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No return policy

bigdaddybass12

bigdaddybass12

Feb 26, 2021
4,094
6,488
Earth
#1
I have been watching a bass
on Reverb, but the seller has a no return policy. I’ve always said to avoid someone with a no return policy, I have actually returned two basses to guitar center. I have asked questions and looked at all the pictures. Reputable seller. Has others had any issues?
 
#3
Pretty common with private sellers on Reverb. Usually, there's a disclaimer that says the item cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition other than what is described. I don't think many private sellers are able to deal with the hassle of returns as easily as retailers. Read the description thoroughly, examine pictures, ask questions, and never communicate with the seller outside of Reverb. Reverb has buyer protection policies, but I'm sure some people on here have been burned by them. I've had good luck though.

I wouldn't blame you for being uncomfortable, and I would only do it if you know you want a specific model and have had it in your hands before.
 
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#4
I have returned a few items over the years. All of them were damaged/not as described. I have also kept some purchases that required significant TLC to fix undisclosed flaws.

My experience is Ebay and Reverb typically side with the buyer and force a return, regardless of the sellers stated policy...at least this is what I have seen in the past. Based on Reverb and Ebay policy I believe "does not accept returns" means the seller accepts returns only when items are not as described.

Some people like to buy items to kick the tires (try it out). If the item does not make them happy, they force a return. So the seller is out shipping two ways and potentially the returned items incurs damage in shipping. IMHO anyone who does this when they receive an item "as described" and in good working order is uncool.
 
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#5
In downsizing the past ten or fifteen years I've sold a LOT of stuff on reverb.com.

For as long as I can remember, it's always been set up as "No returns unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed." Lots of private sales (craigslist, Facebook Marketplace) are also "no returns" kinds of sales (though you can get your hands on the gear before deciding).

As CoughSyrup notes above, the reason for me using this policy is that I'm just a guy selling an occasional piece of gear, mostly to simplify my life. Accepting returns would make my life harder, not easier. And I try to price the gear a bit below market value to make any potential risk more appealing.
 
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#6
I got burnt by some really crappy buyers that turned around and returned things they bought from me on Reverb because they just didn't like them since Reverb's default return policy is so generous to buyers. Then, the seller is stuck eating all kinds of fees on the return.

You can still reach out to Reverb to request a refund or partial refund on something you buy from a seller with the 'no returns' policy, but they're much more stringent about proving something is not as described in the ad.

Honestly, I never look to see what private sellers have enabled on their Reverb page, because I've been buying on TB where there's zero guarantees except for good will and that's worked very well for me over the years.
 
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#13
I have always had a NO RETURN policy on Reverb. If a buyer decides he doesn't like his purchase or changed his mind, that is his problem. If I sold an item and lied in the description, Reverb will basically force you to take it back, so it is my problem. Most sellers on Reverb are NOT actually a retail store but are private sellers. If you sold something on Craigslist and a week later the buyer wanted to return it because they changed their mind, would you refund and take it back? I wouldn't.
 
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#15
Every item I've sold on eBay and Reverb has allowance for returns for any reason. In the event of a return buyer agrees to pay for shipping both ways (I typically send with free shipping), and there is a restocking fee. Never had a problem with the policy, or a complaint. Never had a return, either.
 
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#16
bigdaddybass12 said:
I have been watching a bass
on Reverb, but the seller has a no return policy. I’ve always said to avoid someone with a no return policy, I have actually returned two basses to guitar center. I have asked questions and looked at all the pictures. Reputable seller. Has others had any issues?
Click to expand...
Unless there’s damage or serious malfunction, there shouldn’t be any reason to not trust a seller you’re describing as reputable. I’ve never ever had an issue buying stuff sight unseen via eBay, Reverb craigslist, or talkbass classifieds
 
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#20
J Posega said:
I got burnt by some really crappy buyers that turned around and returned things they bought from me on Reverb because they just didn't like them since Reverb's default return policy is so generous to buyers. Then, the seller is stuck eating all kinds of fees on the return.
Click to expand...

this+++
As a seller I have had this happen after shipping a bass across the country. Seller eats the return shipping cost. I should have stated buyer pays for return.
 
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