Verifying condition and originality
The checks to perform on both items before finally accepting the trade.
In a trade, each person is both seller and buyer.
This means both items should be checked for:
- identity;
- condition;
- functionality;
- serial number;
- modifications;
- repairs;
- accessories;
- originality where relevant.
Do not treat your own item as “already known” and focus only on the other one. The other party should be able to verify yours to the same standard.
Before handover, compare the real item with the material received during the negotiation.
Check that:
- disclosed defects are the same;
- no new damage has appeared;
- accessories and parts are present;
- serial number and model match;
- modifications and components match the description.
If something has changed, stop and reassess the agreement and cash adjustment before completing the exchange.
Do not apply the same automatic rule to every modification.
A replaced component may:
- increase practical usefulness;
- leave value unchanged;
- reduce desirability;
- matter greatly on a collectible item.
Assess each modification in the context of the model.
If original parts are available, clarify whether they are included in the trade.
If a function cannot be verified before the trade, state that clearly in the agreement.
This may involve:
- digital ports;
- MIDI;
- loops;
- software functions;
- intermittent controls;
- inaccessible parts;
- functions requiring additional equipment.
A trade does not make this limitation less important. Both parties should know what was tested and what was not.