Selling my bike...is it worth it to buy new tires, etc beforehand?

[tripleb]

so I've gotten a few inquiries on it after listing it on CL for $2000.  I met with a guy yesterday and he liked it and offered $1500 on the spot.  I wasn't prepared to sell it as I didn't have the title on me so I said I'll think it over and call him in a few hours.

I thought about it and countered $1600 and he said he was going to check out other bikes.  It's hard to understand the logic of some buyers.  this guy hadn't ridden in 30 years and was buying a bike for put around town and and possibly drive to work so I couldn't imagine that A)he thought I wouldn't counter with a offer 25% less than list and B)he balked at a counter offer $100 higher than his offer.  there's some odd negotiators out there.  Part of me thinks he's trying to play hardball and he will call in a couple of days and agree to the $1600.

[janeuner]

Here's a psychology lesson I got from a car salesman.  When the customer quotes 1500, he/she has already committed the quoted amount on your product.  If you are quick about the matter, you can always get more.  But if they leave without making a commitment, the psychology of the whole thing changes - the customer has now saved himself/herself 1500, and will strive to get a better deal in the future.  You almost certainly would have got $1600 if you had asked right then.  Probably more.

But don't fret too much about it.  He may yet call back, or one of those other inquiries may pan out.  You'll get plenty of other chances.

[sergeremi]

Conversely to your counteroffer, why did you push it to $1600? You had a sold bike right then and you wanted to push for a little bit more? Why? Especially since you would actually come out of the deal ahead a tiny bit?

You said you paid $1250 then put in another couple hundred (which you shouldn't expect much of a return on, just because you put in $300 doesn't mean you're getting that back, especially against the more miles and wear and tear you put on).  You just broke-even right there, basically you got to ride around on the bike for free at that point.

I agree with janeuner, chances are you probably would have gotten $1600 or $1700 if you had countered immediately, especially by pointing out some of the "extras" the bike has.  That's why salesmen never want to let you go and "sleep on it".  More time for you to talk yourself out of a purchase.

And if you had a potential buyer come to look at the bike, why weren't you prepare to sell right there? Probably should have all that stuff straight and ready to go just in case, like in your case, an offer (a decent one by the way considering you were initially looking to just get your initial investment back) is made.  

But I'm sure someone will come along and may meet your price.  Unless they're reading this and offer just $1250.

[tripleb]

well, I had to run home from work change and then immediately leave to meet him on time. I also didn't have anyone to give me a ride back home so I had to let him think about it unfortunately.  it turns out he bought another bike today, but I also had 2 more inquiries today and 1 sounds pretty serious and will probably pay more than $1600.

I think I didn't take the $1500 right there because I don't have to sell it, so it was kinda a game for me to see how much I could get for it.  I'm pretty sure I can get more than the $1500 with all the hours and extras I've spent on it.  We'll see I guess...

[bill14224]

I've decided to be "that guy" and list it as is for $2000 on craigslist.  It's not a horrible deal considering the amount I paid for it and the money I put into it and I don't really expect to sell it for a few months (which is why I priced it so high), but I wanted to test the waters.  Of course, if I get an offer close to the asking price I'd sell it now.

The amount you put into it is not relevant, and the vast majority of buyers want a bike to ride, not sink more time and $ into.  I agree with Xealot.  Worn-out tires and such only slows the selling process.  You want it sold fast?  Make sure it doesn't need anything.

I think your $1200 price is fair, with new tires, legal brakes, and no unreported issues, as long as the buyer likes flat black spray paint.  I know spray paint isn't nearly as tough as automotive paint so I wouldn't go near it.  Also, if I wanted to paint it right in the future, I have a ton of work ahead of me because ALL of that spray paint has to come off or the new paint will lift.

[tripleb]

the market in Florida seems to be a little more active than elsewhere because the interest is picking up even more.  there is a lot of bikes within 45 miles since I'm between Orlando and Tampa.  there's a good chance I'm selling it this weekend as I've got 3 people set up to see it.

[mister]

Just keep in mind to Never accept the 1st offer a person makes. If they offer $X and you say Yes then mentally they think F*%K I could have offered less and he'd have taken it.

Be aware of the person that goes like this...

Them: $1500
You: $1800
Them: $1600
You: $1800
Them: $1650
You: $1800
Them $1675

What they're doing is tappering their offer. Each increase is less than before so it makes You think they are at, or nearing, their limit. Conversly, decreases you make should also follow that rule so they think you're near your bottom limit. For instance...

If they offered $1500 and you countered with $1900 and then they offered $1600, do't just say, "Sold". Counter again, either a 100 drop or less than a hundred, but not More. If you do go down more because you're feeling vulnerable to not getting a sale, be pained about it at least. Or always come down to half way between your  Ask and their Offer... Ask $2000, offer $1500 counter 1750.

Don't drop a huge amount. You countered with a $400 decrease from asking price. That's 20% dropped right there and left yourself no room to go from there.

When someone checks out your bike YOU point out things wrong with it - such as a scratch or whatever. By you pointing it out it makes it part of the bike at the price asked for. Say nothing and the buyer will be like, "Dude, there's a scuff mark on the rear plastic so how about a hundred bucks off?"

If you don't want to counter with a price, after their offer tell them "You've got to do better than that". But be prepared to answer "How much better do I have to do?"

Negotiating is just a game. Nothing personal about it. Good luck...

Michael

[birdman561]

the market in Florida seems to be a little more active than elsewhere because the interest is picking up even more.  there is a lot of bikes within 45 miles since I'm between Orlando and Tampa.  there's a good chance I'm selling it this weekend as I've got 3 people set up to see it.

When I decided on a GS, there was one available in Florida on Craigslist and cycle trader. Just one !
A guy in MIMS(Gray Beards) had one, but a '93@ 2300.00, it was too much for what I would
spend on  a GS.  Then mine showed up on Orlando Craigslist and I had to drive way up to Daytona to
get it.  Either people love them or not too many people here bought them new, cuz they seem kinda
scarce.