1) Do some research on your instrument for sale, be it electronic, percussion, brass, woodwind, or strings. You can easily find basic history on the manufacturer of your instrument just by doing a google search - you don't have to be an expert to know something about the instrument. If you appear fairly knowledgeable about your instrument, people are less likely to take advantage of you.

Most brass or woodwind instruments can be traced back to the big-name manufacturers that currently exist!

2) Be honest in your sale. This is common sense selling, of course, but, if your instrument needs to be repaired or you don't know if it needs repair, let the buyers know. We need to know what to expect with the instrument.

3) Include the MAKE and MODEL of the instrument you're selling, and if possible, the SERIAL NUMBER. You're more likely to get it sold if you include all three. Instrument manufacturers have quite a RICH history (some good and some not!) and it's important to know the make and model so the buyer knows what specifications your instrument possesses. If you include them, they're LESS likely to ask you questions only an experienced musician would know. The serial number is nice to have because the buyer can trace the age of the instrument - and often, the "era" of when it was manufactured can impact the value.

4) Examine the instrument and it's case (if included) thoroughly. Make record of any chips, dents, cracks, scratches and include it in the description. Take pictures of the "big" damages (cracks, big dents) and post it for the buyer. Make sure to include a description of anything that could be considered damage for YOUR protection.

5) You can't expect to get 90% of the original price you paid for the instrument, so don't start your bids that high and make the reserve prices reasonable. You're more likely to get the price you want if you let the buyers duke it out through bidding than start it at the price you want.

6) If you're selling a WOODWIND instrument, PLEASE TAKE THE REED OFF OF THE MOUTHPIECE! If that thing is over one year old and hasn't been played but the reed is still on it, that traps moisture in the mouthpiece and makes it more likely for the reed and mouthpiece to get moldy, attract bugs, and generally STINK. The reed needs moisture to function and attracts a LOT of moisture while playing - imagine sticking a sponge someone had in their mouth in a shoebox for a year...or 10. In my opinion, that's similar to leaving a reed on the mouthpiece.

While on that subject, you don't need to include the "new" reeds that have been in the case. If they were purchased a month or two ago, that's perfectly fine - but if they've been in there for over 10 years, they're not good anymore! They'll make good firewood and that's it.

If you don't know what a reed is, look it up on wikipedia!

7) Please open the case to let it air out if it's particularly old. Just a common courtesy for buyers - letting it get some air will reduce that "funky smell."

8) I advise making shipping insurance on the instrument available for the buyer - it can be optional, just make it available.