Safely Buying a Gibson SG Online
You may ask yourself, “Is it safe to buy a Gibson SG online?” The answer is simple, YES. Not only is it safe, but you can also save lots of money in the process. eBay.com has been a favorite to people all over the world; in fact it ranks in the top 20 most visited websites in the world. eBay prides itself on providing safe and secure online transactions.
If you follow our safety tips, you will be sure to end up with an authentic Gibson SG on your doorstep.
1. Get to know the seller . Be sure to check the seller’s feedback. Don’t just glance at the % of the positive feedback amount, but go through and read the comments that people have written about the transaction. Be certain to check the comments of other buyers. Only purchase from sellers that have a strong feedback record and have completed a substantial number of transactions. Typically this would be a feedback rating of over 95 percent with at least 20 transactions.
2. Get familiar with the item. Be sure you read through the item description completely before you place a bid, or buy it now. Make certain that you have read through the specific condition of the item, and gone over all the characteristics, scratches, or other damage the item may have. Look for Guitar listings with extensive photos of all parts of the guitar. The headstock, freeboard, neck fitting as well as the binding should be able to be seen clearly. If there is no photo of the serial number from the head stock request that one is provided. Study the pictures closely, and if you can’t see the damage described, asks the seller for more photos. Also look for items that have their shipping terms laid out in advance and are fair in price. A seller that is willing to jack up the price on shipping to make extra money on the listing is also probably willing to cut corners elsewhere and may not be as forthright about defects or issues with the guitar.
3. Ask questions. If you have ANY questions about the product, ask the seller for more information. The seller will usually be more then happy to answer any questions you may have about the product/item. If not listed, then be sure to ask the seller for the owners manual and/or the owners warranty inspection card. A fraudulent seller will in most cases be unresponsive or provided answers that do not make sense.
4. Pay with PayPal. PayPal is a safe and secure website, where a buyer can use a credit card or check card. This way, the buyer doesn’t have to give the seller any credit card information. Sellers also love using PayPal because it transfers funds immediately. PayPal also offers Buyer Protection, so a buyer can feel extra secure. Just make sure to check if the seller has Buyer Protection under the Ask Seller a Question section.
5. Use Common Sense. If your instincts tell you something's not right, then trust it. Your heart and common sense are your greatest asset on eBay.
Good luck and enjoy you new or used Gibson SG