Originally Posted by
Blompson
So I've got a Craigslist bidding war going on right now and I could use advice. I posted for $120 and got a buyer the first day. Later same day a second buyer offered $150. Now therest also an offer on the table of $100 plus what he says is a '59 Schwinn (see below). He says he has the original fenders and chain guard as well.
What would *you* do?
Did you ask a set price? Sounds like it. Then take your price and move on. Did you accept any of these offers? Me, morally once I accept an offer, thats it. I don't renege on deals. I also do not negotiate via email or phone. I always say in person in cash. If someone wants it, I tell them, call me when you get in your car to head here, and I will hold it until you arrive. Otherwise, no holds either. A full price offer via text/phone/email is meaningless. But I make these ground rules clear up front.
If I get slammed with responses, I tell them full price and I will not hold. I contact the first person, tell them that I had a lot of response, so the first person that can come buy it gets it. If they tell me they can't come until tomorrow or the weekend, or some other delay, I tell them I'll call them back then if it is still available. I then call
#2 .
Why? Because C/L is full of people who don't show up. Rather than hold for someone who never makes it, I just go to the first real buyer. I've had so many buyers that were 15 minutes away and never showed. Deadbeats! Same with negotiating. Negotiating on the phone, text or email is a waste of time. It just commits YOU the seller. I do tell buyers I think my price is fair. I don't play games on prices and inflate them to leave negotiating room. The buyer has no obligation to ever show up. Now I will modify this if the person lives a long way away. But with a lot of response, no thanks.
Now if you haven't accepted any of these offers, and they were more non-committal, and I like the red bike, I'd take the red bike and the cash. If I don't want the red bike, I don't take trades. My goal in selling a bike is to sell it, not get another bike that I in turn have to sell. So unless I want the trade, I won't take it. Trades need to be positive for me because the person giving me the trade is transferring the headache/time/job of selling their bike to me. If I like the red bike, thats a favorable trade for sure. Reattach coaster brake arm.
You must live in an area with a lot of retired people, as trikes around here are impossible to sell. Good for you! (I'm retired, and no way I want a trike, so not all retired people are trike buyers).