I found a really nice condition Schwinn Searcher, which is a hybrid shaped like a beach cruiser. It's not in perfect condition, but is really nice considering how old it is(about ten years?) I posted up on CL for $160, figuring someone would come at least close to the price. I thought it was fair, given the condition, and that it's not a Wal Mart Schwinn. So anyway, this guy comes al the way to the house, looks it over, rides it, and offers me $80. I said no and he left, looking a little confused that I wouldn't jump at the offer. I might have taken as low as $120 to get it out of here, but $80 was insulting IMHO. I didn't know whether to laugh or tell him to get the hell out of my driveway...

Thoughts?

The Schwinn in question....

You have to remember, that type of bike is naturally targeting people who shop for BSO's (new favorite term). So, maybe he thought it looked "cheap" and that he could get the same thing at the local X-mart, but since he was there he should go ahead and offer a comparable amount.
-Gene-

People are being thrifty these days, and I guess they think that gives them permission to insult us with outrageously low offers.
Heres the Raliegh I'm afriad to post, it was $300.00+ in '99, I guess I'll have to ask $75.00.

I've had people make low ball offers on day 1. I turn them down. There is always someone looking for a deal (hey, I am too). So you need to be patient, perhaps repost in a week or two. You will find the right buyer. That guy obviously was not.

I have gotten some really, really low ball offers on occasion. And some of the reasons are really lame. The last one was: "my husband told me I could only spend $100 on a bike". I felt like asking why she was looking at my $200 bike then? Its kind of like, you must be kidding. I just tell them no thanks.

It helps in my case that I am running out of bikes to flip. So there is no rush to sell the few remaining bikes I have left.

95% of the time, if someone comes out to look at the bike, they go home with it.

I don't flip many bikes and I'm always willing to negotiate the selling price, but when their first offer is less than 50% of my asking price, I just say no. I've even gotten low-ball offers from the local over-priced CL flipper. Wrk101 is right about being patient, the right buyer will eventually see your ad.

$160 for that cruiser is not too high. You just didn't find the right buyer.
As I said on another forum, repairing bikes for me is a labor of love. I do it because I like saving vintage and/or neglected bikes from oblivion. I'm not into making a killing, so my prices are probably lower than I could get if I was high-balling it. Then again, the economy has to figure into it right now, and, if I'm low on flip-bikes, I might charge differently than if I was overstocked.
Keep your hand to the plow - eventually you'll find the buyer who's looking for your bike!

Well, to the OP how much did you pay for that Schwinn? Probably not at all close $160, if you saw it at the flea market for $160 you'd probably feel it was outrageous and laugh at the guy trying to sell it for that much.

Flipping is such a grey area.

Bikedued, (at the risk of offending some on this forum), my opinion is its the brand name of the bike you're selling along with the fact that it's not vintage. A lot of folks see "Wally World" with a big, round "Target" when they see Schwinn if the bike is not a vintage roadie from the days when Schwinn ruled. I have to admit, I stay away from their late model MTBs at yard sales for the same reason. I can hear the responses when I consider flipping one "Why should I pay you $125 for a used Schwinn when I can buy a new one at Wally World for $110?".
If you have not already done so, I think you should stress that your bike is a high quality bike sold by a LBS, not a department store Schwinn. Maybe that will help. BTW Mongoose suffers from the same problem. The only two Mongoose LBS MTB's I picked up I stripped for parts. Flipping them is a lost cause no matter how nice they are.

Looks like it's worth your asking price.
An antiques dealer I spoke with recently buys a lot. His take was that the inexperienced make low-ball offers. By offering half they just turn the seller off. He tells a seller he likes their item and asks if they have any room to do anything on the price. If not, he thanks them and moves on.

BSO?
please forgive my lack o' knowledge of this favored new term.... mind if i ask wth?
tia!

BSO: Bike Shaped Object

+1 Unfortunately, late model Schwinns scream Walmart/Target/whatever. It is a hard impression to overcome. But the right buyer will make the leap.

In the business world, we used the term BSO: it was our name for corporate: blood sucking overhead.

I have no idea what your bike is worth, but I often make low ball offers on bikes, and about half the people go for it. I'm polite. Offer a quick sale.

That's for overpriced bikes, and fair priced bikes. I offered $50 for a $110 Raleigh Record missing a seat, for instance, and the guy took it. He's a notorious and much-hated CL flipper, too. The bike was all original, probably <100miles on it. I offered $250 for my Competition that was listed at $400 and got it. Some bikes I pay what's asked, no haggling at all. Depends on how much I want something, and how overpriced it is.

Again, no insult intended - I have no idea how much a newer bike is worth. I just wanted to present the other side.

I do know a Record isn't worth $375, even with a kick ass seat.

I think I'd have paid $130 if I wanted to ride it, $80 if I wanted to flip it for $130. I think it's a nice bike.
Some folks think if they show up and low-ball, it will work. Probably because it often does.

I try not to low-ball, just offer what it's worth to me. I probably pay too much to make anything, and charge too little.
What price, fun?

Never underestimate the cajones of a Craigslister. I've had folks ask if I'd sell something listed for $125 for $50. What else is new?

-Kurt

I appreciate this thread, because I eventually will be selling on CL myself, and I have no idea what to expect. Regarding Bikedued's price on his bike, I'm afraid I'm one of those who can't tell by looking at that bike that it is not an x-mart Schwinn. I'll wager most people can't, either, outside of this board's members.

I think Rocco's got it diagnosed. I myself would have to be within arms reach of that bike to know it was a bike store bike and not a box store item. Punch up the ad, maybe. Original price, only in bike shop, name the shop if there's a sticker. "High quality hybrid / fitness bike with cruiser looks and comfort." blah blah. Just my thoughts.

I sell a lot on craigslist. I get a little peeved when someone shows up, then low-balls me on the spot. They should get that nonsense out of the way during the email phase of the transaction.

I've had people who would bite on the price of a $100 dollar bill being offered at $50. I swear they're out there.

Best thing to do with an ad you place for something you know the value of - Use the word: FIRM at the end of the price. This weeds out the riff-raff. Just stand stoically and stare when they offer you the "Shiny New Nickel" in their pitch. Do NOT budge.

Been there - Done that.

I think I have that same bike I need to get going. Mine is a Raleigh Retro-Six.

I'll take them both. Let me know where to send the $75.....

Yup, same animal, 'cept I just put chrome fenders on mine.

Unfortunate but true.

I do take a different approach at garage sales. My thinking on a garage sale is that offers are fine and expected. My last offer was on a Nishiki mountain bike. It was late in the day, they were asking $15 for it. I offered $10 which they accepted. I can't believe I just didn't give them the $15. But it is kind of how garage sales work.

The worst are the people who make a laundry list of complaints about the bike before they lowball you on the price. As if that would convince you to give it away...


It only makes me want to ask them "Well if you think it's so bad, why do you even want to buy it?"