How To Buy Electric Guitars On eBay Without Getting Ripped Off

If you’re learning to play electric guitar, or thinking of graduating from your acoustic, you’re probably considering a used model. It’s easier on the budget, and a good way to get a feel for playing before you invest in a flashy new one. You’ve likely poked around a bit on eBay to see what’s available…but if you’re like many people, you’re wary of buying electric guitars online.

Well, good news…you can get a good used electric guitar online, and do it without getting ripped off! Read on to discover how to get a good guitar, and a good deal, on eBay.

Know What You Want
Before you start surfing through the auctions and placing bids, it’s a good idea to know what model of guitar you want. At the very least, narrow it down to two or three. Head out to a guitar shop and ask about what models are best for beginners. Try a few of them out. How do they feel in your hands? Is the neck of the guitar too wide, or too narrow? Taking a brief test run with a few models means no surprises when you do bid on one, and lets you search through the auctions much quicker.

Know What You Need
Also, make sure you find out what, if any, accessories you will need along with the actual guitar. Do you want a strap, for instance? A whammy bar? Make a list of anything you want along with the guitar. Also factor in that you will need strings on hand, so find out what strings your guitar takes.

Research Your Seller
So now you’re ready to hit eBay and look around. You know what models you want, and what you want with it. You’ll probably find several listings fairly quickly…but don’t start your bidding war just yet! Before you do anything, check out the rating of the seller and any comments that other buyers have left about them. Most sellers are reputable, because of this rating system…it’s pretty near impossible to get away with scamming people for long on eBay because burned buyers are VERY vocal about it! But do check, just to be sure.

Make Your Short List
Now choose several auctions that you’ll bid on. Make sure you’ve checked the listing carefully and noted what, if any, accessories are included and what the shipping cost is. If the seller does not list a shipping cost for your country, send them an email through eBay and ask.

Let The Bidding Begin!
Now, it’s time to bid! I strongly advise you to set a maximum price that you’re willing to pay…and stick to it. Bidding on eBay can get exciting, and it’s easy to get caught up and go over your budget. Remember that there are ALWAYS other auctions, so keep your head.

When You Win
When you buy electric guitars or other big ticket items online, always pay with PayPal. PayPal offers up to about $2,000 buyer protection so if you’re not happy with your purchase, you’ll be able to get a refund.

Happy hunting!