Introduction
Selling old bicycles can be very stressful, especially if one needs to go through a lot of websites online. Whether you’re replacing your model or just clearing some space, knowing what the best place to sell your used bicycle online will depend greatly on your desire to get a great price. In this blog, we are going to look at a few of these platforms, how they work, and some tips for a successful sale. Read on to find out where to sell that old bike easily.
Things to Check Before Selling Your Used Bicycle Online
Before asking what’s the best place to sell a used bicycle, it’s high time to do a few things that prepare your bike for sale and understand factors which will influence the selling price:
Condition of the Bicycle: A good, well-maintained bicycle sells faster and for money. Clean and workable, preferably serviced bikes are nice to post in the website.
Photos and Description: Quality photographs and written descriptions break or make your listing. Add a few high-quality photographs from a number of different angles. Details about any upgrades or maintenance done on the bicycle will also do wonders.
Shipping or Local Pickup: Some sites specialize in local sales, while others give you nationwide exposure but require shipping arrangements. Determine what is best for you.
Best Websites to Sell a Used Bike Online: Top Sites Explained
There are so many websites through which you can sell your used bicycle online. Some of the best places for different types of sellers and buyers are explained below:.
1. The Pro’s Closet
As one of the best options to sell high-end bikes, The Pro’s Closet provides professional service to those who want to sell hassle-free. They only work with high-end bikes and take care of all listing and selling for you.
Pros: Hassle-free selling, professional valuation.
Cons: Sell only high-end bikes.
Metrics: The Pro’s Closet uses a surplus of 1 million bikes sold at a price range of $3,500 on average (The Pro’s Closet).
2. eBay
eBay is an extremely versatile marketplace where a bicycle and everything else under the sun can be sold. The market is enormous, but sales on this platform can be very difficult because of the sheer volume of listings.
Pros: Massive reach in terms of users, either through auctions or through the Buy It Now options.
Cons: Fees could be high, and with so many competing listings, the prices will drop severely.
Metrics: Over 187 million active users worldwide(source: eBay), eBay serves as one of the largest venue to sell your bike.
3. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a highly popular venue of local sales. There are no fees for listing your bike, nor will you pay more when selling your bike. However, you have to actually talk to local buyers. This will take time off your hands.
Pros: No fee listings, local sales, no further fees from the web page.
Cons: Potentially time-consuming, negotiating directly with potential buyers.
Metrics: Facebook holds over 2.9 billion monthly active users, and its marketplace can be accessed in more than 70 countries, according to Statista.
4. Craigslist
Craigslist is a popular local selling site. The cost to post your bike is free of charge, but you’re on your own for every step from inquiries on to the final sale.
Pros: No listing or selling fees, ability to sell locally.
Cons: Possibility of scams, minimal security features.
Statistics: Over 50 billion page views a month puts it in the league of most used local sales platforms (source: Craigslist).
5. Bicycle Blue Book
If you are unsure of your bike’s worth, Bicycle Blue Book is a great place that holds a valuation for used bikes. You can sell the bike directly to them or promote it through their listings.
Pros: Value easily shown, sell direct or list.
Cons: Only good for brands and certain models.
Metrics: More than 30 million visitors per year on Bicycle Blue Book. (Source: Bicycle Blue Book).
Advantages and Disadvantages of Selling on Specialist Websites
The best place where to sell an old bike online depends on many factors, including the type of your bike and goals for selling. But first, weigh the pros and cons of each platform.
Brokerage Sites The Pro’s Closet, Bicycle Blue Book
Pros: More streamlined, more targeted audience, holds more value, especially on high-end bikes
Cons: Only for certain bikes, often charge a premium
General Sites: eBay, Craigslist
Pros: More exposure and flexibility when listing an item
Cons: A fee charged, likely even slower sales process.
Selling Your Used Bicycle Online Quickly: Tips
While knowing the best place to sell a used bicycle online is important, tips in the following sections can help speed up the process and get you a better price:
Set a Competitive Price: For this purpose, do lots of research on similar bikes you are selling on that particular platform.
POINT OUT UPGRADES AND RECENTLY SERVICED: Do not forget to point out if you have upgraded or recently serviced the bike. These can boost the value of your bike.
FREE SHIPPING: If you are selling it through a nation-wide site, offer free shipping. It will attract more buyers and make you sell the bike easily.
How Not to Get Cheated When You Sell Your Used Bike Online
Unfortunately, scammers are very prevalent on services like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Selling on these services requires caution so keep a lookout for:
Meeting Locations: Always hold them in well-lit public places like cafes or police stations’ parking lots.
Secure Payments: Be careful not to accept personal cheques. Instead, opt for secure payments through PayPal or direct bank transfers.
Verify the Buyer: If the buyer has a suspicious sound or is offering an unusually high price without negotiation, then be wary because they might be scam artists. After all, trust your instincts.
Preparing a Bike for Shipping When Selling Online
If you’re selling online through an auction site like eBay or The Pro’s Closet, it’s essential to have your bike packaged well, so it’s not damaged in shipping. Here’s how:
Take apart those key components: Remove your pedals, wheels, and handlebars. It will make the bike so much easier to pack.
Consider using a Bike Shipping Box: A good bike shop will have specific shipping boxes for bikes. Make sure it is packed and cushioned so that nothing gets damaged inside the box.
Choose a Good Shipping Service: UPS, FedEx, and BikeFlights.com all offer services for shipping bicycles with tracking and insurance options.
Statistics: According to BikeFlights.com, they have shipped more than 1 million bikes with a 99% on-time delivery rate (Source: BikeFlights.com).
You never know: timing can be everything when selling your bike. Knowing what’s the best place to sell a used bicycle online is just the beginning. Selling during peak cycling season can give you a much better chance of a quick sale:
Spring and Summer: it is the best time to sell a used bicycle as most people get the urge to go outside and ride.
Fall and Winter: The sales are usually a little low in these months; but you can still manage to find some buyers if you price your bike properly.
How Much Can You Sell a Used Bicycle For?
The price of a used bicycle would depend on so many factors. These include the condition, age, and make of the bicycle. Here’s an approximate idea of the prices you might be quoted:
Entry-Level Bikes: $100 – $300
Mid-Range Bikes: $500 – $1,000
High-End Bikes: $1,500 and up
Metrics: According to Bicycle Blue Book, it will retain about 50-60% value after several years of service if taken cared of being a mid-range bike (source: Bicycle Blue Book).
FAQs
What’s the best place to sell a used bicycle online?
The best place to sell a used bicycle online largely depends on your bike type and value. Specialized avenues, like The Pro’s Closet for high-end bikes, are suited to such transactions, but all other types of bikes can be bought and sold through general platforms such as eBay and Facebook Marketplace.
Do I need to pay fees to sell my used bicycle online?
Yes, most sites like eBay charge fees for listing and selling typically in the range of 10-15%. However, on sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, you get to list for free but have to do everything else yourself.
How do I determine the value of my used bicycle?
You can use tools like Bicycle Blue Book to determine the value of your used bike. Factors like brand, condition, and recent upgrades will also affect the selling price.
