Using Craigslist to Find Bike Deals

With spring just around the corner, there will be an abundance of used bikes hitting craigslist. Everyone will be starting their spring cleaning soon. The expensive bike that was purchased years ago and didn't get much use has been sitting around and taking up space for a very long time. Therefore, it must go. So, it's thrown on craigslist for cheap in hope of a quick sale. The seller will be happy to sell the bike to you at an exceptional price and happy you helped clear some much needed space. It doesn't get much better than this scenario. Luckily for the money conscious bike shopper, this happens all the time. I am happy to share some tips with you about how to use craigslist to find the best deals.

1. Using keywords- When searching on Craigslist use different sets of keywords and search categories. Use the keyword bike and then bicycle.

Browse the bike category without any keywords. Many people will not use specific terms in their craigslist posting. For example the poster might refer to their bike as a cool old school bike but didn't specify that it is a vintage Schwinn Krate. If you did a search for "Schwinn Krate" this bike would not bring up the "cool old school bike" that just happens to be the "Schwinn Krate" you have been looking for.

Search under the "all categories" category. Many people do not post their items in the right category. Looking outside the bike category sometimes brings the results you were searching for. Plus, if you are able to find a bike listed outside of its category you may be able to get a better deal. In this situation the seller may assume that no one is interested in his listing because no one has contacted him regarding it. In reality, no one has seen it because it was posted in the wrong place. If the seller feels there is little interest in the bike he's selling he is more likely to cut you a great deal

The same concept applies to misspellings. For example someone may spell Schwinn "Schwyn". If you come across a misspelled listing, many times it is to your benefit. The sellers perceived value of the bike has decreased because of the lack of interest shown in it.

2. Search surrounding areas. Sometimes the best deals are right in your own neighborhood. Other times you have to search a little further. Keep in mind that finding the right bike at the right price may be well worth a little extra driving to pick it up. If transportation is an issue for picking up your bike there is a solution for that. I've found that many people will consider delivering there items with a fee or even at no extra cost at all. This is a great option as long as there is efficient and honest communication between the buyer and the seller.

3. Polish up on your negotiating skills. All the terms and conditions of your craigslist deal are completely negotiable. Some people are apprehensiveness when it comes to negotiating. Through personal experiences of buying and selling on craigslist, I've found that the majority of people are willing to negotiate prices. I've found that as more and more people deal on craigslist, negotiating prices and terms has become pretty much the expected norm. Many sellers even take this expectation into account when setting their prices. They will mark there price up a bit in anticipation of an offer. Remember to be creative in your negotiating. As I mentioned earlier, you may be able to work delivery into your deal saving you time and money.

4. Barter- Bartering has become increasingly popular the last few years. Think about all the old stuff that you have laying around, stored in the attic, garage and basement. You may have something that you have long forgotten about or have no need for. Someone may very well be searching for exactly the thing you have. Make a craigslist listing under the "barter" category. Offer your item up in exchange for a bike. You could also search Craigslists' "wanted" category in search of someone wanting the item you have. If you find someone, contact them and ask if they would be interested in trading for the item they are looking for.

5. Ask and you shall receive- Craigslist allows you to create listings for items that you are looking for. Create a listing under the wanted category. It could say something like, "Wanted~ I am looking for a gently used road bicycle with no mechanical issues. Please contact me with a photo detail and asking price. Thank you." I've always have really great responses when posting in the wanted section of craigslist. This is a really effective way to find a great deal because you will be the first to hear about it.

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