How to Buy Instruments on Taobao

Buying anything on Taobao can be a stressful experience. With authentic looking fakes, and untrustworthy translations, how can you be sure of the legitimacy of your instrument? Here we offer four bits of solid advice to make sure that your guitar is more Knopfler than Knock-off-fler, your cymbals are more Starr that blah and your saxophone is more… ok, I’ll stop.

Seller’s feedback and reputation

It should go without saying, ALWAYS check the feedback and reputation of a seller. Taobao’s reputation system works from buyers’ feedback, so the more hearts, diamonds and crowns they have next to their name, the better!

Reputation should be your first indicator, but be sure to check the comments on the specific item you’re interested in. This can be found in the section often translated into “Cumulative Evaluation,” where you can usually find images of the actual item people received. This can be handy for viewing unadulterated images of the instrument.

Here are a few shops with excellent reputations and feedback to get you started:

https://qicaiyq.tmall.com - For acoustic guitars

https://xinghaiyueqi.tmall.com - If you’re looking for something a little more classical, or even Chinese.

https://aidun.tmall.com - Good for keyboards and amps

Response to questions

Customer service is particularly important when buying a new piece of musical gear. What if the seller forgets to include an important lead, drum key or mouthpiece?

You need to be sure of prompt communication, and a good way to test the waters is to ask the seller a few questions before your purchase. Even asking something futile will provide you with an indication of their customer service. If their response is speedy and informed, they’ll be sure to help you out if your instrument shows up in pieces.

Return Policy

Some pieces of kit can be very delicate! Items like microphones, acoustic guitars and cymbals are susceptible to damage if they are not packed sensibly. Also, what if your kit doesn’t perform in the way you thought it would, or you regret your impulse buy (when will you ever use that trombone?!).

Most reputable sellers offer a no-questions-asked, 7 day return policy, so make sure to test out your gear for its intended purpose before that period is over. From experience though, even after the returns period, sellers can be relatively lenient. Bad feedback on a product can hurt future sales, just try to be fair, and offer to write a song about their great service and deals in return.

Gut feeling

If something looks too good to be true, chances are it is. A genuine Fender will never ever cost RMB 500, and in most cases, imported instruments are more expensive. I am a firm believer in ‘you get what you pay for’; so don’t expect miracles from a cheap bit of kit.

However, there are some great budget options for beginners and intermediates alike, and the made in China market can definitely provide you with that.  It’s just about thorough research, and sifting through the garbage before you find a real gem. Trust reviews, trust feedback, but most importantly trust your gut!

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