How should I sell this?

GadgetGuru

So I have an electric bike I wish to sell. Never sold anything like this before...
Will be listed at £550, with a view to accepting anything over £500.
I intend to list locally - Facebook/Gumtree 

When a prospective buyer comes to view/purchase, how do I proceed?
I'm happy to show the buyer over the bike of course - its all like new so nothing to hide - but what about when it comes to testing? 
I don't want them testing the bike and risking them riding off with it (in London!) - although I understand there is a need for the buyer to test before they choose whether to purchase.....

So how do I proceed?
Do I ask for payment first, then let them test etc while I wait - I assume a serious buyer should be OK with this considering it will be outside my house anyways, so they know where I live regardless....?

Any other way to do this?
Thanks

MyRealNameToo

Allow you to hold the cash whilst they take it for a test ride seems reasonable and covers the flight risk. Does leave the more awkward situations like if they fall off the bike, are knocked off or are mugged of the bike then what happens but there are only so many scenarios you can plan for. 

GadgetGuru

Hadn't considering the falling off the bike scenario - more likely than getting mugged I guess.......

powerspowers

Take their car keys? I’ve bought lots of second hand bikes and just whizzed down the street on them, although it was been a bit quieter than maybe where you are! 

If you are really worried can you find a bike shop to sell it to or sell it for you? 

messia07

I remember a few years ago the police stating they are happy for people to conduct eBay transactions outside/near police stations. Maybe meeting during the day, in a location like that would be safer?

Are you sure you don’t want to sell through eBay? I don’t want to alarm you but every serious scam/theft reported on the news regarding online selling, where buyers/sellers meet each other I’ve ever read, has been sales through Facebook/gumtree ( counterfeit cash, mugging, thefts). At least with eBay you can gage the buyer through their buying history, feedback and get paid through eBay.

Avon and Somerset police have some good selling advice regarding safety on their website, please google search: Facebook Marketplace Sellers Beware – Counterfeit Cash

rollingmoon

You've probably got more protection selling it on eBay, plus if you're a private seller it won't cost you anything.

If I lived in the 'hood and I was selling an electric bike, I'd offer to let the potential buyer see me piloting it up and down the road; that's just as good a demonstration of it working as if it were them riding it.

martindow

messia07 said:

I remember a few years ago the police stating they are happy for people to conduct eBay transactions outside/near police stations. Maybe meeting during the day, in a location like that would be safer?

It can be a challenge finding those in some places!  I can't really see why being defrauded on a pavement outside a police station provides much protection.

GadgetGuru

Thanks guys - maybe I should consider eBay. That way payment is processed prior to collection, and removes all issues altogether I guess. Only downside is buyer could use it for up to a month, do whatever they want, then make up some excuse to return for a full refund!