Anytime I'm interested in a bike... Ebay... CL... whatever

I NEVER NEVER NEVER reveal how interested I am via the phone. I arrange to meet in person, at a specific time, and only in person do I decide whether it's worth my time and my money. And even then... You will still have to negotiate, whether it's for a lower or a higher price. If you are really interested, you make the drive. And even then, even when I deal, I am always prepared to walk away from it. Once you let the other side know how much you want it, and that you are willing to do just about anything to get it, they pretty much have you by the balls. And if you don't get it you're just setting yourself up for disappointment.

If you're dealing with a friend that's another matter. Strangers, IMO, fall into the category of unknowns. It's best to deal with them in an appropriate manner.

Here's the way I see it. A number of people have said the verbal contract is legally binding. But it's a lot like getting hit by a car in a crosswalk - sure you were legally in the right - but you may be dead or never walk again. Ok, maybe that's not a fair analogy, but you'd instead be wasting time in court in a he-said she-said sort of situation.

See buying a bike as a negotiation. Nothing is set in stone until money has changed hands. This has nothing to do with wistfully wishing that the rest of the world has integrity. It's nothing personal, and as far as I'm concerned, it's just business. It doesn't mean you have to be an a** or unscrupulous. Just take the necessary precautions so u don't waste your time and be a bit more savvy in playing the game.