FS:46cm LHT

[Catrin]

Any downside to using Paypal to allow someone to purchase my bike long distance? I can't think of any...and they would pay for packaging and shipping...

[Blueberry]

Yes.

Read their SNAD policy (significantly not as described). If they get the bike and decide they don't like it, generally they can ship it back. Paypal will refund their entire purchase price (including shipping) - so you're out shipping and paypal fees. Definitely educate yourself as to whether this is a risk you are willing to take.

[Catrin]

I've already looked at this, though it looks like Paypal expects them to pay the return shipping. There is a lot of interest in this bike - but nothing local.

I have it on both eBay and Craig's list - Craig's list seems to get the most attention but there are a few days left for the eBay listing. I've tried to be very specific in my description, even mentioning the few cosmetic scratches that's been covered to prevent rust.

[Blueberry]

The problem isn't anything in your description. From what I understand, if a buyer files a SNAD claim, paypal will nearly always side with him/her (even if your description is accurate). They either require that the seller ship the bike back or - if they decide it's counterfit (google paypal and violin), they will tell the buyer to destroy it (not likely here).

My point was just that there is a risk.

[Bethany1]

I don't think it's your bike that's the problem, it's the size as it's a 46 cm. It just means your buying pool will be a lot smaller and will take longer to sell. You aren't doing anything wrong

[emily_in_nc]

I have sold three bikes on ebay and received Paypal payments. No issues whatsoever. Of course there is always a risk. If the bike is damaged in shipping, the buyer could return it. I had one bike packed professionally by an LBS because it was a tandem, and the buyer paid for that. The single bikes I packed myself -- VERRRRY carefully and with a ton of bubble wrap. Both made it to their destinations in good condition using UPS (insured, of course).

Good luck!

[Sky King]

also look at posting it on the Surly owners bike forum.

[Tri Girl]

I sold my Bike Friday to someone here on the TE forums. She was a new user and I was a little nervous, but we talked a couple times on the phone and I think we both felt comfortable enough to go forward with the transaction. We both admitted we were a bit nervous. I gave her my eBay user info so she could look up my buying and selling history.
She actually paid me first through Paypal, then I shipped the bike. It was a leap of faith for both of us (especially her since she paid me first). She lives in Canada, so we shipped it to a UPS store in NY and she picked it up there so she didn't have to pay customs fees.
It worked out well for me (and for her) so it can be done successfully. You just have to be careful.

[Catrin]

If you bring the bike to a lbs, the buyer can call them and verify the bike exists before they pay you. Once you verify paypal, give the lbs the go-ahead, and the buyer can go through them with packaging and shipping fees. So, a go-between for a more expensive purchase protects both of you.

Just make sure the lbs waits for your permission before shipping!

I can send anyone money through my bank. I suppose the bank could act as a go between. You wait until the funds are pending...

This is a good idea. The LBS is actually my own LBS and is the store who did the work to convert the LHT to riser bars/trigger shifters. The man who is interested was hoping there is an REI store here as he gets combined packaging/shipping for a little less from them than from other sources. We are getting one here, but not until later in the spring.

He will let me know tomorrow if he will purchase it, but I've not pulled my Craig's List, eBay or local club sales listing. He found me via Craig's list - interesting how there has been more attention on this sale from Craig's list than other sources.

I think the PayPal fees are lower than traditional bank transfer fees...but this is a consideration. I would be uncomfortable giving out my account information though, so there is a risk with both approaches.

This is all quite the education!

[malkin]

...it's the size as it's a 46 cm... It just means your buying pool will be a lot smaller ...

*giggle*
sorry, can't help myself

[Catrin]

This is an interesting process as I've never quite done anything like this before. Oh, I've sold a few things online, but nothing more expensive than a $400 set of books.

So far I've advertised on Craig's list, eBay, and am taking the bike to a local cyclist swap meet tomorrow. I've had some interesting questions, and everyone seems legit outside of the guy who started out in the very first email talking about "cutting you a check for the bike" Yeah, right, THAT was going to happen. We will see what happens - surprisingly enough none have tried to talk my price down yet.

[Biciclista]

usually they ask for a price reduction when they have money in their hand.

[Catrin]

usually they ask for a price reduction when they have money in their hand.

Probably, but there won't be one unless they don't want the saddle and pedals. I am not letting her go cheap...I will keep it before I do that.

[Catrin]

It sold on eBay!

I need the money, but it is sad to see her go. However, perhaps this way she will get ridden. As it turns out the purchaser lives in Columbus, OH and wants to pick it up in person. She says it is to save "me" the hassle of having it shipped, but of course it is really about her saving the packing/shipping costs. I can understand that, it isn't cheap. I did allow "local pickup" as an option.

It does look like this option means it will take longer for eBay to release my payment though, I need to confirm that later today.

[Catrin]

Too bad she didn't see it on Craig's list. Would have been easier for both of you.

Congrats on selling, (I think!).

She did see it, but decided to hold off on purchasing it which is when it went to eBay. It would have been nice to not have to give a slice to eBay and PayPal, but that is how things work sometimes. I am still getting a good price and my budget will finally be happy with me once I get that money. Since it is going to be a "local pickup", I think it increases the time it will take for them to release payment.