Safety precautions when buying or selling: Difference between revisions

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* If you're not comfortable with carrying cash, tell them to meet at your bank's parking lot. Again, lots of cameras, very public, and you can walk in and obtain the cash and do the title transfer on-site. The money can even be sent electronically to ''their'' bank account, so they don't have to carry it with them. As a bonus, the bank staff can help you with a witness or notary if one's needed, and we suggest having a witness for a bill of sale.

* Buying and selling often involves being able to judge a person. If you're not comfortable for any reason, trust your instincts. That doesn't mean you have to abandon the sale - it just means you need to enlist help from someone to assist with the part where you have no confidence. This might involve [[What do I need to know about buying a used bike?|finding a mechanic]] to inspect the bike so you know what it is you're getting. Sometimes it might be bringing along someone who's had more dealings with private party sales. And if you're selling, don't be insulted if a prospective buyer ~~show~~ up with h/her dad or friend who asks questions and tries to make sure you're legit.

* Buying and selling often involves being able to judge a person. If you're not comfortable for any reason, trust your instincts. That doesn't mean you have to abandon the sale - it just means you need to enlist help from someone to assist with the part where you have no confidence. This might involve [[What do I need to know about buying a used bike?|finding a mechanic]] to inspect the bike so you know what it is you're getting. Sometimes it might be bringing along someone who's had more dealings with private party sales. And if you're selling, don't be insulted if a prospective buyer shows up with h/her dad or friend who asks questions and tries to make sure you're legit.

* If you can't get someone to agree to meet at a bank or the police department, but they still seem legitimate, tell them that you will not be able to bring cash to the first meeting. Tell them you want to check the title, [[What do I need to know about buying a used bike?|check the VIN]], and see the bike first. At least you'll know that the bike exists before risking your life.

* If you can't get someone to agree to meet at a bank or the police department, but they still seem legitimate, tell them that you will not be able to bring cash to the first meeting. Tell them you want to check the title, [[What do I need to know about buying a used bike?|check the VIN]], and see the bike first. At least you'll know that the bike exists before risking your money or your life.

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 * If you're not comfortable with carrying cash, tell them to meet at your bank's parking lot. Again, lots of cameras, very public, and you can walk in and obtain the cash and do the title transfer on-site. The money can even be sent electronically to ''their'' bank account, so they don't have to carry it with them. As a bonus, the bank staff can help you with a witness or notary if one's needed, and we suggest having a witness for a bill of sale.
-* Buying and selling often involves being able to judge a person. If you're not comfortable for any reason, trust your instincts. That doesn't mean you have to abandon the sale - it just means you need to enlist help from someone to assist with the part where you have no confidence. This might involve [[What do I need to know about buying a used bike?|finding a mechanic]] to inspect the bike so you know what it is you're getting. Sometimes it might be bringing along someone who's had more dealings with private party sales. And if you're selling, don't be insulted if a prospective buyer show up with h/her dad or friend who asks questions and tries to make sure you're legit.
+* Buying and selling often involves being able to judge a person. If you're not comfortable for any reason, trust your instincts. That doesn't mean you have to abandon the sale - it just means you need to enlist help from someone to assist with the part where you have no confidence. This might involve [[What do I need to know about buying a used bike?|finding a mechanic]] to inspect the bike so you know what it is you're getting. Sometimes it might be bringing along someone who's had more dealings with private party sales. And if you're selling, don't be insulted if a prospective buyer shows up with h/her dad or friend who asks questions and tries to make sure you're legit.
-* If you can't get someone to agree to meet at a bank or the police department, but they still seem legitimate, tell them that you will not be able to bring cash to the first meeting. Tell them you want to check the title, [[What do I need to know about buying a used bike?|check the VIN]], and see the bike first. At least you'll know that the bike exists before risking your life.
+* If you can't get someone to agree to meet at a bank or the police department, but they still seem legitimate, tell them that you will not be able to bring cash to the first meeting. Tell them you want to check the title, [[What do I need to know about buying a used bike?|check the VIN]], and see the bike first. At least you'll know that the bike exists before risking your money or your life.