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Craigslist inquiry.
- Thread starter Bleecker
- Start date
Looked at the cl listing for basses and I don't see anything that would be bait for us to snag fro out of your hands. Let us know what you're looking for and maybe we can help you find it.
If it is truly rare and you really, really, really want one and can't foresee another coming along in our lifetime, bite the bullet and gamble. Make sure you aren't the only one who is a fan of this model just in case. Remember the ad with the guy calling about a green hatchback and being psyched it was still for sale? Don't be him. If this bass is a somewhat sought after item, research what should be a fair price you'd be willing to risk for a shot at one. Hope this helps.
I've never asked this of anyone but I have intervened locally (Norfolk / Virginia Beach) on the behalf of the my TB brethren...amps, basses, effects. IIRC, I even picked out a Filipino bride for someone.
Post a "Looking for Someone in LA / Zip Code" in Misc. Somebody may step up to the plate and help navigate the deal.
Riis
I have handled purchases of basses in the Atlanta area for TB’ers in other states and countries on a number of occasions (haven’t been asked to procure any foreign brides yet, but I haven’t been hanging around here anywhere near as long as Riis 
). You’ve been on TB quite a while, Bleeker. Do you know any Members in LA?
). You’ve been on TB quite a while, Bleeker. Do you know any Members in LA?
I’m in the middle of this type of sale right now. I used FB to find a friend of a friend willing to go look at the bass for me. The friend called me when he had the bass in his hands. I started a conversation / friendship with the seller. We agreed that I would send 1/2 the money up front and the balance when I receive the bass. I had to rely on trust and intuition. If I got any kind of sketchy vibe I would not have gone through with this arrangement. I got the sellers name address, place of employment, I Google earthed his home (so I saw his house). I found him on FB. I know I could track him down if I had to. It is a 10K bass.
There’s quite a few of us on talkbass in the LA area. If the seller is unwilling to put a listing on ebay or reverb or doesn’t want to ship it, you can try to work with a talkbass-er in the area, and paypal them money for the item and then they go pick it up, inspect it as best they can, then package it up and ship it.
Just note that LA is pretty huge and traffic is bad and the pandemic is at its height - so it’s a big ask.
Just note that LA is pretty huge and traffic is bad and the pandemic is at its height - so it’s a big ask.
Others have shared ideas. Some better than others. I'm just saying if you do what you suggest it's not coming cheap.
Actually, a Zoom or Skype video chat to let the seller "tell you about the instrument, show it to you and maybe demonstrate it, and work out exchange ideas" would also be a great opportunity to check out the seller themselves. Something much more informative than a typed message or even a phone call. Edit: If that little warning bell starts going off in your head while having the chat, follow your instincts and just turn it down before anybody owes anybody else anything.
I have done this a few times. There is a bit of good faith involved, but in all honesty I have found that most people I interact with are honest. It wil lhelp if you are ready and willing to subsidize shipping hassles. My answer to that is to have the seller walk into the FexEx / Kinkos of his choice and simply drop the bass off. I pre-arrange all shipping details and FedEx charges my account. It makes it an easy process for all involved and adds a bit of safety to the deal. If the seller is going to lie to you he is going to have to really earn it. I say contact the seller and see if you can work a deal.
I work in Los Angeles, (very fortunate essential worker) I would offer to go meet greet and set up a video chat between both parties. I wouldn't feel comfortable spending someone's money but maybe this method makes you more comfortable.
There is some inherent risk but I have bought from out-of-state on CL and used PayPal, which made me feel safe. I didn't end up having any issues. Best bet is if you have someone you know/trust who lives in that city and can check it out then ship for you.
