Selling a bike
08-13-15, 07:49 PM
#1
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Selling a bike
Any advice on letting people test ride a bike after posting on craigslist? Do I just trust people to ride around my neighborhood or should I ask for their license or something? On a $1k+ listing should I ask for cash or should I accept a check?
Alan
Alan
08-13-15, 09:15 PM
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I don't think that's necessary if they show up in a car that has some value, and license plates. You might ask them to leave their registration for the car as collateral while test riding.
08-13-15, 09:21 PM
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08-13-15, 11:21 PM
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The store in my neighborhood got ripped off with a Trek Madone. Police release images of Glendale bike theft suspect - Glendale News Press
Cash in hand before anything else.
Cash in hand before anything else.
Last edited by IzzyL; 08-15-15 at 09:44 AM.
08-14-15, 01:26 AM
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The store in my neighbor got ripped off with a Trek Madone. Police release images of Glendale bike theft suspect - Glendale News Press
Cash in hand before anything else.
Cash in hand before anything else.
He left behind a driver’s license and Visa card that did not belong to him, but never returned, Lightfoot said.
I'm not sure about a $1K bike. It would be awfully tempting for some people. But, if they come with a car, or bike of "equivalent value", then that could be collateral of sorts (assuming it isn't stolen and they're trading up).
Cash is good too, as it means the buyer is actually serious. If they don't have the money, then there is no point in doing a test ride.
At some point, you have to decide whether you trust the buyer. And, at the same time, the buyer has to put some faith in the seller that the bike isn't stolen.
08-14-15, 01:59 AM
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I've sold a bike on c-list once...The person left their kid in my driveway playing with my kid durring a test ride...I figured they would likely come back...
:-)
:-)
08-14-15, 03:50 AM
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08-14-15, 04:09 AM
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Do you own a smart phone? A simple photo should discourage anyone thinking about stealing your bike. You can lightheartedly tell them it's ... insurance.
08-14-15, 05:10 AM
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One should also have e-mail and telephone contact with the buyer. I'm sure the savy thieves know what to give so it won't seem suspicious, and won't be traceable.
See post #16 of this thread
Perhaps someone should write and ask what happened.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...l#post18074023
See post #16 of this thread
Perhaps someone should write and ask what happened.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...l#post18074023
08-14-15, 06:27 AM
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I ride along side on test rides. That way, I can answer questions and be helpful. Makes a connection with the buyer, too. He'd have no prayer of out riding me either.
08-14-15, 06:53 AM
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I have only sold 2 bikes on CL... neither test the rode the bike. In my case they both knew what model bike they wanted, i had that model..they looked the bikes over, handed me the cash and loaded up and left...neither was at my place more than 5 minutes.
08-14-15, 07:09 AM
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I recently test rode two bikes from Craigslist (different sellers,) and neither of them required any sort of collateral/verification/whatever. I'm sure it was judgement from their part - but we also weren't talking about bikes that are worth $1k used. 
Collateral and proof of intent sounds reasonable for that.
Collateral and proof of intent sounds reasonable for that.
08-14-15, 07:20 AM
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08-14-15, 07:20 AM
#18
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Boy, the world has changed since I was a boy. Of course I'm 75.
08-14-15, 08:30 AM
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This is a topic of interest to me as I have a bike I should sell. I have bought two bikes on Craig's List, a $450 Fuji that I did not ride due to it being winter and snow on the ground and a $1500 Trek Madone that I rode to the corner and back. The Trek seller did not ask for any collateral before the test, but my car was in his driveway. I like the suggest of going along on the test ride.
08-14-15, 06:51 PM
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"Test rides are for people who are ready to buy." If they don't have the cash with them, they aren't ready to buy.
The last time that I sold a bike the buyer brought Benjamins with him. Nice guy by the way. I met him again a week ago and he still likes the bike.
The last time that I sold a bike the buyer brought Benjamins with him. Nice guy by the way. I met him again a week ago and he still likes the bike.
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My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
08-14-15, 06:55 PM
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Not a good plan. You might both lose the bike and also get stuck having to feed the kid.
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My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
08-14-15, 07:48 PM
#23
Mr. Frowny Man
Not always a deal breaker if I know how the bike rides (if Ive tried one before and know the sizing already or something) or if I 'buy the seller' and not the bike and they are, say, a bike mechanic in their day job. If its regular Joe or I am unfamiliar with how the bike feels then I ride it or no sale. In Lincoln, NE ive never had a problem with over cautious sellers, though I am not a buyer that will steal a bike, either. I dress the part, I talk on the phone/chat/internet with them first for a day or two before we agree to meet so he has a 'feel' for me and likewise.
08-14-15, 07:50 PM
#24
Mr. Frowny Man
wow. ballsy guy. Nice bike, too. *smh*
The store in my neighbor got ripped off with a Trek Madone. Police release images of Glendale bike theft suspect - Glendale News Press
Cash in hand before anything else.
Cash in hand before anything else.
08-14-15, 09:09 PM
#25
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I've sold dozens of bikes on CL. (for up to $450) Never asked for any "collateral" prior to a test ride, never had any problems. No one ever asked me for ID, down payment, or my kid when I've test ridden their bikes either.