DATE :
Monday, February 16, 2026
How Do I Know If I'm Getting Ripped Off Selling My Guitar?
Quick Answer (30-Second Read)
Get ripped off = Accepting significantly below fair market value without understanding why.
Fair wholesale offers by guitar type:
Vintage Fender/Gibson/Martin (pre-1980): 65-80% of retail
Modern guitars: 40-60% of retail
Below 50% without clear explanation = red flag
Protection: Get 3 written offers + verify sold prices + understand wholesale math
Red Flag Detection Table
Red Flag | What It Means | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
"Need answer RIGHT NOW" | Pressure tactic to prevent research | Walk away |
Offer <50% without explanation | Lowball | Get 2 more offers |
Won't explain valuation | Hiding something | Demand transparency or leave |
Bait-and-switch (lower price in person) | Deliberate tactic | Walk away immediately |
Compares your guitar to different model/year | Misleading comparison | Verify apples-to-apples |
"Just trust me" responses | No accountability | Require written explanation |
Extreme pressure + sketchy vibes | Potential scam | Trust your gut, leave |
Fair Offer Range Table
Guitar Type | Retail Value | Fair Wholesale Offer | Red Flag Below |
|---|---|---|---|
Pre-CBS Fender (1954-1965) | $5,000 | $3,500-4,000 (70-80%) | $2,500 |
Vintage Gibson (1950s-60s) | $8,000 | $5,200-6,000 (65-75%) | $4,000 |
High-end Martin (pre-war) | $10,000 | $7,000-8,000 (70-80%) | $5,000 |
Other vintage American | $3,000 | $1,800-2,250 (60-75%) | $1,500 |
Modern production ($2,000 new) | $1,700 used | $1,020-1,190 (60-70%) | $680 |
Common modern (<$1,000) | $600 | $300-420 (50-70%) | $240 |
5-Step Verification Process
Step 1: Research Actual SOLD Prices (Not Asking Prices)
Where to look:
Reverb Sold Listings
Search exact model
Filter: "Sold" (NOT currently listed)
Match: Same year/condition
Note: Asking prices mean nothing
eBay Completed Listings
Advanced search → Sold listings
Filter: Last 90 days
Same model, year, condition
Ignore what didn't sell
Auction Results
Heritage Auctions
Carter Vintage Auctions
Shows real market-clearing prices
Common mistake: Looking at current asking prices (anyone can ask $10,000, doesn't mean it sells)
Only sold prices show true market value
Step 2: Understand Wholesale vs. Retail Math
Market reality table:
Your Situation | Fair Wholesale % | Example: $5,000 Retail Guitar |
|---|---|---|
Vintage Fender (pre-CBS) | 70-80% | Fair offer: $3,500-4,000 |
Vintage Gibson (1950s-60s) | 65-75% | Fair offer: $3,250-3,750 |
High-end Martin (pre-war) | 70-80% | Fair offer: $3,500-4,000 |
Other vintage American | 60-75% | Fair offer: $3,000-3,750 |
Rare/exceptional pieces | 75-85% | Fair offer: $3,750-4,250 |
Common modern guitars | 40-60% | Fair offer: $2,000-3,000 |
Why the gap exists:
Dealer overhead (rent, staff, inventory)
Time to find retail buyer (30-120 days)
Risk (market changes, damage, theft)
Expertise and authentication
Return/warranty responsibilities
This gap is normal and necessary
Step 3: Get Multiple Written Offers
Minimum: 3 offers before selling
Where to get offers:
Source | What It Shows | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
Specialist vintage dealer | Fair wholesale baseline | Get written offer valid 7 days |
Online platforms (Reverb) | Maximum potential (minus fees/time) | Research sold comps |
Local shop | Regional market rate | Compare to specialist |
Require written offers:
Email or text confirmation
Specific dollar amount
Valid for at least 7 days
Explanation of valuation basis
What multiple offers reveal:
Step 4: Check Authentication & Condition
Get expert authentication FIRST for:
Pre-1980 Fender, Gibson, Martin
Any guitar you think might be valuable
Guitars with unclear history
Common issues that reduce value:
Issue | How It Affects Value | How Often Missed |
|---|---|---|
Refinished | -40-60% | Very common |
Replaced pickups | -20-40% | Common |
Re-stamped serial | Dramatically | Sometimes |
Misidentified model/year | Dramatically | Very common |
Replaced parts | -10-40% | Common |
Example:
Free authentication:
Edgewater Guitars: (440) 219-3607
Serial number databases online
Brand-specific forums
Photos reviewed by experts
Step 5: Ask Direct Questions
Questions to ask EVERY buyer:
Question | What Fair Answer Sounds Like | Red Flag Answer |
|---|---|---|
"How did you determine this value?" | "Based on 3 recent sales: [specifics]" | "That's just what we pay" |
"Can you show me comparable sold prices?" | Shows actual Reverb/eBay sold listings | "You'll have to trust me" |
"What percentage of retail is this?" | "This is 70% of $5,000 retail value" | Won't answer or gets defensive |
"Is this firm or negotiable?" | "Some flexibility on rare pieces" | Evasive |
"How long is offer valid?" | "7 days, take your time" | "Only good for 30 minutes" |
"What would reduce offer if you saw it in person?" | Lists specific concerns | Setting up bait-and-switch |
"Can I have this in writing?" | "Yes, I'll email you" | "Verbal only" |
Red Flags That Signal Lowball
🚩 Extreme Pressure to Decide Immediately
What they say:
"This offer only good for next hour"
"I have another seller calling, need your answer now"
"I'm leaving town tomorrow, it's now or never"
Why it's a problem: Legitimate buyers don't rush you. Pressure exists for ONE reason: prevent you from getting other offers or doing research.
What fair looks like: "Take a few days to think about it. Get other quotes if you want. The offer stands."
🚩 Significantly Below Market Without Clear Explanation
What they say:
Similar guitars sell for $3,000
They offer $800
When asked why: "That's just what we pay" or "Market's soft"
Why it's a problem: Any discount from market value needs clear reasoning:
Condition issues you weren't aware of
Modifications that reduce collectibility
Specific market factors for this model
Vague explanations hide lowball tactics.
What fair looks like: "Based on recent sales at $3,000 retail, and given this refret (reduces value 20% = $600) plus replaced tuners (10% = $300), our wholesale offer at 70% of adjusted value is $2,100."
🚩 Won't Explain Valuation Process
What they say:
You ask how they determined value
They get defensive or evasive
"I've been doing this 30 years, trust me"
"That's proprietary"
"Take it or leave it"
Why it's a problem: Reputable buyers CAN explain. They reference:
Comparable sales
Condition factors
Market demand
If they won't show work, they're hiding something.
What fair looks like: "I based this on three recent sales: [specific examples]. Your guitar has [these condition factors]. Current market for this model is [this range]. Here's my math."
🚩 The Bait-and-Switch
What happens:
Why it's a problem: This is deliberate. Get you invested (drove there, spent time) so you're more likely to accept lower offer than leave empty-handed.
What fair looks like: Written offer based on photos that only changes if guitar's condition materially different than represented.
🚩 "Check With My Partner" Tactic
What happens:
You negotiate to agreed price
Suddenly needs to "check with business partner"
Comes back with lower number
Or claims "partner says we can't go that high"
Why it's a problem: Negotiation tactic to reset conversation and push for lower price. If they can't make decisions, shouldn't have made initial offer.
What fair looks like: Person negotiating has authority. Price quoted is real.
🚩 Focus on Already-Disclosed Flaws
What happens:
You mentioned finish checking in listing
They act shocked: "Oh wow, I didn't realize checking"
Use disclosed issues to justify lowball
Pretend surprises when you already told them
Why it's a problem: If you disclosed condition issues upfront, fair buyer factors those into initial offer. "Discovering" them later is theater to reduce price.
What fair looks like: "I saw the finish checking you mentioned. That's already factored into my offer of $X."
🚩 Comparing Apples to Oranges
What happens:
You have 1962 Fender Stratocaster
They show 1982 Stratocaster sold for $1,200
"See? That's market price"
Deliberately use different years/models
Why it's a problem: Vintage guitars are year-specific. A 1962 pre-CBS Fender and 1982 CBS-era Fender = completely different markets.
Relies on your unfamiliarity with vintage values.
What fair looks like: Comparable sales from same era, same model, similar condition. Specific and relevant examples.
Protection Strategies
Strategy 1: Never Sell Under Pressure
Your rights:
Time to research
Time to get other offers
Time to verify information
Time to consult family/advisors
Push back language: "I appreciate the offer. I need a few days to consider it. If that doesn't work for you, that's okay—I'll explore other options."
If they pressure: Walk away. Legitimate buyers respect your timeline.
Strategy 2: Document Everything
Keep records of:
[ ] All written offers (screenshots, emails)
[ ] Conversations (date, time, what was said)
[ ] Photos you sent
[ ] Condition you described
[ ] Any promises made
Why this matters:
Protection if buyer claims guitar wasn't as described
Proof if they change terms
Evidence if dispute arises
Strategy 3: Meet Safely
Safety rules for in-person:
Public location (bank lobby, police station parking)
Daylight hours
Bring someone with you
Tell others where you're going
Trust your instincts
For valuable guitars:
Meet at buyer's established shop
Verify business legitimacy first
Check reviews/reputation
Strategy 4: Safe Payment Methods
Safe payment methods:
Method | When to Use | Protection Level |
|---|---|---|
Cash | Local, in-person, under $2,000 | High if safe meeting |
Bank wire | Verified recipient | High |
Cashier's check | Verified at THEIR bank before handing over guitar | Medium-High |
PayPal Goods & Services | Has buyer/seller protection | High |
Escrow service | High-value sales | Highest |
Avoid:
Personal checks (can bounce)
Venmo/Zelle for large amounts (no protection)
Cryptocurrency (no recourse)
"I'll mail you check" from strangers
Strategy 5: Get Second Opinion for Valuable Guitars
If guitar worth $2,000+:
Get formal appraisal before selling:
Written documentation of value
Authentication of originality
Condition assessment
Comparable sales references
Cost: $100-500 typically
Example ROI:
Strategy 6: Trust Your Gut
If something feels wrong:
Buyer seems sketchy
Story doesn't add up
Too much pressure
Evasive answers
Inconsistent information
Walk away.
Better to lose potentially fair deal than get scammed or pressured into bad deal.
What Fair Offers Look Like (Real Examples)
Example 1: Vintage Stratocaster
Example 2: Modern Production Guitar
Example 3: Rare Vintage Martin
Decision Framework: Is This Offer Fair?
Use This Checklist:
Research completed:
[x] Found 3+ comparable sold prices
[x] Verified guitar's actual condition/originality
[x] Understand wholesale vs. retail reality
[x] Know market range for my specific guitar
Offer evaluation:
[x] Offer is 60-80% of verified retail (vintage) or 40-60% (modern)
[x] Buyer explained valuation clearly
[x] No pressure tactics
[x] Willing to put offer in writing
[x] Gave me time to consider
Comparison:
[x] Got at least 2-3 offers
[x] Offers relatively consistent
[x] Understand why offers differ (if they do)
Gut check:
[x] Transaction feels transparent
[x] No red flags in buyer behavior
[x] Comfortable with this person/business
[x] Timeline works (not rushed)
If you can check most boxes: Offer is likely fair. May not get maximum dollar (that requires maximum time/effort), but you're not being ripped off.
If multiple red flags: Walk away, get more offers.
Common Scams to Avoid
Scam 1: Fake Cashier's Check
How it works:
Protection:
Verify checks at issuing bank before shipping
Never wire money to buyers
Wait for checks to fully clear (7-10 days)
Scam 2: Shipping Fraud
How it works:
Protection:
Require signature confirmation
Full insurance coverage
Photo/video documentation of packaging
PayPal Goods & Services (has seller protection)
Don't ship until payment fully clears
Scam 3: The Swap
How it works:
Protection:
Mark guitar with hidden identifier (serial under pickguard)
Photos of every unique detail
Video of serial number/unique features before shipping
Reputable buyers only
When to Walk Away
Automatic walk-away situations:
Significant pressure to decide immediately
Won't explain valuation or show comparables
Offer <50% of verified market with no clear reason
Bait-and-switch (lowering price after you arrive)
Unsafe meeting situation or sketchy vibes
Payment method feels risky
Your gut strongly says something wrong
Remember: You can always:
Get more offers
Wait for better timing
List on Reverb yourself
Consign at reputable shop
Keep the guitar
No prize for selling fast to first offer.
What Edgewater Does Differently
Our transparency approach:
Free evaluation from photos - No obligation
Clear explanation of value - Show you comparable sales
Written offers valid 7 days - No pressure
Honest when we're not best option - Sometimes Reverb better
Welcome other offers - Want you to verify we're fair
What we WON'T do:
Pressure immediate decision
Change offer when you arrive (unless condition differs)
Offer without explanation
Get defensive about questions
Make you uncomfortable asking for time
Our philosophy: Fair deals create long-term relationships. We'd rather lose a sale than have you feel taken advantage of.
If our offer isn't right for you, we'll tell you what might work better.
Conclusion
Getting ripped off isn't bad luck—it's information asymmetry.
Buyers know values, sellers often don't.
Level the playing field:
Research actual sold prices
Understand wholesale reality
Get multiple offers
Ask direct questions
Take your time
Trust your instincts
Remember:
Fair offer explains itself
Fair buyers welcome questions
Fair transactions don't require pressure
If something feels wrong, it probably is. Walk away and find a buyer who respects you, your timeline, and your intelligence.
Get Your Free Evaluation
No obligation, no pressure—just honest information about your guitar's value and best selling options.
Call (440) 219-3607 or submit photos online.
FAQ
Q: How do I know if a guitar offer is fair?
A: Research sold prices on Reverb/eBay for identical models. Fair wholesale offers typically 65-80% of retail for vintage guitars, 40-60% for modern. Get at least 3 written offers to compare. Any offer below 50% of verified market without clear explanation is likely lowball.
Q: What are red flags when selling a guitar?
A: Major red flags: extreme pressure to decide immediately, offers significantly below market without explanation, won't explain valuation, bait-and-switch pricing after you arrive, comparing your guitar to different models/years, getting defensive when asked questions.
Q: What percentage of retail should I expect from a dealer?
A: Fair dealer offers typically 65-80% of retail for vintage guitars (pre-1980 Fender/Gibson/Martin) and 40-60% for modern production guitars. High-end rare pieces may get 75-85%. The gap covers dealer overhead, time to resell, and risk.
Q: How many offers should I get before selling?
A: Get at least 3 written offers from different sources: specialist vintage dealers, online platforms (Reverb estimates), and local reputable shops. Multiple offers reveal market consensus and help identify lowball tactics.
Q: What questions should I ask a guitar buyer?
A: Essential questions: How did you determine this value? Can you show comparable sold prices? What percentage of retail does this represent? How long is offer valid? Is this firm or negotiable? Can I have this in writing? What would reduce your offer in person?
Q: When should I walk away from a guitar sale?
A: Walk away if: buyer pressures immediate decision, won't explain valuation or show comparables, offer is under 50% of verified market without clear reason, they lower price after you arrive, meeting feels unsafe, payment method is risky, or your gut says something's wrong.
