Used Western Saddles

Buying A Used Western Saddle On eBay - Good Things To Know

How old is the used saddle?

Just how used is the saddle? Does the seller clearly state that the saddle is barely used, heavily used, etc.?

Are there several clear pictures of the saddle? In most cases you will want photos of the saddle from all angles, including underneath. If the seller describes any damage to the saddle (scuffs, tears, etc.) are these shown in the photographs? If you do not feel the seller is showing enough photographs of the saddle, ask them for more before you bid or buy.

If the seller claims the saddle is a certain brand or make, do the photos show a stamp or other mark on the saddle to back up their claim?

Does the saddle come with or without cinches, stirrups, latigos, billets, a breast collar, etc.? It would not be unusual for a used saddle to come with or without any of these items, so you should know exactly what you are, and are not, getting.

If the saddle does come with any of the items listed immediately above, are they also clearly described and shown in the photos?

Does the saddle have any defects? It is reasonable to assume that a used saddle may have some defects of some kind. The seller should clearly describe any scratches, scuffs, tears, stains, etc., and show them in the pictures if possible.

What will the shipping charges be? Remember, a saddle can be heavy to ship. Make sure you know what the shipping charges are before you buy the saddle.

Will the seller ship to your area? How soon will the saddle be shipped after you pay for it?

What payment methods does the seller accept? How soon after the sale do you have to pay for your purchase? An increasing number of eBay sellers are getting tired of buyers who take a long time to pay for their item. Some of these sellers are now requiring the item be paid for within a certain time frame or the sale is off. Read the item's description for acceptable payment times and terms.

Every eBay item for sale has a "Seller info" area. Be sure to check this area to view the feedback that previous buyers have left for that particular seller.

If you have any questions on a used Western saddle be sure to ask the seller before you bid. Look for the "Ask a question" link in the "Seller info" area to ask your questions.

A used Western saddle showing a maker's mark

If an eBay seller claims a used saddle is a certain brand or make, do they show photos of a stamp or other mark on the saddle to back up their claim?

In the photo to the left we have intentionally taken the photograph too far back for the maker's mark to be readable because this saddle is not for sale. However, we wanted to show you the stamp on this saddle's stirrup fender, a common site for a saddle to be stamped or marked by a saddle maker.

Any photograph of a maker's mark on a saddle for sale on eBay should be clearly readable. A maker's mark or stamp could be located in any number of places on a saddle.

Above: The yellow arrow is pointing to a maker's mark on a used Western saddle's stirrup fender.

New To Buying Saddles (Or Anything Else) eBay?

eBay is famous for its highly successful feedback system. Each item for sale on eBay shows the seller's feedback rating from previous eBay transactions in the "Seller info" area:

This number shows how many transactions the seller has had on eBay. Since a seller on eBay can also be a buyer on eBay, this number includes transactions for both buying and selling.
This is the seller's feedback rating. Feedback is left by other people on eBay who have purchased something from, or sold something to, this seller.
You can read comments left by others who have done business with the seller. Tip: When buying something on eBay it's a good idea to read these comments. Make sure any seller you do business with has a lot of positive comments left for them as a seller, not just as a buyer.
You can use this link to contact the seller of the item. Always ask the seller any questions you may have before you bid or buy.

Screenshot of Meet the seller area

If you have never bought a used Western saddle or anything else on eBay before, you will need to register with them. Registering is FREE. eBay requires registration in order to attempt to verify your identity to keep eBay a safe place to buy and sell, and to make sure you are over 18 years of age.