Author Topic: ebay and craigslist - definitions (Read 1472 times)

Prospect · « **on:** March 13, 2012, 08:14:57 AM »

Slight ebay and craigslist rant.

I've noticed that many sellers refer to their bikes as mint when they are far from it. I don't know if they simply don't know what the word really means because of a recent social influx of referring to anything nice as mint. Mint car, mint chick, mint rims.

This brings me to the topic of correct order of defining quality of bikes when selling. I think from worst to best is something like this

basket case, parts bike, fair, good, very good, excellent, showroom condition, mint, museum quality.

Care to add?

Here is an example of what I mean. Described as "near mint"

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BARNYARD-FIND-/120872844265?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item1c24953be9

CycleRanger · « **Reply #1 on:** March 13, 2012, 08:22:46 AM »

"REMEMBER THE GAS SHORTAGE OF 76 WELL MY DAD BOUGHT THE MOTORCYCLE ,USED IN 1974."

No, I don't remember that.

I see an ad like that I just assume it's some 15 year-old kid who thinks he found a gold mine.
Sadly, it's really probably some 35 year-old adult who thinks the same thing!

fmctm1sw · « **Reply #2 on:** March 13, 2012, 08:28:17 AM »

No feedback, one photo, and a $4500 starting bid

Gonzowerke · « **Reply #3 on:** March 13, 2012, 08:57:33 AM »

One common thread in all those shows like "What's my Car Worth?" and that sports memorabilia one is the guy always saying "One of my jobs is managing expectations". The owner always thinks he has a 6 figure piece of history, when he doesn't.

Really? · « **Reply #4 on:** March 13, 2012, 09:04:25 AM »

I wonder if you lick it, if it has a near mint taste?

754 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 13, 2012, 09:07:41 AM »

lol at the last post.. I nominate that for PostoftheYEAR...

Xnavylfr · « **Reply #6 on:** March 13, 2012, 09:14:08 AM »

The ads that get me going are the ones under CB750 SANDCAST.
There are parts listed as SANDCAST ONLY but it will fit on every year the CB was built.
There is one ad in SANDCAST for the flat plastic shield you attach to the front of a 3/4 helmet SANDCAST ONLY==BS

Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

Prospect · « **Reply #7 on:** March 13, 2012, 09:35:15 AM »

This is more in the mint category.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-CB750-1969-Mint-/130663536976?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item1e6c275950#v4-42

Duke McDukiedook · « **Reply #8 on:** March 13, 2012, 09:42:17 AM »

Quote from: Really? on March 13, 2012, 09:04:25 AM

I wonder if you lick it, if it has a near mint taste?

I prefer my bikes described as 'minty'.

nomad · « **Reply #9 on:** March 13, 2012, 09:59:09 AM »

There should also be a category called "runs great... last started ten years ago"

Duke McDukiedook · « **Reply #10 on:** March 13, 2012, 10:26:43 AM »

Or- POS - please just take it off my hands so it can be your problem now!

CycleRanger · « **Reply #11 on:** March 13, 2012, 10:49:57 AM »

Quote from: Xnavylfr on March 13, 2012, 09:14:08 AM

The ads that get me going are the ones under CB750 SANDCAST.
There are parts listed as SANDCAST ONLY but it will fit on every year the CB was built.
There is one ad in SANDCAST for the flat plastic shield you attach to the front of a 3/4 helmet SANDCAST ONLY==BS

Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

Yeah, I'd like to beat the a-hole who spammed ebay the other day by listing 100+ items from a '70 as "sandcast".

brooze72 · « **Reply #12 on:** March 13, 2012, 10:52:06 AM »

Quote from: Prospect on March 13, 2012, 08:14:57 AM

Slight ebay and craigslist rant.

I've noticed that many sellers refer to their bikes as mint when they are far from it. I don't know if they simply don't know what the word really means because of a recent social influx of referring to anything nice as mint. Mint car, mint chick, mint rims.

This brings me to the topic of correct order of defining quality of bikes when selling. I think from worst to best is something like this

basket case, parts bike, fair, good, very good, excellent, showroom condition, mint, museum quality.

Care to add?

Here is an example of what I mean. Described as "near mint"

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BARNYARD-FIND-/120872844265?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item1c24953be9

My 0-02, maybe the websites should offer advice or definitions to guide sellers so they would have a better idea how to list & buyers would be less likely to be disappointed..

Using your rankings, eg

Basketcase = In pieces, not all there
Parts bike = mostly together, missing stuff, does not run
Fair = All there and/or runs but needs extensive work to be road worthy
Good = Runner, but may be cosmetically challenged, leaks, needs carb work etc.
Very good/Excellent = a properly running nice bike without rusty bits
Showroom condition/mint = an outstanding example either stock or extensively customized with flaws only visible to an expert, if any
Museum quality = why are you on fleabay/CL ?

70CB750 · « **Reply #13 on:** March 13, 2012, 11:07:39 AM »

Low mileage = I have electrical drill
0 miles since full resto = I couldnt get it started

Artf0rm · « **Reply #14 on:** March 13, 2012, 11:20:02 AM »

My favorite is the CL posts that say " ran great when parked", "just needs battery", "restoration 90% complete", "only dropped once at low speed"

mark · « **Reply #15 on:** March 13, 2012, 11:40:16 AM »

N.O.S. = neighbor's old stuff

CycleRanger · « **Reply #16 on:** March 13, 2012, 12:14:26 PM »

Quote from: mark on March 13, 2012, 11:40:16 AM

N.O.S. = neighbor's old stuff

I lol'd!

BLUE71TURBO · « **Reply #17 on:** March 13, 2012, 01:02:03 PM »

Quote from: mark on March 13, 2012, 11:40:16 AM

N.O.S. = neighbor's old stuff

N.O.S. = NOTEWORTHY OVERPRICED $HIT !

Xnavylfr · « **Reply #18 on:** March 13, 2012, 03:21:41 PM »

I sent the guy an e-mail about the SANDCAST Faceshield but I see it is still listed the same way . B.T. Barnum said there is a sucker born everyday and this guy is just hoping he shows up to buy his S**t.

Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

Stev-o · « **Reply #19 on:** March 13, 2012, 10:36:22 PM »

Or how 'bout the ad that advertises the bike that is "all original" EXCEPT for tires, handlebars, paint, seat, front fender, rear wheel, speedo, taillight, modified wiring, etc etc etc!

trueblue · « **Reply #20 on:** March 14, 2012, 03:19:10 AM »

Quote from: Stev-o on March 13, 2012, 10:36:22 PM

Or how 'bout the ad that advertises the bike that is "all original" EXCEPT for tires, handlebars, paint, set, front fender, rear wheel, speedo, taillight, modified wiring, etc etc etc!

Just like grandads old axe he has had for 70 years, it has only had 4 new heads and 5 new handles.

Blasbo · « **Reply #21 on:** March 14, 2012, 04:51:28 AM »

I have a mint patch in my yard. If I park my bike next to it I could say it was "near mint". :-)

Xnavylfr · « **Reply #22 on:** March 14, 2012, 06:38:27 AM »

If you park NEAR MINT take some pictures, that way when a protest comes about then you are legally CORRECT and you can fight.

"Near Mint condition, ran perfect when parked 10 years ago"

Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

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Author Topic: ebay and craigslist - definitions (Read 1472 times)

nomad