I am thinking of buying a bike on ebay. Seller looks reputable, photos look good, pretty much the bike seems legit and just like buying a bike in person.
Anyone that has bought online before–what is a realistic discount to expect on a lightly used bike (around 100 miles according to seller) relative to the price of a new version of the same bike. New it runs around $2k.
100 miles means 1000 miles or more.
Used is used, so maybe 40% off of list if it is the current year. It is the end of season, so the “new” bikes are 20-30% off.
Watch for jacked up shipping rates.
100 miles means 1000 miles or more.
Used is used, so maybe 40% off of list if it is the current year. It is the end of season, so the “new” bikes are 20-30% off.
Watch for jacked up shipping rates.
But the reality is that used bikes often sell for more than discounted new ones. Look at prices on components in eBay and then look at Performance… they’re cheaper at Performance (with a money-back guarantee)!
Hard to say, with ebay you are liable to get someone like yourself who knows the value and will pay close to new prices for said bike, and people who bid $500 looking for a deal, and people who have no clue bidding over retail, all for the same bike. Decide what the bike is worth to you, stick to it, and if it goes over remember that there will be another next week, its ebay there will always be another, don’t over pay.
What’s would be fair price for shipping and packing a bike within the US (from PA to CHicago if that matters)?
Anyone that has bought online before–what is a realistic discount to expect on a lightly used bike (around 100 miles according to seller) relative to the price of a new version of the same bike. New it runs around $2k.
Just received a bike that I bought off e-bay. Brand new 2004 Cannondale Ironman 2000 - same bike as the '05 except with 9 gears instead of 10. Retail of this years is $2900, and I paid $1500.
I did a TON of looking on ebay, and at almost every online retailer in Canada and the US, as well in a ton of shops in person. I wanted to make sure that I got the bike I wanted for the price I wanted as well.
I basically got this bike for half of retail, and it was brand new. That should give you an idea of what you can find on ebay if you’re a bit patient. Lightly used…expect to knock off some more of you’re smart about it and in no hurry. There was also a lightly used 2003 (same model) that went for about $1100.
Cervelo’s seem to be a bit of an exception. They just don’t go cheap at all on e-bay, and I think it’s because it’s hands down the most sought after brand. I saw instances of used Cervelo’s going for about slightly less than a new one on sale through various retailers.
It killed me not to buy my rig through a LBS, but I couldn’t turn down the deal that I got. If you’re going the ebay route, know your prices…and don’t automatically assume ebay will be significantly cheaper. A lot of people make that mistake, and overpay for items. Get in touch with the seller directly - there are a lot of shops selling bikes on ebay, and talking to them personally will go a long way in putting your mind at ease. In the end, it turned out that my seller was a chain of bike shops in SoCal, and it showed…the bike was packed beautifully.
One more thing…there are currently a TON of scams of ebay for high end bikes. There is currently a seller selling high end tri bikes, but accepting payment through escrow only. It’s a scam, and he’s stealing your money. Pay by Paypal, and you’ll be protected by ebay buyer protection.
Hope that helps, and good luck.
I saw that escrow goon. He was a seller with 0 previous feedbacks and had a listing for a softride that had the names of the bikes mixed up. I asked him which bike it was and he emailed “which bike do you want?” He claimed to have every bike and referred me to this escrow thing for payment. That escrow service said they had a location in CHicago (where I live) where the phone was disconnected and the address listed on the site would be in the middle of lake Michigan (I guess no one told the idiot that Chicago is on a grid so you can’t just make up any old fake address). So if anyone reading this thread is considering a bike from a guy that only takes escrow–DON’T.
Well, I bought my bike on ebay. Looked at what I could get a new one for, how much I was willing to spend and then bid accordingly.
Your question really should have no relevance on ebay. No one gives you a discount, and the price it sells for is $1 more than the 2nd highest bidder is willing to go to. Does not matter what people think is realistic.
Most people think they should get a bigger discount on a used bike then most people who sell used bikes think they should give.
FYI I got a MSPR $750 bike with 20 miles on it used on ebay for $450 w/shipping (I think thats what it was). I was patentiant and let others go that went for more, and even dropped out on some at a lower price cause the pics or description were not as confidence inspiring or I was not in as desperate as I was latter.
In the end got a great bike, the computer on it actually read 17.
If it’s new I’d say 50-60% of retail.
Remember that you’re getting no warrantee, fit, or service, all things usually included in the retail price.
Major brands are usually way overpriced. Niche builders often go stupidly cheap.
There seems to be a real difference between eBayers. Some people look at it like any other store and seem to be willing to pay accordingly. Others, like me, only think it’s worth it if the deals are smoking.
To each his own.
What’s would be fair price for shipping and packing a bike within the US (from PA to CHicago if that matters)?
Don’t worry about it just make sure you add what the shipping charge is to the price your bidding to get your total out of pocket cost. Which is a better deal.
No more than $50 for a bike anywhere in the lower 48. Any more and you’re getting taken.
I paid about 1/3 of what my bike would have been new. It had a few miles on it, it was used for training an d racing a season including a 1/2 IM. But still in great condition and I’m more than happy with it. I got lucky to find the exact bike that I wanted in my size…kj
No more than $50 for a bike anywhere in the lower 48. Any more and you’re getting taken.
Ok, so if you win with a $1000 bid and pay shipping of $50 you did ok.
If you win with a bid of $500 and pay $200 shipping you were taken??? Ah ya that makes sense.
Packaging and driving to the shipping place does cost something. Oh ya Ebay does not take a cut of shipping so some add Extra there not decite just another way to make money. I always wonder about the auctions that state shipping cost clearly in the auction then the winner leaves neg. feedback cause shipping was so much. its like yo did you even read the ad for what you were buying.
I got lucky to find the exact bike that I wanted in my size…kj
good point. Size actually has alot to do with price on ebay, cause there are more people in the common sizes, so large and small bikes tend to not go as high. Unless unlucky for you someone else your size is looking the same time you are.