Here is an account of my recent interaction with Kolstein Music.
In 2014 I put a bass on sale at Kolstein’s shop in Baldwin, NY. I interpreted our consignment agreement as requiring contacting me for any sale netting me less that $18,800.
In the spring of 2024, I believe, I talked to Manny Alvarez by phone and—I believed, but see below—lowered my minimum net to $15k.
In May of 2024, believing that no one had put an offer on the bass, I put up a classified ad at TalkBass to publicize the instrument in hopes of encouraging a sale.
In August 2024 another TalkBass member contacted me. This person said they were puzzled to see my ad, because they had purchased my bass in September of 2023, months before I posted my ad. That buyer kindly sent me photos, paperwork, and receipt of sale for $25k. (The buyer, I should say, has been very kind and helpful throughout.)
I called and emailed Kolstein Music to find out what was going on. The shop told me that there was some mix-up with inventory numbers. After confirming that my bass did sell, the shop sent me paperwork for a wire transfer, as well as a consignment agreement giving me $15k for the sale.
I was confused by the 15k figure. By phone, Manny told me that I’d get 15k because of our earlier conversation. I was under the impression that I got a fixed percentage of sale price, with my permission needed for any sale that netted me below 15k. He said our agreement meant I’d get 15k regardless of the sale price. I decided to take the 15k.
On August 25 I sent signed financial paperwork. After several calls and emails, the last mentioning litigation, I got paid on Sept 13, 2024.
I have tried to be as accurate as possible with the claims presented here. However, there are some posts online claiming that Kolstein’s is litigious, and I might face some legal action pushing me to remove this post. Whether I remove it or go through lawyers is an open question, so act accordingly.
In 2014 I put a bass on sale at Kolstein’s shop in Baldwin, NY. I interpreted our consignment agreement as requiring contacting me for any sale netting me less that $18,800.
In the spring of 2024, I believe, I talked to Manny Alvarez by phone and—I believed, but see below—lowered my minimum net to $15k.
In May of 2024, believing that no one had put an offer on the bass, I put up a classified ad at TalkBass to publicize the instrument in hopes of encouraging a sale.
In August 2024 another TalkBass member contacted me. This person said they were puzzled to see my ad, because they had purchased my bass in September of 2023, months before I posted my ad. That buyer kindly sent me photos, paperwork, and receipt of sale for $25k. (The buyer, I should say, has been very kind and helpful throughout.)
I called and emailed Kolstein Music to find out what was going on. The shop told me that there was some mix-up with inventory numbers. After confirming that my bass did sell, the shop sent me paperwork for a wire transfer, as well as a consignment agreement giving me $15k for the sale.
I was confused by the 15k figure. By phone, Manny told me that I’d get 15k because of our earlier conversation. I was under the impression that I got a fixed percentage of sale price, with my permission needed for any sale that netted me below 15k. He said our agreement meant I’d get 15k regardless of the sale price. I decided to take the 15k.
On August 25 I sent signed financial paperwork. After several calls and emails, the last mentioning litigation, I got paid on Sept 13, 2024.
I have tried to be as accurate as possible with the claims presented here. However, there are some posts online claiming that Kolstein’s is litigious, and I might face some legal action pushing me to remove this post. Whether I remove it or go through lawyers is an open question, so act accordingly.
