02-19-2020, 03:19 AM
I've sold several cars and motorcycles on Craig's with success, nearly selling within a few days of listing for at or near my price. The key is writing the ad and presenting the machine the right way. Cruise listings, look at what people show and write, and you'll quickly get a good idea of what NOT to do.
I am very clinical in my description. Simple but accurate description of condition, mileage and any known problems. Too short, and you seem like you want to dump whatever it is very quickly. Too many details, lofty descriptions, make you sound like you're in love with the machine, and will not be willing to entertain reasonable offers. I de-emphasize personal modifications, as they may immediately turn off someone who doesn't care what I have done to the bike (farkles, etc).
Photos - I take photos in a plain parking lot, with no visible distractions. No "side of the road with a great view", not in my garage, not with a person in the photo. Again, very clinical. If I want to emphasize cleanliness, I take photos of both sides, front, back, and closeups where wear and tear typically take place - gauges showing key hole (no rash), tires, pipes, etc. I also take a photo top-down with the seat off, showing a clean chassis.
My .02, it has always worked well for me.
Photos that turn me off immediately:
Bike is on a wet driveway: You never maintain it, but washed it for a photo
Bike is in the garage wedged between a car and the wall: You never ride it, and are too lazy to move it for a photo
Bike is on a trailer: Red flag
Bike is under a lean-to or down the side of a house: Red flag
Bike is surrounded by an array of jackets, helmets, boots and gloves: You dumped your bike, your wife is making you sell everything. I am not paying for your mistake.
Bike is in front of the dealer on the day you bought it: I don't need to see what it looked like when it was new, you are hiding what it looks like now.
I am very clinical in my description. Simple but accurate description of condition, mileage and any known problems. Too short, and you seem like you want to dump whatever it is very quickly. Too many details, lofty descriptions, make you sound like you're in love with the machine, and will not be willing to entertain reasonable offers. I de-emphasize personal modifications, as they may immediately turn off someone who doesn't care what I have done to the bike (farkles, etc).
Photos - I take photos in a plain parking lot, with no visible distractions. No "side of the road with a great view", not in my garage, not with a person in the photo. Again, very clinical. If I want to emphasize cleanliness, I take photos of both sides, front, back, and closeups where wear and tear typically take place - gauges showing key hole (no rash), tires, pipes, etc. I also take a photo top-down with the seat off, showing a clean chassis.
My .02, it has always worked well for me.
Photos that turn me off immediately:
Bike is on a wet driveway: You never maintain it, but washed it for a photo
Bike is in the garage wedged between a car and the wall: You never ride it, and are too lazy to move it for a photo
Bike is on a trailer: Red flag
Bike is under a lean-to or down the side of a house: Red flag
Bike is surrounded by an array of jackets, helmets, boots and gloves: You dumped your bike, your wife is making you sell everything. I am not paying for your mistake.
Bike is in front of the dealer on the day you bought it: I don't need to see what it looked like when it was new, you are hiding what it looks like now.