Dealer debate

[RossTopher]

I'm loathe to even poke this bear, but here goes.

Been keeping an eye on the classifieds the last few months with some friends looking for bikes. Setup alerts, sent them links etc, but the moment you even sniff a decent deal, a dealer swoops in a it's back up online before the dust has settled at some crazy multiple.

What's the general consensus here, should dealers be limited so say 25 listings, or maybe max net value across listings. 

I know some will say it's good for sellers, but they aren't even getting a good score, the dealers are just going in for anything fair/undervalued (imo) and then driving up the used market value, that only they can supply, making it really difficult for people to meet their needs/wants in budget. 

Just seen one 46% higher than it was listed privately yesterday

 

Edited February 28, 2023 by RossTopher
Typo

[RossTopher]

And this is not for the many excellent dealers on here, trying to make things work out, charging a fair price, and that they take capital risk stocking items that many shops don't. And I've seen countless posts helping people out. 

Its just the used bikes, you read about this "community" lark amongst cyclists while they gladly fleece each other

Edited February 28, 2023 by RossTopher

[117]

What I enjoy seeing, is who comes out to box on the dealers side of the ring.

But, as you know, the dealer always wins. They pay for adverts and get priority on the classifieds platform. Simple as that

 

[RobertWhitehead]

You know what irks me, and I actually think that it is the root of why you created this post: 

No value is added to the product from the moment it gets listed at the "reasonable price" and then re-listed to include the dealers fee. 

Some dealers don't cycle themselves, they have two left thumbs and they literally just relay what their mechanic told them. These individuals then sit behind the PC the whole day and buy everything that resembles a good deal where they can make a profit. Some of them then even have the audacity to beat the seller down some more. Their mantra: buy low and sell high!

They also convince themselves that they "add value" to the market.

I reported a scenario like that a few years ago but ya, that was never addressed. 

Edited February 28, 2023 by RobertWhitehead
Skarramoesh

[RossTopher]

Absolutely,  the classifieds are there for people to do business, and the dealers pay for the usage, I've no issue with the process, but A. be reasonable with your margins, or B. let the courier start his bakkie before reposting it at 1.5x. 

I suppose its just borne out of frustration that by the time you've counted your pennies and had a word with yourself about priorities, its out of range. 

[RossTopher]

1 minute ago, RobertWhitehead said:

You know what irks me, and I actually think that it is the root of why you created this post: 

No value is added to the product from the moment it gets listed at the "reasonable price" and then re-listed to include the dealers fee. 

Some dealers don't cycle themselves, they have two left thumbs and they literally just relay what their mechanic told them. These individuals then literally sit behind the PC the whole day and buy everything that resembles a good deal where they can make a profit. Some of them then even have the audacity to beat the seller down some more. Their mantra: buy low and sell high!

They also convince themselves that they "add value" to the market.

I reported a scenario like that a few years ago but ya, that was never addressed. 

So glad this wasn't me screaming into the void. You hit the nail on the head, it's the sheer audacity

[ChrisF]

Ross sadly this topic comes up every so often .... it is what it is ... 

 

 

Maybe rather post what you are looking for.   Still a few Hubbers that will rather sell to a happy user than a re-seller ....

[keagsface]

I’ve noticed a similar scenario. Been on the lookout for what most would consider an entry level bike(15-20k), and anytime I’d found an even remotely good deal, it’s sold within minutes and listed a few days later with at least a 3-4K price bump, which knocks it out of my bracket unfortunately. 
 

Like you say, people need to make some money, but lots of times it seems very little to no value is added through the almost instantaneous resale. 

[Kom]

Just to play devils advocate, the wholesale traders do bring a "base" liquidity to the classified space which builds momentum for sales upstream. I would not like to see them leave this space.

It goes without saying that its important to have your ducks in a row to catch the good deals.

[RossTopher]

2 minutes ago, ChrisF said:

Ross sadly this topic comes up every so often .... it is what it is ... 

 

 

Maybe rather post what you are looking for.   Still a few Hubbers that will rather sell to a happy user than a re-seller ....

Agreed Chris, for the most part, people want to see each other on the right bike for the right price. One came right and the other is going new. Thankfully I am out of the hunt, save for the eternal frame search. 

[Me rida my bicycle]

You can see the dealers who cycle or at least has a clue of the value.

Then there's clowns that buy something because it looks like a bargain and then try and sell it for a stupid amount. I like to watch as the price comes down and down.

Some things are priced "cheap" for a reason, some things just don't sell good. Could be size or part compatibility limited or it's just 💩. 

[Trap_Boetie]

Sadly like any industry when there is a middle man involved you are paying more than you should as the product or service rides the rollercoaster of capitalism.

Having sold a few bikes recently and being offered a low ball price almost instantly after posting by dealers didn’t sway me, I remained patient and sold the items privately for less than what they would of retailed them for. Suppose it just depends on the sellers and how desperate they are to get some cash. 
 

my tip to sellers, research the value properly, be honest about the item’s condition and be patient. It will sell.

Im no expert on the dealers and if they are adding value to the 2nd hand market buyers. But the sellers, from what i have experienced they (dealers) are taking people for a ride

(pun intended) 

[Mongoose!]

would be nice if Bikehub had the functionality to filter ads between private sales and dealer listings...  

[corrie.kuilder]

I have a question for admin,and hope it will be answered. BH being a public forum, and platform for goods being sold by dealers ect, how many dealers comply with the second-hand goods act 6/2009, whereby any registered business owner must have a certificate for dealing in second-hand goods. This is also a way to protect potential buyers from buying stolen and or suspicious goods. Do admin request some sort of proof that dealers are registered, and that they actually have a Certificate for dealing in second-hand goods, because Bicycles and any part thereof are considered Schedule 1 goods.

 

shg_act_6_2009.pdf

[swingTOpeddle]

Yeah, this is a “sad” situation. It should be a community helping each other out. I want to advertise my son’s old KTM for a very good price as I’m sure some other kid will get to use it lekker. But because of this reason I’m not and now waiting rather for a topic where someone really needs one and I’ll rather offer it privately. 
 

I feel the same way on this with Autotrader and Private Property. Back in the day it was a great platform to get the you actual asking price but also it was good price. 

[NotSoBigBen]

Not everyone that you refer to as 'dealers' identify as such or would like to be categorised as such either. Perhaps to avoid paying some dues that they should to BH classifieds?

I've been burnt by them myself 😳