eBAY
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 3
From: Hudson Valley- NY
RE: eBAY
Like most of us on this thread, I have purchased a lot of items off of e-bay, never had a really bad experience, but then again, the most expensive thing I've purchased was only a few hundred bucks. As far as a bike, I don't think I'd buy one sight unseen. Best piece of advice is to look at cycles that are close enough to drive/ride to and do a personal inspection, that way, if you get a piece of crap, it's your own fault for not seeing what you've paid for. As far as a dealer selling a bike, may be one step better than a private deal, but if they're too far away to see the cycle in person, you still have the problem of how do you get it home? Would not want to trust a sight unseen deal to an independent shipper, but that's just my choice.
Basic instincts needed, if it seems too good to be true, it is and never, EVER buy anything from anyone off shore, too much risk involved and you usually get screwed.
Basic instincts needed, if it seems too good to be true, it is and never, EVER buy anything from anyone off shore, too much risk involved and you usually get screwed.
Banned
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,909
Likes: 0
From:
RE: eBAY
I have purchased a few things on Ebay my bike being one of them.
It was local to me but I took the risk and used the buy it now feature before seeing the bike.
After seeing the bike in person I could have backed out of the deal as the bike was not in the condition described but I was raised that if you make a deal
you see it through, even if you get the short end of the stick,integrity or stupidity I'll let you make the call. A lot of elbow grease and a little cash and the bike is what you see below.
It was local to me but I took the risk and used the buy it now feature before seeing the bike.
After seeing the bike in person I could have backed out of the deal as the bike was not in the condition described but I was raised that if you make a deal
you see it through, even if you get the short end of the stick,integrity or stupidity I'll let you make the call. A lot of elbow grease and a little cash and the bike is what you see below.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,644
Likes: 224
From: Coeur d'Alene
RE: eBAY
I bought my FLHT from a seller on ebay who was 2000 miles away. It was a very positive experience, but I did a little background work on the bike and the seller. The local Harley dealer in the city knew the bike and gave me some good information. Also, I was able to talk to the seller directly and was satisfied it was the real deal. I flew up there and had a great ride back. On another ocassion I was in the hunt for a VW Jetta TDI I really wanted but missed by $200. Anyway, both good experiences and with a little work I think ebay is a great place to do business.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 5,187
Likes: 1
From: Rhode Island
RE: eBAY
I deal with a shop here that sells all low mileage used Harley's. He has bought many off ebay without any problems. These bikes have all be in excellent shape and many with factory warranty's still active. Just do your homework, ask questions, and if you don't know have someone knowledgeable look with you.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,810
Likes: 1
From: Escondido, Ca.
RE: eBAY
I buy and sell on ebay, have for years. Over 90 percent of my custom bike are parts purchased on ebay including the Evo engine. Saved a bundle. My buddy buys and sells classic mini coopers on ebay, yes real cars from all over the US, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zeland. I purchased a 5 speed transmission for my Mini Cooper from a guy in the UK, great deal.
When making a larger purchase, read between the lines. Check the sellers reputation. Ask a lot of questions and do not buy if you don't get straight answers. Ask where the item is located and if you have a buddy in the area, have them check it out. If you don't have a buddy in the area, lie to them - say you will have a friend come over to check it out and see if the seller will give you the address. If you don't get an address, don't buy. If you do, make up and excuse for your make believe buddy not showing up.
When making a larger purchase, read between the lines. Check the sellers reputation. Ask a lot of questions and do not buy if you don't get straight answers. Ask where the item is located and if you have a buddy in the area, have them check it out. If you don't have a buddy in the area, lie to them - say you will have a friend come over to check it out and see if the seller will give you the address. If you don't get an address, don't buy. If you do, make up and excuse for your make believe buddy not showing up.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From:
RE: eBAY
I bought my 68' Mustang California Special on Ebay. I exchanged many emails with the seller and had him send me many pictures. He was also a well known Mustang restorer and writes articles for Mustang Enthusiast. So he had a reputation to maintain.
Mike
Mike
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,235
Likes: 17
From: Albuquerque, NM
RE: eBAY
I'm with Thudmeister and have been using eBay for a few years now without a problem. The only things that I didn't get off eBay for my bike were the tires and wheels.
The most expesive item were the tin's that I got from a guy in Jersey for $900.00.
The most expesive item were the tin's that I got from a guy in Jersey for $900.00.