buying a nearly new bike, without seeing it...

[bazaarboy]

i like the sound of a bike for sale, but simply don't have the time to travel, view then ride back

the bike is almost new, owned privately and has 3 years manufacturer's warranty

have you ever bought without viewing?

any ideas how to go about safeguarding an upfront payment?

in terms of shipping, lots of companies specialise in this sort of transport - for around 100-150 so that would be ideal for me

 

[bazaarboy]

cheers for the opinions
If I could spare the time I'd rent a van and pick up myself, but the trip would take all day
I've seen this company: click they appear professional, but as mentioned, because its a brand-new bike I'd be mad with even a scatch

 

[bazaarboy]

Warwickshire

this is ad on ebay

 

[bazaarboy]

I've looked at the advert mate & 356 miles I wouldn't be to worried about the bike but I would like the address & bike together checked out if you get me.
I'd want the HPi report in his addy & then me to go visit him at that addy & see the bike where it lives if you know what I mean.
Am happy to do this for you if it's reasonably local.

much obliged!

I'm not worried about the mechanical condition of the bike, the main issue is how to safeguard an upfront payment
even if I get a good samaritan to inspect / ship the bike, because of the high value there's always the risk the seller might refuse to release the bike after payment

a shop taking a credit card is a different story of course...

 

[bazaarboy]

well, most people are decent - and it's not different from viewing a bike or car then paying for it

two years ago I bought my car from a private seller. I traveled about 120 miles to Leicester, spent about an hour checking, driving and chatting. I left a small deposit and because it was a sunday I could't pay for it

on the Monday I transferred a large sum of money to the chap's account - and two days later I went to collect the car. I was nervous but everything was ok
-- I worried I might get there and get told "Mr So-and-So doesnt live here any more!"

coming back to the bike, one option is an escrow service, but they all seem a bit dingy...
any one used an escrow service before?

 

[bazaarboy]

You got me there though mate I don't know how to safegaurd the payment release etc

If I can help in any way though Shout.

i've arranged a telephone chat with the seller tomorrow to ask a few questions, I will definitely update the thread later in the week

oh, and thanks once again for your offer

 

[bazaarboy]

Hi chaps,
Just to update you, not really sure what the seller is thinking -
We agreed to have a telephone chat at a set time, I called twice and not picking up.
Also sent a text and no reply.
So, not sure really. Perhaps he was busy etc, or decided he wasn't selling any more? Who knows, he did list a new bike for 5k under the list price, anyway will update you again if there is any further developments...
Thanks for your input once again