Re: [CR]RE: Raleigh/NR

(Example: Events:Cirque du Cyclisme:2004)

Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2007 11:47:46 -0700 (PDT)
From: Jerome & Elizabeth Moos <jerrymoos@sbcglobal.net>
Subject: Re: [CR]RE: Raleigh/NR
To: Mitch Harris <mitch.harris@gmail.com>, "kurtsj@mtco.com" <kurtsj@mtco.com>
In-Reply-To: <8801bb250707120903m7ab3f75xac14938666ba7a3b@mail.gmail.com>
cc: philip_w_moore_jr@hotmail.com
cc: philip_w_moore_jr@hotmail.com

Another reason is that if asking for a value is not discouraged, some people will use it to "fish" for an offer. Dale decided long ago, with the support of most CR members, that he did not want the list used as a means to haggle over prices. Thus the rule that any time an item is offered for sale, the price must be clearly stated. Asking for an estimate of the value, unfortunately, is used by some people to circumvent this rule, so that practice is discouraged also.

I do sympathize with those new to classic bikes who genuinely have no idea what a bike is worth. Sometimes there are not trying to sell, but may have seen a bike offered and don't want to grossly overpay. Or they may be trying to decide whether a bike is worth restoring.

It's true eBay is a good source, but unfortunately eBay has now begun deleting auctions after 90 days, or something like that, which makes it less useful as a price database. One option for new members is to email individual CR members who have discussed owning similar bikes. I sometimes have folks email me about the value of French bikes, and I try to give them as good an assessment as I can.

Regards,

Jerry Moos Big Spring, TX

Mitch Harris <mitch.harris@gmail.com> wrote: The logic for disallowing the practice of asking for price estimates is, I think, that it is unreasonable to ask the list membership-as-experts to provide an estimate when the list membership is also likely to be a primary market for the bike being estimated, whether it is offered here or on ebay. Should they act in the interest of the asker/seller and estimate high, or even fair, or should they act in their own interest and estimate low so they can get a bike at a good price? The rule is in place, I think, to prevent list members from being in this situation.

It's a problem anytime expertise is also the market, such as when someone takes an antigue to an antique dealer for an estimate.

Mitch "apologizing if that was too obvious rather than helpful" Harris Little Rock Canyon, Utah

On 7/12/07, kurtsj@mtco.com wrote:
>
> From: "Philip W. Moore, Jr."
>
> "Can anybody tell me what a fair price in on a 8/10 condition Raleigh Pro
> with Nuovo Record? Be easy on my ladies and gents, I am a newbie here!"
>
>
> hi Philip,
>
> As has been mentioned, the practice of asking for price estimates is
> discouraged here on the CR list. Hard for me to say if this is good or
> bad for the list, but I'd guess that our little group might not give a
> complete or unbiased estimate of the market price.
>
> eBay may be the best source for market value. Not only do you find out
> how much was paid, but there are often pictures and text to describe the
> bike's condition. Other factors, like size of the bike, can be a big
> influence on the price! Raleigh Pro's are common enough that they do come
> up for sale on ebay now and then. Some bikes are rare enough that there's
> not much market data to work with.
>
> So... poke around ebay, see what's been sold, what the price was, etc.
> Then decide how much you want for the bike (or maybe you'll want to part
> the bike out??), put some pics on-line, and post a For Sale ad.
>
> Heck, if the frame is 24.5" c-t, maybe you'll want to e-mail me
> first! :-)
> I could use a Pro to park between my International and my Raleigh Team.

>

> regards,

> Steve Kurt

> Peoria, IL