Topic: Help closing Craiglist deal.

[MCRider]

My first one, I've got a buyer for a bike I put on craigslist. Should I invite him over, meet at a neutral place, what should I watch out for?

[navydad]

I usually try to meet in a public spot like a restaurant or similar. No test rides until CASH is in my hand. Sorry, but if your check is good then you should be able to get your hands on cash. The last bike I sold we met at my bank and did an electronic transfer and had the title notarized while there. That worked out great.

[carnivorous chicken]

I don't worry too much about people coming over, and I've never had a problem. I make sure that all my bikes are visibly locked (or locked in a garage), and only have the bike I am selling out to show the buyer. Cash only. I never let anyone take a ride unless I have cash in hand, but I will ride a bike up and down the street to show him/her.

[ekpent]

 The potential buyer is probably on another forum somewhere asking people about coming over afraid of bringing cash to a stranger    Good Luck on the sale. Too be honest I have met some very nice people buying and selling on CL and made a few new friends also.

[74cb750]

I usually try to meet in a public spot like a restaurant or similar. No test rides until CASH is in my hand. Sorry, but if your check is good then you should be able to get your hands on cash. The last bike I sold we met at my bank and did an electronic transfer and had the title notarized while there. That worked out great.

TRUE! I learned the hard way, 20ish dude, 240 pounds (like more than 7 stones) test rod my 1971? CB125s and brought it back with a bent rear shock and wouldn't pay for it.

[BobbyR]

I would choose a neutral busy place.

[carnivorous chicken]

I usually try to meet in a public spot like a restaurant or similar. No test rides until CASH is in my hand. Sorry, but if your check is good then you should be able to get your hands on cash. The last bike I sold we met at my bank and did an electronic transfer and had the title notarized while there. That worked out great.

TRUE! I learned the hard way, 20ish dude, 240 pounds (like more than 7 stones) test rod my 1971? CB125s and brought it back with a bent rear shock and wouldn't pay for it.

I never let anyone take a ride unless I have cash in hand...

[grcamna2]

I've been using searchtempest.com which searches craigslist as far as you like because most of the time I can't find what I'm looking for locally.. I actually do have a lot of trust in strangers even though sometimes when they know I'm coming from out-of-state it's difficult to 'deal' for a lower price;they know I want it.  I usually do ok though,I'd much rather find what I'm looking for locally first.I just bought a small bike on CL from a seller up in NY state,we spoke on the phone and he seemed fair so I took the long drive and got what i wanted.
Ron,I think you'll be ok with letting prospective buyers come over to see where the bike 'lives' and then show them how you've cared for it over the years;you can get a good sense of what they're about just by speaking with them on the phone.

[evanphi]

Most police stations will let you do transactions like this in their parking lot. Just ask at the front desk or call up beforehand. Same with banks.

[Mantree]

I keep my cash in the car when am buying on Craigslist and take a friend to stick around as collateral and to drive the car home after.  I normally ask who ever I am selling to to do something similar

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[BobbyR]

If I were you I wuold meet them:

In the parking lot of a bank branch you have an account in. The reason is, you will have a substantial amount of cash on you. While they may be honest there is a chance that someone else can observe the transaction and see a quick score. 

Be prepared that the guy may show up with short cash and wave it under your nose hoping you just want the cash in hand.

Under no circumstances should you let the guy use your plates to get home.
   

[MCRider]

Thanks everyone for the comments. We agreed on a price. I mentioned cash only, and a neutral meeting place, as politely as I could.

No response in 36 hours.

[754]

 Oh, one of them..
  I have low tolerance for idiots when selling.. if you meet 1/2 hour window... if you dont show you have better have phoned me by end of the 1/2 hr.. dont waste my time.
 if someone phones about my ads for smaller items, and say will you take ### or whats the best you can do , I now say ,,.We can end this conversation ..RIGHT NOW..
 There is no way I will negotiate a price before they lay eyes on it, if i really want it gone I may say have a look, then we can dicker..

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Sad to say, I've used my dog as collateral when taking a bike out for a test spin.  I left her in my truck, so the seller would know I would not take off.

[scrapvalue]

I have found that when selling on Craigslist, I don't put my number in the ad.
I request them to email me their phone number through craigslist and I will call them
It's just to easy for someone to call your phone number when they first see the ad and have stars in their eyes.
If they send you their number, it is a real good chance they are serious.
It really helps eliminate the tire kickers and scammers.

[Mantree]

I have found that when selling on Craigslist, I don't put my number in the ad.
I request them to email me their phone number through craigslist and I will call them
It's just to easy for someone to call your phone number when they first see the ad and have stars in their eyes.
If they send you their number, it is a real good chance they are serious.
It really helps eliminate the tire kickers and scammers.

That and bots skim numbers off cl and spam you

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