Learned a lesson about selling a motorcycle on CL

[Fritz The Cat]

I'm trying to sell the Goldwing since I haven't got enough room in the garage for 2 bikes. I put it on CL at a killer price and got lots of responses. Had several people over the last 30 days tell me they were coming to look at it with cash in hand. Like a GD fool, I took them at their word. All have been no shows or else they backed out for whatever reason. I also took several prospective buyer that someone was coming to look at it but if they didn't buy, I'd be back in touch. I feel like an idiot because what I should have told every last one of them is -

WHOEVER SHOWS UP WITH THE CASH FIRST RIDES HER HOME. NO EXCEPTIONS !!!!!

As it stands now, every deal has fallen through. at least 2 people who contacted me found another bike while they were waiting for me to get back to them.

Also, it seems like out of town buyers are the most likely to jack you around and lie to you so I'm thinking not even responding to them next time around. 

 

[The Anvil]

I occasionally use CL (like if I'm selling something locally) but if I were selling an item like a motorcycle I might go with Ebay (something I use a lot anyway). It forces people to commit to something. CL does no such thing.

[DarkMeister]

Have faith. People who are shopping are likely considering several bikes. No excuse for no-shows though.
I bought my IS on CL. Drove seven hours to near Boston to buy it off a guy. With a Canadian bank draft, no less... I guess both of us had to have an element of trust.

[Chrisj CMA]

I used CL to sell a bike for a friend of mine....she does not have a computer so I agreed to run the sale from mine.  The bike sold for very near the asking price and there were only two people check it out and NOT buy, the third took it home.  It was the second vehicle I sold on CL and a homerun both times as far as I am concerned.

[alph]

why don't you post it on the VRCC's classified?  or is the bike in such bad shape you wouldn't want to know who's buying it?

[Fritz The Cat]

why don't you post it on the VRCC's classified?  or is the bike in such bad shape you wouldn't want to know who's buying it?

Actually it's in excellent shape other than needing tires. I haven't posted it because it's a Goldwing, not a Valk.

[BigChris99]

Fritz, I think we'd understand. Besides, I'd like to see if it works for you, in case I ever want to sell my Goldwing someday!

[hager the horrible]

I have bought and sold on craigs list have had good luck for the most part but you are still dealing with pepole !
what I have done is set a time to be there to look at after that time its first come first serve and if some one is coming from out of town i tell them to call before they leave and i will hold it for the travel time only as i have driven a hour or two to look at something and have it not be there whene i arive if there serious they will respect that !
Dont discount out of town buyers for the most part if there willing to drive the distance they are serious buyers !

god bless

[sandy]

I know a guy looking for a wing. What are all your specs. Send a pic too.

[Chiefy]

why don't you post it on the VRCC's classified?  or is the bike in such bad shape you wouldn't want to know who's buying it?

Actually it's in excellent shape other than needing tires. I haven't posted it because it's a Goldwing, not a Valk.

If you ask the Admin, maybe he'll let you list it here also.  No harm, no foul in asking.

[highcountry]

In the last two years, I have sold 3 bikes on CL.  I learned that the email only option is worthless because of brokers and spammers plus the time delay.  So I list my phone number.  Strangely, I sold the first one to a fellow in Canada who had a business trip in Denver and the last to a returning warrior who lived in Las Vegas.  I got very close to the asking price on all three.  HINT - use the HMTL language needed to embed your photos directly into the text instead of the four little photos.  That way you can post larger photos and as many as you want.

Here's the webpage that I got the info from to post photos:  http://www.charlottewebdevelopment.com/2007/04/03/how-to-post-a-picture-on-craigslist/

Good luck!

[BigChris99]

Sandy, If you were asking for the specs on mine, its a 1991 1500, but I'm not selling it...yet. So far, the  GoldWing, the Vaklyrie and the KLR all get along in the garage just fine. Maybe someday I may sell the Wing. Not quite yet though.

[9Ball]

I don't think Craigslist is any better or worse than ebay.  I sold a moped this past summer through CL.  You have to sort through the spammers and kids.

Telling people that it's "first with the cash" is the only way.  After it sold I made sure to send an email to everyone that contacted me.  I can only hope that there was some regret to a few of them that they didn't act on the deal more quickly.

Good luck....just be careful who you give your address to (recommend meeting at the police station parking lot) and no test rides!!

[valkmc]

Cycle Trader worked great for me....good place to look if you are buying or selling. When I sold my Valk I got several calls and the new owner drove up from Miami (5 hours) with the cash and took it home.

[Hoser]

I bought my 99 on cycle trader in 2002 for $7850 with 6000 miles on it.  I left for Oklahoma ten minutes after we made the deal on the phone!  Hoser 

[Kidd]

Okay ,so it  looks like you have NO experience selling anything , and now you do , so , what's the problem , looks like you are whining about a typical life lesson .

I'm trying to sell the Goldwing since I haven't got enough room in the garage for 2 bikes. I put it on CL at a killer price and got lots of responses. Had several people over the last 30 days tell me they were coming to look at it with cash in hand. Like a GD fool, I took them at their word. All have been no shows or else they backed out for whatever reason. I also took several prospective buyer that someone was coming to look at it but if they didn't buy, I'd be back in touch. I feel like an idiot because what I should have told every last one of them is -

WHOEVER SHOWS UP WITH THE CASH FIRST RIDES HER HOME. NO EXCEPTIONS !!!!!

As it stands now, every deal has fallen through. at least 2 people who contacted me found another bike while they were waiting for me to get back to them.

Also, it seems like out of town buyers are the most likely to jack you around and lie to you so I'm thinking not even responding to them next time around. 

 

[Fritz The Cat]

Okay ,so it  looks like you have NO experience selling anything , and now you do , so , what's the problem , looks like you are whining about a typical life lesson .

I'm trying to sell the Goldwing since I haven't got enough room in the garage for 2 bikes. I put it on CL at a killer price and got lots of responses. Had several people over the last 30 days tell me they were coming to look at it with cash in hand. Like a GD fool, I took them at their word. All have been no shows or else they backed out for whatever reason. I also took several prospective buyer that someone was coming to look at it but if they didn't buy, I'd be back in touch. I feel like an idiot because what I should have told every last one of them is -

WHOEVER SHOWS UP WITH THE CASH FIRST RIDES HER HOME. NO EXCEPTIONS !!!!!

As it stands now, every deal has fallen through. at least 2 people who contacted me found another bike while they were waiting for me to get back to them.

Also, it seems like out of town buyers are the most likely to jack you around and lie to you so I'm thinking not even responding to them next time around. 

 

Somebody tell me3 how to put this idiot on ignore. 

[Paxton]

Fritz;
I've been a wheeler-dealer most of my life. I've bought and sold over 650 cars / motorcycles during a LONG period.
For advertizing I've used the old days' Recycler; I've "park it" with a F/S sign "somewhere in every town..." AND I most frequently use CL.
I do use eBay but only for purchases.
  
I've had good successes employing these methods. Notwithstanding, your frustration w/people calling and not showing up...
it is sadly the norm.

These days, whenever I post a vehicle f/s, I do so with the full expectation that everyone who says, "I'm leaving for your place right now..."
is one more "buyer" whom I'll never get to meet.
That said, eventually someone "surprises" me and does show up... it's usually the BUYER.

To generate traffic on your sale, make certain that your post is attractive... err... well written and showing a great picture of the vehicle.

I live in the Center of crowded Los Angeles... For good pictures I do go to the park and take photos.  I make sure that the background is beautiful...
and that there is no people or passing vehicles behind the target.

Just as with the Valk, I keep a "current" photo-album on each of my toys. From time-to-time I'll post any of them vehicles on CL... at 'bout 25% too-high price.
I always include the LINK to the aforementioned  photo-album. Oftentimes I get emails from non buyers who simply offer praises 'bout the vehicle in the photos.
When that happens, I know the photos are helping.

Potential buyers are told that "with cash on hand the price is very flexible... perhaps as much as 18% lower than asking price...
Indeed, even larger savings could be had if you catch me in the right mood... IN PERSON."

"Never assume the obvious is true."

[olddog1946]

I have used CL for hundreds of sales and buys..Biggest problem I've had is the scams (I'm out of country, want to buy for my brother's birthday, etc. etc.) Just deleted those, I want in person transactions, I always list my phone number but spell out a few of the numbers. That cuts down the spam..and if they ask for your number to call you know right off it is spam..
My last bike, I listed at a grand over what I was willing to accept and surprise surprise, the first guy to show up rode it about 8 blocks (with me riding along side) and handed me the full amount with out even trying to knock the price down...

[3fan4life]

The one problem that I have consistently experienced with Craigs List is getting people to respond to E-mails.

I've cannot undestand why someone that is trying to sell something won't respond to a potential buyers inquiry.

I would say that about 90% of the sellers that I've contacted NEVER bothered to respond.

I have sold a few things on Craigs List and always make sure to repond to E-mail inquiries promptly.

My replies have gone unanswered about 50% of the time.

[bigfish_Oh]

I sold the 76 CB550 I just got after rebuilding the carbs with a free classified ebay add, ask 1100,offered 900, countered bak at 1000. sold on Labor day but no notary. I told him he could come and take the bike with just my signature or I would get notarized and mail in the morning. He obviously got a good feeling on the phone and drove 2 hours and left with no title.(or he could have been the famous person his name and location matched and had unlimited funds to come after me).
   I had my Valk on craigs list for 3 days and got a deposit from 350 miles north, a cash sale and/or a partial trade when he brings his down.
   the spam has decreased the last few months
   I bought mine from CL last october, 310 miles north.

[Bill]

Fritz, have you tried any of the Wing boards? gl1800riders.com and ridersrally.com seem to move a lot of bikes.

[Jabba]

I know a guy looking for a wing too.

I won't give anyone directions to meet me untill I call THEM back.

That weeds out a lot of the crap.

Jabba