So in a couple weeks my LBS is having their annual bike swap. I sell all my bike stuff locally on Kijiji, but I've read in places that stuff sells for "more" at swaps, and you net more money even despite their (in my LBS's case) 20% commission. Is this true? I have a few framesets I wouldn't mind moving and it would be more convenient to sell through them.

What's your experience with this? Yay or nay?

Hey there,

I have only one experience with selling things at a swap, and it was a good experience. i am not sure about the higher price opinion, my take on it is just that it is a higher likelihood of actually selling something, which equates to more money.

i had a raleigh 3-spd that i found for $25, put about 25 more in cleaning and new brakes, turned around and sold it at a swap for $125. mind you, this was in fairbanks alaska where a raleigh 3-spd is basically useless most of the year. when i went to pick thru the scraps towards the end of the swap there were basically no bikes left- all had been purchased. Not much gear left either, so again my take is that you just have a higher chance of selling something, not necessarily getting more money from it.

just my opinion, good luck!

Do you have an entry fee or table fee? That could take a bite out of profits.

No experience selling at one of these but I would mark price up to cover at least some of the bike shop commission. You could also use it as a forum to make contact for a later private sale.

I walk away without a word, if I feel something is too high. A lot of times things are cheaper than anywhere else. You have to catch the right seller. Lets say, a guy who is into cruisers or BMX, who has a small stash of mountain or road parts. Or I look for the guy who has a A LOT of older stuff they just want to get rid of. People who have things priced too high, and are firm, I usually don't waste a lot of time on. Most of the time I have found the prices are much like the prices on the C&V classifieds, only a level or so lower. I got a rear 8 speed XT derailleur at the last swap, for $5. Nearly perfect condition. Those are the kinds of deals I go for, hehe. If you roll into a swap with $20 stems and $40 derailleurs, you're not going to sell much. I've sold complete bikes before, but people will always try to talk you WAY down on those, even if they're nicely priced. I go for the components mostly.,,,,BD

This isn't the exact derailleur, but very close. Mine is a tiny bit cleaner, and no scars.

https://www.ttsattler.com/m/ebay/shim...1208-14702.jpg

There is a large spring bike swap here, little different than most in that it is 100% managed by a large bike coalition non profit. Whole bikes only and you pay 15% commission on any sale but can drop them off and never have to haggle or deal with buyers. I have moved quite a few whole bikes at this swap, generally can mark up 10% to CL postings. I have sold $150-$600 bikes at this swap but generally works best for $200 or less vintage rides that are ready to go. Have about 7-8 overhauled resellers that will probably take there this year as to me it is worth netting a little less but having them sold fast vs the CL hassle. Could be my last swap as rehabber though as generally no longer finding it worth my time/effort on non keeper projects but for 3x years now the swap is where I move a lot of the winter inventory. Of course as I am riding in today (and freezing my ass off in 15F weather) I see a trek 420 that I saved from oblivion, frankenbiked back up, sold at swap, and now I see around a good bit with same rider. I am a sucker for seeing old things of quality saved/reused.

In my experience, bike swaps are populated by sellers in two categories: 1-looking to get rid of stuff, but not stupid, and 2-looking to sell higher than market value. I find about 80% are #1 . The ones I go to either have a table fee or none at all, bring your own tables. The outdoor ones are the best, because you see who rode what to the swap. I like to position myself next to the local co-op guy, so I can unload whatever I don't sell (if he/she is cool, always have been, so far).

If you're looking for top dollar, good luck. Again, in my experience, people looking to buy at swap meets are int two categories, 1-looking for bargains, or 2-just tired of LBS pricing (these are the folks who pay $300 for $450 MTB's that have been beat to death, just because they're tired of LBS, tired of CL, and tired of BS.).

I'm game for about any bike swap in Richmond, as much to re-connect with poguemahone and sykerocker, meet other BF C&V folks as anything. I met LeicaLad at the last one.

I took a page from pogue/syke's book last time. They used to go to see if they could sell enough for a nice lunch and a beer or two. I talked my wife (very skeptical) into that. We left Olive Garden, and she got to drive home (courtesy of my several beers) and still put $150 in her pocket. She'll probably go to the next one, eh?

I will flip a couple bikes at the next one. There are so many people looking for decent "get around" bikes at a reasonable cost. I had no idea, probably because I'm rural, and Richmond is decidedly urban.

Large Cities, Urban Neighborhoods;

I have done quite well selling complete, refurbished bikes at these swaps for obvious reasons I suppose. Always sell a frameset or to, too. I've also talked 5'8" buyers out of buying 63cm road bikes. These are my favorite swaps because they draw from the local neighborhood, bike commuters and the like. Urban folks are educated buyers who need and love bicycles



Outskirts of large cities, large venues;

Complete bikes don't seem to sell very well. Frames, tools, workstands, small parts seem to attract lots of buyers.



LBS Swaps;

I have never really done very well at these, they don't seem to draw very big crowds, so I don't go very often. It usually seems to be all the vendors buying from each other. Your results may vary


Do you want to get rid of your stuff or sell for profit. Price accordingly and you will make someones day.