How do I sell a bike?

[byke95]

Silly question maybe, but I've never had to sell anything of substantial value before that hasn't been to a mate.

My 1995 ZX6R is up for sale for £1995. The bike is in very good condition for it's age so the price it very fair. So, while a appreciate there will be some haggling (this is the first sniff at the bike I've had so far), has anybody got any hints and tips on getting a good sale for myself?

Your help is much appreciated!

[Robby]

Write a good biketrader advert, set your price fairly, be honest, and stand firm when people try to knock the price down.

Its a good price. Someone will buy it for the money, but the first person that comes to see the bike may not.

Read biketrader ads for inspiration.

If biketrader fails, try ebay.

[Frost]

CLEAR ebay advert

The clearer you can be the more money you will get.
Post pictures of the bike from different angles, pictures of the tire tred etc to show people the condition of everything.

[Grav]

Presentation is the key. Make sure your bike is clean and polished, that includes the chain and tyres. This will show a prospective buyer that the bike is well looked after. Can you show its service history? this will reflect on the bikes value too. A well presented bike will sell quicker and for closer to your asking price than a dirty 'orrible shed.

Good luck.

[byke95]

Should have put some more information....

It's advertised in Bike Trader at the moment - I had a guy call me and wants to see it tonight

[byke95]

[Grav]

A quick hose down will remove most of the muck. is there a jet wash on your way home?

[byke95]

[Frost]

Best thing to do is to clean the stuff which will stay clean in advance, then just finish off the other bits when you need to take pics.

[Mr Pants!]

Tips, hmmmm, let me see.

1. He does not test ride it. Too risky!

2. Haggling, I always advertise my vehicles with a figure in mind that I want to come down to, so before he arrives, set yourself a minimum. I do things like, keep a disk lock tucked away or something like that.

They will say £1800 mate, you have to say, well it has only just gone on the autotrader and I have someone else who wants to look at it, but I said you had first refusal. I can move a bit on price but £1950 would be my lowest. They may say, £1900. You can then say, naaah, £1950. I tell you what, I will chuck in the disk lock as well! £1950.

If they say £1900, you could say. Okay, I will keep your offer in mind, let me have until tomorrow to think about it and I will call you.

If they really want it, they will not take the risk and cough up.

Depends how desperate you are mind. I am fairly cold when selling things and dig in my heels, even if it means losing the buyer.


____________________
Mr Pants! (Alex or Al)
Its better to burn out, than to fade away....

[byke95]

I'm liking your style Mr Pants!

I really want to sell the bike (new bike beckons!), so I'm willing to haggle a bit but am not willing to drop more than £50 or so.

*Phil tucks disc lock in his jacket*

I've also got a paddock stand he can have If he pays near on the asking!

[Mr Pants!]

Well they are good and worth £50 odd notes.

Keep that as your last resort.

Remember on the receipt to right, Sold As Seen. Get both to sign it and keep a copy for yourself. You do not want to go through what Ste is going through.
____________________
Mr Pants! (Alex or Al)
Its better to burn out, than to fade away....

[byke95]

That's a good point, what should go on the receipt?

So far I've got:

- Date
- Reg of bike
- Amount
- 'Sold as seen'
- My name/buyer's name
- Both signatures
- Two copies

Anything else needed?

[Ste]

Have a look at this thread and also at the attachment.

[byke95]

Cheers Ste - I was wondering when you'd have something to say being a bit of an expert these days!

Lovely!