Modern Vespa

I just posted my Vespa here and on Craigslist. [California - Bay Area] SOLD 2018 GTS 300 for sale

I am sad but 1) I no longer commute so it's now just a fun weekend, putt putt around town only vehicle, 2) I am expecting in March which means for at least 2+ish years I won't be able to realistically keep three vehicles going and 3) I can use the funds to help during my unpaid parental leave.

A few questions. But first a general thank you in advance, this group has been sooooooo supportive. I've posted only a few times but when I have y'all been there!

There are a couple of consignment shops out there, any recommended ones from the group? I'm in the California Bay Area (Southbay). It'd be much easier on me if I can hand it off to someone. I did a google search on selling a scooter and I found a thread and lost it from this site about best practices (like taking a license and deposit before a test ride or not allowing it at all), anyone remember it and can point me back to it. I sold my 74 here (Hi if you're reading) but that was sold as is, didn't have a test ride mostly because I wasn't able to get it started, but he did haha. Lastly Craigslist or Cycletrader?

Wish me luck!

It's a trek from Cupertino, but RevMoto in Santa Rosa does consignment. I think it's a big part of their business.

Facebook Marketplace has replaced craigslist for a lot of people because it's easier to weed out the kooks. No testrides. period. If someone wants to argue, or gives you grief about that, tell them to move on. Price it about $500 or more over high NADA or KBB and hold it for a couple weeks. Get it up ASAP. People get money for christmas. It's your bike, you decide the terms of sale, not some windbag with an internet connection. Cash only. No paypal or credit cards. No negotiations until they show you the money. If they come up with thngs they want you to fix or discount for, move on. There's an ass for every seat.
They hand you cash and leave with the bike and title. The End.

There are so many...

Perhaps this one:

Any advice on selling a Vespa for the first time

Agree 100%. Forget CL, too many scammers that want your info. Post it on FB Marketplace. You will still have to deal with some screwballs, but you will be able to weed them out. I think your price is good and you will most likely get most of your serious inquires after Christmas as most people are too busy now. Good luck with your sale.

It's worth considering donation. Sometimes it's nice to avoid aggravation, help others and (*maybe) get a deduction.Just a thought.

*Edited for clarity.

Rockridge Two Wheels in Berkeley will do consignment - as a college town they have quite a good turn-over.

But this presumes your financial and tax situation can take advantage of such a deduction. Changes in tax laws have reduced or eliminated the value of deductions like this for most of us.

You are right on that!
Still, I do it.

Let me tell you about the non-profit I started ten minutes after reading this...
I think that for most people the appeal of the organizations that take cars, boats and other motor vehicles is that they come and tow it off your property. And most of what they get ends up selling by the pound. There is a non-profit in Wisconsin that has some pretty interesting things on Ebay once in a while. But they always need work.

On my end when it comes to sale or buy cash is the way to go. Cashier checks can be forged and /or sit on your account and not clear after couple of days. If you have someone offer cash see if you can meet at a local police dept or have a friend accompany you as this is a lot of money (esp when buyer shows up with $20s-don't ask me how I know).

Do not sign the title until you have a full payment.

Try to sell locally-shipping can be tricky these days.

Also provide couple extra photos to better show the condition of the scoot.

Feel free to ask if you have any additional questions.

The org I use is transparent about what it gets at auction and what the charity recieves.
I've donated a Jaguar, Lexus and Suzuki. I also support groups with low overhead, one of which I was personally active in as a medical worker.

Now tell me about your non-profit.

One day the USA will get around to doing instantaneous bank transfers, just like the Rest Of The World did some 10 years ago or so. Yes, I know there's Venmo etc - but being able to immediately directly transfer funds to any standard checking account is what's needed.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faster_Payments_Service

If you don't believe it, list any motor vehicle on craigslist and agree with anyone who wants to send you one. I once got 63K in cashier's checks for a Honda Rebel I listed.

I stay away from CL. Honestly all web sites with free to post are a hit/miss...and even if buyer commits to coming out if not confirmed couple hrs before I count on 80% that will not show up at all. Crazy times...thats why I try to stick with forums.