Transforming My Old Bicycles into $140 in Cash

Transforming My Old Bicycles into $140 in Cash

Isn’t it crazy to get a good amount of money for two old, well-used bicycles? Just last week, they were collecting dust in my mom’s storage, and now I’ve got $140 cash in my pocket!

It did take some effort, though. I had to fix them up a bit to make them look appealing to potential buyers. One bike had a broken brake, and the other needed a few minor repairs.

Honestly, I didn’t think anyone would want to buy these bikes, but I decided to put in the work anyway. I figured if they didn’t sell, I could always donate one to charity and give the other to my brother.

While working on them, I put myself in a buyer’s shoes. No one wants to buy a dirty bike thinking about all the previous owners, right? So, I gave them a thorough cleaning and oiled the chains in addition to making the necessary repairs. It doesn’t cost much and can make the bikes more appealing to buyers, potentially fetching a better price.

Next, I checked online to see what similar bikes were going for. They didn’t seem to be selling for much on eBay or Craigslist. I thought about listing them for $40 each. Then, my mom mentioned the local fair on Saturday, where the cycling association was hosting a used bike sale. They would help set the price and take a 10% commission if they sold.

This seemed like a perfect opportunity. Not only did they suggest setting a price of $70 for each bike, but buyers at the fair also trusted that the experts at the cycling association gave honest reviews of the bikes. They noted minor issues, like the weak brake and faulty light, so buyers were fully informed.

By the end of the day, both bikes were sold! I regretted not bringing more items like books or clothes since so many people were buying. Next time I declutter, I’ll definitely try to sell items first instead of just donating or tossing them out. The cash is really nice! I’ve had bad experiences selling online, and even though face-to-face sales can be time-consuming, they often bring a better return.

Remember to:
– Check the community calendar for garage sales, fairs, and other events where you can set up a stand and sell your stuff.
– Look online to find a fair price for your items, or they might not sell.
– Make your items look their best! Clean clothes, remove stains from furniture, oil the bicycle chains, and so on. Your effort will be rewarded with extra money!
– Bring some change so you don’t have to round down your prices.
– Have a charity in mind just in case your items don’t sell. Donate what’s left to avoid cluttering your house again. Freecycle is also a great option.

Good luck!