G1nko

I've decided to sell my Gent's 1948 Raleigh Dawn Tourist, but I'd like to get an opinion on value before I put it up on the 'Bay.

Some idiosyncrasies with this bike that might affect value:

• There was some damage to the frame caused by an incorrect kickstand being installed. The damage was professionally repaired at a local welding shop and they say it's structurally sound.
• The Sturmey trigger has a tendency to slip from 2nd gear into 3rd. It stays put in 1st. It's the spring, I'm sure, but I can't figure it out.
• Some of the rod brake parts are blacked-out instead of chrome. Leftovers from war production?
• I'm going to sell it with the original Brooks saddle. Cosmetically, this saddle is in fair condition, but cannot be ridden. It has a previous owners initials (JWE) carved into it.
• The right crank arm has a slight twist in it, but is completely ride-worthy.
• The Lucas lamp was rusted out and completely shot. It had no internal parts so I stripped, refinished, and installed an LED.
• Tires, brake pads, and grips are replaced; rest of the bike is original.
• Chrome frame pump is an inexpensive repro for cosmetics only.

Does November make a difference when selling? Should I wait 'til Spring?

Bianchigirll 

You need to advertise it "As seen on Call The Midwife" that will be good for an extra $100 on the price.

Great looking old machine.

G1nko

Nothing?

I guess I'll put a reserve on it for what I think it's worth and we'll see what the Auction Gods have to say...

wrk101

Where I am from, reserves just scare away buyers. Instead, just start it at a price you are comfortable with, and let it go from there.

I know I am not alone, a lot of people refuse to waste time bidding on items with a reserve.

For years, I started auctions with no reserve, and started them at 99 cents. That guaranteed I got bids, and action. I learned my lesson when I sold a mens leather coat for 99 cents, and I had the shipping too low, so I lost about $5 on the shipping. And I paid ebay for the "privledge" of this auction. So now I just start at the minimum I will accept, and go from there.

My wife did start an auction Sunday way low, hoping to attract interest. We'll see how that turns out. (I have my doubts). Well, I just looked. My wife is winning our bet on that one.

G1nko

I used to subscribe to the 99 cent theory, also. I definitely feel the same way about reserves.

Once I put a set of bagpipes up for sale on the 'Bay. I wanted $750 for them and that's what I listed them at; I figured if I got one bid, I was good with it. I got an email from some guy telling me the price was too high and when they didn't sell, he'd give me $400 for them. Well, they didn't sell, however, the guy's low-ball offer ticked me off so I put them back on the 'Bay for the same $400. This time the auction took off and they ended up selling for $900. Irony of it was the winning bidder was the guy who initially low-balled me.

I'm afraid of letting the bike go too cheaply if I don't set the price at something I'm comfortable with and I'm afraid of setting up the same situation as the pipes by going too high to start. That's why I love/hate the 'Bay.

zukahn1 

I would probably go ahead and list it with a starting price of $400 plus shipping. Nice pre merger made before 1955 Ralieghs that are orginal seem to be going for $500-600 sometimes more or less depending on model and condition. The 1940's ones are pretty rare so it is hard to price them the market is pretty slim not lot of buyers or sellers so it may be hard contect with buyer.