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Hello
Just wondering if anyone buys 2nd hand bikes, services/fixes/upgrades them and sells them on?
Strikes me that buying 2nd hand is a little risky and I'd pay a premium to know I was getting something from a reputable seller willing to offer a guarantee, and to know parts aren't at the end of their life. Not that I've had a bad experience on here, but I'm wary of ebay/gumtree etc. - not just the horror stories of cracked frames and stolen bikes, but simply that chain/cassette/rings need replaced immediately or suspension bearings are knacked, etc.
Thoughts?
B
Hora?
Flat out cycles as they say it's only brand new the first ride.
I dabble in it. I have the luxury of my own workshop and trade prices for spares through work though. (Most stuff comes through CRC still though)
I stick to stuff that I can get for free or virtually free though. Almost zero outlay. Old MTBs and Hybrids mostly with the odd kids bike. I don't make much money, but its a profitable hobby. 🙂
There wouldn't be any money in high end MTBs though. People know what they're worth, so I'd never get a bike I could sell for much of a profit. Laying out £500 to make a hundred at best is risky business.
People do give me stuff occasionally though. Sometimes it goes on a bike, sometimes I use it, sometimes I fix it and sell it on.
try searching for classified only members, should be able to help you out, and don't forget PP gifts
Ah very interesting - Flat Out is quite close to what I imagined, but many more parts than bikes (makes sense I suppose)
My thinking was that there would be more value in higher end bikes - not because folks don't know their value, but because the risk is potentially more expensive
Well the thing is, if I'm going to sell a bike that's worth say £1000 on the used market, then it's worth £1000 and no more. So, for example, a £2000 full sus at two years old.
If it needs tyres, chain, cassette, BB, brake pads, wheel bearings and a new saddle for example then that can easily be the best part of £150 or more in parts. Then add on postage (shipping a bike adds value as a wider audience and consumables like cables and grease and we have £200. It's not with me getting out of bed in a bike like that for less than £200 profit, so I need to buy that 2 year old full sus for £600. Then I need to have £600 lying around in the first place. (I've got about £150 in the bike fund account) then lay out the £150 on spares.
So, if you know anyone willing to flog a £2000 bike for £600, please let me know in a few months time. 🙂
As it is I can shell out £50 and turn £100 profit on it with a well used hybrid very easily.
Clearer now? 🙂
EDIT
Also maybe factor in eBay and PayPal fees too.
🙂 point persuasively made
commuters it is!
🙂
People throw them away you know...... I pick them up. Call it recycling. 😉
"I've got £150 in the bike fund account"
Mine is about £1500 overdrawn.... 😥
There is a chap on the Chase Trails FaceAche group, called Ross. Also has his own group called Ross's Rides (I think). Not met him but no shortage of folk talking of how decent a chap he is. He buys/sells a lot.
Yup Ross is a top guy. Good mate of mine, sells high end bikes, excellent reputation.
Done right and with good funds/cashflow, there's good money to be made.