From: Marques,Carlos M [Carlos.M.Marques@kp.org]
Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2001 4:09 PM
To: 'bobbyandfamily@erols.com'
Cc: 'jacob@theviolincollector.com'
Subject: E-Bay Horrors

Dear Anita,

Thank you for taking the time and explaining your story in great detail.
Fortunately, I was able to audition, in person, the violin I purchased from
"The Violin Collector."  He offers a 7-day trial, with complete refund
available, for E-Bay purchasers.  Friends advised me against an instrument
purchase without a first-hand audition.  I purchased a Gliga violin, which
is also offered by another E-Bay seller.

I contacted this seller using a provided 800 number.  He strongly urged me
to consider an instrument costing double the price of the listed instrument.
I was hesitant and did not purchase over the phone.  About 5 days later I
called and asked about purchasing the higher priced instrument.  In that
short time the instrument was purchased and I was urged to purchase an even
higher priced instrument.  This is his story for the first higher-priced
instrument.

The instrument was purchased by a repeat-customer of this seller.  The
seller did an adjustment to the "F" hold to improve the sound (unbeknownst
to the buyer) causing some damage to the instrument.  The buyer was
returning the instrument and asked for a refund.  I was still urged to buy
the higher priced instrument, which I did not.

The urging to buy different instruments could be a total coincidence, but it
did make me hesitant.  I felt it was a "bait-and-switch" tactic.  I am
sharing this with you as another example of the "buyer beware" trademark of
E-bay.

My purchase of a Gliga violin from "The Violin Collector" was a totally
pleasant experience.  Jacob's honesty, integrity and love of the instruments
he sells are evident by his enthusiasm.  I was lucky enough to go to his
shop,  meet him and play several different instruments.  I played
instruments within a wide price range selecting one at the lower end of the
range.  Jacob concurred that this particular instrument was better sounding
and playing then some of  the higher priced models I auditioned.

An instrument purchase is extremely difficult through E-bay, but not
impossible.  There are sellers that can make your experience a pleasurable
one.

Sincerely,
Carlos Marques
San Pedro