Sell a Bike Online vs. Local Pickup: Pros and Cons

In the age of the internet, it is tempting to do every little thing online. Most things become much more convenient with technology involved, but it can have its drawbacks. When selling a bike, old-fashioned in-person selling has some strengths that online selling can never replicate. It also has drawbacks that need to be carefully navigated.

Making a deal in person is the easiest way to sell your bike and have cash in your hand on the same day. It can be as simple as walking into a local bike shop with your used bike, making a cash or store credit deal, and being done with it. An online buyer might be on the other side of the country and require a week or more for their payment to clear. This also means you will have to pack up and ship their bike, which is a major hassle.

Chances are, your in-person sale will have an online component as well. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are popular ways to orchestrate in-person sales. Use the internet to your advantage, but don’t make it your only option. If you are a good negotiator, using Facebook Marketplace or a similar platform to make the deal in person can give you an advantage. Keep your eye on market data to know the value of your bike.

When doing an in-person deal, always be wary of scams. Peer-to-peer markets that require meetups attract scammers who might try to fake a payment or even run away with your bike. Make sure the cash is in your account before handing over the bike, and always take collateral before a test ride. Do all of your in-person deals in a public place.