If you are thinking to buy musical instruments online, (Ebay..etc) please read below advices for your own good.
1) Check the feedback of the seller.
This is important! Please look at the negative feedback and try to determine what the problems were with seller/items before bidding. Make sure you're dealing with a seller that accepts criticism without getting hostile. So called good seller will not attack anyone who is disappointed or frustrated. Don't continue to deal with these sorts of people. Just stop it.
2) Ask questions before you bid!
Email the seller and ask about the item! If you don't get a prompt reply, don't bid! Usually the con artists will ignore your questions & the legit sellers offer real info and are pleasant to deal with. Following are few important questions to ask are:
- Does the item have a serial number?
- Does the seller have manufacturer information/address and phone number
- Is there a warranty and what does it cover?
- How long does it take to return an item if you not satisfied?
3) Research the product.
Lots of notorious sellers claim they have a finely made German or Italian product (or whatever) and in very bold letters advertise the name (such as "We have the BLABLA, folks!" but most of these are fake companies and the names are simply made up and engraved on the no-name instrument. Ask around! Call up a music shop and ask if they've ever heard of the instrument or investigate online with musical organizations and search engines. Avoid anything that you can't get info on. If you do a search on say, Google.com and come up with nothing helpful on your search, chances are..it's a fake instrument. Many musicians have websites and message boards as well. Check them out. Interested in a flute? Look up flutist organizations. There are very large ones online and you can post a message about that particular instrument and ask for comments. You'll get honest info from musicians because many have used several different brands and are familiar with con artists. You can also ask at local high schools. The band teachers are used to dealing with certain instruments. They'll be able to tell you which are good and which are crap. You could have your son/daughter ask if it's appropriate.
4) Lastly, ask yourself some questions.
Is the item is inexpensive, what's your gut feeling on it? Always remember the "rule" of thumb with instruments is.. "you get what you pay for". Fine quality instruments have a hefty price tag. What's it worth to you? Would you be happy with something that will break a year down the road? Will you be able to resell it once you or the student is ready for a more advanced model? Don't rush into anything. These bargain Ebay instruments will be there for a very long time and take a few days' time to find out some answers before you click on the "bid" button. Buying a more well known, used brand is often better than buying an el cheapo questionable one. You can always have an good quality used instrument re-padded, cleaned and repaired for a fairly low cost and you'll have a very good instrument that will last and be a better investment, especially when it comes time for you to re-sell. Hope this helps you! (original text from sarahlovesballet, i just help to sumarize it)
If you're not an expert on musical instruments, try find some one who is, the you will taking a big chance buying on eBay.
