Posted by Lonny on June 07, 1999 at 05:40:44:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Is this a good tuba for the money? posted by Steve Marcus on June 06, 1999 at 22:06:21:
I think I understand the concept of being uncomfortable with spending the kind of money a good tuba costs without the opportunity to "try before you buy." That in and of itself doesn't mean that the whole eBay concept is flawed! Contact the seller, ask about your options if the horn isn't what you thought it to be, use and escrow service (as already suggested), keep looking, keep asking. I purchased a tuba a week or two ago from an individual who posted it on eBay. When it didn't sell I kept in contact with him and made arrangements to meet him and play the horn, although briefly, before shelling out any cash.
What I'm trying to say is that the same cautions you would excercise if you were walking are in order when you're "surfing." Ask questions, leave yourself an out, get to know the seller as much as possible, etc.