• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

A purchase with issues

thomasjbass

thomasjbass

Dec 20, 2010
1,974
808
Highland Heights, OH
www.ohiocreative.com
#1
I recently purchased a bass through the classifieds. The bass had a few issues, but after I took it to my technician he pointed out a significant crack in the fretboard as well as both of the toggle switches being dead. In addition, the bass was pictured with a mono case, however when it was shipped it came without this came and was in a case with water damage and a huge tear in the pocket. Up until this point I have had 100% satisfaction with every bass that I have purchased from TB. I'm asking for feedback if asking for a full refund is unreasonable as none of these things were disclosed in the advertisement.

Thanks All...
 
#3
Hard to give advice without knowing all the details. If the case was promised with the bass and not sent with it that could be an issue. If it was not stated as such less cause for complaint. If the damage is old, and undisclosed you definitely should talk to the seller.
 
#4
purfektstranger said:
Is there any chance the damage occurred during shipping? This could impact how I would approach the situation. If not I would request a refund.
Click to expand...

+1

I've discovered things upon receipt that weren't disclosed in the sale, but most of them would be easily missed by the average player. Those kind of things are forgivable.

Once upon a time, I sold a bass here that I had never inspected. Turned out it had a wallowed out truss rod nut. The buyer asked for a refund, and I gave it to him without grief.

Dead switches, cracked fretboards, water damaged cases? Ask for a refund.
 
#9
I think the seller will be understanding. He has all positive feedback and has a descent amount of transactions. Thanks for that Mike. I hope everything works out too.

I have removed the original thread as I would to avoid any more personal issues regarding myself and the seller. I should have not put his information on the thread. I regret doing so. I do not however regret posting the thread itself as I feel many have learned from this unfortunate experience.
 
#12
I understand your point staind, however it is the responsibility of the selling party to disclose the details if there are any significant damages, like a crack all the way through the fretboard. To not too so would be negligence on the part of the seller and seems would be fair cause to request a refund. He has still yet to respond, so hopefully I will know his thoughts when he does so.

I also had a seller just recently whom had a problem with an amp that I sold to him after 2 days of running perfectly. It had no issues when before I shipped it and I still gave him a full refund. This forum is built on the credibility of its members, at least that has always been my experience. I am hoping it will still be once this particular issue come to a conclusion.
 
#13
For those interested, here a picture of the crack.

DSC_0124.gif
 
#15
However, it 'is' also the buyers resposibility to inquire as to the actual condition and such. IMHO. Not doing so gives wiggle room for disagreements. Doing so leaves a trail of information that would reinforce the theory of you being miss-led.

But, sellers 'should' be true and revealing about the condition of the instrument. Not saying that fretboard crack could not have happened in shipping though... weirder things have happened.

What we have here is a seller who did not disclose accurately (possibly) and a buyer who did not potentially ask enough questions.
 
#17
Thanks for the help gentlemen. I understand the point of view that stflbn, but I also really agree with trunkshop6. When we talked offline he said that the bass was beautiful and that it was his favorite bass. I have since then talked to him and he has noted that he did not know about the crack but has already spent the full amount of the money and cannot refund it. When asked what he insured the bass for, he mentioned $1000. The bass cost $2600, so the $1600 would be a total loss if we were to go the "damaged in shipping" route. I would never sell a bass knowing the damage, I would hope nobody commenting on this thread would either, but I also would cover the bass accordingly based on price, as I was charged for the shipping as well. So, we will have to wait and see.
 
#18
thomasjbass said:
I understand your point staind, however it is the responsibility of the selling party to disclose the details if there are any significant damages, like a crack all the way through the fretboard. To not too so would be negligence on the part of the seller and seems would be fair cause to request a refund. He has still yet to respond, so hopefully I will know his thoughts when he does so.
Click to expand...

I agree. To me new switches is a minor thing, though i might ask for a refund for the cost of new switches, but for some guys who don't know which end of the soldering iron is the handle, a switch problem could be a major expense. Same thing for the fretboard. For me that's a major problem where I'd be worrying where that crack is going next. For others, maybe they'd just fill it or ignore it and go on. So it depends in a way on the buyer.

But I agree it should be the seller's responsibility to reveal these things to all potential buyers so THEY can make the choice as to if THEY think it's a biggie or not!

I hope this works out. I've always had great cooperation from the guys selling things here to TB.
 
#20
First just let me say that is a freaking awesome looking bass!

But, there is no mention of a case at all. Just a picture. There is also a picture of a little kid, I'll bet you didn't get that either.

Moral: always ask. He didn't say a case was included. Then again he didn't say a case was NOT included either. Always make sure.

edit: wow....$2600? That's a tough one. I would expect perfection and the best case available at that price.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back