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If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a bit of a fascination with new DJ equipment and gadgets. It’s not actually an addiction, right? It’s just a healthy appreciation for the tools of the trade.

The problem is that DJ equipment isn’t exactly cheap. You’ve got to be willing to fork over quite a chunk of your earnings in order to indulge that need for new stuff. So, there’s a better way. You can buy things second hand. Get on Facebook or Craigslist or any of these community marketplaces, and you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.

Except that sometimes, you might find something you’re not looking for, like equipment that isn’t as advertised.

Whenever you buy something from a person you don’t know off any one of these sites I mentioned, you need to pay close attention to that old Roman bit of wisdom: caveat empton (let the buyer beware).

tips

  • Beware of what you’re getting. Do your research. If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.
  • If the seller is legit, he or she will give you as much information about the equipment that you require and more … in photos, description, why they’re selling, etc.
  • Never go it alone. Insist on meeting the person in a public place, and take a friend or two with you.
  • Take two print copies of a sales receipt that includes all the terms of sale – date, price, transaction location, any other relevant notes. Once the transaction is complete, you and the seller need to sign and date it. You keep one for your files, and give the other to the seller.

Have you ever run into a questionable sales situation? Share your stories! Let us know if you have any other tips to add.