Do you trust buying a genuine name branded guitar from eBay?

If the person says they are selling a brand new Martin guitar that was an overstock, then they should be prepared to show some sort of proof of origin. I would expect there to be photos on the auction page itself and for the proof to be sent to you along with the item after purchase. Generally speaking, though, I have found eBay to be pretty reliable; and there are avenues for getting your money back if it turns out you were defrauded.

Here’s the kicker, I’ve asked for photographs, but it’s unopened! Judging from the reviews he’s got great ones. But, he does have one negative review, and guess what? Yes, from someone who purchased a Martin acoustic. Yikes! But there are mostly great reviews.

Can’t paypal protect your money if you get ripped off? I recall something like that.

@whitecarnations What is the content of the bad review, though? If the review says exactly what you fear might be true, then I would agree it is worth being cautious. Then again, you should see how many good reviews there are about his Martin acoustics. Are you worried that it isn’t a genuine Martin, or are you worried about something else?

I won’t buy anything from eBay unless it’s something I want desperately and can’t find it anywhere else. I once bought a used Pioneer tape deck, and then the seller fell off the face of the earth. Of course, I reported it to eBay, and they investigated, but nothing else happened. I only lost $50, so no huge loss, but I regard eBay as no different from buying from the back of a van.

How many years ago was this @HungryGuy?

@whitecarnations Your purchases + shipping are protected. If unsatisfied, you return the item and get a 100% refund.

@SavoirFaire I’m not so much worried that it’s a fake, more like, perhaps there were a bunch of Martin’s that didn’t pass a Martin test so they were separated with some kind of defect.

@whitecarnations Ah, I see. So you are worried not that it isn’t genuine, but that it is defective. Does the seller offer any sort of guarantees? If he’s running an actual eBay store or has an otherwise registered business that could take a hit for selling defective products, he’s more likely to be legitimate than someone selling a lone item.

@SavoirFaire Yes he guarantees 100% money back. I guess I’m just going to have to see what is in the Cracker Jacks box.

I bought a Fender Precision Bass off of Amazon and got a great guitar at a great price. My BIL has bought 6 guitars off Ebay and all look as good or better than represented. Of course you can’t check the trueness of the neck and all, but you are talking about really great guitars so unless it is two or more pieces I would not worry about that too much. Just request photos and check sellers history.

You will not buy a guitar from ebay, but my might buy a guitar on ebay. Check out the seller’s rep.