a mando I was thinking of including the shipping on also.
Of course if they decide to return it in a few days you are out shipping. By stating the shipping is extra, they will be out shipping both ways if they decide to return it. If it is agreed that only the cost of the mando will be returned.

I have bought and sold mandolins here in the classifieds. All were flawless exchanges. All transactions were paid for with personal checks or credit card checks, no paypal so far. I received and have given tracking numbers on each.

[Bill Van Liere]

Note: #Buyer pays ALL shipping costs, no exceptions.
Not always true - some sellers will cover the cost.
Well, good luck to 'em!

PS -
I have a $500 mando for sale, $30 shipping
Also a $530 mando w/FREE shipping .... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Yup, that will be $530 for that mandolin.

[Jerry Byers]

Sometimes haggling over the shipping costs isn't worth the hassle. I have in the past sent items where I picked up the shipping costs; it was understood that if the item was returned that the buyer would pay the return postage and reimburse the original shipping costs.

[Bill Van Liere]

Yes Jerry, that seems easiest to me. Since the seller is the one who actually excanges money with the shipper, why not role that cost of shipping into the selling price? Like Like fatt-dad said it was about $20.00 when I purchase my instruments, but I have heard shipping costs took a jump this year, not to mention recent fuel cost increases.

[VictorLouis]

References. Ask for them. I maintain a list of all my e-transactions, though I realize that may be a pain for those of you with hundreds of them, LOL. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Lee]

Since actual shipping price isn't known until drop off, I usually offer to pay $25 towards shipping and ask the Seller to pick up the rest. Or vice versa if I'm selling.

[Frank Russell]

Bought/Sold on the Cafe classifieds by me: Gibson F5G Custom, Weber Bitterroot, F9, A9, Collings MF, Collings MT, Gibson A5G, 2 Old Wave As, Givens A6, BRW F5, Weber Aspen, Garrison Octave, Flatiron Festival F, Flatiron Artist F5, and more. Bad trades = 1, which was resolved later by seller, not a Cafe regular. All the rest have been great transactions, whether buying or selling. I just bought a super Old Wave A about a month ago, sight unseen, here on the Cafe. Excellent deal, mando is a great example of Bussman's superior sound and playability. I have nearly quit doing my instrument buying anywhere else but here, it's just been the best experience. Good luck, Frank

[pickinNgrinnin]

That's a lot of Mandos Frank! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

We're talking serious MAS http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[Frank Russell]

Yes Jeff, thanks for rubbing my nose in it. If only my ability level matched the level of my sickness. Right now, I've only got A models, which is a first: Givens A4 and the Old Wave '01 A5, right from the Cafe Classifieds. Thanks again Luann. It's super. Frank.

[pickinNgrinnin]

Sorry Frank - it was hard to not comment on that one http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif


I've definitely gone through my share of Mandos in the past few years. I had the same and only Mando for 25+ years and didn't play it on a regular basis. My Guitar got most of the playing time. About 3-4 years ago, I discovered this website and MAS kicked in a short time later. I think I see a connection there...probably Scott's fault http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

Cafe Classifieds have been a great resource.

After close to 200 buys and sells on that well known auction site I have my first awful buyer and I do believe I'm done buying or selling there. If I can get past paying for my most recent mandolin purchase (not monetarily, the price I'm paying with the little woman) I'm going to give the classifieds a shot. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif