Bike Flippers, resellers, do you warranty your work?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,548
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18419 Post(s)
Liked 4,532 Times
in
3,366 Posts
Bike Flippers, resellers, do you warranty your work?
I'm wanting to fix up and sell some mid-range road bikes.
The goal is to take some care in the work. I'd like any customers to be happy with their purchases long-term. But, I'm not really setup for taking in a lot of off-the-street projects either.
Does everyone sell (craigslist?) as-is? Or does anybody offer a written or unwritten warranty?
(not counting family members, of course).
The goal is to take some care in the work. I'd like any customers to be happy with their purchases long-term. But, I'm not really setup for taking in a lot of off-the-street projects either.
Does everyone sell (craigslist?) as-is? Or does anybody offer a written or unwritten warranty?
(not counting family members, of course).
#2
Banned.
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 27,199
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 378 Post(s)
Liked 1,411 Times
in
911 Posts
No, but I've always stood behind them, to a point.
If something's wrong, it has to be my fault, or something I would have seen, should have seen.
If it was test-ridden, which I insist on, I ask how it went. I often test-ride right next to the buyer and have them go up and down the gears. We also go to the bottom of a short hill and I ask them to gear down, climb, etc. I also get an idea on fit, and we can make minor adjustments. In my mind, I'm creating a cyclist, on that particular bike.
I had one come back, saying the R Ergo was no good. I knew it was fine, we'd tested it, I'd ridden it. 9-sp Mirage, not the smoothest to begin with. Questioning found that he'd already taken it to a shop, who took it apart and "fixed it," but wanted $58.00 for a hood, because they'd ripped it in disassembling the R Ergo.
A couple more calls supported:
1) the R Ergo hood was likely interfering with the shifting, having somehow gotten dislodged, either by me or him on the test ride and subsequent trip back (on a carrier, with another bike on the rack). It was now working fine with no hood.
2) the shop couldn't tell me what they did to the R Ergo, other than admit they ripped the hood trying to get it off. The shop also admitted that hoods came in pairs, and they were quoting him the price for a pair, but were keeping the L hood.
I called the buyer and asked if the bars had been unwrapped and re-wrapped, and his answer indicated a lot: "No."
I couldn't figure out how the shop fixed an Ergo shifter while it was still on the bar, and only destroyed the hood in the process. I offered the buyer a new hood and to put it on for him. I told him to tell the shop to pound sand; I doubted there was really anything wrong with the shifter other than a possible dislodged hood that interfered with the thumb button. I refused to pay $58 for a hood, or a pair. He accepted the hood and I mailed it to him.
I wouldn't be surprised if he damaged the hood himself, but he truly didn't appear to be anything but a guy who wanted a bike for the price, but also expected a "like new" Marin Portofino with full 9-sp triple Mirage for $450 to look and act like a new bike. In my opinion, it did, but in his mind, that included warranty. I stood behind it, to a point.
I have paid for wheels to be trued by a shop before I knew how, and simply did that to make sure the bike was right and ready.
If something's wrong, it has to be my fault, or something I would have seen, should have seen.
If it was test-ridden, which I insist on, I ask how it went. I often test-ride right next to the buyer and have them go up and down the gears. We also go to the bottom of a short hill and I ask them to gear down, climb, etc. I also get an idea on fit, and we can make minor adjustments. In my mind, I'm creating a cyclist, on that particular bike.
I had one come back, saying the R Ergo was no good. I knew it was fine, we'd tested it, I'd ridden it. 9-sp Mirage, not the smoothest to begin with. Questioning found that he'd already taken it to a shop, who took it apart and "fixed it," but wanted $58.00 for a hood, because they'd ripped it in disassembling the R Ergo.
A couple more calls supported:
1) the R Ergo hood was likely interfering with the shifting, having somehow gotten dislodged, either by me or him on the test ride and subsequent trip back (on a carrier, with another bike on the rack). It was now working fine with no hood.
2) the shop couldn't tell me what they did to the R Ergo, other than admit they ripped the hood trying to get it off. The shop also admitted that hoods came in pairs, and they were quoting him the price for a pair, but were keeping the L hood.
I called the buyer and asked if the bars had been unwrapped and re-wrapped, and his answer indicated a lot: "No."
I couldn't figure out how the shop fixed an Ergo shifter while it was still on the bar, and only destroyed the hood in the process. I offered the buyer a new hood and to put it on for him. I told him to tell the shop to pound sand; I doubted there was really anything wrong with the shifter other than a possible dislodged hood that interfered with the thumb button. I refused to pay $58 for a hood, or a pair. He accepted the hood and I mailed it to him.
I wouldn't be surprised if he damaged the hood himself, but he truly didn't appear to be anything but a guy who wanted a bike for the price, but also expected a "like new" Marin Portofino with full 9-sp triple Mirage for $450 to look and act like a new bike. In my opinion, it did, but in his mind, that included warranty. I stood behind it, to a point.
I have paid for wheels to be trued by a shop before I knew how, and simply did that to make sure the bike was right and ready.
Last edited by RobbieTunes; 09-27-15 at 09:39 AM.
#3
Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 38
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I don't personally offer any warranty on bikes I flip. I can say without a doubt that i put more work into the bikes than my other local flippers which cuts down on the profitability but I take pride in knowing the bike has been thoroughly gone through and won't give its new owner any trouble. I also like to include pics of the bike torn down so they can see the work that has gone into it.
#4
is just a real cool dude
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: The Thumb, MI
Posts: 3,165
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 32 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 34 Times
in
14 Posts
Once it leaves my hands it's all yours. If I were trying to start my own garage based shop then I'd offer some type of warranty but even then their still used parts. Much like a used car dealership. Once you paid and leave the lot it's all yours.
#5
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,673
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11030 Post(s)
Liked 7,576 Times
in
4,226 Posts
I tell each person who buys a bike that if they have any questions after buying about the bike(history, what was fixed and changed, how something works) to not hesitate to contact me.
I don't sell a bike that isn't working as it should at the time of sale, and I don't offer a warranty. The bikes are priced low enough as it is.
I don't sell a bike that isn't working as it should at the time of sale, and I don't offer a warranty. The bikes are priced low enough as it is.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: 700 Ft. above sea level.
Posts: 3,270
Bikes: More than there were awhile ago.
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 641 Post(s)
Liked 1,334 Times
in
622 Posts
I don't sell very many bikes and I won't sell anything I wouldn't put my own family on, I tell the buyer if they have any problems with it I'll take care of it. I put WAY too much into the bikes I sell and usually just make a few bucks over parts costs if I'm lucky, I mainly do it of for the pleasure of building them. I just love the satisfaction of taking a grungy old lump and turning into something decent.
__________________
".....distasteful and easily triggered."
".....distasteful and easily triggered."
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 13,954
Mentioned: 40 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 413 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 109 Times
in
78 Posts
Hell No.
You buy a bike from me and it's like buying anything else on Craigslist. Think of it as buying a bike at a garage sale. Once money exchanges hands its yours.
You buy a bike from me and it's like buying anything else on Craigslist. Think of it as buying a bike at a garage sale. Once money exchanges hands its yours.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: D'uh... I am a Cutter
Posts: 6,139
Bikes: '17 Access Old Turnpike Gravel bike, '14 Trek 1.1, '13 Cannondale CAAD 10, '98 CAD 2, R300
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1571 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times
in
9 Posts
I work on bikes as (a very satisfying) hobby. Sometimes I am lucky enough to make a few (never many) bucks in the process. Sometimes... I'll give away a bike if the person who wants/needs it can't afford it. I try to make sure every bike sale is win-win for everyone. That said... I offer NO warranty (written, unwritten, or implied).
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: 700 Ft. above sea level.
Posts: 3,270
Bikes: More than there were awhile ago.
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 641 Post(s)
Liked 1,334 Times
in
622 Posts
+1 My thoughts are always: If I wouldn't give it to my grandson... it isn't for sale.
I work on bikes as (a very satisfying) hobby. Sometimes I am lucky enough to make a few (never many) bucks in the process. Sometimes... I'll give away a bike if the person who wants/needs it can't afford it. I try to make sure every bike sale is win-win for everyone. That said... I offer NO warranty (written, unwritten, or implied).
I work on bikes as (a very satisfying) hobby. Sometimes I am lucky enough to make a few (never many) bucks in the process. Sometimes... I'll give away a bike if the person who wants/needs it can't afford it. I try to make sure every bike sale is win-win for everyone. That said... I offer NO warranty (written, unwritten, or implied).
__________________
".....distasteful and easily triggered."
".....distasteful and easily triggered."
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Ottawa Ontario
Posts: 181
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
If the buyer has been reasonable to deal with, I'll tell them to let me know if there are any problems.
I'm still waiting for three people to return the bikes they bought.
One I want back,and two I don't want but I don't think the buyers deserved the bikes.
I'm still waiting for three people to return the bikes they bought.
One I want back,and two I don't want but I don't think the buyers deserved the bikes.
#11
Death fork? Naaaah!!
Depends on the customer.
Top
Top
__________________
You know it's going to be a good day when the stem and seatpost come right out.
(looking for a picture and not seeing it? Thank the Photobucket fiasco.PM me and I'll link it up.)
You know it's going to be a good day when the stem and seatpost come right out.
(looking for a picture and not seeing it? Thank the Photobucket fiasco.PM me and I'll link it up.)
#12
Banned.
Join Date: May 2011
Location: on the beach
Posts: 4,816
Bikes: '73 falcon sr, '76 grand record, '84 davidson
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 59 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 22 Times
in
17 Posts
i send a follow-up, post-sale email with info about tire pressure and whatnot from my real email address, asking the buyer contact me if he wishes for any reason. i've met only two buyers after the sale to do tiny repairs.
a few times a buyer will contact me wanting another bike or a component i have for sale ... which is nice.
a few times a buyer will contact me wanting another bike or a component i have for sale ... which is nice.
#13
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,524
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7359 Post(s)
Liked 2,502 Times
in
1,451 Posts
If you're willing to fix something on it after the buyer comes back, that's a form of implied, unwritten warranty. You're not obligated to continue to fix it. This is what I did when I flipped bikes. I don't remember if anyone came back to have me fix something I did wrong, but I probably did answer questions and make small adjustments.
__________________
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.
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.
#14
Pedalin' Erry Day
I don't actively offer or advertise a warranty, but if someone who bought a bike from me was unhappy later I would definitely work with them to make it right or refund their purchase. This is not something I've had to deal with though, because I would be terribly embarrassed if someone who bought a bike from me found that I had done shoddy work, so I am extremely careful about having the bikes I sell in impeccable condition, and I make a point to show potential buyers, in detail, anything on a bike that's less-than-perfect before I take payment.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Chicago
Posts: 1,223
Bikes: 2012 Moots VaMoots-74 Peugeot Mixtie U018-73 Peugeot U018
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
7 Posts
No! WYSIWYG
__________________
Moots VaMoots 2012-Peugeot Mixte 1974-Peugeot Mixte 1973
Moots VaMoots 2012-Peugeot Mixte 1974-Peugeot Mixte 1973
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada - burrrrr!
Posts: 11,684
Bikes: 1958 Rabeneick 120D, 1968 Legnano Gran Premio, 196? Torpado Professional, 2000 Marinoni Piuma
Mentioned: 210 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1374 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,756 Times
in
942 Posts
I stand behind everything I do or sell. And, as a leader in our local Bicycles for Humanity chapter, I encourage our group to do the same thing. B4H stands behind every bicycle that they refurbish and sell to local customers, which is a hundred or so each year.
__________________
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
#18
Still learning
As a rule, it's WYSIWYG, but I want buyers to be happy, so if I am around, I take care of it. One example, buyer had a grip shift problem so I gave him a spare, NIB, but left it to him to install. In Ann Arbor, I tell buyers that free repair clinics are available on Sundays at the Farmers Market for minor adjustments, etc.
Generally I follow the Golden Rule.
Generally I follow the Golden Rule.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: RiverRoad, ME
Posts: 753
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 71 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
Warranties anywhere are generally 50% scams imo once you deal with claims, labor (rarely covered, etc) Perhaps the only decent warranties are on vehicles in first covered years but this is generally b/c of consumer laws/suits over the years . Offering a warranty on used bikes, or any resold personal item is asking for trouble in todays lawsuit society. The traditional disclaimer "buyer beware" has been in place for millennia for good reason.
Last edited by dailycommute; 09-27-15 at 07:22 AM.
#20
Senior Member
I do not offer a warranty but I have gone out to fix a bike I sold that was not working right. The buyer contacted me a day after the sale. Minor adjustments was all it needed. That was the only bike I know of that had any issues after I sold it. I too would not sell a bike I would not let my own kid ride.
__________________
My bikes: 1970`s Roberts - 1981 Miyata 912 - 1980`s Ocshner (Chrome) - 1987 Schwinn Circuit - 1987 Schwinn Prologue - 1992 Schwinn Crosspoint - 1999 Schwinn Circuit - 2014 Cannondale Super Six EVO
My bikes: 1970`s Roberts - 1981 Miyata 912 - 1980`s Ocshner (Chrome) - 1987 Schwinn Circuit - 1987 Schwinn Prologue - 1992 Schwinn Crosspoint - 1999 Schwinn Circuit - 2014 Cannondale Super Six EVO
#21
52psi
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 4,016
Bikes: Schwinn Volare ('78); Raleigh Competition GS ('79)
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 790 Post(s)
Liked 802 Times
in
391 Posts
No warranty expressed or implied. However, I do all I can to make sure the bike is right (obviously), and I believe full disclosure gives a clean conscience so before the sale if I know something's a little off I will let the buyer know. Sometimes I do this too much, letting them know about stuff that they'd never even notice.
I suppose if someone called me up a couple of days after a sale with an issue I'd go ahead and fix or adjust, within limits. And I often sell bikes I wouldn't let my family ride... the kids are young and the wife is short and the sale bikes would be both unsafe and uncomfortable for them.
I suppose if someone called me up a couple of days after a sale with an issue I'd go ahead and fix or adjust, within limits. And I often sell bikes I wouldn't let my family ride... the kids are young and the wife is short and the sale bikes would be both unsafe and uncomfortable for them.
__________________
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Port Angeles, WA
Posts: 7,922
Bikes: A green one, "Ragleigh," or something.
Mentioned: 194 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1627 Post(s)
Liked 630 Times
in
356 Posts
Never a warranty, but I always say "If it ever seems something is out of adjustment or you have questions, feel free to give me a call or drop by and I'll take a look." Tinkering on bikes is a hobby for me, after all.
I've only sold about ten bikes, and given away about a dozen more. The only time someone ever brought a bike back was because she felt it was too small for her, which is exactly what I told her when she took it.
I've only sold about ten bikes, and given away about a dozen more. The only time someone ever brought a bike back was because she felt it was too small for her, which is exactly what I told her when she took it.
__________________
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Maidstone, Kent, England
Posts: 2,637
Bikes: 1970 Holdsworth Mistral, Vitus 979, Colnago Primavera, Corratec Hydracarbon, Massi MegaTeam, 1935 Claud Butler Super Velo, Carrera Virtuoso, Viner, 1953 Claud Butler Silver Jubilee, 1954 Holdsworth Typhoon, 1966 Claud Butler Olympic Road, 1982 Claud
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Liked 12 Times
in
11 Posts
As others have said, I always make sure the bike is mechanically perfect before I even offer it for sale. Talk the buyer through the bike, get them to test ride, show how to check & maintain routine items, change tubes, show them other bikes I'm working on. 'Trade up' by fitting any extras/accessories they'd like and if any problems, let me know. Sold maybe two hundred, had one returned because 'the pedal fell off' - buyer had clearly fallen off the bike and broken the pedal but too ashamed to admit it. I fitted another pedal but after a bit of discussion he decided that cycling wasn't for him. I gave him a full cash refund straight away and he gave me part of that back for my trouble. Smiles all round as I sold the bike a couple of days later for full price again.
Another buyer purchased a beautiful original Specialized Hard Rock MTB with deep gloss fuschia paint. Phoned to say he'd resprayed the bike and now the front brake didn't work. I told him to bring it over and was dismayed to see it rattle canned matt black - but it's his bike now. He explained that as a boxer of some local renown, he just couldn't be seen riding a 'pink bike'! I reassembled the cantilever correctly for him and he happily took it way. A week later he returned with three of his male relatives - who bought three more bikes from me on the spot!
So, no I don't offer a formal warranty but am prepared to back up my sales with best endeavours and by word of mouth have several repeat customers and requests to build bikes up to customer specification. A little effort, concern for the customer's needs and minimal expense translates into a lot of extra sales.
Another buyer purchased a beautiful original Specialized Hard Rock MTB with deep gloss fuschia paint. Phoned to say he'd resprayed the bike and now the front brake didn't work. I told him to bring it over and was dismayed to see it rattle canned matt black - but it's his bike now. He explained that as a boxer of some local renown, he just couldn't be seen riding a 'pink bike'! I reassembled the cantilever correctly for him and he happily took it way. A week later he returned with three of his male relatives - who bought three more bikes from me on the spot!
So, no I don't offer a formal warranty but am prepared to back up my sales with best endeavours and by word of mouth have several repeat customers and requests to build bikes up to customer specification. A little effort, concern for the customer's needs and minimal expense translates into a lot of extra sales.
#24
Senior Member
It depends. But for the most part, anything I sell is usually "as - is". Which, down here in the South means no warranty.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Hurricane Alley , Florida
Posts: 3,903
Bikes: Treks (USA), Schwinn Paramount, Schwinn letour,Raleigh Team Professional, Gazelle GoldLine Racing, 2 Super Mondias, Carlton Professional.
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 79 Post(s)
Liked 30 Times
in
22 Posts
This is why I don't build wheels for anyone but me.