C&V Tire Kickers on CL
11-11-19, 05:59 PM
#51
Member
Bike price
You might be able to cut back on the lookie loos by providing as much detail as possible, including photos. When I'm browsing CL and other sites I'm less likely to ask the seller for info if he's already covered all the bases with written details and photos. With enough info the only question is whether I can afford it and "need" it.
When the ad doesn't provide much info but the bike interests me, I'm more likely to arrange to see the bike in person. That takes time for everyone.
Pricing is a craft too. As CliffordK noted, an asking price can significantly affect the types of prospective buyers you get and their expectations.
For example, I'm about to get rid of some photo darkroom gear I've been lugging around and storing for years. Some folks would just pitch it onto the curb. Others would ask way too much money. In my experience, asking too little or offering something for free results in mooches who expect full service and support, with calls, emails or texts asking for operating instructions, etc. If I list it as free or too cheaply, I'll get calls from high school students or absolute novices who couldn't afford to buy but will expect me to tutor them on darkroom basics. (And there was a time I'd have been willing to do that, but not at the moment.)
But if the item is priced just right, it's a clean transaction and you don't hear from them again. So even though I don't actually care about the money, I plan to ask a nominal price for the enlargers, etc., just to minimize problems.
When the ad doesn't provide much info but the bike interests me, I'm more likely to arrange to see the bike in person. That takes time for everyone.
Pricing is a craft too. As CliffordK noted, an asking price can significantly affect the types of prospective buyers you get and their expectations.
For example, I'm about to get rid of some photo darkroom gear I've been lugging around and storing for years. Some folks would just pitch it onto the curb. Others would ask way too much money. In my experience, asking too little or offering something for free results in mooches who expect full service and support, with calls, emails or texts asking for operating instructions, etc. If I list it as free or too cheaply, I'll get calls from high school students or absolute novices who couldn't afford to buy but will expect me to tutor them on darkroom basics. (And there was a time I'd have been willing to do that, but not at the moment.)
But if the item is priced just right, it's a clean transaction and you don't hear from them again. So even though I don't actually care about the money, I plan to ask a nominal price for the enlargers, etc., just to minimize problems.
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11-11-19, 06:35 PM
#52
Sunshine
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Never, ever, let a CL buyer come to your house. For that matter don't put your home address into CL. Use the address of a shopping mall parking lot or your city police statio n.
AGAIN: Never, ever, let a CL buyer come to your house.
Mark Petry
Bainbridge Island, WA USA
AGAIN: Never, ever, let a CL buyer come to your house.
Mark Petry
Bainbridge Island, WA USA
0 interest in hauling bikes to meet people for them to ride it.
Its anecdotal, but I haven't been robbed or beaten yet, so I'll keep doing it.
I dont see a difference between selling on CL and a garage/yard sale. Perhaps there is a difference and I'm missing it.
With that said, I dont put my address in listings. I drop a pin near my house though since that is referenced by buyers when figuring out where a listing is in the metro.
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11-11-19, 07:40 PM
#53
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I live next door to a great coffee shop so I can have people come to me without having them come to my actual place
11-11-19, 09:36 PM
#54
Just call me Carrie
Here's a 100% real reply to an ad for a Rhodes electric piano I was selling on CL to settle my dad's estate.
I lost count of the red flags somewhere in the third sentence..
"Still have the MK80??? I'm waiting on my tax returns currently. They will be here this week or next week..."
I lost count of the red flags somewhere in the third sentence..
"Still have the MK80??? I'm waiting on my tax returns currently. They will be here this week or next week..."
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11-11-19, 10:47 PM
#56
Just call me Carrie
If you have a large enough vehicle, perhaps. It becomes incredibly obvious if you strap them to the bike rack on the back of your Ford Focus.
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11-12-19, 05:36 AM
#57
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11-12-19, 06:40 AM
#58
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You might be able to cut back on the lookie loos by providing as much detail as possible, including photos. When I'm browsing CL and other sites I'm less likely to ask the seller for info if he's already covered all the bases with written details and photos. With enough info the only question is whether I can afford it and "need" it.
When the ad doesn't provide much info but the bike interests me, I'm more likely to arrange to see the bike in person. That takes time for everyone.
Pricing is a craft too. As CliffordK noted, an asking price can significantly affect the types of prospective buyers you get and their expectations.
For example, I'm about to get rid of some photo darkroom gear I've been lugging around and storing for years. Some folks would just pitch it onto the curb. Others would ask way too much money. In my experience, asking too little or offering something for free results in mooches who expect full service and support, with calls, emails or texts asking for operating instructions, etc. If I list it as free or too cheaply, I'll get calls from high school students or absolute novices who couldn't afford to buy but will expect me to tutor them on darkroom basics. (And there was a time I'd have been willing to do that, but not at the moment.)
But if the item is priced just right, it's a clean transaction and you don't hear from them again. So even though I don't actually care about the money, I plan to ask a nominal price for the enlargers, etc., just to minimize problems.
When the ad doesn't provide much info but the bike interests me, I'm more likely to arrange to see the bike in person. That takes time for everyone.
Pricing is a craft too. As CliffordK noted, an asking price can significantly affect the types of prospective buyers you get and their expectations.
For example, I'm about to get rid of some photo darkroom gear I've been lugging around and storing for years. Some folks would just pitch it onto the curb. Others would ask way too much money. In my experience, asking too little or offering something for free results in mooches who expect full service and support, with calls, emails or texts asking for operating instructions, etc. If I list it as free or too cheaply, I'll get calls from high school students or absolute novices who couldn't afford to buy but will expect me to tutor them on darkroom basics. (And there was a time I'd have been willing to do that, but not at the moment.)
But if the item is priced just right, it's a clean transaction and you don't hear from them again. So even though I don't actually care about the money, I plan to ask a nominal price for the enlargers, etc., just to minimize problems.
In 1999, I just finished my bachelors degree in Marketing Science. My employers thought it wise to move me from the position I held in R&D as a machinist to the advertising department at the company HQ. It was okay for a few months, as I adjusted to wearing ties and taking meeting after meeting, etc, but soon I grew weary of it. In fact, I hated the office life. When I asked to be let back into engineering, they had already filled my position and I was stuck. So I started looking elsewhere.
I took a job in sales at a Chevy dealership. First time in car sales. It was horrifying. Intimidating. The owners were cruel employers. I felt worse off than if I'd stayed in advertising.
-BUT-
The education I got from Chevy on how to sell something was priceless. I'll never forget it, and I use those techniques to this very day. Selling is as much of an art as buying. You have to realize the tools at your disposal and use them when required to make both parties feel successful. I only stayed at the dealership for three months, but I was top salesperson for the latter two, and I made $40k in those three months considering the sales incentive bonuses. I couldn't get used to the long hours and the insanity of the owners and I outright quit. First time in my life I ever walked out of a job.
So without rambling any more and boring you to death, I'll tell you what I am on about here: There are no tire kickers. No such thing. If someone drives into a car lot, looking at cars it is because they are interested. If someone contacts you about your CL ad, its because they are interested. They are your customer from that point on, and its up to you and only you to make the sale. The time you spend at selling your product reflects on your bottom line. You have to ask as many questions as the buyer. As @canklecat says, full disclosure is the key. It will save you a lot of time. Good photos are a must!
11-12-19, 06:49 AM
#59
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I never give my phone number or address until I get a "email me for more info" response. If I feel that they are serious, then I will ask them if they want to take it to texts. At that point phone numbers are exchanged. If the good vibes are still flowing after that, my street address is given, or asked for if I am buying. Frankly, I love the CL process. I've met many good people, and some of them are now friends of which I communicate frequently and also ride with.
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11-12-19, 07:50 AM
#61
aka Tom Reingold
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Right, after 20 minutes, he hasn't seen the clues that you want to finish the transaction, if you gave any. He needs to be told. He may think you want to jaw about bikes endlessly, because some people do.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
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“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
11-12-19, 08:05 AM
#62
Just call me Carrie
My husband was going to pick up a CL bike and we'd been having the conversation here about stolen bikes. I messaged him, "If you think it's hot, then don't buy it. I'll find another one." The guy went from being okay with waiting a couple of days for us to pick up the bike to wanting it gone by that afternoon.
A couple hours later, Mike came home with the bike. He assured me that based on the expensive house and neighborhood, he was quite certain it was not stolen. The guy just wanted room in his garage.
When I asked if he'd talked to the guy about the bike, he said no. He gave him the money and stuffed the bike in the back of his car and came home. Ideal CL transaction, I guess.
A couple hours later, Mike came home with the bike. He assured me that based on the expensive house and neighborhood, he was quite certain it was not stolen. The guy just wanted room in his garage.
When I asked if he'd talked to the guy about the bike, he said no. He gave him the money and stuffed the bike in the back of his car and came home. Ideal CL transaction, I guess.
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11-12-19, 12:06 PM
#63
Me duelen las nalgas
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Ditto, the description of the car biz from @NoControl. It's a horrible working environment and a valuable experience. Everyone should try it. Playwright/director David Mamet wasn't exaggerating in Glengarry Glen Ross about the commissioned sales environment. And if you've seen or read his other plays like American Buffalo and Speed-the-Plow, there's a thin gray zone between commissioned sales hustlers and thieves. That gray zone is usually occupied by pawn shops and fences.
One of the dealerships I worked for, formerly one of the area's biggest but now a shell of itself, provided the classic example of the pressure sales mentality. Our sales manager was a cliche of a cynical, ruthless exploitative bully. He'd roam around urging sales personnel to "rip off the customers' heads and $h!t down their necks!" Nowadays on the bio page of his current dealership, he humblebrags about being a good family man and Christian who's merely blessed to serve the community.
On the flip side of the weighted coin were the customers, desperate for a new reliable car, claiming their trade-ins had never suffered so much as a door ding, but the evidence was obvious of previous wrecks and body work.
Compared with commissioned sales, craigslist is a playground.
One of the dealerships I worked for, formerly one of the area's biggest but now a shell of itself, provided the classic example of the pressure sales mentality. Our sales manager was a cliche of a cynical, ruthless exploitative bully. He'd roam around urging sales personnel to "rip off the customers' heads and $h!t down their necks!" Nowadays on the bio page of his current dealership, he humblebrags about being a good family man and Christian who's merely blessed to serve the community.
On the flip side of the weighted coin were the customers, desperate for a new reliable car, claiming their trade-ins had never suffered so much as a door ding, but the evidence was obvious of previous wrecks and body work.
Compared with commissioned sales, craigslist is a playground.
11-12-19, 04:45 PM
#65
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Everyone has ... I couldn’t begin to start telling everyone about the absolutely incredible finds I’ve acquired on CL ... however CL is a like a large box cereal.. it’s full of flakes ... getting to the prize can take a little work sifting through the cereal ...
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11-12-19, 10:17 PM
#67
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C&V Tire kickers
First rule of contact when I sell something on CL is: Call me. I won't reply to texts or emails. Let's have a conversation. Of course, immediately I get texts or emails. Depending on what mood I'm in I might reply. The reply is always the same. Call me!
11-13-19, 02:13 AM
#68
señor miembro
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11-13-19, 02:42 AM
#69
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I just bought a bike on CL and it went well. We met at a local supermarket and after about 20 minutes or so , I made a reasonable offer and the bike was mine. Tire kicking is part of the sale and this was a very nice bike but it takes time to be sure everything was good. I check the frame for any damage , spin the wheels , check the BB and headset etc. I recently tried to sell a 1974 Paramount P13 for a friend who had relocated and left the bike with me. It needed a little work but was a good rider. I had no luck it is still sitting in my shop. I told him to hang on to it ,he was only wanting $500 for it and I thought it would sell quickly , but no such luck . I got offers of $300 before they even looked at it and I just blew them off. First time I had no luck on selling on CL. I have sold a couple of bikes before on CL and it went well so you never know. Joe. joesvintageroadbikes.wordpress
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11-13-19, 05:00 AM
#70
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Agreed. My CL protocols are as such:
1. Email first. Always. I dont give them my number until they give me theirs. If they comply, then I suggest going to texts.
2. If texts are satisfactory, then a call or even two to set it all up.
3. I only give my address if they ask to come look at it.
This is all just a matter of filtering out the wheat from the chaff, and everyone has a system they are comfortable with.
1. Email first. Always. I dont give them my number until they give me theirs. If they comply, then I suggest going to texts.
2. If texts are satisfactory, then a call or even two to set it all up.
3. I only give my address if they ask to come look at it.
This is all just a matter of filtering out the wheat from the chaff, and everyone has a system they are comfortable with.
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11-13-19, 05:55 AM
#71
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At one point during my profession I worked/did undercover drug buys. I have negotiated while looking at a gun and still got a bargain 
Not much creeps me out about a CL deal. If someone wants to take the money I'm bringing to buy or the thing I'm selling without paying, they better have some experience at it. I have, on only few occasions, sold at my house because the item was difficult to move and couldn't be transported easily to a common location.
All that said, CL has been very good to me.
Not much creeps me out about a CL deal. If someone wants to take the money I'm bringing to buy or the thing I'm selling without paying, they better have some experience at it. I have, on only few occasions, sold at my house because the item was difficult to move and couldn't be transported easily to a common location.All that said, CL has been very good to me.
11-13-19, 07:49 AM
#72
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11-13-19, 11:50 AM
#73
incazzare.
I do the opposite: Do NOT ask me to call or text you. Phone numbers will be exchanged when we set up a time for you to see the bike.
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1964 JRJ (Bob Jackson), 1973 Wes Mason, 1974 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1986 Schwinn High Sierra, 2000ish Colian (Colin Laing), 2011 Dick Chafe, 2013 Velo Orange Pass Hunter
1964 JRJ (Bob Jackson), 1973 Wes Mason, 1974 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1986 Schwinn High Sierra, 2000ish Colian (Colin Laing), 2011 Dick Chafe, 2013 Velo Orange Pass Hunter
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11-14-19, 08:14 PM
#74
www.theheadbadge.com
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No offense, but I don't know you. You might be a nut. I don't want you having my phone number until I have established that you are a serious buyer / seller and probably not a weirdo. This is a terrible rule. I would never respond to your ads with this rule.
I do the opposite: Do NOT ask me to call or text you. Phone numbers will be exchanged when we set up a time for you to see the bike.
I do the opposite: Do NOT ask me to call or text you. Phone numbers will be exchanged when we set up a time for you to see the bike.
-Kurt
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11-14-19, 08:21 PM
#75
PM me your cotters
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Helps the problem. Prior to being able to block numbers on most phones, it was the only option.
Definitely makes texting conversations better. Makes blocking people easy which is nice with scammers.
But still, I've posted my gVoice number out there too quickly in the past, then spent months fending off every kind of Indian-based call center scam you can imagine. years after the first time I ever posted by gVoice number in an advert on CL, I continue to get 4-5 calls per week in Cantonese, Mandarin or some other variant of Chinese I can't understand with cute music in the background. One of my Chinese coworkers tells me they're scam calls telling me a document or package is tied up in customs or waiting for me at an embassy, waiting for me to pay a fee.
Definitely makes texting conversations better. Makes blocking people easy which is nice with scammers.
But still, I've posted my gVoice number out there too quickly in the past, then spent months fending off every kind of Indian-based call center scam you can imagine. years after the first time I ever posted by gVoice number in an advert on CL, I continue to get 4-5 calls per week in Cantonese, Mandarin or some other variant of Chinese I can't understand with cute music in the background. One of my Chinese coworkers tells me they're scam calls telling me a document or package is tied up in customs or waiting for me at an embassy, waiting for me to pay a fee.
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