WaffleHouse

Hi All,

New to the forums, and I don't have an upgraded membership to ask the question in the "For Sale" forums if that's even the right place to put it.

So I need to sell my old bike to make room for the new one in the garage (it's a SMALL garage).

It's my first time trying to sell a bike, and aside from Craig's List, not sure if there are any other recommended places to list it?

As well...are there "standard protocol" when selling? I.e. write up a bill of sale for both parties listing the pertinent information like serial number? Ask for a copy of a drivers license? Don't let the interested party take the bike for a test ride without some sort of collateral? Cash only? Etc, etc, etc?

I am probably coming off as sounding paranoid, but I'm kind of freaked out as to how to go about selling something for a couple hundred dollars and want to avoid any first timer mistakes.

Any tips or helpful recommendations are appreciated!

fietsbob

Consignment sell it thru your local bike shop.

WaffleHouse

Thank you. I never even thought about that.

TP218

I’ve found that Facebook has much more legitimate action than Craigslist these days.

chas58

Yeah, I hate using craigslist because I get a lot of trolling there, rather than real customers.

Facebook is a good bet
in MI we have a facebook group specifically for selling bike stuff
the ap: Nextdoor is a good way if you want to be hyper local.

I did put something on craigs list (about 10 yrs ago) and on consignment.
The clever buyer saw the bike at the shop, test road it, and liked it.
Saw my add an bought it directly from me for a cheaper price.

yo vanilla

Ebay. I've not sold but purchased several bikes on Ebay in the last couple of years. See if your local bike shop will give you a leftover bike box for shipping, get some zip ties and foam to pack it nicely. Plan on $80-90'ish for shipping costs. Lots of good pictures, description, specs, you should sell it easy!

PoorInRichfield

I've done already on Craigslist. Then again, all the bikes I sold were over $1k, so I didn't get trolls.

My tips:

• Thoroughly clean the bike before selling if you want top dollar.
• Take a ton of clear, well-lit pictures. Don't leave room for surprises when the seller sees the bike in-person.
• Be very clear about the condition of the bike in the description.
• If you know what the bike is worth, be prepared to wait. Reject low-******'s offers.
• Cash only. I tried other methods but cash is the only one that works.
• One guy took one of my bikes on a test ride. He literally gave me the keys to his very nice Honda in collateral. Normally, I wouldn't allow test rides... I'm not a bike store.

JLDickmon

Facebook Marketplace or Pinkbike

Ironskillet

I’ve had good luck with the OfferUp app, both for buying and selling. I’ve not worried with bills of sale, etc, but that’s just me. I’m in Chicago, though- that app may be more useful in a bigger city. Of course, always follow the usual protocols- don’t get involved with anyone offering more than you’re selling for, don’t mess with anything involving western union, Apple gift cards. Basically if anyone wants to complicate the sale in any way, it’s a scam.

BiciMan

I've had very good luck finding and selling a few bikes on Craiglist, myself. Also found the best car and best car deal I've ever found on Chicago Craiglist a few years ago, and that is in several decades of car shopping!

Also, you're fortunate to have a lot of great bike shops of all sorts in Chicago, with many very experienced employees to consult. Good luck on your quest and sale.

Finally, if donating your bike becomes an option in these times, you may want to check with West Town Bikes on the north side, or Working Bikes Co-op on the south side. Again, good luck.