Trading Basses

Grizzly700 · #1 03-22-2010, 06:45 PM

I was wondering how you guys that trade basses across the internet do it while keeping it safe for both people. Will someone explain the process?

PSPookie · #2 03-22-2010, 06:52 PM

Well, it's largely a trust issue.

Try to find some feedback on your potential trade partner. Talk to the guy over PM and/or on the phone and see if you get a good feeling. Come to an agreement and keep all of the PMs with the details. Then you both ship and exchange tracking info.

I've generally had very good luck with this on TB and I particularly like it because it means one less finger (paypal) in the pie.

sirmike75 · #3 03-22-2010, 07:16 PM

i have traded 3 basses in the last month ...and had no problems from tb'rs ,,,look at there feedback ...but he is right ...it is all a trust game ...what you do is ship the same day with someone you are trading with exchange tracking numbers same day ...and hope to god whomever you traded with doesnt rip you off ...because there is nothing NOTHING talkbass can do ....and the only thing you can do ...is trash his feedback...so make sure you are comfy with whom you are trading with look at there feedback contact tb'rs they did trades with ......do your homework...be carefull ...good luck./..

santucci218 · #4 03-22-2010, 07:35 PM

I have traded...let me think...1, 2... 2 basses on this site, as well as 9 other sales. Every single one has been smooth as silk. Be personal with the person. Call them even if it can all be worked out over pm. Add them on facebook or add their band on myspace. These people are your friends. Just dont do anything really dumb, like take half a payment and send something. Ask when he is shipping his bass, and try to ship yours on the same day. then exchange tracking numbers and wait for your sweet new bass.

blendermassacre · #5 03-22-2010, 10:31 PM

+1 to most of this. I felt pretty lucky, because if I remember, A trade was my first transaction on TB. I talked pretty extensively with the guy, and everything got worked out pretty well. We both shipped pretty close to the same day, and all was just as expected. I wouldn't go finding strange folk on craigslist to ship to or even harmony central, but TB is viewed as relatively safe.

D Bopp · #6 03-22-2010, 10:36 PM

I've traded many basses. Knock on wood, but most people that know their stuff are the people you trust. The shady transactions always involve stuff that everyone wants or needs, like cars, cell phones, and places to rent or buy. But usually with musical instruments, you can tell if someone is full of crap or not. At least in my experience.
If someone is describing their Fender bass to you and describing the truss rod, pots and bridge, then it should be ok

I've done about 8 to 10 trades here and never had any problems.

blendermassacre · #7 03-22-2010, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D Bopp

I've traded many basses. Knock on wood, but most people that know their stuff are the people you trust. The shady transactions always involve stuff that everyone wants or needs, like cars, cell phones, and places to rent or buy. But usually with musical instruments, you can tell if someone is full of crap or not. At least in my experience.
If someone is describing their Fender bass to you and describing the truss rod, pots and bridge, then it should be ok

I've done about 8 to 10 trades here and never had any problems.

I think this statement is mostly true, although if you were scamming for a bass, seems like you might be a bass player and know what a trussrod does or a pot etc...

It's not like there aren't any bass playing con men.

Holy War · #8 03-22-2010, 11:03 PM

I wanted to start a parody thread so bad titled "Trading Spaces," but I already have enough of a ciminal history here on TB.

But in all honesty OP, use your best judgement. If they have good feeback, you speak with them on the phone, PM some other people they did transactions with, youll be just fine. Just pack your bass well and be confident.

FL Knifemaker · #9 03-23-2010, 06:23 AM

It's odd but I've never had a trade deal here. I have nothing against trading. I've had offers, I've made offers but all my deals have been sales

Right now my cool, OLD Hondo P bass is sitting here calling.........Blenderrrrrrrrrrrrrr...........BLE NDERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

SteveC · #10 03-23-2010, 07:52 AM

I have had good luck. You can usually get a feel from the tone of emails and PM's. but I find that I like to talk to the person in the phone. You can usually tell if you can trust them or not. As a matter of fact, I did this just last night when buying Greg's Rob Allen. We PM'ed a lot, then called, chatted, worked out the details and done deal. He has money and I'll have a bass in about a week. Tracking number is on the way. I'm not worried at all.

Just be smart and cautious and you should be fine.

Deluge Of Sound · #11 03-23-2010, 09:01 AM

EricF · #12 03-23-2010, 10:03 AM

As others have said, it's all about communication and mutual trust.

doctorjazz · #13 03-23-2010, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deluge Of Sound

Trading faces.