Use photographs as a verification tool

Photographs are not only there to make the gear look attractive. They should help you verify details that matter to the purchase.

Look for images of:

• front and rear;
• areas subject to wear;
• serial numbers or labels where appropriate;
• connections and panels;
• disclosed defects;
• included accessories.

If all images are distant, heavily edited or consistently avoid important areas, ask for additional photos.

A specific request works best: “could you photograph the back of the headstock, the first few frets and the bridge?” is more useful than “send more photos”.