eBay stores: share your experiences

[shinobi]

i had to think for a moment before deciding which forum to post this under.

1. i am a bass player who likes to use pedals that are neither specifically designed for guitar nor bass (or keyboards and vox for that matter)

2. this thread is about gear in general, not limited to a specific instrument. and i didn't want to post this in kopitiam where there is alot of crap

i think this should be addressed. moving on,

i am seriously considering taking things into my own hands and buying gear from overseas (i have done it before, a bass no less). this time i wanna buy fx from ebay. but not used pedals, i am looking to buy brand new pedals from ebay 'stores' such as the below

eBay Singapore Shop - NewQuestSound: EHX Effects Pedals, Electro Harmonix Tubes, VTI Audio Video Racks
eBay Singapore Shop - Macdaddy Music: Electric Guitar Strings, Acoustic Guitar Strings, Bass Guitar Strings

i just wanted to know if anyone had experience in buying brand new stuff from these stores. at any rate though, i would expect it to be safer than buying from individuals

 

[leecs]

Well, I bought a few cds from eBay USA stores & they arrived as it is. Ask lots of questions. no need to 'paiseh' with them. Remember, payment wise on PAYPAL!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[digihub00]

eBay has over the years made itself a reliable online auction site.


all of the overseas transactions I made for the past 3 years,

only 1-2% did not deliver, I guess they were lost in the shipping.


Only pay via PayPal as I have heard stories that for other online payment sites

such as Western Union payment, the buyer can retrieve that money even after

they have sent it.

PayPal is now a subsidiary of eBay, so use PayPal only !


If buying from local eBay stores, I guess the best option is to COD,

you can meet the seller and if for any case of any problems with the

item, you may refund or ask for any other compensation.

 

[ShredCow]

Pretty reliable I would say... especially when going with Ebayers with high ratings.

Just note the "regular" dangers - shipping woes and fraud.

Insurance can help with the shipping problems and as for fraud... I keep a separate bank account just for online transactions. So there's little to siphon off in the event my paypal is compromised.

 

[shinobi]

well the 'stores' i'm looking at have ratings that are almost or even exceed 1000 with more than 90% positive feedback... so i think its not much of an issue

i guess i will proceed with my order, just really damn noob to the ebay/paypal ordering procedures... stay tuned

 

[digihub00]

good luck,

do share with us your after thoughts

 

[ShredCow]

Make sure they ship overseas to your location.

If in doubt, especially of the shipping price, message them for a quote.

At least you cover your backside with an email.

 

[Elias]

I bought all my guitars (and a head/cab) from ebay/overseas online stores (bo bian, I'm a lefty) and no disasters so far. Pretty reliable provided you ask lots of questions, mainly: Whether they ship international, which postal service and what's the cost, secondly, payment form...whether they accept paypal, if they need verified address paypal users. Give them the exact shipping address when making enquiries so they can give you a quote.

The troublesome part only comes if they don't ship international and you're involving Vpost. I'd say communication is the most crucial requirement when purchasing from these sources.

 

[celahircelebrindal]

Same here...i've bought a lot of guitar stuffs online via eBay for the past 2 years even tubes.Cos i dont think you can get a Philips 12AX7 Made in Holland anymore in S'pore for a good bargain.
Anyway the experience has been good...even bought my Fender YJM from a shop in eBay way cheaper than the "store" selling them in S'pore.......effects, processor, stompboxes etc.
Dont hesitate to bomb them with questions and if they dont entertain then its not worth getting from them.Know what you're covered for under the eBay buyer protection scheme and always use PayPal.If the item is new and you worry that it could be damage during shipping ask the seller if they provide insurance for the item.
Good luck with your purchases and feel free to ask in this thread if you have any doubts.

Btw i think this topic should be pinned for softies who wanna buy items from eBay and need some assurance of "know-hows" and "what-to"....

 

[shinobi]

my shipment has ARRIVED! OMG!!!$@#%

 

[leecs]

what you buy?