Classified ads: why do people do this?

[capt_bugaloo]

I'm finding that I want to do more road trips, and although the Ninja 250 is great for short rides, I would like to get a mid-size cruiser, maybe something like a V-Star 650 or a Shadow 750. I've rented cruisers a couple of times: although the Ninja works better for the city or backroads, IMHO a cruiser works better for long trips on the open road.

I put up an ad on Craigslist list and a couple of other classified sites. My ad includes some good photos, details such as mileage and mechanical condition, recent service, new tires, etc. In the title and the body of the note, I mention that I am looking for either a 'trade' for a cruiser, or that I am willing to sell.

My asking price is $2400 US. I came up with that number after looking through local ads and seeing that other ads selling an equivalent motorcycle are asking $2500 to $3000 US. I thought this was a reasonable number, and I'm willing to negotiate a bit.

I've had about 10-12 responses in the last week. With one exception, all of the responses consist of 'Will you take $xxxx for it?" No questions about the mechanical worthiness, previous owners, any crashes or repairs, how the bike was used or maintained, nothing. No requests to come and take a look, just "Will you take an offer of $xxxx" And needless to say, pretty much all of these offers are all low-ball, with three or four of them being $1500 US.

The one exception was a 20-ish woman who showed up with her boyfriend. He rides a Ninja 300, and I guess she has some interest in getting a cheap learner. They didn't make any offers, just wanted to think about it, but at least they showed up and checked out the bike without making any insultingly low offers. Hell, she seemed like a nice enough person that if she had offered me $1500 on the spot, I might have taken it. Probably not, but maybe we could have met at the middle, say $1800.

Whenever I've bought a used item, be it a bike, car, furniture, I've always gone to look at the item before trying to negotiate. Sometimes the item is a great bargain, and sometimes it's a ratty piece of junk that isn't worth a quarter of what the seller is asking.

What am I missing out on here? Are these low-ballers just hoping I'm desperate for a quick sale so they can flip it and make a few bucks? I really don't get it - who would offer money for something sight-unseen?

[TnNinjaGirl]

I saw on the internet that more people have an iq approaching mentally retarded than genius. It was on the internet so it must be true.

["A"]

I usually put the following in the ad:

Reply with name and phone number and I will contact you when available.

Without name and phone number, your email will be filtered as SPAM, you will not be contacted.

That usually cut down the low-ballers replies.

[verboten1]

I haven't gotten any offers, just asking when they can see the bikes. And not showing up...

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by capt_bugaloo

.......... What am I missing out on here? Are these low-ballers just hoping I'm desperate for a quick sale so they can flip it and make a few bucks? I really don't get it - who would offer money for something sight-unseen?

When you display a selling add, your are exposed to the whole rainbow of characters; hence, expect being contacted by all types of minds and life approaches.

The good thing is that those low-ball offers make it easier to spot a serious and motivated buyer.

Take a look at these:
http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/How_to_sell_your_bike

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Safety_...ing_or_selling

Best luck with the sell !!!

[TnNinjaGirl]

If it makes you feel better I believe it is a universal thing, not necessarily dependent on your location, etc...

For example: selling an iPad on Friday I arranged to meet with a person. He never showed up.

Selling a Crf50 someone asked if I'd trade for an yz85 in perfect shape that didn't need transmission work but the shift shaft was broken. He'd also throw in a weedeater if necessary.

[ForceofWill]

Normal Craigslist mentality. When I was selling my Boss I had it listed at $41k and a guy offered me $23k for it then insulted me when I turned him down lol. People watch too much flip this house.

Another guy asked if I would sign the title over to him and then take monthly payments rofl.

[cadd]

Is it still available?

[Snake]

Originally Posted by TnNinjaGirl

I saw on the internet that more people have an iq approaching mentally retarded than genius. It was on the internet so it must be true.

LMAO I love your sense of humor. Good to see you back.

[Racer x]

Originally Posted by TnNinjaGirl

I saw on the internet that more people have an iq approaching mentally retarded than genius. It was on the internet so it must be true.

I read that Bengerman Franklin said that.

[subxero]

It's not a bad strategy when you find something you like on ebay to have your buddy contact them and low ball them. Asking for a large % lower than the list price to see what the seller says. Then if you are really interested you can make an offer based on what he tells your friend to get the best price possible

["A"]

My best strategy to get low price has always been "showing up with cash", but that's a different topic for another thread.

[crazymadbastard]

I'll give you $799 delivered, but must have full tank.

[verboten1]

Originally Posted by cadd

Is it still available?

No, I just left the ad up so people could send me poorly written emails asking that very question. Thanks for your inquiry.

[cadd]

Originally Posted by verboten1

No, I just left the ad up so people could send me poorly written emails asking that very question. Thanks for your inquiry.

ok. if u has one for sale again let me know aite?

[Rifleman]

Originally Posted by ForceofWill

Normal Craigslist mentality. When I was selling my Boss I had it listed at $41k and a guy offered me $23k for it then insulted me when I turned him down lol. People watch too much flip this house.

Another guy asked if I would sign the title over to him and then take monthly payments rofl.

yep, too many people trying to "flip this bike"

they are looking for hard case situations where they can low ball for cash and turn right around and sell it over the next months at market

[DEFY]

Buy the bike in winter, sell in spring. At least that's the concept.

[capt_bugaloo]

OP here. The ad has been up about 11 days so far. I've had about 10-12 low ball offers, maybe half or more for just "$1500 cash today!"

I've actually had two people come check out the Ninja first-hand, both of them women in their early 20s looking for their first bike. One seemed interested but made no offer; the other offered $2250 U.S. Subject to a friend of hers taking it for a test ride this weekend.

[DEFY]

Response I got today, "I'm holding it for a buddy, I will let you know if it falls through". Why bother posting it then.

[Hero Danny]

Craigslist
Whenever I'm a buyer on craigslist all the sellers never answer my questions, take days to answer me back and are always just a pain in the ass to fit in some time for me to see it.
And when i'm a seller I have the same problem. Stupid low offers (like $1,000 + some "electronics"), people ask a question for pictures, I send them and then nothing. Not even a "not interested anymore" Just completely stop texting cold turkey.

It's crazy. It amazes me that anyone can sell anything on craigslist with idiot sellers and idiot buyers.. no wonder dealerships make a killing. lmao

[liberpolly]

Post it at $300 over what you want for it, let people feel good by haggling it down to what you actually want.

[capt_bugaloo]

I sold it on Sunday for $2800 CND ($2250 US) to a very nice lady. She rides a CBR600, and bought it for her teenage daughter so they can go riding together!

I wrote to her last night and asked how it was going. She told me that the two of them had just gotten back from a ride to their local Starbucks.

[dcj13]

Way to go! Congrats!

The guy who bought my Ninjette a few months ago is really enjoying it.

[choneofakind]

I'm still in contact with the lady I bought my ninjette from through facebook. She's a neat person. She likes all my pictures

[dcj13]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

I'm still in contact with the lady I bought my ninjette from through facebook. She's a neat person. She likes all my pictures.

Some folks are apprehensive about selling a vehicle to someone they know. I like knowing that my well-maintained bike went to a friend.

As a buyer, I'm having lunch tomorrow with the guy who sold my Merc.

[choneofakind]

Lol, yeah. Something about being held responsible for any changes that were made to the vehicle/any problems the new person has. Sure, you may feel awkwardly obligated to help with it after sale, all private sales of vehicles should be as-is sales, IMHO.

yeah, I want to know that someone isn't going to wreck my ninjette whenever I sell it. I've put time and love into this thing!

[verboten1]

Originally Posted by liberpolly

Post it at $300 over what you want for it, let people feel good by haggling it down to what you actually want.

Yep, I knew I wanted a certain amount for my bike. The guy offered me $50 less than I wanted ($450 below asking price). I countered with my number and he bit. It worked out perfectly.

[Jahjahwarrior]

Bought my ninja from a guy down the street. Saw the ad while out of town and when I got back a day later it was still available. Guy said he had about 5 people tell him they were coming over to see it but never showed.

I didn't have all the asking price on hand but left a cash deposit and met him the next morning with the rest.

But I knew the market and knew the price was decent, so once I saw it ran ok that sealed the deal.

Lots of weirdos though...

[capt_bugaloo]

In case anyone cares, I picked up my new bike on Saturday morning.
It is a new 2014 V-Star 650 Custom, in a rather nice metallic flake silver. Because it was a heldover from last year, the price was pretty good - about $5500 US including all prep, docs, and taxes. I looked at the 2015s but locally the dealerships are asking $6700 or more.

The dealership was an hour away, so I was a bit concerned about hopping on an unfamiliar bike and riding it 60 miles of freeway right off the bat, but I needn't have worried. The bike is actually very easy to ride, and I have to say I find it more comfortable on the open road than my Ninja 250.

Picture of the actual bike below.

[dcj13]

That's a good lookin' bike! Congrats!

And your "bonding ride" was good, too!

Total success. And a good deal, to boot!