Mountain Biking - Ebay Bike Shipping Questions

Hi, I plan to sell a Mountain Bike on Ebay soon (it will be my first Ebay sale), and had a few questions about how bicycle shipping works. I've searched the forums but haven't found all the information I need:

1. Can I get shipping boxes from my LBS? How much do they usually cost?

2. Would they (or any other company) help package the bike for me? It is currently being cleaned and tuned up. I am clueless about how to package the bike for shipment and want to do it correctly.

3. From my research it looks like FedEx ground is the best service, should I just take the boxed up bike in for a price quote to put in my Ebay listing?

Thanks!

Go to your LBS and ask them for a box. Heck a lot of shops now offer packing and shipping for people just like you.

They provide the box, the partial disassembly and the wrapping and packing of the bike. Then since they (usually) already have a UPS or FEDEX accnt, they just ship it directly from the shop.

Other than that, many times a shop will GIVE you bike box, and if you ask nice they'll throw in some extra packaging.

If you can find a CANNONDALE dealer. Of all the bikes I've unpacked over the years, Cannondale boxes are bigger and sturdier than others. However, since their boxes are bigger they are bigger than the limits that Fed Ex allows. My Fed Ex will ship them, but I've heard of other places where they will not. UPS is the same BTW.

I've also found FED EX Ground to be them most affordable and Reliable. Also, FED EX is easier to deal with than UPS in the event something gets damaged. Here's a TIP. BUY THE INSURANCE. Not for the price you sold the bike, but for the FULL REPLACEMENT COST (IOW, new MSRP for a similar bike). If you claim the bike is worth $250 and it gets destroyed, they'll only give you $250, but it may be worth $300. Capice? (Think Italian Slang)

Price varies, so state that. If the buyer is concerned about shipping charges, state that if they provide you with a zip code, then you will give them an estamated shipping cost. Don't forget to add the HANDLING Fee that the shop will charge you to pack the bike. I live in FL and have shipped a bike all the way to WA. Costs about $45.00. So, figure it'll be approx 40 to 50 depending on where it's going.

I sell lots of stuff on ebay, I agree with everything above. The only thing I would suggest is using the shipping calculator. The draw back for you is your choices are UPS and USPS which means UPS only. The positive is everybody can see exactly what the shipping will be without having to wait for your reply plus you can add the handling and box cost up front. You will get more bids when the shipping is clearly defined in your auction. I use UPS all the time and have never had any issues.

I use UPS all the time and have never had any issues.

Wish I could say the same. I've shipped a lot of stuff using both companies. UPS has damaged stuff several times and refused to pay. So, I refused to give them anymore of my money.

Fed-Ex has damaged some stuff, but never had a problem with them reimbursing me.

I'm sure other (like KONA) have a different opinion, but for me, FED-EX is the preferred method.

Plus, their shipping storefront is closer to my home.

Just to be clear I have no problem with FedEx. I wish that was an option on ebay's shipping calculator. I like to give the buyer as many options as possible because each has their own advantages and disadvantages.

Whenever I've sold stuff, I make it clear that I prefer to use Fed-Ex for shipping, but eventually the buyer is paying and will use whatever method they prefer. If they want to use Fed-Ex then I have them email me with their zip code.

Just charge a flat rate of $50 (it's the goin' rate).

Remove the handlebars, wheels, and pedals so it'll lay flat in the box.