Selling bikes?

[Pax]

I always try to sell a bike locally if I can. List them on craigslist first. Ebay is a last resort or me. Most bike shops will charge $50 for boxing a bike. I usually include that in the price and then charge a flat rate for shipping. It's up to you. If you are not in a hurry try CL first.

I was thinking local too, I'll just have to wait until spring to do it...the bike market completely tanks around here for the winter.

[kermit]

I'd list it now, the holidays are coming! Put a big red bow on it and make it a great holiday gift!

[Pax]

I'd list it now, the holidays are coming! Put a big red bow on it and make it a great holiday gift!

I get the feeling the average Craigslist shopper is going to choke when they see the prices (even at half of retail they're waaaay more than a WalMart bike)..."who pays that much for a BIKE?"

[Biciclista]

the people who will pay the price aren't the walmart shoppers. there are people shopping on craigslist who are willing to drop a chunk of change. It only takes one!
That's what's nice about Ebay, you have a huge audience. Of course, selling in the spring is best, but a lot of folks who spend all summer riding spend all winter fussing about bikes, window shopping, etc...

[MommyBird]

I have sold multiple bikes on ebay.
I have done better than expected every time.
Cover your shipping!!!
I charge a lot and advertise that it will be packed at my LBS. (they charge for this too)
I bought one bike on ebay. New. That turned out well too.

[GLC1968]

I get the feeling the average Craigslist shopper is going to choke when they see the prices (even at half of retail they're waaaay more than a WalMart bike)..."who pays that much for a BIKE?"

You'd be surprized. I sold a Prius on craigslist and those don't go for chump-change.

When someone does a google search for Specialized Tricross,for example, craigslist postings come up, so you may not even end up selling it locally. We sold my husband's Trek Pilot to a guy in FL when we listed it in NC. It's always worth a shot and it's free!

[Pax]

Thanks for the thoughts everyone!

BTW - Did you let the potential buyer take a test spin? If so, how did you protect yourself from a ride away??

[zia]

As a buyer, I took my craiglist bike for a good, 30-minute test ride. I left my license, like I would at a bike shop.

[Pax]

As a buyer, I took my craiglist bike for a good, 30-minute test ride. I left my license, like I would at a bike shop.

Thanks for the tip!

[staceysue]

Thanks for the thoughts everyone!

BTW - Did you let the potential buyer take a test spin? If so, how did you protect yourself from a ride away??

Make them leave their car in your driveway!

[GLC1968]

Make them leave their car in your driveway!

Yep, that's what we did. Besides, we live in the boonies - if they were willing to trade a car AND bike all the way back to town...then they can have the bike!