Tips for safely selling a bicycle

[paper-folder]

Hi All, I'm looking for tips on safely selling a bike privately using one of the advertising websites.

My main concern is that they will want a spin on it, and how do I stop them riding off into the sunset? It's different than a car transaction in that I can't accompany them on the bike and there is no log-book so nothing that I can hold to prove ownership.

I appreciate that the majority of prospective purchasers will be as anxious as I am for an honest transaction, but I still don't want to get caught out.

Thanks in advance for any advice or experience of this.

 

[mugsymugsy]

If you don't feel comfortable ask for the cash before they hop on the bike. Have someone else with you ideally

 

[paper-folder]

Thanks, but likewise, who would hand over cash for a bike when they haven't tried it? The buyer will be worried that I will be the one who high-tails in that situation.

 

[dereko1969]

Passport/Bank Card/Drivers Licence?

 

[elcato]

Ask for their phone. If it's a brick tell them they can't test drive it.

 

[Easter]

If you use adverts.ie you can see seller / buyer feedback. Gives you some idea about a persons reliability.

 

[mathepac]

Given the number of traders masquerading as private sellers on a number of such sites, I’d need more assurance than that, cynic that I am. Buyer wants a spin, cash please.

 

[Peanuts20]

check your insurance firstly to ensure you are covered if they do take the bike for a ride and crash it. Not sure how you check if they are covered themselves. Secondly you could take them for a pillion ride initially. check their ID also.

 

[elcato]

Have you a back yard or access to a friends one ? Enclosed space is the best solution if you can achieve it.

 

[SparkRite]

check your insurance firstly to ensure you are covered if they do take the bike for a ride and crash it. Not sure how you check if they are covered themselves. Secondly you could take them for a pillion ride initially. check their ID also.

Don't think any potential buyer would appreciate having to give you a 'crossbar' on a test cycle.

My main concern is that they will want a spin on it, and how do I stop them riding off into the sunset? It's different than a car transaction in that I can't accompany them on the bike and there is no log-book so nothing that I can hold to prove ownership.

 

[Sue Ellen]

Don't think any potential buyer would appreciate having to give you a 'crossbar' on a test cycle.

Well to be fair the title is better with the term 'bicycle' which is why I have changed it. People are more inclined to use the expression 'motor bike'.

 

[iamaspinner]

Maybe go (accompanied) to a surface car park with only one entrance/exit where you can stand?

 

[SparkRite]

People are more inclined to use the expression 'motor bike'.

Exactly !
And nowhere in the OP was that used, I 'bolded' the terms that related to a push cycle within my quote of the OP for clarity,
hence my 'toungue-in-cheek' reply to Peanuts20.

However with your editing it definitely does remove any ambiguity.