Modern Vespa

Look at the deal on this Joe Rocket jacket and pants!
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/mcy/1267406503.html

cfargo....thanks for posting that great pic! Hope you have that one framed and hung somewhere in your home/office! Really nice trailer too!

CASH is the only way for payment....I hear you all...and I will demand such. I may even insist on the exchange of $$$ to take place at the motor vehicle dept. I'll ask that they meet me there or follow me, then I'll pass over the bike. How's that?

Some people do it at the DMV, some people do it at the bank. If you have the buyer come to your bank, it's easier to just deposit it then and there so you don't have to carry wads of cash around. It also cuts down on the lookieloos and joyriders since they know you expect to transact on the spot. Also, if you're willing to allow a test ride, make sure you get cash-in-hand first: if he breaks it, he bought it.

I've seen that in a lot of ads... cash in hand to test ride. Let them know upfront.

More great ideas!
At the bank....give me the money/then take a spin...see ya

Just to chime in: got my new/year old LX150 from CraigsList. I do agree with trust your instincts and deal in cash.
I will buy on CL, just hate to sell there. Last sale I tried, all I got was ridiculous lowball offers. Ended up selling at a garage sale instead.

Hate to swing off of the CL buy/sell topic.....but another member just asked me why I don't consider EBAY using a "reserve" price to sell my cycle. Now, I'm thinking about that! Doesn't that cost me money...like a percentage or something?

Have bought
Have sold
Used common sense and set boundaries....

I've bought and sold. Sometimes as a buyer or seller I get additional ideas to safeguard myself in the transaction. Just exercise appropriate caution. Bowman's got some good ideas here.

My last two bike sales we met at a mutually agreed dealer (one dealer actually served as the buyer's agent to register the bike for her but I had ALL the paperwork in order so they really had nothing else to do but the legwork to DMV). Another transaction the dealer actually was working for the buyer and checked the bike out. Once the deal was secured and papers signed, the new owner of my old bike left her in the dealership for a once over type service.

If you are selling, never give your plate to the buyer. At least in NY, it's a dangerous thing to do.

All my deals were in cash. I've been tempted to bring one of those counterfeit pen thingies but thankfully (** Knocks on wood), the $$ have never been bogus.

Okee-dokey.....
I took the plunge with CraigsList and posted my Honda Shadow
here's what I did (I'm so proud...sorry
http://tampa.craigslist.org/hdo/mcy/1271670081.html
Have to admit.....I am a tad nervous. When in doubt, I will refer to and re-read these pages...lots of great advice here