Tips for selling a motorcycle on Craigslist?

[Birdie2000]

Never sold anything on craigslist before and am about to list my bike. Not thrilled with having to resort to this from all the stories I hear, but with the difficulty of selling a bike this time of year I'll need all the exposure I can get.

Want to weed out the bullshit as best as possible and have a safe transaction. Have a couple main questions:

- Should I include my phone number in the ad or is this asking for trouble?
- Would you feel safe having the buyer meet you at your home or shop for something like this?

Any other tips are welcome.

 

[Chris Hansen]

I list my number all the time. I get a few spammers off the rip but they're easy to spot and ignore. Depends what I'm selling and the vibe I get from the person as far as them coming to my house. If I'm selling a car or something running I usually try to meet them at a public place down the road.

 

[soap]

I always list my number and never have anyone come to my house. I always pack stuff up and meet at a neutral site.

--Joe

 

[sofa king]

Meet somewhere else...If you list your number that is your option, I never do.

 

[CruisnCobra]

As a buyer, I usually prefer to have a phone #. Makes it way easier. I usually post my number and deal with the few scammers. You could also set up a google voice # so that your actual number never is known.

I usually try and meet somewhere besides my house. Its just a heck of a lot more convenient though so I don't always. Depends too on the vibe from the potential buyer. For vehicles, I may in the future require to meet at a Secretary of State during business hours and make them transfer the title on the spot to make sure they actually do.

 

[AutoRoc]

If you were an avid rider and bored enough to peruse facebook, you would list it on facebook. MSTA has a group and so do many other clubs. You can throw your Craig's ad right into their group talk.

My Craig's ads never have a phone number. "Email me a reply and a phone number showing interest" That works well and don't even reply to a "Is it still for sale" email.


What project is more fun than a 140hp barstool?!?! Haha

 

[loosenut]

I have a Google Voice number for Craigslist.

 

[4Gas$]

- Include phone number & the CL email – Make it easy to contact you.
- Provide complete & good info, that is in readable form.
- Great photos are a must!
- Post in Detroit, Ann Arbor & Grand Rapids CL sites.
- Every two days renew (CL refresh button) your ads.

- 99% of the time I sell from home – (hundreds of sales).

• I always “stage” or sell from my garage, no one ever comes into my house.
• I keep my family out of sight, customers don’t know who is or isn’t there.
• I only accept cash, no exceptions.

I try not to give out my address until customer is ready to come out.
I always tell customer to call before they leave to come out “to make sure I’m
here and the item is still here”. The last thing I remind them is the price & its cash only.

I don’t let CL people run my life or schedule. I can keep working on things at home
until they show up to inspect & buy. I rarely have someone come out & not have them buy.

If your ad is correct & you’ve done everything right, you will pretty much only be dealing with
buying customers by the time they’re at your house – at least that has been my experience for
the last 10 plus years.

If you have any more questions feel free to PM your phone number – I’m tired of typing!

 

[DetroitStyle]

- Include phone number & the CL email – Make it easy to contact you.
- Provide complete & good info, that is in readable form.
- Great photos are a must!
- Post in Detroit, Ann Arbor & Grand Rapids CL sites.
- Every two days renew (CL refresh button) your ads.

- 99% of the time I sell from home – (hundreds of sales).

• I always “stage” or sell from my garage, no one ever comes into my house.
• I keep my family out of sight, customers don’t know who is or isn’t there.
• I only accept cash, no exceptions.

I try not to give out my address until customer is ready to come out.
I always tell customer to call before they leave to come out “to make sure I’m
here and the item is still here”. The last thing I remind them is the price & its cash only.

I don’t let CL people run my life or schedule. I can keep working on things at home
until they show up to inspect & buy. I rarely have someone come out & not have them buy.

If your ad is correct & you’ve done everything right, you will pretty much only be dealing with
buying customers by the time they’re at your house – at least that has been my experience for
the last 10 plus years.

If you have any more questions feel free to PM your phone number – I’m tired of typing!

The Master has spoken!

I do all of this... except I TYPICALLY don't meet at my house. If you get a good vibe, and the guy seems legit, it's up to you. I usually meet at McDonald's in town.

I make sure to have lots of pictures and detail all of the issues... if you're firm on your price, remind them of that in a polite manner ie. "FYI, I've had a few people show up and try to lowball me. My price is firm and I won't sell for any less. Thanks."

Now, if you DO have some wiggle room, that's up to you.

OH... and especially with a motorcycle. CASH IN HAND BEFORE ANY TEST RIDES! We count the money out together ON VIDEO, before the key goes into the ignition.

 

[Birdie2000]

Thanks guys! Very helpful.

 

[WhiteHawk]

When they try to lowball you before they even come and see it, I always say "I don't respond to offers over the phone". That seems to work pretty well.

-Geoff