Selling in the classifieds

MaxwellBygraves

I've bought stuff before using the BR classifieds but have never sold anything online before :oops:

I'm just looking for a bit of advice - I'm probably going to sell one or two bikes via the classifieds which will (hopefully!) fetch a reasonable amount of dosh. I want to do it properly so thought I'd ask.

Firstly, what's the deal with payment method? Paypal, bank transfer, cash on collection? What is generally considered the safest and most convenient for buyer and seller, especially considering it might be a fair bit of wonga? Obviously I'd like to avoid fees but not at the expense of a secure transaction.

Also, I'm not sure I'd trust the bikes with any courier company - is it reasonable to demand that the buyer collects the item? Or is this unfair?

If you've sold lots on here/elsewhere is there anything you wish someone had told you when you started?

Cheers

petemadoc

I think you're worrying about it a bit too much mate.

Paypal is safe for the buyer but there are high fees for the seller so some sellers quote payment by "paypal gift" which incurs no fees but offers no buyer protection, just like a bank transfer really. There's an element of trust and any buyer would hope that you would act responsibly as a seller.

If you won't package the bikes up and courier them that's your choice but just remember that you'll narrow your customers down to those within a certain radius. Depends on what you've got to sell, if it's pretty special someone will travel to pick it up.

Think of it as ebay without the fees

MaxwellBygraves

Thanks, really appreciate your reply.
Have never used ebay either :oops:

Pokerface

People ship bikes every day.


If you're that worried - list it as collection only. It may be harder to sell, but eliminates the headaches/worry.

Or insist that if a buyer wants it shipped - they pay to insure it for the full amount. It will cost more - but you'll get buyers from further afield.


The great thing when you're the seller is that you can 'demand' anything you want as your terms. Of course - you may have to be more flexible if you want to sell - but it's your stuff and you can be inflexible as you want.

Until it doesn't sell

amaferanga

Get a cardboard bike box from your LBS and package the bike properly and there'll be little chance of any issues with the courier. Collection only will make it much more difficult to sell.

crazy88

As mentioned, since you're the seller the ball is in your court. If they send the money then you can send the goods. There is far more risk for the buyer in my opinion as they're trusting a forum stranger to send them a bike/ parts.

I have some 105 brakes to sell too, so will be sticking them on the classifieds soon, but they're a did different to selling a full bike. If it was me i'd offer shipping though as the whole country will be interested then.