Whether it’s time to clear some space in the garage or you are looking to upgrade to a new
bike, there is a good chance that each of us will have to look into buying or selling used bicycle
equipment at some point.

Buying and selling a used bicycle doesn’t have to be a hassle. Here at The Pro’s Closet we help
our clients take the headache out of selling their cycling related items on eBay by applying our
proven “auction science” to each item as well as using some specific selling techniques that add
to your bottom line.

We have put together some DO’s and DONT’s for those who decide to sell your bike and prefer
giving it a shot on their own. If you have tried this in the past and found the selling process to
be cumbersome, drop us a line and we will send a call tag to your front door, apply our auction
science and send you a check!

The DO’S and DONT’S Selling Used Bikes

DO pick the proper channel for selling your used bike. You can trade it in to your local shop if
they offer a trade up program, sell it on Craigslist, or go through eBay. Trading will usually net
you the least amount of money, and Craigslist is the biggest hassle dealing with phone calls,
offers, etc.

Craigslist vs eBay: Craigslist is free however the saying, “you get what you paid for” comes
into play here. Not only does Craigslist open the door to more scammers but it also limits your
bike’s exposure. Craigslist is a local marketplace whereas eBay opens your bike up to a larger
demographic that will increase the final sale price.

The most effective avenue is through eBay or an eBay seller (like The Pro’s Closet) because it
reaches the most potential buyers and will get you the most value for your old bike.

DO clean your bike before selling. Do you want to buy a dirty bike? Put yourself in the
customer’s shoes. A clean bike gives potential buyers the confidence that your bike has been
loved and well maintained.

DON’T sell your bike with extras. Pedals, computers, and spare wheels generally don’t add much
value to a bike sale and can be sold on their own for better money.

DO provide details of any upgrades you’ve made to the bike. Newer, lighter components can add
value to you bike.

DO make sure to outline anything that is wrong with the bike. Scratches and dents are inevitable
on a used bike and nothing is worse than surprising your buyer with a bike in worse shape than
they had expected. Be transparent and advertise the bike honestly.

DO take as many photos as possible. The old saying, “photos are worth a thousand words” is especially true when selling a high-end bike. Show off your bike in great detail and make sure to
take photos using a background that won’t distract from the actual bike. If you don’t have access
to a professional photo studio, we recommend using a concrete wall or a solid colored garage
door.

DO give your bike a tune-up. Making sure your bike is ready to ride will give buyers the confidence that they won’t have to do any serious maintenance once they purchase from you.

Apply these simple principals the next time you want to sell your bike and once the dust settles, you will notice your wallet will be a little fatter.

-Nick Martin