---
title: eBay & the Banjo Buying Blues
description: If you are thinking of buying a Deering or Goodtime banjo from eBay, we urge you to tread carefully and look out for fake banjos. Read on what to look for.
image: https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/hubfs/ebay-logo-1500x745.jpg
---

[![Deering Banjos - The Great American Banjo Company](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/hubfs/Logos/Deering%20Logo.png "Deering Banjos - The Great American Banjo Company")](https://www.deeringbanjos.com/)

- [Hooks & Nuts](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com)
- [Banjos](https://www.deeringbanjos.com/collections/banjos)
- [Find A Dealer](https://www.deeringbanjos.com/apps/store-locator/)
- [Support](https://help.deeringbanjos.com/knowledge)
- [Accessories](https://www.deeringbanjos.com/collections/accessories)

[Buying a Banjo](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/topic/buying-a-banjo) [How To Buy A Banjo](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/topic/how-to-buy-a-banjo)

# eBay & the Banjo Buying Blues

by [Jamie Latty](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/author/jamie-latty) on June 19, 2019

##### Share

If you are thinking of buying a Deering or Goodtime banjo, and you head over to eBay, we urge you to tread carefully.

Thanks to a handful of our wonderful and loyal customers, it has been brought to our attention that there are a select few sellers who are trying to fool banjo buyers into believing that they are buying a Goodtime banjo. To be clear, these are NOT Goodtime banjos. They are fake imitation replicas, and honestly  I believe my 8 year old could do a better job of imitating one. 

Beyond the overwhelming feeling of disappointment, buyers of these banjos will actually receive a cheap, non-US made item that vaguely looks like a banjo. Or as our former Sales Manager, Barry Hunn affectionately called BLO's or "banjo-like-objects".

Those of you who know Deering will all agree that this is not the feeling that we want our customers to experience with anything carrying our name. Not only is it negative for us as a long standing American brand, but more importantly, it dampens the players entire banjo journey - not the kind of start you want when you are just starting out.

There appears to be a few specific sellers all pushing the same listing, including "[uioesy](https://www.ebay.com/usr/uioesy?_trksid=p2047675.l2559)" "[lightshh](https://www.ebay.com/usr/lightshh?_trksid=p2047675.l2559)", and "[bidtast](https://www.ebay.com/usr/bidtast?_trksid=p2047675.l2559)". 

When you dig a little deeper, these sellers are offering anything from "BLO's", to dog crates, widescreen TV mounts and temporary hair dyes. It is safe to say that these sellers are NOT [authorized Deering retailers.](https://www.deeringbanjos.com/apps/store-locator/)

If you are curious, this is typical of the banjos in question. Note, the Deering Goodtime in the title. Also note the 5 string open back description, alongside the 6 string, resonator image.

![eBay-fake-listing-1](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/hs-fs/hubfs/eBay-fake-listing-1.jpg?width=727&name=eBay-fake-listing-1.jpg)

Of course, we attempt to be as vigilant as we can in these circumstances. However, often times, it is our amazing customers that keep us informed.

So, what can you do? If you have an eBay account, you can report the item by clicking the very discreet link on the right hand side, just above the shipping and description section of the item listing.

Most importantly, if you have an hesitation about a banjo being advertised as a Deering, or whether the seller is an authorized Deering retailer, here are a few things you can do:

- Call Deering customer service at 800 845 7791
- Email info@deeringbanjos.com
- Check our [Deering dealer page](https://www.deeringbanjos.com/apps/store-locator/)

An interesting point to note: At the time of writing, we had reported all items to eBay, sent multiple cease and desist letters and during a phone call with eBay, they informed us that we must wait 3-4 weeks to get a response on this activity.

When we challenged this, we were told "this is just the way it is". 

This is how eBay chooses to support and represent long standing businesses who try to uphold the integrity of their brand in the face of such gross fraudulent behavior. 

In the meantime, we are blessed and fortunate to have such incredible customers who genuinely care, and bring these things to our attention. Thank you so much for all of your continued support.  We wouldn't be here without you. 

Thank you!

[![Find your local dealer](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/1901150/8e1c16fe-5507-4fc3-82b7-54210d3e26ef.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/1901150/8e1c16fe-5507-4fc3-82b7-54210d3e26ef)

 

## COMMENTS

[![Kristin Scott Benson chooses the Deering Golden Series banjos](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/1901150/e1746c92-ee50-47bc-9b8c-8cc1edf426a2.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/1901150/e1746c92-ee50-47bc-9b8c-8cc1edf426a2)

[![New call-to-action](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/1901150/1753c9a8-491f-4b2b-b9ef-50457c195d9b.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/1901150/1753c9a8-491f-4b2b-b9ef-50457c195d9b)

## Search Blog Post

## YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

<https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/buying-a-banjo-on-amazon>

Nov 14.2024

[Buying a Banjo](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/topic/buying-a-banjo)

## [Buying A Banjo on Amazon](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/buying-a-banjo-on-amazon)

Oh, Amazon...love it or hate it, the brainchild of Jeff Bezos has singlehandedly changed how we buy the products we want. Anything you could ever dream of is...

[Read More](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/buying-a-banjo-on-amazon)

<https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/why-do-teachers-recommend-goodtime-banjos>

Oct 18.2019

[beginners banjo](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/topic/beginners-banjo), [Buying a Banjo](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/topic/buying-a-banjo), [Goodtime](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/topic/goodtime)

## [Why Do Teachers Recommend Goodtime Banjos?](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/why-do-teachers-recommend-goodtime-banjos)

Anyone who has been following Deering in the last few years will know that we talk a lot about the importance of choosing an instrument that will help your...

[Read More](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/why-do-teachers-recommend-goodtime-banjos)

<https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/what-is-the-best-beginner-bluegrass-banjo>

Mar 22.2017

[Buying a Banjo](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/topic/buying-a-banjo)

## [What Is the Best Beginner Bluegrass Banjo](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/what-is-the-best-beginner-bluegrass-banjo)

There are a lot of different types of banjos available, but which one is the best to start out on if you want to play bluegrass? What parts should you look for...

[Read More](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/what-is-the-best-beginner-bluegrass-banjo)

### sign up for our newsletter

### Popular Posts

<https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/the-four-essential-5-string-banjo-rolls>

[The Four Essential 5-String Banjo Rolls](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/the-four-essential-5-string-banjo-rolls)

<https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/ukulele-sizes>

[Ukulele Sizes – Soprano, Concert, Tenor & Baritone](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/ukulele-sizes)

<https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/celtic-tunes-on-the-5-string-banjo>

[Celtic Tunes on the 5 String Banjo](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/celtic-tunes-on-the-5-string-banjo)

<https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/learn-melodic-style-5-string-banjo-g-scales>

[Learn Melodic Style 5 String Banjo With G Scales](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/learn-melodic-style-5-string-banjo-g-scales)

<https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/how-to-wear-banjo-picks>

[How To Wear Banjo Picks](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/how-to-wear-banjo-picks)

### Recent Posts

<https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/steve-martin-alison-brown-timobrien>

[Steve Martin & Alison Brown release new music](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/steve-martin-alison-brown-timobrien)

<https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/the-artisan-elephant-goodtime-banjo-giving-tuesday-2024>

[The Artisan Elephant Goodtime Banjo - Giving Tuesday 2024](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/the-artisan-elephant-goodtime-banjo-giving-tuesday-2024)

<https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/buying-a-banjo-on-amazon>

[Buying A Banjo on Amazon](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/buying-a-banjo-on-amazon)

<https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/steve-martin-alison-brown-on-the-kelly-clarkson-show>

[Steve Martin & Alison Brown On the Kelly Clarkson Show](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/steve-martin-alison-brown-on-the-kelly-clarkson-show)

<https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/keith-urban-covers-sabrina-carpenters-espresso-on-deering-phoenix-banjo>

[Keith Urban Covers Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso" on Deering Phoenix Banjo](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/keith-urban-covers-sabrina-carpenters-espresso-on-deering-phoenix-banjo)

### Archives

- [June 2013 (35)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2013/06)
- [April 2020 (20)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2020/04)
- [August 2020 (15)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2020/08)
- [May 2020 (12)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2020/05)
- [July 2020 (12)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2020/07)
- [March 2020 (10)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2020/03)
- [September 2020 (10)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2020/09)
- [April 2012 (9)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2012/04)
- [June 2012 (9)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2012/06)
- [March 2017 (9)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2017/03)
- [August 2019 (9)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2019/08)
- [June 2020 (9)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2020/06)
- [October 2013 (8)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2013/10)
- [September 2016 (8)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2016/09)
- [August 2018 (8)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2018/08)
- [September 2019 (8)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2019/09)
- [May 2012 (7)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2012/05)
- [May 2013 (7)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2013/05)
- [August 2013 (7)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2013/08)
- [May 2015 (7)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2015/05)
- [June 2015 (7)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2015/06)
- [August 2015 (7)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2015/08)
- [July 2016 (7)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2016/07)
- [December 2017 (7)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2017/12)
- [October 2019 (7)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2019/10)
- [October 2020 (7)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2020/10)
- [September 2012 (6)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2012/09)
- [March 2013 (6)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2013/03)
- [April 2013 (6)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2013/04)
- [July 2013 (6)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2013/07)
- [July 2014 (6)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2014/07)
- [May 2016 (6)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2016/05)
- [August 2016 (6)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2016/08)
- [May 2017 (6)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2017/05)
- [June 2017 (6)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2017/06)
- [June 2018 (6)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2018/06)
- [May 2019 (6)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2019/05)
- [November 2020 (6)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2020/11)
- [December 2020 (6)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2020/12)
- [July 2012 (5)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2012/07)
- [December 2012 (5)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2012/12)
- [September 2014 (5)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2014/09)
- [October 2015 (5)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2015/10)
- [March 2016 (5)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2016/03)
- [April 2016 (5)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2016/04)
- [June 2016 (5)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2016/06)
- [August 2017 (5)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2017/08)
- [September 2017 (5)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2017/09)
- [May 2018 (5)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2018/05)
- [September 2018 (5)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2018/09)
- [October 2018 (5)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2018/10)
- [March 2019 (5)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2019/03)
- [June 2019 (5)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2019/06)
- [January 2020 (5)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2020/01)
- [May 2021 (5)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2021/05)
- [December 2021 (5)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2021/12)
- [January 2022 (5)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2022/01)
- [August 2012 (4)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2012/08)
- [October 2012 (4)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2012/10)
- [September 2013 (4)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2013/09)
- [March 2014 (4)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2014/03)
- [April 2014 (4)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2014/04)
- [October 2014 (4)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2014/10)
- [December 2014 (4)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2014/12)
- [March 2015 (4)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2015/03)
- [November 2015 (4)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2015/11)
- [November 2016 (4)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2016/11)
- [February 2017 (4)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2017/02)
- [October 2017 (4)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2017/10)
- [July 2018 (4)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2018/07)
- [November 2018 (4)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2018/11)
- [December 2018 (4)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2018/12)
- [December 2019 (4)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2019/12)
- [February 2021 (4)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2021/02)
- [February 2022 (4)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2022/02)
- [March 2023 (4)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2023/03)
- [August 2023 (4)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2023/08)
- [November 2012 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2012/11)
- [February 2013 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2013/02)
- [November 2013 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2013/11)
- [February 2014 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2014/02)
- [May 2014 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2014/05)
- [June 2014 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2014/06)
- [August 2014 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2014/08)
- [February 2015 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2015/02)
- [April 2015 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2015/04)
- [July 2015 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2015/07)
- [September 2015 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2015/09)
- [December 2015 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2015/12)
- [January 2016 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2016/01)
- [February 2016 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2016/02)
- [December 2016 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2016/12)
- [July 2017 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2017/07)
- [November 2017 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2017/11)
- [March 2018 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2018/03)
- [April 2018 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2018/04)
- [April 2019 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2019/04)
- [July 2019 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2019/07)
- [November 2019 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2019/11)
- [February 2020 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2020/02)
- [March 2021 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2021/03)
- [August 2021 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2021/08)
- [September 2021 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2021/09)
- [November 2022 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2022/11)
- [May 2023 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2023/05)
- [September 2023 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2023/09)
- [May 2024 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2024/05)
- [October 2024 (3)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2024/10)
- [February 2012 (2)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2012/02)
- [March 2012 (2)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2012/03)
- [November 2014 (2)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2014/11)
- [January 2015 (2)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2015/01)
- [October 2016 (2)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2016/10)
- [April 2017 (2)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2017/04)
- [January 2018 (2)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2018/01)
- [February 2018 (2)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2018/02)
- [January 2019 (2)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2019/01)
- [April 2021 (2)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2021/04)
- [October 2021 (2)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2021/10)
- [August 2022 (2)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2022/08)
- [June 2023 (2)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2023/06)
- [November 2023 (2)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2023/11)
- [November 2024 (2)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2024/11)
- [April 2011 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2011/04)
- [September 2011 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2011/09)
- [January 2012 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2012/01)
- [January 2013 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2013/01)
- [December 2013 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2013/12)
- [January 2014 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2014/01)
- [January 2017 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2017/01)
- [February 2019 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2019/02)
- [January 2021 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2021/01)
- [June 2021 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2021/06)
- [July 2021 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2021/07)
- [March 2022 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2022/03)
- [May 2022 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2022/05)
- [June 2022 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2022/06)
- [July 2022 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2022/07)
- [September 2022 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2022/09)
- [October 2022 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2022/10)
- [February 2023 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2023/02)
- [April 2023 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2023/04)
- [October 2023 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2023/10)
- [December 2023 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2023/12)
- [January 2024 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2024/01)
- [February 2024 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2024/02)
- [June 2024 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2024/06)
- [July 2024 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2024/07)
- [August 2024 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2024/08)
- [September 2024 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2024/09)
- [December 2024 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2024/12)
- [March 2025 (1)](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/archive/2025/03)

see all

[![Deering Banjos - the Great American Banjo Company](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/hubfs/Logos/Deering%20Logo.png "Deering Banjos - the Great American Banjo Company")](https://www.deeringbanjos.com/)

3733 Kenora Dr.  
Spring Valley, CA 91977

- [619-464-8252](tel:+619-464-8252)
- [info@deeringbanjos.com](mailto:info@deeringbanjos.com)

- [HOME](https://www.deeringbanjos.com/)
- [BANJOS](https://www.deeringbanjos.com/collections/banjos)
- [FIND A DEALER](https://www.deeringbanjos.com/apps/store-locator/)
- [ARTISTS](https://www.deeringbanjos.com/blogs/deering-artists)
- [CONTACT US](https://www.deeringbanjos.com/pages/contact-us)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Jamie Latty",
    "url" : "https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/author/jamie-latty"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2019-11-08T03:08:04.620Z",
  "datePublished" : "2019-06-19T16:40:47.000Z",
  "headline" : "eBay & the Banjo Buying Blues",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/hubfs/ebay-logo-1500x745.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/ebay-the-banjo-buying-blues",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/hubfs/Logos/deering-logo-green-406325-800x163.png"
    },
    "name" : "Deering Banjos"
  }
}
```