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Do you have an old bike you want to sell and turn into cash?
If you’re considering selling your bike, you may be pondering your options and have questions like “should I sell my bike near me? Are there any good places to sell a bike online? What is the value of my bike?”
In this post, I’ll list the top places to sell used bikes near me and online.
You can sell various types of bikes through these platforms, including:
- Mountain bikes
- BMX bikes
- Cross Country bikes
- Cyclocross bikes
- Downhill bikes
- E-bikes
- Fat bikes
- Triathlon bikes
- Road bikes
- Dirt jump bikes
- Endurance bikes
- Utility bikes
- Kid’s bikes
- Track bikes
- And other types
Additionally, I’ll provide tips on selling bikes and offer guidance on pricing yours for sale.
Where to sell bikes online
Let’s begin by exploring top websites to sell your bicycles online, whether used or new, and get cash.
1. The Pro’s Closet
Sell your bicycle easily with The Pro’s Closet, a top choice in the market. Submit your bike, frame, or wheels online in minutes by providing two photos and basic details. Within 24 hours, you’ll receive a free quote.
If you’re satisfied, you’ll get a free shipping label to send your bicycle to the company. Once The Pro’s Closet receives it, they’ll inspect the bicycle before completing your payment.
You can choose from various payment options, including:
- Cash
- The Pros Closet store credit
- Credit at your local TradeUP bike shop.
2. Goodbye Cycle
Goodbye Cycle specializes in buying premium used bicycles. Complete their online form with the necessary details about your bike.
Within 24 hours, the company will provide you with an offer. If the offer meets your approval, you can accept it and choose a convenient shipping method. Pack your bicycle and send it to Goodbye Cycle. Payment can be received through PayPal or check.
3. Bike Exchange
Bike Exchange is a platform for selling your bike, with listing fees ranging from $9.95 to $29.95 based on the item price.
Your listing lasts 60 days; if it doesn’t sell, you can renew it for 50% of the original fee. All ads have unlimited changes, live web statistics, and weekly performance reports.
4. Pinkbike
You can advertise your bicycle on Pinkbike. You can sell complete bikes and bike parts such as frames, saddles, seat posts, and gear.
5. BicycleBlueBook
You can connect with a wide online audience by selling your bike on BicycleBlueBook’s marketplace.
Sell your bicycle through BicycleBlueBook in three easy ways:
- Create a listing: List your bicycle for sale on the site’s marketplace.
- Instant payout: Get a quote for your old bicycle and receive instant payment to your PayPal account.
- Trade-in: Exchange your old bike for a new one at BicycleBlueBook’s Authorized Trade-in Partners.
6. Reddit
Selling items, such as bikes, on Reddit can be effective. Use the subreddit r/BikeShop, which serves as Reddit’s dedicated platform for bicycle classifieds, to easily list your bike for sale.
7. BikeSoup
BikeSoup is an online platform where you can sell your used bicycles globally. When you list your bike, there’s a small fee of £9.95.
What sets BikeSoup apart is its user-friendly approach to shipping. They simplify the process by providing an all-inclusive delivery service in collaboration with SHERPR.
Where to sell bikes near me
If you prefer selling to a local buyer, you can discover nearby individuals interested in buying used bikes on the following platforms.
8. Offerup
OfferUp is an excellent platform for local selling without any listing fees. Unlike other platforms, you don’t have to invest money upfront.
When your bicycle sells, a service fee is applied, at a minimum of $1.99 or 12.9% of the sale price.
9. Craigslist
Consider using Craigslist as a platform to sell bikes. The site allows you to list items for free, and there’s no commission on your sales.
You have the flexibility to set your prices. Craigslist is particularly useful for local bike sales, whether you have an old or new bike. Creating a listing is easy, and you can include photos at no cost.
10. 5miles
Next up is 5miles, a platform akin to OfferUp, allowing you to sell various items locally across multiple categories, including bicycles. If you prefer avoiding the hassle of shipping, 5miles is worth considering.
One notable advantage of 5miles is that it doesn’t impose any fees for listing items, making it a cost-effective option for sellers.
11. Local pawn shops
Consider selling your bike to a local pawn shop. While it may not be the most lucrative option, pawn shops are known for quick cash transactions. Keep in mind that they usually buy items at a lower price to resell them for a profit.
However, if you need fast cash, pawn shops often pay on the spot for bicycles they’re interested in.
To locate a nearby pawn shop, use a search engine and enter either “pawn shop [city name or zip code]” or “pawn shop near me.”
Consider asking about the store’s interest in purchasing bikes, as the items accepted may differ between stores.
12. eBay
Selling items on eBay is a great option. It’s a popular online platform with millions of visitors. Whether auctioning or setting a fixed price, eBay provides a broad audience for your used bike.
You have the flexibility to set your desired price for the bike. Listing your bike is free for the first 50 items, making it cost-effective. Beyond the initial 50, each listing costs $0.30. Upon a successful sale, a 10% commission fee is applied.
13. Play It Again Sports
Consider selling your bicycle to Play It Again Sports. Visit your nearest store, and an employee will assess its condition and demand. If they choose to buy it, they’ll make you an immediate offer and provide on-the-spot payment. It’s a convenient option for selling your bicycle locally.
14. Local used sporting goods stores
If there’s a nearby sporting goods store, check if they purchase used bicycles. Not all stores do, so it’s advisable to call and ask. Remember that you may not receive the highest price since they often aim to resell for a profit.
Selling to a local store has the advantage of quick cash transactions. If you need money promptly, this can be a practical option.
15. SidelineSwap
SidelineSwap allows you to sell various types of bicycles easily, including BMX bikes, road bikes, and downhill bikes. Listing your bike for sale on the platform is free, and you can set your prices. Utilize the helpful pricing guide provided on the site to determine appropriate selling prices.
Once your item sells, SidelineSwap provides you with a prepaid shipping label for convenience. It’s important to note that there is a seller’s fee, which is 12% for the first 5 sales and 9% for subsequent sales on the platform.
SidelineSwap charges a 3% payment processing fee in addition to the seller fee. This fee goes to the site’s payment processor. Notably, the buyer covers the shipping costs.
Although SidelineSwap’s policy dictates using site-generated shipping labels for swaps, the help guide mentions an exception. The company can facilitate these sales if the buyer and seller agree on a local exchange and live nearby. SidelineSwap provides guidance on partially disassembling and packing bikes on its dedicated page.
16. Facebook Marketplace
Use Facebook Marketplace to sell your used bike without incurring any listing fees. It’s a cost-effective platform for selling items.
Unlike relying on a company’s quote, here you have the freedom to set your own prices, providing greater control over your earnings from the sale.
17. Bicycle Czar
Bicycle Czar offers a hassle-free solution for selling or trading your used bicycle, even if it’s damaged, eliminating the need to find a buyer. The store simplifies the process for bike owners.
Here are the two straightforward options to get cash for your old bike:
- Sell: Bicycle Czar directly purchases your used bike. If it’s in disrepair, they’ll salvage usable parts and compensate you accordingly.
- Trade: You also have the option to trade in your old bike for a new one within the store.
The Bicycle Czar is located at 24 10th Street, Santa Rosa, CA, California.
To initiate the process, contact Bicycle Czar at 707-540-1728 to discuss the details before bringing in your bike. Save time and effort by letting Bicycle Czar handle the sale or trade of your used bicycle.
Tips for selling your used bike fast
Now that you have various options to sell your bike, let’s focus on quick tips for selling it on platforms like Craigslist instead of getting a quote from places like The Pro’s Closet or selling it in-person at a local sports goods store.
Here are some effective tips for listing your used bicycle for sale:
Clean up the bike
Clean bikes enhance their appearance in listings and sell much quicker.
Ensure your bicycle is well-maintained; address any minor repairs that may be needed, as long as they are cost-effective.
A well-maintained bike sells faster and at higher prices compared to damaged ones.
Take some great photos
After cleaning your bicycle, it’s crucial to take clear and well-lit photos for potential buyers. This helps buyers get a better view of what they’re considering purchasing.
Choose a well-lit location and capture the bike from various angles, including full shots and close-ups of details. Avoid blurry, dark, or grainy images; aim for clear photos with good lighting to showcase your bicycle accurately.
Create a good listing
When creating your bike listing, provide essential details like type, model, and color.
Be transparent about the bike’s condition to build trust with potential buyers. Avoid exaggerating or downplaying its state. Concealing issues may deter buyers. Mention any wear, tear, or damage to ensure buyers are informed upfront.
Disclose any imperfections to set realistic expectations and facilitate a smoother transaction.
Set a realistic price
Determining the right price for your bicycle is crucial. Avoid undervaluing it, but also set a reasonable and realistic price.
The current worth matters more than its original purchase price.
How do I price my used bike?
Determining the right price is a common concern for those looking to sell a used bike.
Certainly, when dealing with platforms such as The Pro’s Closet, they provide a quote for your item. However, if you opt for platforms like Bike Exchange, Reddit, or Craigslist, it’s up to you to determine the selling price.
How can you accomplish this?
Here are two options to help you with this:
1. Check the current market value
Determining the right price for your bike is best done by checking its current market value. Visit platforms such as eBay or the Bike Exchange to observe the pricing of similar bikes sold by others.
This approach allows you to gauge if your intended price is reasonable, considering whether it’s too high or too low. By examining what people are willing to pay for similar bikes, you can better set a competitive and fair price for your own.
2. Compare the original price with how much the bike has depreciated
All items, including bikes, experience depreciation over time. The extent of depreciation depends on:
- Age of the bike.
- Current condition.
- Expected remaining lifespan.
You can calculate depreciation using a straightforward formula that considers these factors.
Here is how it operates:
- Step one: Find the original price of the bike.
- Step two: Estimate the bike’s lifespan, typically ranging from five to 10 years.
- Step three: Determine the annual depreciation expense by dividing the original cost by the estimated lifespan. For instance, if you paid $600 for the bike and estimated a lifespan of 5 years, the annual depreciation would be $600/5, equaling $120 per year.
- Step four: Consider the age of your bike. Account for it by multiplying the depreciation expense per year by the number of years it has been used. If it’s, for instance, 2 years old, subtract the depreciation expense calculated earlier from the original purchase price. For a $600 bike example, subtract $240 ($120 x 2) from the $600 original price to find its current value after depreciation, which would be $360.
I prefer method one over the other. While the second method can be a good starting point, undervaluing your bike is risky. Someone might be interested in the specific type of bike you have and willing to pay a decent amount.
Always check the market value before settling on a price. You might get more than you expect. Be realistic, though. You won’t likely get the original purchase price, and a bike in poor condition will fetch a lower price. Try both methods and determine a fair and realistic price for your bike.
The bottom line
Selling your bike independently on platforms such as OfferUp, Reddit, Craigslist, or Bike Exchange gives you greater control over the selling price.
Consider selling directly to companies like The Pro’s Closet or Goodbye Cycle for a quick and hassle-free process.
For a quick sale of your bicycle nearby, consider selling it to a pawn shop or a local sporting goods store. While you may not get the highest value, these places usually offer immediate payment if they are interested in your bike.