Problems with proposed transactions?

Over the past couple years i have purchased various interconnects and cables, more than a dozen electronic components (for several systems), and two pairs of speakers; i have sold only one set of speaker cables (need to start selling some of these treasures ;-). I have had only two problems:

-- A unit which arrived with some small nicks which hadn't been disclosed - it sounds so good that i let it slide (mea culpa).

-- A seller who never sent the unit at all (fortunately not a very expensive unit). He lived across country, so all i could do was complain to the 'gon and give flaming feedback.

Now when i buy i try to deal only with people who live close enough to me that i could drive to their house if i had to. Also talking on the phone can give a pretty good feel for a seller.

Although there are audiophiles who are obsessive about keeping equipment like new, there are a sufficient number of audiophiles who are not. I question sellers very thoroughly about condition, and have been told the unit is mint, no scratches at all, and then I get the piece and there are scratches and little nicks on the unit. This irks me to no end. If as a seller you are asked to LOOK for cosmetic flaws, and then you claim there are none, when in reality there are, you are dishonest. I think it boils down to two things: (1) the seller is afraid to disclose small flaws, fearing he will not get his price or sell the item; (2) the seller is not a very fastidious or careful person, and does not know how or even care how to examine a unit.

As a seller, I try to accurately describe my item, and if asked specifically, will detail to the buyer with a fine tooth comb everything about the piece. Sellers will use the excuse, "it's used; if you want new, buy it from a dealer." Sorry, that's a copout. There are audiophiles, like myself, you keep their equipment in brand new condition and pride themselves on doing so.

There are other situations, like noisy tubes, or other subtle problems, that I have encountered enough times. The excuse is always that "I didn't notice it," or "It didn't do that when I had it." Sorry, I don't buy that. Furthermore, as a seller, it is your responsibility to check your unit thoroughly as to its mechanical/ electrical condition.

How many of the Disputes in Audiogon's Dispute forum have this type of problem? A lot. Sellers try to get out of what is clearly their responsibility by lying.

Over many years of buying used guitars and guitar amps, the biggest problem is people being sloppy or careless. Most people don't understand grading scales; most people don't know how to pack well. Very, very few people try to take your money and run. Usually it's minor annoyances.

Think about all the bad drivers who share the road with you. They're not evil; they just don't understand that it's a problem for others when they suddenly change lanes in front of you without signaling. We share ebay, audiogon and the Internet with the same people. In most bad transactions, I have been able to work out my problems with the seller. People are basically good and willing to do right, but then, people aren't perfect.

Protect yourself by looking at feedback and reputation over past transactions. Most problems I've encountered seem to be new sellers who haven't learned to take the care that a good seller needs to. I find that experienced sellers who have done many deals with a particular type item, whether stereo equipment or guitars, "get" condition grading and appreciate the details.