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In what ways could this go sideways?
Had an enquiry on a bike I was selling, initially with a tonne of questions and the suggestion that they would want to pay £400 below asking. I replied I'd take £100 below asking and answered all the questions and they've simply paid up and bought it, it all seems too easy. They're saying that no returns is fine, talking about how nice the paintwork is, it's all too nice and too easy, nothing is ever this easy.
Maybe I'm just a horrible old cynic.
Wait till they turn up. Sold a few bikes, tag a long, kids 24" and my old fixed gear. All went well. Guy who bought my fixed gear paid immediately but couldn't collect for a week or so which was fine.
I'm shipping it, although I could deliver it as it's not too far.
This does seem strange. No-ones buying second hand bikes at the moment. Is this person time travelling from 2021?
Asking the right questions is usually a good sign. Asking too many questions might mean they're too fussy to be buying second hand though. Talking about how nice the paintwork is before they've seen it is a touch disconcerting, but I wouldn't be worrying just yet.
Just make sure they present the collection code if you do it in person.
If you're delivering, use a courier selected by you and make absolutely certain it's got a full signature/photo on delivery to the address on record only. No alternative address, no "just leave it with the receptionist".
I've had a couple of sales I've been slightly wary of just due to the buyer communication but actually they've all been sound. No issues.
If it’s close, wouldn’t it be normal for the buyer to collect? Check the bike over sign a ‘sold as seen’ receipt and drive away deal done. That’s how I’ve bought and sold since my dad sold my Chopper copy in the 70s!
I bought one and sold two bikes this year on eBay.
They were all collected, looked at, ridden round the block and paid via bank transfer.
I was very late to collect as some major roads were shut. One buyer was bang on time one was a bit late.
Everyone seems happy.
If the money is in your account and they are happy then let the bike go to them.
If you are shipping, do it through ebay. Tracked and signed.
if they want it they'll collect it.. i would prefer not to ship high value second hand items
Unfortunately there are some people buying on Ebay who will try to game the system...
A friend of mine sold a bike through Ebay, good condition lots of pictures showing minor scratches etc, and specified 'No Returns'. The buyer asked a few questions before buying. Mate shipped bike, upon receipt buyer emails, claiming goods not as described, nit picking over minor things that were listed/photographed but claiming they are worse than expected. He then tries to get mate to reduce price/give partial refund. Mate refuses, buyer raises dispute through Ebay. Mate sent photo's etc to Ebay showing the bike was as described and points out bike was advertised as 'Sold as Seen No Returns'. Ebay rejects as they say they can't prove those were current/accurate at time of sale, and side with buyer as they always do. As the seller you are then left with either the cost and hassle of getting the bike shipped back, or accepting the buyers offer. Turns out the buyer in this case was someone who buys and sell on Ebay, and this is a regular tactic for getting things on the cheap, so they can sell on at a profit.
Good luck
If your spidey sense is tingling then I'd deliver in person - and use the collection code thingy mentioned above.
Make sure they are happy with it when they see it.
It's probably fine, but it's good to trust your instincts.
Unfortunately there are some people buying on Ebay who will try to game the system
Just as in life, yes. If you don't want to take that risk then don't sell on eBay and sell locally where the bike is picked up personally and paid for in cash. You won't get as much money for it of course but that is worth it for the reduced hassle/risk I guess.
If it really doesn’t feel right, then just cancel the bid, refund and relist. You’ll lose your fees, but better that than dealing with hassle as @Akers describes.