Update to the original post is on thread #98....


, over the last week I have been in discussion with another member on this site to purchase a bike that's currently in the Classified section. After several emails and 1 phone call... we strike a deal. His offer: He delivers the bike to me(2,000 miles away), and he insists I pay for the bike in full before he pulls out of the garage. I offered to give him a deposit of $500-$1000 for his peace of mind or to pay his expenses...he insists it to be paid in full. Whats my guarantee he will deliver?

A little background: I offered to fly out to him, pay $500 less than the price we negotiated, in cash or by cashiers check, and ride it home 2,000 miles away. He counter offered to deliver the bike for the negotiated price...but wants it paid in full.

With all the planning and pricing I did to fly out to him and to ride the bike back home, I estimated $750-$800 in expenses. It would be CHEAPER and EASIER for him if I flew there and picked up the bike....but he would rather I pay the negotiated price and he spends the $750-$800 to deliver it? Does this make any sense? It's as though he has something to hide.

I suggested very early in the negotiations using a third party title/money escrow company to handle the transaction. I send them my Cashiers/Certified check, he mails his title to them as well. When the shipping company picks up the bike, they release the check to the seller and the title to the buyer. He refused using any service to facilitate the transaction. There are risks for both of us...but this seemed like a great way to handle the transaction impartially.

I don't even know if this bike is his or if it's a scam. I asked for a copy of the title, his name and address, a picture of the vin# on the bike... he backed out of the sale.

Does this sound shady or fishy to anyone?


I have an update to this post on #98. I will keep the updates going as I know more. Thanks all!!!

 

Doesn't sound like a normal seller to me.

 

Yup. Just doesn't seem right......

 

I'd say find another bike, something don't sound right.

 

I wouldn't buy a bike that way.

 

I pay for stuff when keys, paperwork and vehicles is handed over, and NOT a minutes sooner. JMO... Might be a nice guy but at the end of the day this wont be a safe buy unless the trade for bike/cash is done at the same time. Look on craigslist locally , I'll bet whatever your looking at is available locally too...

 

Thanks Guys... I have tried to wrap my head around this deal, but it just seems funny. I just don't understand his way of thinking. Give him money and hope I get a bike? Offer to pay a deposit... NO, I want it paid in full. I want to FLY AND RIDE IT BACK... NO, I will deliver it when you pay in full.

Feeling better about this deal falling thru. I would mention the members name, but don't want to stir things up... Keeping it anonymous.

 

there would be no reason for him not to let you fly out and pay for the bike and leave.
Something stinks.

 

For me... I don't pay until I take possesion. I want the keys a bill of sale and I hand over a bank draft for the full amount. I wouldn't pay for it and hope it shows up, unless it was a dealer or legitimate business.

 

I agree with you completely about how a transaction is completed. This specific bike is not one I have found locally, but one will come up.