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Hiya folks, I'm selling my bike but someone wants to come see it and give it a test ride. Happy to let them do this, but wondering what kind of deposit I could take to make sure they don't run off with it. Was planning to ride along with them anyway, but slightly nervous. Would appreciate some advice!
If they're bringing enough money to buy the bike, they can leave all of it.
Folk test ride the bikes in shops or with mates, what will a 10 minute run around a road give them, i'd be more wary of having them near your house, i'd be more inclined to meet them at a service station or the likes, so that they have to leave their car to go test it round the place, then come back to the car to get home!
Not sure they're coming to buy the bike just yet - will probably be cashless via paypal so cash unfortunately out of the question. did consider a paypal deposit but what good will a few hundred pounds do if the bike is selling for much more - they could just end up with a bargain.
He's said he's riding to meet me, so no chance of having a car unfortunately. LBS is crazy busy so I doubt they 'd be happy to accommodate. Also wary of inviting them home but not sure what else would be better.
Considered asking for a debit card or something but could be a dud one. ID a good shout?
I've sold loads of my own bikes, I've never given a test ride.
It's a recipie for disaster. What happens if they smash a mech, crack the frame on a rock, fall off and damage a brake lever, scratch a stanchion?
I'd be telling them to jog on. They can sit on the bike, that's cool. But not test ride it.
I'd also meet them at a mutually convenient location that isn't your home. It's a tactic by thieves to come back and steal your bikes.
Offer to take it to their place ?
Bit of a pain, but you’ll know where they live
Passport?
Car keys?
Offer to take it to their place ?
Bit of a pain, but you’ll know where they live
Not sure you will.
Considering the lengths some people say they'll go to to avoid people buying bikes off them knowing where they live (would you buy a bike from a bloke at a service station? FFS!), I'm pretty sure thieves would do similar.
I'm not sure why you'd use Paypal if picking up in person. Get them to bring the cash. If they ride off, you have the cash.
Have sold 5 this year 3 came to the house all with cash the bikes were mint if from all the emails you have had with them you normally can tell if they are interested but if they are only coming to look at it I would not let them come to house seems like a time waster had that with a road bike took it to service station guy had no money all very weird lucky he never came to house was very keen in lockdown and was coming from Wales all very strange have sold over 50 bikes in the last 20 years never came across that before so be careful.
Ask them to bring a passport which you will hold while they go for a short spin, or full cash amount upfront before they go for a spin. I think the request is fair enough if they are a serious buyer. If its a pricey full suss you would want to check the pivot bearings are not all shagged with a short spin around the block.
How much is the bike worth ?
Just heard back from him, he seems serious enough and was very understanding. Understands my concerns and is willing to leave bank card, passport and phone along with his bike. Feeling a lot better, hopefully should go okoy.
Agree that it would feel very shady if i was buying a bike at a service station. Not ideal but just having him come home.
Avoiding cash due to covid. Bike worth north of a grand.
Appreciate the responses guys!
He's riding his bike to yours to test ride yours, how far away does he live, again in 20 years i don't think i've ever gone to 'test' a bike without having the ability to take it away with me on the day, as others above say, ask if you want him to come round his with the bike for a test and see the response.
It's just about trust in the end though, if it's someone off here, i can check their past posts, length of membership, how they interact and so on, if it's an ebayer or facebook person i've never met, it can set alarm bells, remember if using paypal as a way of holding funds, you have to have proof that the transaction occurred, or they can just claim back once away with the bike.
It's *probably* fine from a security perspective, but riding over to test-ride a bike screams timewaster to me.
Wallet and phone deposit when test riding
I've test driven 2nd hand cars and always done this...
leave their car
...with the car keys :o)
Suggest to meet at local police station and if they decline or don’t turn up then there’s ya answer