Selling your bike online can be much more profitable than selling it in person or using classified ads, but you need to market your bike carefully to do so. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to make your listing more appealing and boost its visibility in the marketplace. Here are ten tips on how to sell your bike online.
Table of Contents
1) Why Buyers Go Online
Most people are looking for an easy and convenient way to buy a bike. They want to find the best bike for their needs and then have it delivered right to their doorstep.
They don’t want to spend hours at a store trying out bikes that may or may not work for them, only to end up buying one in the end anyways.
Online shoppers can find more options than what’s available at local bike shops, and because they’re doing research beforehand, they know what they’re looking for before they even make a purchase.
Finally, it’s pretty common knowledge that prices are cheaper online than in person – which is especially important when you’re shopping around for something like a new bike!
2) Style Considerations When Selling Your Bike Online
When selling your bike online, it’s important to know who you’re selling it to. To help make sure you’re targeting the right audience, consider these factors:
Take photos in a well-lit area and use a camera with a macro lens for close-up shots of the bike’s details (particularly areas that might need repairs). Do not use flash photography or direct sunlight; instead, use natural light.
Consider adding video footage of the bike in motion – this will give prospective buyers an idea of how it rides.
3) How to Take Pictures of Your Bicycle
To show off your bike in the best light, there are a few things you can do while taking photographs.
For example, try photographing your bicycle from all angles and highlight any features that make it stand out.
Avoid shooting pictures in direct sunlight because the glare will interfere with how people view your bicycle. Another tip is to use natural light coming through a window for optimum lighting conditions.
4) Posting an Ad on Craigslist
Posting an ad on Craigslist is a great way to get started, but you’ll need a catchy headline and description that will catch the eye of potential buyers. Here are some things you should include in your ad:
A clear and descriptive headline that includes what type of bike you’re selling and any other relevant information. For example, the BMX bike is for sale.
A photo of the bike in a neutral setting so that it doesn’t look like it’s being advertised from someone’s home. However, if the bike is at an event or location where people can see it for themselves, then definitely include a photo of it in its natural environment.
5) Picking the Right Title
Determine what you want your bike to be used for and choose the appropriate frame size – Road bikes are best for speed, mountain bikes are great for rough terrain and dirt paths, and hybrid bikes offer a happy medium.
Determine the type of bike that suits your budget – Entry-level models typically offer the latest technology at an affordable price.
Mid-range models are a good choice if you plan on doing some serious biking or if you ride long distances while high-end models typically have only a few upgrades from mid-range prices but will cost several thousand dollars more than entry-level pricing. 3.
6) Naming a Price
To sell your bike online, the first thing you will want to do is set a price. This can be tricky because there are so many variables to take into account.
For example, if you are selling a specialized bike, it may be difficult to find the right buyer who is willing to spend the money. However, if you are selling a generic model with no accessories, this won’t be an issue and can help make up for any difference in value.
You should also consider who your target customer is when setting your price point. If they typically buy bikes at low prices, then try aiming lower than usual – but not too low or it might turn them off from buying from you altogether.
8) Questions to Ask Before Meeting
Many considerations should be made when buying a bike, but these six questions will help you find the right one for your needs.
- What type of bicycle do you need? (Touring bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes)
- What size bike do you need? (Small/Medium, Medium/Large)
- What is your budget?
- What kind of riding do you want to do?
- Do you want a new or used bike?
- Is it important that the frame is made from steel or aluminum or carbon fiber?
7) First Contact with Prospective Buyer
A week ago, I had an unexpected visitor come by my house. They were looking for a bike and had heard that I was selling one online. I’ve been getting more and more visitors like this lately so I’m considering turning it into a small business.
It’s a bit of work but with the right strategy, you can make some money off of it too. Here are some tips on how you can sell your bike online:
9) Checking Out the Seller’s Reputation
Before you make a purchase, it’s always a good idea to check out the seller’s reputation.
Whether they have reviews or not, see what other customers say about their experience with the seller. This will tell you whether the company is trustworthy and if they’re likely going to be able to help you with any problems that might arise.
As well as reading online reviews, it can also be a good idea to reach out to the seller directly. Send them an email asking questions such as when they’ll ship your order, how long it takes for them to ship orders etc.
When you’re buying from eBay, Amazon Marketplace, or similar sites, pay close attention to feedback ratings. If someone has left negative feedback, see if there are any details of why they had an issue before making your decision.
10) Meeting Up For The First Time
Meeting up with a stranger is always a nerve-wracking experience, so it’s important to take precautions before meeting in person.
Meeting at your own home or workplace is always preferable if possible. If you need the buyer to come into your house, have someone else there with you and make sure the doors are locked behind them when they leave.
When meeting for the first time, do not ever go alone. Bring a friend who can stay in the car or nearby until you’re done and call them if you feel uncomfortable. Always carry pepper spray as well as a flashlight and cell phone in case of emergencies.
Make sure you know where all exits are so that you can quickly get out of any situation that makes you feel unsafe.
Fynd platform helps sellers create their own online stores. We do all the hard work so you can focus on making your business grow!
Conclusion
Selling your bike online has many benefits over using local classifieds or trying to sell it in person, but it can be hard to do if you don’t know the proper steps. Using these 10 tips on how to sell your bike online will help you get top dollar from buyers worldwide. Some of the steps you’ll need to take include inspecting your bike, preparing it for shipping, and finding the right company to help you with this process. With these tips as your guide, selling your bike online won’t be difficult at all!
