Guide to selling used musical gear

If the buyer reports that something is not working, avoid immediate conclusions.

Ask for specific information:

• which function has the problem;
• when it occurs;
• how the item was connected or powered;
• photos or video where useful;
• any visible damage to the parcel;
• whether the issue concerns a defect that was already disclosed.

Compare this information with the documentation created before the sale.

Shipping damage may require a different process from a functional issue or from a characteristic already described in the listing.

Before packing, keep a final record of the item.

Photograph:

• overall condition;
• serial number;
• previously disclosed defects;
• included accessories;
• easily identifiable components;
• any separate parts.

This documentation does not replace proper packaging and does not automatically determine the outcome of a dispute, but it helps establish what was actually prepared for shipment.

Also keep the relevant tracking information and receipts.

Accept when the offer meets your objectives and the transaction terms are clear.

Decline when:

• the price is below the threshold you defined;
• the terms keep changing;
• additional items are requested without agreement;
• the process becomes unclear;
• you no longer want to take on additional costs or complexity.

You can also stop an advanced negotiation if substantial problems emerge.

A simple and polite “no” is better than completing an agreement you do not genuinely intend to honour.

During negotiations, the price, included accessories, delivery method or other details may change.

Once you reach an agreement, make sure the following remain clear:

• final price;
• exact item;
• included accessories;
• defects already disclosed;
• delivery method;
• any special conditions.

If part of the conversation happens elsewhere, it is still useful for the essential transaction terms to remain documented in the main sales channel.

This reduces the risk of the two parties later remembering the agreement differently.

Terms such as “excellent”, “good” or “well used” can be interpreted differently.

Whenever possible, add concrete facts:

• scratch on the back;
• small dent on the edge;
• slightly noisy potentiometer;
• visible fret wear;
• marked but fully readable display;
• case with a damaged latch.

If the platform provides a standard condition classification, choose the most accurate option and use the description to explain the details.

The condition category does not replace disclosure of specific defects.

Before listing, create a simple condition record for the item. Separating factual notes from sales copy helps prevent important details from being forgotten.

Record at least:

• visible cosmetic marks;
• known functional defects;
• replaced parts;
• modifications;
• known previous repairs;
• non-original components;
• missing items;
• work that may still be required.

Photograph the most relevant defects and keep additional detailed images beyond those you publish.

A modification is not automatically a defect, and an upgrade does not automatically increase value. What matters is that the buyer understands what is original, what has been changed and the item’s present condition.

Before receiving offers, decide how much negotiation room you are willing to allow.

Your minimum acceptable price should take into account not only the value of the item but also any costs connected with the sale. If an offer falls below that threshold, you can decline it without reassessing the entire situation each time.

You do not necessarily need to reveal your minimum immediately; it is primarily an internal decision tool.

You may also define different scenarios, such as one price for local collection and another that accounts for agreed packaging or other costs.

Setting a threshold in advance mainly helps prevent accepting or rejecting an offer simply because of pressure in the moment.

If the sale enters a return or dispute process, organise the following:

• original listing;
• pre-sale photos;
• serial number;
• relevant messages;
• final agreement;
• payment information;
• shipping documentation;
• material supplied by the buyer about the reported issue.

Follow the official procedures applicable to the transaction and do not create improvised alternatives.

If the item is returned, document the condition of both the parcel and the item when it arrives back.

Documentation does not automatically guarantee a particular outcome, but it makes the sequence of events much clearer.

A listing may receive very different types of messages: technical questions, simple availability checks, immediate offers or incomplete enquiries.

Reply politely and proportionately. If essential information is missing, ask for it. If an offer is far below your threshold, you can decline it without entering a long debate.

Do not continuously change your price and terms in response to every individual message.

Having already defined the value, minimum acceptable price and delivery methods makes it easier to remain consistent throughout the sale.

After completing the sale, look at where you spent the most time and where the most questions arose.

Ask yourself:

• were important photos missing?
• was the model identified precisely enough?
• was the price positioned correctly?
• did the description repeatedly generate the same questions?
• were shipping terms clear?
• had you defined your negotiation floor properly?

Turn the answers into a personal checklist.

Over time, this makes preparation, publishing and negotiation faster without reducing the quality of information provided to the buyer.