Talk About Shady...

[Blackburn]

So I call up a certain shop in a state that neighbors Texas asking about an early 60s Vox 2x12 cab with original Celestion blues. I'm inquiring about a possible trade plus cash for my '66 Princeton and want to know if they have their original cones. I'm told it's a consignment piece and a trade wouldn't be possible and that they can't buy it at this time and pay the consigner either. I say it's fine and ask if I had cash in hand, could I get some pics or a simple verification about the cones and the condition of the speakers. I'm told that the only way to pay for an item long distance is a bank wire transfer and that all sales are final and no trades or refunds are possible. Period. I'm then told that the consigner doesn't want his item to be opened and inspected and simply looking inside the cab for codes would be out of the question. I tell him I couldn't, as a reasonable person, buy something like that at that price without having the full details of its condition. He then tells me it's something that they wouldn't be interested in selling me. Is this one of the most moronic ways to do business or what? I wanted to go take a shower after that conversation.

David

[mhartman]

That's just bad business. Nice thing is that you can just move on to the next one to be sure that you get a nice amp.

[NickC]

After Guitar Center moved in here, most of the good shops closed their doors within a couple of years. The ones that used to pride themselves on integrity, documenting provenance on vintage/high price gear, quality and honoring warranty are long gone. The few shops that remain operate much like the one you describe. It's sad.

[vibratoking]

...then tells me it's something that they wouldn't be interested in selling me....

The situation is clear. You want to verify their claims about the item and they don't want you to. It's either a scam or they're stupid. Most likely a scam IMO.

[Colossal]

Anything with a wire transfer stinks of fraud. That and their unwillingness to cooperate is also a sign. You could string them along with bait, find out where they are, and then close the "deal" with guys in black nomex suits and MP5Ks.

[Blackburn]

It certainly does seem that way. I didn't much care for the guy I spoke with either. I'm positive I won't be doing any business with those slugs.

[katopan]

Definitely hiding something. You're asking a question they don't want to answer.

[Reeltarded]

It's a consignment. They have 100k guitars for sale. They don't care if you buy it or not. It's one guy answering a phone.

[Structo]

$$$$ laundering.

I swear the pawn shops around here are doing something shady.

I occasionally go into one just to confirm what I already think.

Same crap hanging on the walls, same amps, same guitars, etc.

I wonder if they can survive on firearm sale only?

[Firestorm]

You shouldn't be shy about naming the shop. You've said nothing defamatory.

[Gibsonman63]

$$$$ laundering.

I swear the pawn shops around here are doing something shady.

I occasionally go into one just to confirm what I already think.

Same crap hanging on the walls, same amps, same guitars, etc.

I wonder if they can survive on firearm sale only?

In my area, they make more money on Pay Day Loans than on stuff. Just as good as mony laundering, only better.

[briane]

they wouldn't be interested in selling me

I just take out a local full page local newspaper add - and defame them for the racists/wipes they are!

dont matter what goes on - I'd make a big deal to the local paper and make them eat their own sh*t. noone treats me that way - I hope not you.

oh also - anyone who wont let you look inside - theres a reason! ITS A SCAM!

yeah - or - if they really have 100k guitars their just bad businessmen - we only pay someone 100k for a guitar if WE KNOW YOU FIRST!

DUMB*SS!

RUN!

[skeezbo]

Reeltarded has it scoped, I think: consignment piece has very little profit, lots of risk if the buyer is unhappy. It does seem strange that they won't take a credit card. They are probably afriaid that a customer that has lots of expertise will be difficult to please.