possible buying hints

[bloke]

Particularly when they are individual sellers, people don't like to ship tubas. Even continuously reposted "best" packing methods aren't those that I would personally use, based on my many experiences, so it's always a risk - both regarding damage and theft - when something large, valuable, and delicate is shipped.

If you're willing to sign something and have it notarized telling a seller that you will accept an instrument if it's damaged in shipping, they might be more likely to be willing to pack something up and ship it. Some people just don't have access to huge boxes and epic amounts of packing material, and - by some - I mean probably quite a few. Further, shipping costs have jumped up at least $100 to $200, even if someone has connections with a person or firm that does a lot of shipping, and is able to use their account.

If someone has something that you like, and it's 12 hours away, just freaking getting your car and go look at it, either buy it or not, and drive home, if you want to greatly increase the likelihood of being able to purchase what someone has for sale.

Finally, please don't screw with people. I've had so many people do "pretend purchases" from me, whereby they went through this fantasy purchasing exercise and - when it got right up to the day where the purchase was to be made - they disappeared off the face of the earth. You're talking to real people, and it's just not nice. As a matter of fact, it's really ugly to play games with people when it has to do with thousands of dollars - or even a dollar, for that matter.