Originally Posted by
HerrKaLeun
If the old bike is valuable, the customer either keeps it as spare, or knows they can get decent money when selling themselves.
An LBS has a reputation to defend and have liability selling a bike. So they need to fix many items and replace worn parts. For most bikes that fixing at LBS rates is close to the value of the bike. Plus the unrealistic expectation of how much that trade- in credit should be.
I don't know commercial real estate. But assume a squarefoot store space cost a few $ each month, you see how a used bike taking space eats your money.
As said above, 90% of bikes are department store bike. I assume another 9% are $500 bikes. So most bikes are cheaper to replace than worth used.
Enthusiasts buy new stuff or very selected used stuff.
I guess it would simply be up to the seller/buyer as to what expected sale price, restoration investment requirements, or even if the trade-in bike would be accepted. Basic policy for example, may include only bikes less than 4-5 years old and/or expected resale value of over $X. The LBS could set this anyway that makes sense for them.
The real estate is a good point -- I'm sure it's a not easy premise for urban-based shops; the example I use though does the sales/display thru Ebay -- the used bikes aren't in a showroom but I believe stored more in a warehouse, however I think one could be made available to see by appointment.
Anyway to reiterate, if places like proscloset and sidelineswap can provide make a business out of selling some used (non dept store quality) bikes, I only thought that perhaps more LBS shops could find this to work for them as well -- while more importantly removing a potential barrier to making a sale on a new bike.