You'll probably get more interest if you offer returns. Many people won't purchase a banjo without that option. Just my take on it, since you asked.

You can always do as most sellers do: offer rerturns within 2 days of purchase and buyer pays shipping.

I'm sure others will chime in who have more dealing with selling items than I do.

What Sherry said.
I won’t buy if there is not an inspection period…2-5 days

I only rarely offer a return. If after talking to the buyer I feel like they are seriously interested in buying and not just 'kicking the tires', I will offer a return if asked. Shipping a banjo is always a risky business no matter how well it's packed. Dealing with a broken banjo is a hassle.

I provide as many high quality pics as necessary and pack well. There's no question as to what the banjo is so no need to offer returns.

quote:

---

Originally posted by mirwin

 There's no question as to what the banjo is so no need to offer returns.

---

That's a big assumption that you know exactly what you have and you are 100% accurate in your description! And also assuming that you are not playing fast and loose with the facts and the description! Way too many ifs there for me! 

This is an excellent example of why I would NEVER buy from someone with this demeanor and attitude. This is like a big red flag that says..... "Move on immediately!"

I buy banjos for sound, which does not show up in pictures.

I insist on 48 hr approval when I buy.

However you must insist banjo returns unaltered and packed the same way you sent it - insured at customer's expense.

Always talk to buyer first on phone to get a sense that they are not "tire kicking".

If they're willing to invest the cost of shipping to their location (which they don't get back if they return), that usually shows they are somewhat serious.

@Mark Douglas There's no need to question whether my descriptions are accurate or not. Simply look at my feedback rating and you'll know that I speak the truth.

Providing a video, that buyers can hear the banjo is more important to me than offering returns.

quote:

---

Originally posted by mirwin

@Mark Douglas There's no need to question whether my descriptions are accurate or not. Simply look at my feedback rating and you'll know that I speak the truth.

---

Ok, so you have a positive 5 rating. Not exactly  jaw-dropping. You've made a few successful sales. Good for you.

I'm not questioning your descriptions....just your demeanor. There are a multitude of reasons why someone might need to return a banjo or instrument. You don't seem to appreciate that. Your rating is irrelevant to some buyers. Your choice of words tells me all I need to know. You might be a good businessman.... but humility doesn't seem to be your greatest asset.

Have a great day!

quote:

---

Originally posted by pfalzgrass

Providing a video, that buyers can hear the banjo is more important to me than offering returns.

---

I find that interesting.....

Because I have never....not once.... found a video or recording that accurately captured the tone of the instrument when I played it in person!

I don’t trust return packing and shipping. So I don’t offer returns.

I make this clear to all potential buyers. It’s Just part of the negotiation.

No attitudes and no hard feelings since both parties conditions are accepted on the front end of the deal.

Not a problem if this prevents a purchase.

quote:

---

Originally posted by mrphysics55

I don’t trust return packing and shipping. So I don’t offer returns.

I make this clear to all potential buyers. It’s Just part of the negotiation.

No attitudes and no hard feelings since both parties conditions are accepted on the front end of the deal.

Not a problem if this prevents a purchase.

---

Just a question.....

What would be your response if the buyer had

a truly unforeseen circumstance? A family

emergency, hospitalization, unexpected 

financial loss, accident, etc.?

As a result, keeping the instrument would 

cause extreme and unnecessary hardship.

Would you just say..... "well that's too bad."

Still no returns!

Just wondering....

All valid concerns and questions. I usually will offer at least a two day inspect / play period, during which time I will accept a return, NO questions asked. I always say "banjo is to be received in SAME condition it went out." I know the condition the banjo was when it left me! And NO return of funds will be done UNTIL I have received the banjo back in my possession. Also, the return cost for shipping and insurance will be at buyers / purchasers expense. That alone tells me the buyer is very serious about the instrument up front. I have been buying selling and trading instruments and parts for nearly 40 years, and to my recollection, I have only had ONE instrument returned (that was shipped to the buyer and then back to me; I have had a couple that were sold and later returned by the buyer in person, simply because they were close enough that shipping wasn't necessary) So in the end - I think the sale with the return option is generally the better option.

Another point I meant to make - IF I am selling a banjo part for 100 bucks, I wouldn't have any problem stating NO return - EVEN though I usually will offer the return!! However, on an expensive banjo, 2000 bucks or more, I personally would WANT the return option on something I am buying, so therefore feel it's only proper that I offer that option on something I am selling.... THERE IS A lot of difference between a 100 dollar banjo part and a banjo that costs 2000 bucks or more....

@ Mark Douglas
PM Sent

mirwin partial quote,

"I provide as many high quality pics as necessary and pack well. There's no question as to what the banjo is so no need to offer returns."

--------------------------------------------------

Like Mike I am 100% certain of what I am selling . I give accurate descriptions, provide numerous  photos and am happy to share all requested information with a potential buyer. So when they buy I have tried to make sure they are 100% certain as to what they are buying.

I don't misrepresent what I sell. and it is ultimately up to the buyer to decide If they want to proceed with the purchase.

For what it's worth, I have sold and successfully shipped many banjos and have never been asked to accept a return.

MrP

I've sold dozens of instruments over the years - only had one person complain about the instrument he received (and that was because he didn't understand what he was buying).

I'm not a business, which means I don't have insurance for this, which means: no returns.

I do like to speak to the buyer on the phone for items over a certain amount - I don't want to sell things to people who don't know what they're buying (see above).

I'll pay the insurance on the shipping, usually to the full amount of the instrument. But that only covers the shipping up to the arrival. Once the buyer opens the package, it's his instrument (it's almost always a he). There is no way of knowing what he's done to the instrument after receiving it.

I do white-knuckle it when I buy instruments online (where i live, it's pretty much impossible to find interesting gear offline), so I won't pay more than I feel comfortable losing (usually 500-600 euros...although I recently paid 1000 euros for a banjo, but only after speaking with the seller). That's part of buying online. If you're not comfortable with that, buy from a business.

I kinda look at on lile banjo buying..is kinda like buying an old Harley...
Cash in hand n willing to trade...

Can ya get hornschwaggled...yes...

quote:

---

Originally posted by mrphysics55

@ Mark Douglas
PM Sent

---

Got your message.

However, you still did not answer my

question about truly unforeseen 

circumstances.

Would you still maintain your "no returns "

policy?

Mark Douglas quote:

“Got your message.
However, you still did not answer my
question about truly unforeseen
circumstances.
Would you still maintain your "no returns policy?”
———————————————-
What if the truly unseen circumstances was a problem in my household?

Since I adopted the policy of no returns then I would have the authority to override that policy if I choose.

I remember selling a small item to you in years past. It came with the same no returns policy. In retrospect I find it curious that you did not voice an objection then.

I find it unfortunate that my PM you did not fully address your “argument”, so please take it elsewhere.

quote:

---

Originally posted by mrphysics55

Mark Douglas quote:

“Got your message.
However, you still did not answer my
question about truly unforeseen
circumstances.
Would you still maintain your "no returns policy?”
———————————————-
 

I find it unfortunate that my PM you did not fully address your “argument”, so please take it elsewhere.

---

Appreciate the suggestion to "take it elsewhere." I find that to be very useful.

Thank you!

Mark Douglas

I agree: take it OFF the Hangout, please.

Sherry, thank you. I enjoy a educational discussion, but I get the sense we are at an impass here and feelings are beginning to be wounded.
For what it's worth, I can't afford to make a mistake when buying anything over about 10 bucks. However, will drive 500 miles (one way) to check out an item in person. (When younger I drove 1,200 miles one way to check out a St Bernard puppy)
If a banjo was over 500$ and 500 miles, I would definitely ask for a return window. If that queered the deal... so be it. The seller needs protection, but so does the buyer. Pictures, sound clips mean a lot, but sometimes good old fashioned hands on feel means even more.