Top three ‘gotchas’ of buying music mail-order

Over the years, our family has bought a lot of music: method books, technique books, scale studies, compilations, sheet music, ensemble packages…you name it, and we’ve bought it. (With five PTMs in the house, music is a near-constant investment!) Much of this music was purchased from local stores, but we’ve also bought frequently via mail-order (catalog or online). Over time, we’ve developed a few guidelines that make mail-order music buying an overwhelmingly positive experience.

Know the piece

You might be surprised how many pieces share the same name. If a selection is requested for a gig you’re doing…or by your instructor…or maybe you just heard it on the radio and want to learn it, double-check the composer/opus/version/performer to be sure you order the right one. Playing the Schubert Ave Maria won’t make for a happy bride if she’s expecting the Bach/Gounod. 

Know the publisher

The same piece can be available from different publishers, so if your instructor requests you purchase a particular piece, always check the publisher. This is always a good idea, but never more so than with concertos. Different publishers often include different cadenzas. Gotcha!

Never, ever choose discount shipping

The worst gotcha of all? In my opinion, it’s discount shipping. Unless you have a month and a half to wait, just don’t do it. Spring for the extra couple of bucks and save the headaches.

Many mail-order music stores offer discount shipping, including one of our advertisers here, SheetMusicPlus. In fact, my first (and last) bad experience with discount shipping was for an order I had placed with them. But like many other vendors, their discount shipping option uses USPS Media Mail for delivery, and that is not a good thing.

USPS Media Mail makes no guarantees of timeframes, advertises 1-3 week delivery times (even mailing next door), and offers no way to track your order. Though the folks at SheetMusicPlus were sympathetic, there was little they could do to help by the time we reported that surely-our-order-is-missing. It finally did arrive…32 days after I placed the order.

The bottom line

Buying music mail-order, via catalog or online, greatly expands your options and ability to get the music you want or need quickly. If you’re careful to avoid the three gotchas of “Piece, Publisher, and Postal Service”, you’ll stand a great chance of getting the music you want quickly at an excellent price.

Have a personal experience you’d like to share? Please leave us a comment; we’d love to hear from you!

Keep playing!
Mark

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How to choose – and buy – an instrument: local, mail-order, or eBay? (Summary)

This is the final article in a five-part series on choosing and buying an instrument. In this installment, we’ll review the high points of the options we discussed earlier and toss out some “rules of thumb” I use when planning an instrument purchase. (Article below)

Buying an instrument can be an involved process, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult one. As long as you approach it as an informed buyer, you’ll do fine…whether this is the first instrument you’ve ever bought or the hundredth. And you’ll have an instrument you can enjoy for a lifetime!

In very broad strokes, let’s take a quick look at the advantages each option offers you as a buyer.

Why buy a musical instrument from a local store or shop?

• Expertise that is often unmatched
• Access to assistance with your instrument locally
• Ability to try several instruments, then take a few home for a week or two “on eval” (evaluation)
• If you see the instrument, you can buy it and take it home immediately

Why buy a musical instrument mail-order?

• Larger selection of instruments
• Best prices on new instruments
• Better return policies
• Fast delivery

Why buy a musical instrument on eBay?

• Best prices on used instruments
• Hard-to-find instruments are there…and practically nowhere else
• Feedback is available and visible for every vendor, providing the buyer an easy way to check a seller’s reputation…and strong incentive for the seller to treat buyers fairly

I’ve bought a number of instruments over the years, and I’ve gone all routes to get them. I’ll tell you now that I don’t have all the answers…but here are the general guidelines I follow when considering where to make an instrument purchase. Your mileage may vary. 

Mark’s Rules of Thumb for Buying an Instrument

• Buy local if possible.
• For fine string instruments, only buy local or from established string shops with a mail-order/online presence. Either way, they need to be established, “hands-on” shops to make my list. No big-box, no eBay.
• If I need to be able to evaluate several instruments before purchasing, local wins. Period.
• For inexpensive spare instruments or those that must endure rougher treatment, price becomes the critical factor. Mail-order/online is my choice for new instruments, eBay for used.
• If I’m looking for a particular older-model instrument or am looking for the best deal possible of any kind, eBay wins hands-down. The selection is only limited by what people around the world are selling at that moment, and if you’re patient and keep your eyes open, you can score some amazing deals.
• If I know exactly what I want in a new instrument and am looking for the best possible price, I shop and buy from a mail-order/online store.

These rules of thumb may not fit perfectly in all situations, but they’ve worked well for me. If you have others you’d like to add, please post them in a comment! We’d love to hear them.

Keep playing,

Mark

Related articles:

How to choose – and buy – an instrument: local, mail-order, or eBay? (Part 1 of 5)

How to choose – and buy – an instrument: local, mail-order, or eBay? (Part 2 of 5)

How to choose – and buy – an instrument: local, mail-order, or eBay? (Part 3 of 5)

How to choose – and buy – an instrument: local, mail-order, or eBay? (Part 4 of 5)

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• How to choose – and buy – an instrument: local, mail-order, or eBay? (Part 3 of 5)
• How to choose – and buy – an instrument: local, mail-order, or eBay? (Part 2 of 5)
• How to choose – and buy – an instrument: local, mail-order, or eBay? (Part 1 of 5)

How to choose – and buy – an instrument: local, mail-order, or eBay? (Part 4 of 5)

This is part four in a five-part series on choosing and buying an instrument. In this installment, we’ll look at buying from a private seller on eBay or other online auction site. (Article below)

In order to keep our discussion about purchasing instruments via online auction sites to a manageable size, let’s start with the following assumptions:

• Since the largest online auction site is eBay, I’ll refer to it throughout this article; however, the topics discussed here should apply to any auction site.
• This article only applies to private sellers. To my way of thinking, companies who auction products or who have an eBay store (fixed pricing) really fall under the classification of mail-order/online vendor…with all of the same pros and cons.
• The only instruments we’ll be considering in this article are used/pre-owned. Yes, new musical instruments are sold on eBay; but these are sold either by companies (see previous point) or by overseas entities. While it is possible to obtain quality instruments from international vendors, many offerings are of extremely questionable manufacture. If you really know your instruments, go ahead; if not, you may want to seriously consider the additional risk to which you’re exposing yourself. If the instrument costs $10 but has a $79.95 shipping fee, how much money will be refunded if you aren’t satisfied? (Answer: if any money is refunded, it will be $10.)  Let the buyer beware. 

Pros of buying a musical instrument on eBay

1. Some of the best deals you’ll ever find are on eBay. Sometimes, great instruments just don’t draw many bids.
2. Hard to find instruments may be available there and practically nowhere else. And the selection changes daily!
3. Feedback is available and visible for every vendor. This helps reduce risk to the buyer, because a vendor can live or die due to feedback.

Cons of buying a musical instrument on eBay

1. Prices can go quite high, as you can be bidding against people around the world.
2. Guarantees, shipping costs, and return policies vary.
3. Availability varies. The instrument you want may not be there this week…or the next…or the next…

My experiences buying instruments on eBay have been overwhelmingly positive, but I am a cautious sort. If something doesn’t look quite right or if the price is just a bit out of my comfortable range, I don’t bid (or don’t increase my bid, if a maximum bid I’ve placed is exceeded). My only disappointments have been when a nice instrument went out of my budgeted range…but that happens outside of eBay as well. 

Tips for buying an instrument on eBay

1. Know the instrument well to minimize risk. If it’s a rare Martin Committee trumpet and the buyer provides you with the serial number (a common practice) and the assessment of a reputable dealer who recently inspected or serviced the horn, you can be more certain of what you’re getting.
2. Check the buyer’s account information to minimize risk. A well-established seller with a high number of transactions and positive feedback (say, 95% or higher) poses much less risk than someone who opened an eBay account last month, has one feedback rating…and it’s negative.
3. Personally, if the seller doesn’t accept PayPal, I don’t bid. PayPal doesn’t protect you in every instance, but sending a money order protects you in no instances. Don’t send money via money order you wouldn’t be upset to lose.
4. Packing is critical. Oddly, some instruments fare better shipped wrapped in bubble wrap and double-boxed than they do in their cases, as the cases allow room to move – and get damaged. Check with the seller about their packing/shipping arrangements before bidding.
5. Be careful you don’t let your emotions run away with you. It’s very easy to keep raising your maximum bid “just a little more” when you’re outbid. Do your research ahead of time, know what you’re willing to pay, and stick with it.
6. Read all terms (guarantees, shipping costs, return policy, etc.) before bidding and factor all costs into your self-imposed bidding limit.

It’s a rare occurrence when a seller “maxes out” all criteria, but a good combination of the above tips/guidelines provides a great deal of safety to you, the buyer. The bottom line is that eBay is a great place to purchase a musical instrument, as long as you are an informed buyer. Check it out!

If you’ve bought an instrument on eBay, we’d love to know your experience and any tips you may have as well. Please feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts! And in the meantime, keep playing!

Mark

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How to choose – and buy – an instrument: local, mail-order, or eBay? (Part 1 of 5)

How to choose – and buy – an instrument: local, mail-order, or eBay? (Part 2 of 5)

How to choose – and buy – an instrument: local, mail-order, or eBay? (Part 3 of 5)

How to choose – and buy – an instrument: local, mail-order, or eBay? (Summary)

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• How to choose – and buy – an instrument: local, mail-order, or eBay? (Part 1 of 5)

How to choose – and buy – an instrument: local, mail-order, or eBay? (Part 3 of 5)

This is part three in a five-part series on choosing and buying an instrument. In this installment, we’ll look at buying via mail-order. (Article below)

Choosing and buying an instrument via mail-order (catalog or online) offers the best and worst of all worlds, from my vantage point. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons, as I see them, then fill in the blanks a bit.

Advantages of shopping/buying mail order instruments

1. Larger selection of instruments than any single local store can offer. This is considering all catalog/online shops together, which isn’t technically accurate…but even if you’re only looking at one online “mega-store”, it often holds true.
2. Price. Lower overhead almost always translates to lower prices.
3. Better “reach”. If they don’t have it, they can (and will) often get one for you, knowing they can sell it to someone else if you don’t take it. Again, this doesn’t always hold true, but it’s more likely to be the case with a large mail-order retailer than a local shop.
4. Better return policies. This ties to #3 above. Sometimes a local shop will order an instrument for you with the understanding that you are evaluating it…but will pressure you to buy it even if it doesn’t meet your needs. While I understand that it may be very difficult to move a higher-end instrument with low demand in the local area, I’m looking at this solely from the buyer’s perspective. Mail-order shops often issue an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) number without question.
5. Fast delivery. With many mail-order retailers, if the instrument you want is in stock, they’ll ship it out within 24 hours and you can have it within the week. Sometimes, within a couple of days!

Disadvantages of shopping/buying mail order instruments

1. You can’t try before you buy. This is a huge factor in some purchases and a non-issue in others.
2. Shipping charges. Sometimes you get free shipping; sometimes you don’t. And if you have to return an instrument, you may or may not have to cover the costs of return shipping. Be aware before you order that instrument!
3. Return policies. Like shipping charges, this varies. With some mail-order companies, it’s a painless – and free – procedure to return an instrument that didn’t pass muster. But some companies make getting your money back pretty challenging. Be sure to check return policies before you place your order.
4. Expertise. Again, you may be able to get ahold of someone with expertise in your instrument of choice once you receive it and have questions…but this often isn’t as likely as with your local shop.

The difficulty with considering all mail-order companies together is that they range from small retail shops that have an online presence to mega-conglomerates who are primarily warehouses and order-takers. The small retail shops who are online can provide some of the best service and knowledge anywhere; the big-box giants can’t be matched for price. Either way, know who you’re dealing with and evaluate in terms of what they offer you for this purchase. No single vendor is at the top of the list for every consideration.

I’ve had great experiences with mail-order firms in all cases but one, and in that case, the vendor admitted the fumble and fixed it…so I guess I’d consider that a 100% success record. I’ve bought instruments from mail-order mega-stores and from remote brick-and-mortar stores with an online presence (mail-order from a remote buyer’s perspective), and if you’re aware of the limitations, I don’t know that you can do better when buying a new instrument.

What do you think? Do you have a good or bad experience with purchasing an instrument via mail order you’d like to share? If so, please leave us a comment! We’d love to hear from you.

In the next installment, we’ll take a look at the wonderful and worrisome option of buying an instrument via ebay or other online auction site. In the meantime, I wish you much success and enjoyment with your music!

Keep playing,

Mark

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How to choose – and buy – an instrument: local, mail-order, or eBay? (Part 1 of 5)

How to choose – and buy – an instrument: local, mail-order, or eBay? (Part 2 of 5)

How to choose – and buy – an instrument: local, mail-order, or eBay? (Part 4 of 5)

How to choose – and buy – an instrument: local, mail-order, or eBay? (Summary)

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• How to choose – and buy – an instrument: local, mail-order, or eBay? (Part 1 of 5)

How to choose – and buy – an instrument: local, mail-order, or eBay? (Part 2 of 5)

This is part two in a five-part series on choosing and buying an instrument. In this installment, we’ll look at buying from your local music store or instrument shop. (Article below)

Let me first say that there is quite a spectrum to consider regarding the local experience. If you’re shopping for full-size, handmade orchestral string instruments (violins, violas, celli, and double basses), you may deal with a craftsman in a small, private shop. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a beginner guitar “pack” (instrument, case, picks, and an amplifier if applicable), your local store may be part of a big box chain. Each serves a different market, and in most cases, each does it well. It would be impossible to cover everything in a short installment, so I’ll paint with broad strokes and try to give a decent overview from my perspective. It may not be completely accurate, but it’s served me well over the years…and I’m willing to reconsider any notions I have if someone tells me I’m wrong. Don’t be shy; it’s happened before. 

Anyway, here is my take on the locals.

If you’re unfamiliar with the instrument you’re buying, a local shop is a great first stop. Everyone working at a local shop isn’t an expert, but they should be able to give you some introductory knowledge about the instruments they have available. Sometimes, the people there are incredibly knowledgeable; usually, these same folks are very happy to help educate you as a future musician. Sometimes, the people at your local shop aren’t very knowledgeable or helpful. If you have a good shop nearby, get to know the people there; you’ll probably be visiting it frequently. If your shop is only interested in pushing cheap instruments, run out the door as quickly as you can.

If you’re an advanced musician, you’ll have a much more polarizing experience when you step into a local shop. Your standards are much higher, and if you’re going to deal locally, you expect more expertise. Typically, the local store carries higher prices on comparable instruments…but also provides greater knowledge and assistance that is more accessible. If your local salespeople aren’t more knowledgeable, they’re only more expensive. I don’t mind paying for knowledge and service, but I do mind paying extra for nothing.

Sometimes, local shops will let you take one or more instruments home “on evaluation” to try them in your typical playing environment. This is nearly always the case with fine string instruments, for example. This is a valuable service that costs the shop itself some money (stocking instruments, bearing the risk while they’re out, etc.), and while some mail-order places let you do something similar, it is much easier to accomplish from your local shop. If you try twenty (violins, trumpets, flutes, etc.) in the shop, you can narrow it to your top three or four and take them home for a week. You can then consider only the few you liked best. At the end of the evaluation, you may purchase one…or none. Professional shops expect these outcomes, and a good shop won’t pressure you over it if you return them all. But that is the topic of another article…

Our experiences with local establishments have been quite varied. I bought a Fender classical guitar from a local shop, and it is a dream to play. I played several different classical guitars in different stores, and this one had the best sound and feel of any of them. It was also one of the least expensive. I bought it during an inventory reduction sale (prior to the store’s end-of-fiscal year inventory), and it was so good my wife told me to buy it on the spot. How could I not? 

My worst experience was with a local violin shop. For those who haven’t bought a fine string instrument before (yet?), violins don’t roll out of factories like many other instruments do. Even those that come from large workshops require final setup and adjustments of the bridge, soundpost, and more in order to optimize the sound produced. And each instrument responds differently to different bridges, strings, etc. A good violin technician (luthier, in industry terms) can do a lot with an instrument. But an unscrupulous one can be frustrating at best, expensive at worst. This one in particular tried to pass off an inexpensive workshop violin with a confined sound as a much nicer instrument. We’ve never been back.

In short, local shops seem to offer the best and worst of worlds, with a great deal of variation. Start there on your search for a new instrument, but don’t stop there without knowing your other options. Next time, we’ll discuss the ups and downs of mail-order. In the meantime, drop us a comment if you have one…and keep playing!

Mark

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How to choose – and buy – an instrument: local, mail-order, or eBay? (Part 1 of 5)

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How to choose – and buy – an instrument: local, mail-order, or eBay? (Summary)

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