Buying a bike from Ebay?

[mikerj]

I bought my pointy from a trader on eBay without seeing it, but he had excellent feedback and the bike was immaculate, virtually showroom fresh (apart from a surprisingly scabby rear shock).

My dad bought his curvy localy after spotting it on eBay, but whilst is was pretty cheap considering it was summer and we knew it needed some work, it was one of those typical projects that the more you take apart the worse it gets. Their can't be many original bits left on it now!

[rictus01]

I've got quite a few bike this way, mainly for other, but as descriptions are sometimes less than full and they are bound to them, I have a list of questions I sent to them through the ebay message system (which is saved in your profile), which become part of the description, it covers most things which makes it easier should the bike not live up to expectations when you turn up to collect it, in which case you walk away.

Cheers Mark.

I've sold a few bikes on Ebay over the years.
Most were tidy bikes, all were fairly described, some sold for more than I expected, a couple sold for a lot less (so somebody got a bargain) . Everyone was happy.

When selling, I always try to include decent photos that show all angles of the bike (front, rear, sides, tank, etc) so people know what to expect.
If anything, I'm over-critical when listing anything that's not 100%, just to save "that needs fixing and wasn't in the advert" type comments.
Had 1 joker turn up and start haggling, even asked for £20 "good luck money" off the price. Simple rules apply - I've been fair - you made the highest bid and stopped someone else buying it - you pay me and take it away.
I'm always happy to answer any questions or let folk view ( I wouldn't buy a bike blind so I don't expect anyone else to)
If anyone tries the "I won the auction but just want to have a test ride and kick tyres" routine, expect fireworks!

When buying, I always try to make a trip to view the bike before bidding if possible. Has saved me from bidding on some nightmares ("wiring needs tiding" = "loom has been removed in pieces using an angle grinder" & others)
If no decent bids yet, you can always offer cash if they end the auction there & then ( you get a cheap bike, they save Ebay seller fees)


Beware very vague adverts. If they tell you nothing - everything they have said is true so you have no reason to walk away if you bid & win. If you want to know anything - ASK (before bidding)