Well, it finally happened...

[BobKat]

It would appear that I am in the process of getting completely ripped off on a guitar purchase for the very first time.

Sent money on December 7. The seller received on December 10. Gave him some time to scrounge up a box, etc... and on December 22, sent him prepaid UPS airbill for the guitar. January 7 and I am still waiting. A million excuses and promises to ship tonight, next day, calling for pickup now, it's sitting next to me waiting for UPS now, bla bla bla, and the guitar has not shipped. It's not looking good. He's in St. Louis, I'm here in NJ.

So, has this happened to you? What's my recourse here? Let's hear it, gang.

[libratune]

Dr. Bob is in St. Louis. Maybe he would be willing to pick up the guitar from the seller and send it to you.

You could contact the seller and tell him you have a friend local to him who could pick up the guitar. See how he reacts to that. If he says okay, then maybe he's not ripping you off but is one of those guys who can't multi-task or he's stalling because he doesn't want to let go of it. If he resists the local pickup, that's not a good sign.

[jps]

Dr. Bob is in St. Louis. Maybe he would be willing to pick up the guitar from the seller and send it to you.

You could contact the seller and tell him you have a friend local to him who could pick up the guitar. See how he reacts to that. If he says okay, then maybe he's not ripping you off but is one of those guys who can't multi-task or he's stalling because he doesn't want to let go of it. If he resists the local pickup, that's not a good sign.

Then Dr. Bob can send his posse!

[BobKat]

I'm not personally acquainted with Dr. Bob. But that's a heck of an idea. Dr. Bob, are you watching?

[egosheep]

How did you pay? If you paid by money order, and have his address, make it clear that you expect the guitar, either shipped or local pickup. If he doesn't do it, pick up the phone and call the police!! I had a friend who bought a combo organ from out of state and it was 4 weeks late after the guy supposedly shipped it. He called the police and they drove to the guy's house. It turned out to have been the shipping company's fault, and it had been here in Atlanta for weeks... but the police did respond and check it out.

[johneek]

Bob....Sorry to hear about this hassle. I hope it all turns out OK.

[stevebasshead]

If you paid by PayPal I'd not wait too long before raising a dispute. I believe there's a time limit (someone correct me if I'm wrong) and your seller may be hoping to delay beyond the deadline with bad results for you!

[BobKat]

I paid by US Postal Money Order. I do intend to contact the police and the US Post Office unless I get results real soon. I also have a friend in the FBI.

[jimk]

I paid by US Postal Money Order. I do intend to contact the police and the US Post Office unless I get results real soon. I also have a friend in the FBI.

Oh boy, that could light a fire under the seller real fast.
JimK

[indianation65]

Whenever I bid on, or buy outright a large dollar item, I ask questions and let the seller know my interest. I also ask for a phone number so I can ask more detailed questions. Most sellers don't mind. I do this to ensure I have something to work with in the event the seller decides to pull a fast one. I had the state police of West Virginia help me out with a seller a couple years back who wouldn't ship a 12 string to me. It finally worked out...Good luck friend and hope for the best!
phone numbers
personal email addresses
full names
home or business addresses...anything to help in the event of supposed "I'll be shipping tomorrow" problems!

...wisdom

[stringsncords]

How about telling the seller that if you don't have shipping confirmation within 12 hours that the local (and possibly federal) authorities will be notified? You've given this guy plenty of time to make good - no more excuses. Then DO IT!

Good Luck!

Bob

[blueflamerick]

I hope it works out for you.

I see an additional way for those "I Sold it on Ebay" stores to make money: offer a shakedown service to go after sellers who don't ship and buyers who don't pay.

[ozover50]

I hope you get a good outcome, Bob..... one way or the other!

[rickenbrother]

Bob, sorry to hear this. I hope this turns out well.

[beatlefreak]

Contact the Post Office. Since you paid by USPS money order, and sent it through the mail, this could fall under mail fraud, a Federal crime.