My son has a Merida 400 Cyclocross bike (probably about 8-10 yrs old, reasonable condition) which he no longer requires. He asked me if eBay was the best way to sell but I’ve not sold a bike for over 10 yrs so I’m not sure? FB Marketplace - lots of stupid questions, but collection makes payment easy and avoids shipping; eBay - “auction” = “true” value, but need a plan for shipping and the headaches of buyers claiming it arrived imperfect; gumtree - seems worse the FB marketplace; STW Classfieds probably not the ideal customer based for that bike?
There is a dedicated CX buysell group on Facebook. Market is depressed though so don't expect to get much for it.
I sold my Cotic Soul via ebay after about 2 months. (Central Scotland location). I had also advertised on Singletrack Classifieds and Pinkbike but no response from either.
I reckon you'd do alright in eBay if you're realistic with the price. Many seem to let eBay set the price (and drop in ai slop that tells you nothing about the bike) and the system seem to assume that all "stumpjumpers" are worth X so there are loads of hilariously overpriced bikes that must get ignored.
I usually list on FB Marketplace (inc bike selling groups), eBay, Gumtree, STW and Pinkbike. Always collection only though. I sold a Nukeproof Mega on FB within a few days of listing it, but it had interest on the other sites too, except STW.
Lots of detailed pictures and a thorough description go a long way.
For pricing search eBay for the same model and change the filter to sold items only, then adjust accordingly based on condition/upgrades etc.
I've had decent success on ebay.
Sold a BMX (for a mate), my old track bike (highly specialist and took maybe 2-3 relists before it got some interest), my old MTB, a 3yr-old road bike (went almost immediately for a good price), my old gravel bike (had a lot of daft questions about that and in the end it went to someone who knew almost nothing about bikes but "wanted to get into cycling" which I was a bit reluctant for cos it was kind of specialist and also had a couple of niggling issues which I'd been completely open about in the description but I'm not sure he understood).
All sales were easy and generally stress free. A few of the usual "I'll buy it now!" types, someone who claimed not to have seen the very large COLLECTION / DELIVERY ONLY, NO POSTAGE" disclaimer and then did the usual "oh my mate can collect it in his van..." spiel which led to him getting blocked. But no real issues that weren't sorted with some friendly discussion. I've got a 100% sales rating on there.
Key thing is lots of pics and an accurate description, none of ebays's stupid AI bollocks and auto-pricing. Also make sure you turn off their constant pushes to steer you towards their preferred courier.
I usually sell on Pinkbike although ebay still works and their postage system can work out cheaper than you'll get yourself, once you've got your head around how to do it!
Buying I use ebay and Facebook although FB buys tend to be via specific groups.
I usually list it here, then when if it doesn't sell I stick it on eBay.
I usually try to price it to sell whilst still feeling like I haven't been robbed. Usually just stick it up for a price on buy it now then see how bored I get before dropping the price a bit....
EBay has been the most successful site the last couple of times.
As usual, lots of good photos and an honest description, with any faults clearly noted.
Ok thanks folks - looks like eBay isn’t crazy.
eBay is probably the way. But, lots of buy it now bikes on there that have been listed for ages and not reviewed. Just auto-relist. Very annoying. I'm watching a retro bike on there that has been "sold" five times for about £120-180 each time, and the buyer's reserve is £500...
Very few bikes seem to be listed on auctions. I've seen some happen where prices were low. I bought one on the weekend where it was listed with a low-ish start, buyer pulled the auction 1 hour before the end (no bids). I found the bike on FB and did a deal off there.
I'd sell on eBay and be realistic. Offering delivery is obvious for the win, and there are companies around who will facilitate that for the buyer.
I sell a lot of bikes for a charity and eBay is the best. Facebook you get a lot of timewasters, on here no one's looking at the classifieds so you'll not sell it on Singletrack and Pinkbike isn't the place to sell stuff with curly bars.
I always go Facebook Marketplace first now, then eBay if no takers.
I like FB Marketplace as stuff can be listed and collected within a few hours if the product is good and priced well.
on here no one's looking at the classifieds so you'll not sell it on Singletrack
It does make you wonder why STW Towers persist with this new format - STW used to be THE place to sell bike kit.
eBay - For least amount of hassle sell at set price with collection only. I have sold many bikes on eBay and all very straightforward. I could get more money if I offered postage but I really can't be bothered with that so just take a hit.
Ebay has a good feature these days to deal with timewasters - as soon as I get a stupid question I just use the option in messaging which removes the ability for the person to be able to message me anymore or bid on the item