Buying a bike off eBay

LustyLew · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 Apr 2004 Karma :

Hi,

I'm looking for a new bike for the summer, looking at a Bandit 600.

I've been looking on eBay and there's a few I'm interested in.

With each one I have sent the seller a list of detailed questions, asking about the sate of tyres, forks, sprockets etc.

Now, if I bid and win a bike, but when I goto see it all is not right, where do I stand?

I 'think' that if it is mis-described then I am well within my rights to walk away and keep my cash.

Bear in mind that I don't really have the means to view a new bike as I have no transport.

Any ideas appreciated!

Thanks Smile

____________________
Like a Yorkie - I'm not for the girls Wink

haGGard · Nearly there... Joined: 12 Oct 2004 Karma :

I think its best to arrange a viewing before you bid for it...

You could walk away if its ont as describred but if the seller is feeling evil he/she could report you to eBay etc
____________________
chaff mans random tingz on loot Razz

"Why dont you go and weld your face to a moving train, you sack of pus" - tobyr
"ROFL MY TOFFLE I AM TEH 1337 SPELLING MISTAKE FINDER!" - BikerBen

Frazla · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Karma :

I'd never want to buy anything of ebay over a few hundred quid without looking at it first.

with the right wording a pile of crap can be sold sounding perfect.
____________________
https://photobucket.com/albums/y1/Frazladazla

izzi81 · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 24 Apr 2004 Karma :

The seller is obliged to describe the goods accurately so if it doesn't meet the description then you don't have to buy - if they report you to ebay I'm pretty sure ebay will give you a chance to respond so you tell them why they are a bad seller!

I bought my bike on ebay and I got the seller to confirm that in an email - confirm the description and that the bike was as described. Then you know they have *definitely* stated that. I bid and won before I saw the bike because it was some distance away from where I lived, but I only paid the seller once we'd met and I'd seen the bike and had it looked over by someone knowledgeable! Had no problems with it at all Smile

____________________
"The problem with the French is they have no word for 'entrepreneur' " George W Bush
Age doesn't matter unless you're a cheese
https://www.bikepics.com/members/izzi81

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

First thing, lots of vehicles which are listed on eBay get sold off eBay. People see the auction, e-mail to find out more about it, go and see it and then make an offer if they like it. So remember if its a nice bike it's quite likely to be sold before the auction ends.

If you bid and win but when you go to collect the bike it turns out not to match the description then just walk away, I doubt they'd leave you negative feedback or report you to eBay as you could do exactly the same to them.

You say you dont have the means to view a new bike, but preumably you'd be able to get a lift with a friend or take a train? "I don't really want to view a new bike before buying it" is an entirely different story though and good luck to you. Confused

Robby · Dirty Old Man Joined: 16 May 2002 Karma :

If the bike isn't as described you don't have to hand over a single penny.

Of course, be realistic. If its a 10 year old bike you can expect the odd scratch and bit of corrosion, but you would expect all faults to be mentioned in the description.

They can give you negative feedback, but you can give it to them too. If you ask ebay nicely and explain the circumstances they may withdraw it.

I bought my bike blind. Its a gamble, but I'm lazy.

tintin · Traffic Copper Joined: 23 Jun 2004 Karma :

Sparks! · Sir Tart-a-lot Joined: 30 Aug 2003 Karma :

Don't buy a bike off ebay without looking at it first!

As far as I'm aware, buying off ebay is a legally binding contract and you bid to buy, not to view... unless the bike is REALLY not as described/pictured then you don't have much come back.. it's your obligation to go and view it first...

I have no problems at all with buying from ebay, BUT only if you view it first and usually buy out of auction if it's a decent buy!!
____________________
Current Toys: 06 Yamaha WR250F | Nissan 350Z GT | Tech 4 Homes

epz · Scooby Slapper Joined: 26 Apr 2005 Karma :

ive bought 2 bikes off ebay but only because i dont want to haggle with people and they were way below bottom book value.

i had a couple of niggles that you get with second hand bikes but it worked out pretty well, my advice would be know exactly what you are buying down to specific model problems and dont hand over cash till you have the bike in sight and have looked over it.

instigator · Super Spammer Joined: 19 Oct 2004 Karma :

tony532 · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 May 2004 Karma :

the nice low priced thundercats are always 300 miles away from me though Thumbs Down

always based in norfolk or sussex.

might have to hire the services of a member on here to check it over and store it in there garage for a week if i bid for it for the sum of a 100 pounds

now there's a good money making opportunity in the making

Gazdaman · I did a trackday!!! Joined: 12 Aug 2004 Karma :

I'm in Essex Thumbs Up

I've bought 3 bikes blind off ebay now.

No problems with any of them, but then I'm buying bottom of the range bikes and/or been lucky.

The MZ was £212.57 that rocked.
The XJ was £425 but it had MOT and tax, so you know it can't be that bad.
The ER-5 was £610, we'd asked him lots of detailed questions and I guess he was just a genuine seller...

I'd go for it, but then your bikes are probably not the same league as mine.

Gaz

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Make sure you ask lots of questions about the bikes question.

Should be able to ask pretty much everything you will check when you would view the bike.

Then if it's not as described you are withing your rights to not buy it.