How to Create a For-Sale Motorcycle Listing That Doesn’t Have Red Flags
Selling your motorcycle on the marketplace should give you the same benefits of riding, such as speed, convenience, control, and value. When you list your bike, you need to establish a strong reputation as a reliable seller. A bad transaction could harm your ability to list on the marketplace, especially with so many shoppers checking online reviews when buying a motorcycle. To help you connect with buyers for a positive selling experience, Cycle Trader is sharing more on how to create a for-sale listing that doesn’t have red flags.
Reasons for Selling Your Motorcycle
High demand on the marketplace means it’s always a great time to sell your motorcycle online. Sellers are getting more value than ever before with their bikes, and it’s worth it when you consider the reasons behind selling. You might need the money right away, or would like to upgrade to your next bike for your skillset. Or maybe your bike just isn’t worth the money or time to maintain. Look out for these signs it’s time to sell your motorcycle.
Plus, our search filters allow people to find exactly what they are looking for based on things like price, make, model, trim package, location, engine size, mileage, and more. So, chances are good that the bike you have is the exact model someone else wants. However, you still want a quality listing that includes all the information a prospective buyer wants to know. You never want to read a negative review from your selling experience, or even worse, have a purchase come back to you that you thought was finalized.
If you have never placed an online ad before, here’s a guide that will help you put together a great listing that won’t immediately raise red flags or turn away a potential buyer.
Be Honest
If you’re a first-time seller, you haven’t had an opportunity to build up a solid, respectable reputation among buyers just yet. However, if you ever decide to list again in the future, this is your opportunity to make sure people don’t remember you for all the wrong reasons. For example, if your dirt bike has some imperfections from off-roading, let the shopper know. On your listing, give an accurate description of the make, model, year, mileage, and damage history. There is no reason to stretch the truth to try to create a sale. If you list something that’s false or misleading, you could be called out for it. Know that your reputation is on the line when you sell, so be honest.
Be Creative
You’ll want to take high-quality photos and/or videos of your motorcycle to include with your listing. This not only gives shoppers a good visual reference, it helps to show your integrity as a seller when the visuals match the actual bike during any inspections.
Don’t worry about getting professional photos. Your smartphone should work just fine. Just be sure to take a shot of the front, back, and each side, and maybe even a shot of the odometer to show that it matches the mileage you have listed in the ad. While shooting, be careful to avoid shadows or shooting into the sun, and make sure you review each shot moving on to the next. If you’re not happy with what you’re seeing, take another photo, maybe using a slightly different angle to get the visual you’re hoping to capture. Then, try and get a video of your used motorcycle in action.
Be Flexible
A seller who is truly interested in making a transaction will be willing to provide information about their identity and how to best communicate with them. Those who aren’t open and transparent can seem a little suspicious. Let buyers know up front that you are willing to accept questions by phone or email, and that you’d be willing to meet them in person if they are interested in getting a first-hand look at the bike. When creating a for-sale listing, it’s important to know shoppers’ red flags when buying a motorcycle, so you can create an ad that welcomes buyers instead of turning them away.
Be Accurate
Do your research before including an asking price. You want it to be accurate based on the make, model, and any accessories you might have added, but also factor in the age and mileage. Be careful not to list a low-ball price thinking that you’ll get more offers that will let you use buyer competition to negotiate a higher cost. That might not work, plus a low price can sometimes trigger buyers to wonder if the deal is too good to be true, leaving them to wonder what you might be hiding. Also, let potential buyers know if the price is firm or you’re willing to negotiate and be sure to let them know in your listing that there are no hidden fees or charges involved.
Be Prepared
If a prospective buyer contacts you and wants to meet for an on-site inspection, have all the necessary paperwork ready to show that you are the rightful owner and that you have maintained the bike to keep it in good condition. This might include showing them a copy of the title that lists you as the owner, any service history records and receipts, or replacement part receipts if you’ve done all the maintenance work yourself. If you bought the bike from someone else, the buyer may also want to see a history of the previous owners. Follow tips for safe transactions when you sell a motorcycle so you’re prepared when a shopper approaches, and to help you avoid any conflicts.
Be Positive
If all goes well, your bike will be on its way to a new home, and you’ll have the cash in hand for whatever comes next for you. Even if you are a first-time seller, following the tips in this guide will help you establish a good reputation in the marketplace.
For a smooth selling process, follow these tips to avoid red flags and establish a strong reputation on the marketplace for potential buyers. As a result, you could get more value for your bike, and make a faster sale. And if you’re looking to buy new or used bikes or motorcycle trailers, check out the nation’s largest online marketplace for all of the listings on CycleTrader.com, and list your motorcycle today at CycleTrader.com/Sell.
Visit the Cycle Trader Seller’s Guide for more great insight and advice when listing your bike online.
Barrett Baker
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