Buying Used Is New Again

    nick   NO COMMENT

Buying something that already exists... it's the greenest way to shop!

Consumers are looking for value now more than ever, buying used can deliver that value.  Buying a bike or another high end component sight unseen can seem like a big risk however if you follow a few key guidelines you can save big and get more bang for your buck.  

1. eBay is by far the safest used marketplace short of a local bike swap where you actually get to put your hands on the ride prior to purchasing it.  eBay’s buyer protection policy will protect you in the unfortunate case your bike arrives not as described.  Complete the transaction by paying with Paypal.  By doing so, you are using a third party merchant that will make sure you are 100% satisfied with your order from start to finish.

2.  Do your research.  Search eBay using the “completed listing” feature of their advanced search.  By searching completed listings you can see the current market value of the bike or component you are looking to buy.   Play with the search options as well as key words to bring up a different variety of searches.  For example, if you are searching for a Gary Fisher Superfly, change up the search by using Superfly spelled out Super Fly as well.   Think outside the box!

3.  Buy from someone that has a strong reputation online.  Sellers are transparent on eBay because their buyers can leave honest feedback about their transaction with their seller.  Buy from someone that not only has a positive reputation with their customers but also has a flexible return policy in case the item does not fit etc.

Buyers and sellers are connected in ways that weren’t conceivable just a generation ago.  With countless choices, mobile access, email alerts when specific products are listed, buying used is new again. Buying something that already exists is the greenest way to shop.  Re-use, Re-purpose, (Re) Cycle!

The Bigger Picture

    nick   1 COMMENT

One of the fundamental cornerstones that started our small business is the act and practice of being a minimalist. What started with the question, “What can I sell to get to the next race?” has evolved into “What can I sell that I don’t use and is taking up space (emotionally and physically)”.

I still walk through my home on a weekly basis evaluating my surroundings. The realization that lasting fulfillment can never be found in things that are temporal by nature. It is foolish to invest the bulk of our finite energy, time, and resources into things that cannot bring significant meaning to our lives. The value of faith, love, hope, and relationships will far outlast metal, plastic, and glass.

I love seeing the moment when a client gets excited about the simple process of selling off their old gear that has been cluttering their space for years. Not only are they clearing “space” in their cluttered garage or closet but they are also freeing up energy in their mind while padding their wallet.

It is in our nature to hold onto possessions. We have worked our entire lives to buy nice things and invest in things we own. So much so, that removing them almost seems laughable. The significance of our investment begins to cloud our thinking about what actually adds value to our lives versus what subtracts from it.

Start today and start small, whether it is one drawer, one closet or one corner of your garage, get the ball rolling! It’s not about having nothing; it’s about having only what matters.

Nick Martin Founder of The Pro’s Closet

In The Beginning

    TPC   2 Comments

The happiest times in our lives can be defined by our surroundings.  The relationships, the places, the music, the inspiration, all coming together to give us a clear direction and purpose to our life.

This “project” (now branded The Pros Closet) was a direct result of one of those times in my life.   While living in my VW Bus in Ross Schnell’s front yard, with the only the task of riding my bike on my to-do list, I began a simple mission to sell all of my worldly possessions on eBay.

The lessons I learned in valuing space and the freedom of not being held in one place by physical possessions will always be an underlying purpose to my life.

Minus my bike and my bus, I sold everything.

Fast forward 8 years to today and we present to you, The Pros Closet.  An avenue for anyone, (athletes, teams, shops, reps, companies, you) to free up space and put your unused product in the hands of people who will give it a second life.  Buy something that already exists, it’s the greenest way to shop.

I challenge you to look at your surroundings in a new way:  Do I use it?  Does it inspire me?  Does it add value to my life?  If not, sell it so someone else can answer yes.

Nick Martin Founder of The Pro’s Closet