Giving test rides for bike sale. How to avoid theft?
08-03-16, 08:02 AM
#51
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Private sales are always a reason for concern for both the seller and buyer. What I think is adequate security is driven by the value of the item for sale. A low end sale, I don't take anything, esp if they drove to meet me.
High end sale, a DL is a fair request. If they don't want to show it (I take a pic of it) then I let them leave or buy the item without taking a ride/drive.
People with good intentions usually have no problem complying. Remember, they are gambling with the purchase too. The bike could be stolen, damaged or in need of servicing, so the phrase "let the buyer beware" is more at stake than someone stealing your stuff.
High end sale, a DL is a fair request. If they don't want to show it (I take a pic of it) then I let them leave or buy the item without taking a ride/drive.
People with good intentions usually have no problem complying. Remember, they are gambling with the purchase too. The bike could be stolen, damaged or in need of servicing, so the phrase "let the buyer beware" is more at stake than someone stealing your stuff.
08-03-16, 08:58 AM
#52
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08-03-16, 09:23 AM
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Seriously, I don't have much experience with this. Holding their ID seems reasonable. Additionally, record the bike's serial number and take a picture of them before they ride off. Maybe even a short video of the person introducing him/herself?
You could require a deposit.
08-03-16, 02:45 PM
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What if the child is kidnapped, they give you said child and they take off on your bike and never return, now you're stuck raising this kid or be arrested for kidnapping since the cops probably wouldn't believe the story that someone gave you a baby in exchange to test ride a bike that was then stolen. YOU'RE SCREWED! It's off to jail you go, and do not pass go and do not collect $200.
08-03-16, 03:19 PM
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I'm sure there are criminal rings all across the country kidnapping children just to use them as pawns in bicycle theft scams. It must be true because I just read it on the internet.
08-03-16, 03:50 PM
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08-04-16, 06:14 AM
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08-04-16, 06:29 AM
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Any time I've let someone test ride a bike, their car has always been here. Joke would be on them.
If someone walked to my house to test ride a bike I had on craigslist, I'd hold the money or they could get bent.
If someone walked to my house to test ride a bike I had on craigslist, I'd hold the money or they could get bent.
08-04-16, 06:49 AM
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08-04-16, 07:06 AM
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A buyer would have to be awfully trusting to leave his drivers license and credit card with a private seller, and even more to leave cash. Just write down the essential information, have him sign a receipt if you're really uptight, and if you're still that worried about him perhaps the deal is not a good idea in the first place.
08-04-16, 03:05 PM
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08-05-16, 11:12 AM
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