Going on sale
When it comes to selling your motorcycle in SA you have a number of options available to you. You can trade it in at a dealer or sell it to the dealer as is, you can advertise it in a traditional classified publication like a local newspaper, you can call a third party buyer that will come to you and make you an offer or you can make use of a private listing service such as AutoTrader.
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Which option you choose depends on how quickly you want to sell, how much money you want and the overall age and condition of the bike. If you opt for a listing service like AutoTrader we can give some tips on making teh best ad you can and generating the most responses.
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1. Take good-quality photos
The visual aspect of a sale ad is the most important, so if you want potential buyers to view your ad and read through it, make sure that the images are high quality and depict the bike in the best possible way. Take the background into consideration; keep it plain without too much going on in the background. Make sure your lighting is adequate and that the bike is well lit to show its best angles.
Ensure you have three-quarter shots front and rear and close-up shots of the engine and clocks
2. Highlight the important features
Tell the bikes story. Tell potential buyers about how unique it is, if it is a limited run or if it has had performance upgrades or extra features fitted. Convince the buyer that they are getting a deal on a bike that is unlike any other out there. a story coupled with good photos will keep buyers hooked.
3. Be honest in your description
Although you are highlighting the best features and telling the bikes story, dont be untruthful. If the bike has damages or scratches tell the buyer they are getting a well-travelled machine. If teh bike has been in an accident and repaired make mention of it and let the price reflect it.
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4. Price your bike competitively
Do your homework to find out what bikes of a similar make, model, age and mileage are going for and price your motorcycle accordingly. Too expensive, and buyers will move on, too cheap, and they will wonder why and be suspicious. Modifications and damages must reflect in the price as well as rarity taken into consideration.
5. Be responsive to the ad
Yes you will get chancers and tyre kickers but respond to each enquiry openly and honestly. Don't leave enquiries unanswered as you will lose a potential buyer that way, so keep responding. Similarly, if the bike is sold and the ad is still running, edit the ad to reflect that the bike is sold to not avoid unnecessary ad views by potential buyers..
