Buying a bike off Ebay: The Good, Bad and Ugly

[cherinyc]

Hi Ladies -
I recently tested (and loved) a 2008 WSD Specialized Myka Comp MT Bike. This particular bike, which is in my price range, had 1 fault. It's an 8 speed vs a 9 speed, and my FH (future husband) insists that a 9 speed is a must. The step up model that IS a 9 speed is of course $400 more - putting it OUT of my rice range.

As fate would have it, I was searching ebay, and found the EXACT bike I tested (same size, color, model, year, etc) that a guy is selling because his wife is too tall for it. He has upgraded it to the 9 speed already, and starting bid is lower than the 8 speed bike would be in the store. The listing had lots of close up pics, and after 2 days of fretting, I took a leap and placed a bid. I am really nervous about it (haven't really used ebay that much) but the guy has been a member since 2004 and has 15 ratings at 100% positive. I looks like he sells a lot of bike parts, so he may be a bike shop worker () maybe?

I bought my road bike from a lbs when I lived in NJ and was happy to spend the money for the service I received - but, it just seemed too perfect of a chance to pass up. I also think I am protected through PayPal if the bike is not as described.

Any Ebay experiences out there? I want to hear them all - The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly!!!!

Thanks

[badgercat]

Well, I've never purchased anything cycling-related off of eBay, but I have had one "ugly" experience where I ordered a collector's edition DVD set that was described as "in original packaging" (which should have been a nice, gate-fold box thing), and was sent DVD's that were packaged as individual rentals from Hollywood Video! With the Hollywood labels still on the cases! The nerve!

I was promised a refund, so I shipped the DVD's back like a sucker, and after a few weeks hadn't received my refund after several emails to the seller and opening an eBay dispute and such. I finally filed a claim with PayPal, and within a few days they ruled in my favor, and I got a full refund.

Obviously, my item was worth much less than a bicycle, but it's at least 'proof of concept' that PayPal has a pretty good system in place to protect buyers. However, don't be afraid to ask the seller lots of questions to make sure you know what you're getting into and protect yourself from getting burned in the first place! Any good seller should be happy to answer questions about an item.

I haven't bought a ton of stuff on eBay, but I have been using it for over 4 years now and that's the only time I've ever really had a big problem.

Good luck!

[bambu101]

I recently got a great deal on a Terry Classic off eBay, and it was about 1/2 the price of comparable bikes on the Terry Buy and Sell section of their website. I am very happy with it!

[cherinyc]

I recently got a great deal on a Terry Classic off eBay, and it was about 1/2 the price of comparable bikes on the Terry Buy and Sell section of their website. I am very happy with it!

Thanks for sharing that. Were you skeptical? Isn't it sad that there are so many things to distrust these days? I just don't want to be scammed. After riding this bike around the bike shop for an hour (it was raining/flooding outside) I was sad to leave the store without her. Seeing the same bike on Ebay gave me hope.....which I am prepared to have shattered.

[mimitabby]

I bought my bianchi off ebay and except for the fact that it was used a lot more than they said it was, it was a wonderful deal.

[Blueberry]

I think the most important thing is to have contact with the seller. You might email some questions? I purchased a Surly off of Ebay a couple of years ago. It was an impulse purchase (of sorts), but a shop was selling it and they listed their phone number. I called them, and they answered all my questions. I had to get a few things re-done (for example, they didn't use the correct splitter on the brakes according to my LBS), but overall it was a great experience. After about $100 (including labor), it was perfect. I love the bike. Funny - I was in a shop that's near me (about 2 hours away, but somewhere I go often), and was talking to the owner about the bike. Turns out, it was his wife's bike (he moved to NC from TX).

CA

[Southside Sally]

I bought my Blue on eBay and had a perfectly wonderful experience, whcih was great, because it was a high end bike. I got a great deal, and I love the bike. Just make sure you check the seller's feedback, and correspond with them prior to buying, if possible. Good luck!