classifieds

[TEE]

I thought there was a 48 hour tryout rule for the classifieds. Is this not the case? Maybe I dreamed it.

[Mike Bunting]

Don't know for sure but I'd say that would be an agreement between the seller and the prospective buyer.

[Michael Cameron]

I thought it was more of an unwritten rule(with specifications to be worked out regarding return shipping etc.);not sure.

I wouldn't buy or sell anything without the buyer or seller getting/giving that guarantee. 48 hours is long enough to decide if you got what you paid for.

Keeping a spotless transaction record is absolutely paramount when buying and selling instruments(or anything for that matter). It's good to have people that will provide references for you. Takes a LOT of trust to send off an outrageous amount of cash to an unknown individual.

Get everything discussed up front(e-mails are good) so both parties are very clear on ALL the particulars. That way you don't have to wonder if you dreamed it.

[danb]

It's not mandatory, but good advice

[Scott Tichenor]

I thought there was a 48 hour tryout rule for the classifieds. Is this not the case? Maybe I dreamed it.

There has never been any rule that states this. Ever. But it's certainly what I require when I make a purchase.

[John Malayter]

I've always worked it out with the buyer or seller. I've never thought there was a "rule"

[Bernie Daniel]

Given the incredible opportunity the Mandolin Cafe classifieds provides to sellers and buyers -- a free venue for sellers with a direct connection to thousands of crazed mandolin nuts most of whom are afflicted with one or another form of MAS -- and for buyers a free access countless mandolin experts (I mean that) who are not shy about giving advice -- it would not be at all unreasonable should the Cafe decide that a seller WOULD have to offer 48 hours approval as a condition to post.

I am not saying that it should be the rule -- only that the Cafe would certainly be well within the reasonable expectations zone to require it.

[Steve L]

I don't think the cafe should be involved in dictating the terms of a sale.

[JEStanek]

The fastest way to make this incredible FREE service disapear is to require Scott to police it. Make your own deals, think them through. If either party doesn't like the parameters walk away.

Jamie

[viv]

The fastest way to make this incredible FREE service disapear is to require Scott to police it. Make your own deals, think them through. If either party doesn't like the parameters walk away.

Jamie

yeah, what he said....

it just doesn't pay to make assumptions. ask the questions, and if you don't like the answers, move on.

[TomTyrrell]

I got a mandolin back after a 48 hour trial period. The tire kicker had scratched up the back and top really badly. Lesson learned.

[Ted Eschliman]

48 hour approval is a good practice (though not a rule) for both parties. That said, seller should collect full payment and refund all but shipping, but only if the instrument is returned in the condition it went out. If that were not the case, the seller should be entitled to leverage a portion of the money to pay for these kinds of damages.

Of course, these sorts of conditions should always be understood by both parties PRIOR to any exchange of money or instrument.

[TEE]

Thanks for the answers everyone. I have no problems with the classifieds as they are except for that little nervous twitch I get when I read them! I was just wondering....

[TomTyrrell]

Of course, these sorts of conditions should always be understood by both parties PRIOR to any exchange of money or instrument.

In writing! If it isn't in writing it isn't worth the paper it isn't written on.

[mrmando]

Tom, does e-mail count as "in writing"? I've done a couple of transactions where the buyer wanted a printed, signed contract before sending the money. Which I was glad to do, but would an e-mail trail accomplish the same thing?

[dunwell]

I got a mandolin back after a 48 hour trial period. The tire kicker had scratched up the back and top really badly. Lesson learned.

Yeah, we've all got at least one of those lessons. Very similar to the "I don't consign anymore" lesson.

Alan D.

[dunwell]

Tom, does e-mail count as "in writing"? I've done a couple of transactions where the buyer wanted a printed, signed contract before sending the money. Which I was glad to do, but would an e-mail trail accomplish the same thing?

My "legal beagle" says Maybe. I gather from his long dissertation on it that it depends on the state the seller lives in, etc. I always do a hardcopy thing that is real clear in plain English to protect both sides. They print it out in duplicate, sign both copies and FedEx it to me (on my nickel) I sign both and send one back to them FedEx separate from the shipment of the instrument with tracking both ways. All that being said I've still gotten bit in the butt on occasion, you just suck it up to avoid having someone trash you on the internet

Alan D.

[TomTyrrell]

The approvals and returns are a cost of doing business. If you really want an approval period best to buy from a dealer.

Few individuals can afford to be burnt, even fewer want to be burnt twice. Do I give an approval period now? Nope. I'm getting less money than the dealer would get so I give less service.

[TomTyrrell]

Tom, does e-mail count as "in writing"? I've done a couple of transactions where the buyer wanted a printed, signed contract before sending the money. Which I was glad to do, but would an e-mail trail accomplish the same thing?

I'm told not to count on it.