Ebay and Craig's List are wonderful additions to the world of buying and selling musical instruments (and just about anything else for that matter). However, any savvy buyer should be aware that they are not the be-all to end all answers to buying and/or selling. Just like any buying and selling market they have their advantages and their shortcomings.

The main advantage that these systems have is that the buyer and seller deal directly thereby (theoretically) maximizing the selling price for the seller and minimizing the buying price for the buyer. As there is no middleman, the reasoning goes, each of the parties gets a better deal.

However, there are several shortcomings to these systems for the buyer and seller alike.

The Buyer should be aware that these systems thrive on the "caveat emptor" (buyer beware) model of the free enterprise system. We do a brisk repair business fixing items that were bought from eBay or Craigs List.

Sometimes on eBay you have a recourse, but there is still the hassle of dealing with the process to correct the situation. Sometimes, however, there is no recourse, depending on the description in the listing.

Craigs List items are always sold "as is" and for cash. There is no warranty or recourse for the Buyer if the item is defective. The Buyer is just plain "out of luck" and out of their hard earned cash.

When buying from a reputable music store, a buyer has the confidence of knowing that if there is a problem, there is someone they can talk to and has an interest in correcting it in order to maintain there reputation and the good name of their business.

All of our used items come with a warranty and are thoroughly checked before we buy them. As well, our merchandise is maintained to be in good working order while in the store.

As well, we offer a "one day, no questions asked" return policy for a full refund and a one week return for full in-store credit (no restocking fees like the major chain stores).

The buyer is able to buy an item from us for a reasonable price, comparable to online markets, with the confidence of being able to return it or, if there is a problem, knowing that the problem will be addressed.

The seller must take the time to take pictures, type descriptions and upload the data. Not a big deal.

Once this is done, the seller has to respond to any inquires via e-mail, perhaps wait for Craig's list people to keep appointments that never show. Or deal with eBay winners that never pay, or after receiving the goods, want to return them. Also, Craigs List prospects that you don't even know come over to your house can be a risky proposition. You really don't know who you're dealing with.

Listing items on Craig's list is free but relisting on eBay costs every time. And if a PayPal customer balks for the slightest reason, PayPal freezes the funds in your account. Either way, relisting costs the seller time.

The advantages of selling through or to a reputable dealer are several.
First, many times a dealer can sell the item for more that an individual can because customers know the item has been checked and tested. And if there is a problem with the item after the purchase, the buyer knows he has somewhere to bring it to resolve the problem.

Many times East Village Music Store has been able to net the seller more money than if they sold it privately, with less effort, work and hassle to the seller than if they sold it privately.

Similarly, the buyer is able to buy the item for a reasonable price, comparable to online markets, with the confidence of being able to return it or, if there is a problem, knowing that the problem will be addressed.

All of this said, Ebay and Craig's List are wonderful tools for buyers and sellers. They augment, rather than replace, traditional used instrument retailers.