Old 04-30-11, 09:55 AM
  #16  
wrk101
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Location: Mountains of Western NC
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Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more

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Originally Posted by hurley81388
Assuming the bike doesn't fit, is this a risky flip? Or is it very likely I could break even?
There are risks to every flip. Risk is controlled by:

1. Your ability to spot serious problems (and pass on the bike).

2. Buying right (well below market, which means a clear understanding of the market in your area).

3. Controlling repair/rehab costs by doing all of the work yourself.

4. Your ability to market the bike when you sell it (often underestimated in importance IMHO).

5. And every once in a while, despite all of these steps, a flip doesn't work out. But by following these steps, risk is minimal.

The number one way I minimize risk is paying low prices for bikes, often I base offers on what the parts can bring by themselves. This means I pass on a lot of bikes.
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