Yes, but that is kind of old school. It wasn’t all that long ago that most ads only came from local newspapers, but now we can search all over the world for a great deal. I try and only buy really good deals, which may be at least three hours away. I negotiated a good price on two of my last three purchases over the phone because of the distance. A three hour drive is not practical for risking the bike didn’t sell during the drive (which happen to me a year ago), and I want to have an idea of what the seller is willing to take.

Last summer I was riding my SG early on a Saturday morning when my phone buzzed. After I got to my destination about an hour from my house, I called the number and it was someone who drove two hours for another deal on a SG that fell through. So before he had to make the long drive back home, he checked the local Craigslist to see if there were any other deals around. We met at a central meeting place 15 minutes later and I sold the bike. I had leverage because that buyer didn't want to drive home without a bike.

For the sellers perspective, if you negotiate a price before the visit, then you know the buyer is serious, bringing cash and less likely to try and deal down. If you didn’t set a price before, then yes you risk the buying negotiating a lower price. I have never had buyer negotiate a lower price after agreeing on a price on the phone. And I think that is because the ad accurately represents what they see in person.

If I have to drive more than a couple hours, I negotiate the deal before I leave the house with the understanding that the item is as advertised.

The only precondition I usually set in my ads is “Cash Only” because people today have different styles of making major purchases. I don’t want to limit myself away from a buyer three hours away. I sold my last bike to a guy in Dallas. As part of solidifying the deal, I told him I would meet him half way to deliver the bike. That saved him almost two hours of driving and that set the deal. Some folks stay away from face to face negotiation because they hate any kind of confrontation. I think negotiating a price before seeing the bike is an advantage to the seller because they aren’t under the pressure of the buyer walking away to negotiate a better deal like they would of someone who called to come look.

Technology has changed the way we buy and sell. I think that gives both the buyers and sellers more power in getting the deal that makes them happy.

Beary

 

The only thing I would add to this truely awesome thread is that I won't negotiate price until after they see the bike.
That way I know their [more] serious - since they showed up and all.
I've sold a few this way and gotten near what I wanted for each of them. Works for me anyway.

But that works if the dude is local. If not local and they want to have the bike shipped sight unseen, yeah, I'll negotiate.
Had a buyer buy one from me that way, all the way from Washington State (I'm in South Carolina). Dude was very trusting...

 

I want to add when I go to buy, I am towing a trailer with me. They know right away I am a buyer. I always let them I am a buyer and re sell bikes, I tell them what I will pay for there bike and why. Sometimes I walk away sometimes I pay what they are asking or maybe reduced price. I always bring cash and my 380.I have never got a bike that did not need some kind of work on it. Most sellers think there bike is the best around, some things are over looked like, Tires, brakes, oil, lights out, little things help me buy for less. So before you sell get the bike right.

 

380?

Beary

 

Women's handgun

 

Really????????? Bet you wouldn't want to get shot by one. And yes, .380 fits nicely in my vest pocket when I don't want to bring my 9mm.


And back to the topic, no test ride unless money is in hand. Saw my best friend loose a bike deal when the idiot test driving his bike, totaled it out driving like an IDIOT.

 

Beary, I agree, requiring that the prospective buyer meet me face to face IS old school...but since I'm an old school kind of guy, that's the way it's gonna roll with me. It's gotten to be the norm, I reckon, but people have become lazy due to technology...and if you're gonna buy something from me, you're gonna come check it out, and show ME that you're serious. I have no time for lazy people who don't mind wasting my time.


If others want to play that game, I have no problem with it, but dickering is a face to face activity...in my opinion!!! That said, I do make it a point to mention that little requirement in my ads...so as to ward off the scammers and not so serious folks...

 

I use the term 'purse weapon'...

 

From the buyers perspective, I'm not going to drive 2-3 hours and find out that the seller won't budge from the usually ridiculous price they set on it. I tell them if it really is what they say it is, It's worth X amount to me and go from there. That way there's no more haggling once I get there and I can have a cashier's check or whatever when I get there.

 

That gave me a good laugh!