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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Stig / Major Tom on July 26, 2017, 10:31:35 AM

Title: shipping a scooter - advice ?
Post by: Stig / Major Tom on July 26, 2017, 10:31:35 AM
Good morning
Last night I received an offer on my Burgman 400.
This sale would most likely involve shipping the bike 2,400 miles.
Is this even feasible?  Would price be prohibitive?
Anyone with previous experience?
Advice appreciated.
Thx Stig
Title: Re: shipping a scooter - advice ?
Post by: Tromper on July 26, 2017, 11:13:42 AM
Good morning
Last night I received an offer on my Burgman 400.
This sale would most likely involve shipping the bike 2,400 miles.
Is this even feasible?  Would price be prohibitive?
Anyone with previous experience?
Advice appreciated.
Thx Stig

I would be real disinclined to do anything until the check is way more than cleared.  There are a lot of scammers out there, & the cost of shipping that far is probably a substantial chunk of the value of the bike.  I'd take a look at CL for the purposed destination just for fun and see if the numbers line up at all.

http://haulbikes.com/ (http://haulbikes.com/) will give ya a quote.  you may have to fudge things a bit but you should be able to get at least a rough idea.  I suspect you'd be in their $600 zone (they discount during the winter usually but this ain't winter).

From the poking around I did trying to go from Seattle to Florida they're par for the course or a bit better than most, & seem to have a reasonable reputation.

Best luck
Tromper
Title: Re: shipping a scooter - advice ?
Post by: Forbes1964 on July 26, 2017, 11:42:55 AM
There is a business called U ship . I used them to ship my tractor to me from New Jersey to Tallahassee, Florida. They are a third party group who gets independent shippers to give you estimates. I found them to be convenient. They were recommended by eBay.
https://www.uship.com


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Title: Re: shipping a scooter - advice ?
Post by: CROSSBOLT on July 26, 2017, 01:25:50 PM
Ride it and take the bus back.

Karl
Title: Re: shipping a scooter - advice ?
Post by: h2ou8n4 on July 26, 2017, 03:58:08 PM
Don't get scammed, Stig!
Title: Re: shipping a scooter - advice ?
Post by: pipster326 on July 26, 2017, 04:15:57 PM
Yea, Stig. Be careful. I don't know how bad you want to sell the burgman, but I would try to sell it locally. I would not ship it,until you know you have every penny in your possession. It's a shame,but you really can't trust anyone these days.

Rich


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Title: Re: shipping a scooter - advice ?
Post by: Forbes1964 on July 26, 2017, 11:06:19 PM
I believe that sites like e bay and pay pal are places where one can more easily avoid getting scammed both as a purchaser and a seller. Also,  it may be more secure if the BUYER makes shipping arrangements. And you release it only after the payment has cleared or is safely in the hands of a REPUTABLE third party such as pay pal. When dealing from a distance, much caution is required.


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Title: Re: shipping a scooter - advice ?
Post by: Tromper on July 27, 2017, 12:49:15 AM
Stig, if the person really is in the Seattle area and a local contact could be helpful for something, PM me.

Title: Re: shipping a scooter - advice ?
Post by: Redk on July 27, 2017, 05:38:37 AM
There is a scam which is quite active recently, involving mention of ebay and shippers.
Be very cautious.
redk

Yes, they had hooked me.  and I did give a little of my personal info.
My kid said, 'Google it...  the name...'  I did, and it was indeed a nationwide scam.
I turned it in to the FBI.

.
Title: Re: shipping a scooter - advice ?
Post by: Forbes1964 on July 27, 2017, 10:32:10 PM
Upon further thought, it is somewhat suspicious that a man would be willing to purchase a Burgman from half way across the country when they are likely several more within a couple hundred miles or so of him. Any savings would likely be consumed in shipping costs. I'm not saying that he's trying to pull a scam. But be very cautious and use several safeguards.


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Title: Re: shipping a scooter - advice ?
Post by: Forbes1964 on July 27, 2017, 10:38:10 PM
Stig, if the person really is in the Seattle area and a local contact could be helpful for something, PM me.
Great idea! [emoji1474]


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Title: Re: shipping a scooter - advice ?
Post by: h2ou8n4 on July 28, 2017, 01:42:29 AM
Upon further thought, it is somewhat suspicious that a man would be willing to purchase a Burgman from half way across the country when they are likely several more within a couple hundred miles or so of him. Any savings would likely be consumed in shipping costs. I'm not saying that he's trying to pull a scam. But be very cautious and use several safeguards.


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First thing I thought, too. Why wouldn't he look for a nice dry bike down in California? And the onus is on the seller to arrange all the shipping? It stinks. Let me guess...he wants to send Stig a bank check for the cost of the bike, plus cost of shipping, plus a little more just for the trouble. Run!
Title: Re: shipping a scooter - advice ?
Post by: Forbes1964 on July 28, 2017, 08:56:06 AM
First thing I thought, too. Why wouldn't he look for a nice dry bike down in California? And the onus is on the seller to arrange all the shipping? It stinks. Let me guess...he wants to send Stig a bank check for the cost of the bike, plus cost of shipping, plus a little more just for the trouble. Run!
It reminds me of when I had my Truck listed on Craigslist. I made it clear that the truck was running but was in ROUGH shape. A guy from several hundred miles away wanted to buy it IMMEDIATELY, sight unseen . When I asked him when he wanted to look at it, he stated that he didn't have time but simply wanted to send me a check and send someone to pick the truck up later. I don't remember the details because I tuned him out. But I knew that no man in his right mind would be in such a rush to buy a piece of crap truck sight unseen hundreds if miles away when I'm sure there were many piece of crap trucks much closer to him.


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Title: Re: shipping a scooter - advice ?
Post by: Tromper on July 28, 2017, 03:13:34 PM
In defense of the interest.
Burgers are actually somewhat popular in the PNW, at least enough to keep the used prices from completely tanking, & Stig's bike is pretty nice.
If looking for a late modem Gen 2 400 it's actually low miles well maintained for the area.
Aesthetically, I prefer it to any others I see on CL, or Cycle Trader locally.

These things can be legit.  I bought a bike in FL from Seattle, it does happen but as noted by many, myself among them, scams are very common, & the scammers are scum, but that doesn't mean they're not clever scum.

The key thing to remember in these transactions is to do all the legwork to verify the other party, and make sure the $$ is 100% yours before sending merchandise.

There are a few different ways to get paid that don't involve a possibly stolen or cancel-able check.  Paypal and the like.
There are escrow outfits for this sort of thing as well, just don't use one proposed by them unless you can verify it's 100% on the up & up, that's a common scam, dig around and find one that's legit  and long pre-exists the transaction
All of those options have their downsides of course, normally cost vs. just taking a check, sometimes time (escrow) but there is a level of reliability there that could make them worth the cost.



It reminds me of when I had my Truck listed on Craigslist. I made it clear that the truck was running but was in ROUGH shape. A guy from several hundred miles away wanted to buy it IMMEDIATELY, sight unseen . When I asked him when he wanted to look at it, he stated that he didn't have time but simply wanted to send me a check and send someone to pick the truck up later. I don't remember the details because I tuned him out. But I knew that no man in his right mind would be in such a rush to buy a piece of crap truck sight unseen hundreds if miles away when I'm sure there were many piece of crap trucks much closer to him.


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Title: Re: shipping a scooter - advice ?
Post by: Forbes1964 on July 28, 2017, 09:47:07 PM
In defense of the interest.
Burgers are actually somewhat popular in the PNW, at least enough to keep the used prices from completely tanking, & Stig's bike is pretty nice.
If looking for a late modem Gen 2 400 it's actually low miles well maintained for the area.
Aesthetically, I prefer it to any others I see on CL, or Cycle Trader locally.

These things can be legit.  I bought a bike in FL from Seattle, it does happen but as noted by many, myself among them, scams are very common, & the scammers are scum, but that doesn't mean they're not clever scum.

The key thing to remember in these transactions is to do all the legwork to verify the other party, and make sure the $$ is 100% yours before sending merchandise.

There are a few different ways to get paid that don't involve a possibly stolen or cancel-able check.  Paypal and the like.
There are escrow outfits for this sort of thing as well, just don't use one proposed by them unless you can verify it's 100% on the up & up, that's a common scam, dig around and find one that's legit  and long pre-exists the transaction
All of those options have their downsides of course, normally cost vs. just taking a check, sometimes time (escrow) but there is a level of reliability there that could make them worth the cost.
True. Caution is key. And make sure he arranges shipping from his end. That way he has some skin in the game too. As mentioned earlier, I bought a tractor on E bay from 900 miles away. I arranged the shipping. And I paid using pay pal. The owner seemed very forthright concerning issues with it. And I knew the price was low because it was a model where the parts were hard to get. The owner also gave that as one reason he was selling it. So everything passed the "smell test"


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Title: Re: shipping a scooter - advice ?
Post by: CROSSBOLT on July 28, 2017, 10:19:04 PM
Stig, I volunteer to ride your Burg to Seattle and take the bus home!

Karl
Title: Re: shipping a scooter - advice ?
Post by: Abner_Bjorn on July 28, 2017, 11:49:02 PM
I have shipped two scooters this summer without incident.  One from Denver to Austin.  I sent the buyer a PayPal invoice for 1/2.  He arranged shipping on uship.com.  He found a guy delivering a trailer 30 miles from me and heading back to Texas empty.  He was able to get the scooter shipped to his door for $180.  As soon as the shipper contacted me to set an appointment, I sent the PayPal invoice for the second half.  Once the second half payment was received, I mailed the paper work and one key priority mail.  Second scooter was from Denver to Hawaii.  Same payment method.  I had to deliver the scooter to a nearby Honda dealer who crated it for the shipper to pick up.   Was really simple.  The guy in Hawaii sent me his profile on Uship, so I could see he had been trying to buy this type of scooter for the last 7 months.    Both of these sold for more than I could have got locally.  Don't listen to the naysayers, just be diligent as I'm sure you always are. 
Title: Re: shipping a scooter - advice ?
Post by: Stig / Major Tom on July 29, 2017, 01:29:59 AM
Stig, I volunteer to ride your Burg to Seattle and take the bus home!

Karl

You're on Karl!
I'm  making PP&J sandwiches for you ...bought a cold pack to keep the moonpies from melting into a lump, and refilled a couple Amsoil bottles with fresh drinking water.
Here's 20 bucks to get you started home from Seattle.
There's  another $200 for gas under the seat.
Meet at O'Dark:30, under the bridge.
ATTGAT - !
Stig

Title: Re: shipping a scooter - advice ?
Post by: Stig / Major Tom on July 29, 2017, 01:35:32 AM
I have shipped two scooters this summer without incident.  One from Denver to Austin.  I sent the buyer a PayPal invoice for 1/2.  He arranged shipping on uship.com.  He found a guy delivering a trailer 30 miles from me and heading back to Texas empty.  He was able to get the scooter shipped to his door for $180.  As soon as the shipper contacted me to set an appointment, I sent the PayPal invoice for the second half.  Once the second half payment was received, I mailed the paper work and one key priority mail.  Second scooter was from Denver to Hawaii.  Same payment method.  I had to deliver the scooter to a nearby Honda dealer who crated it for the shipper to pick up.   Was really simple.  The guy in Hawaii sent me his profile on Uship, so I could see he had been trying to buy this type of scooter for the last 7 months.    Both of these sold for more than I could have got locally.  Don't listen to the naysayers, just be diligent as I'm sure you always are. 
Thank you for your post!
Fingers crossed...and ....well, I  tend to think the best of people.
With caution , pretty certain things will work out.
But again, thanks for your comments. And thanks to all who've weighed in on this. Truly appreciated.
Stig
Title: Re: shipping a scooter - advice ?
Post by: Forbes1964 on July 29, 2017, 05:19:32 AM
I have shipped two scooters this summer without incident.  One from Denver to Austin.  I sent the buyer a PayPal invoice for 1/2.  He arranged shipping on uship.com.  He found a guy delivering a trailer 30 miles from me and heading back to Texas empty.  He was able to get the scooter shipped to his door for $180.  As soon as the shipper contacted me to set an appointment, I sent the PayPal invoice for the second half.  Once the second half payment was received, I mailed the paper work and one key priority mail.  Second scooter was from Denver to Hawaii.  Same payment method.  I had to deliver the scooter to a nearby Honda dealer who crated it for the shipper to pick up.   Was really simple.  The guy in Hawaii sent me his profile on Uship, so I could see he had been trying to buy this type of scooter for the last 7 months.    Both of these sold for more than I could have got locally.  Don't listen to the naysayers, just be diligent as I'm sure you always are.



Great pattern to follow. Seems like you did due diligence. You avoided two extremes: showing blind trust and being gullible , AND avoiding paranoia that would have prevented you from selling to a legitimate purchaser. As with most things in life , striking that delicate balance is the key.

I had a great experience with Uship as well. And when I met the couple  who delivered my tractor, I got the satisfaction of knowing that I had also supported a "regular " independent husband and wife owned business. I think that many of the people Uship deals with are that type of business.
Title: Re: shipping a scooter - advice ?
Post by: Redk on July 31, 2017, 10:28:21 PM
Really, this should not be a difficult task.
There's empty pickup beds and trailers with free space going every which direction...
Putting the contacts together, and the liability insurance are the major concerns after payment.
Great thread !
redk
Title: Re: shipping a scooter - advice ?
Post by: toddfahrner on August 17, 2017, 05:06:32 AM
I'm the buyer. Bike arrived today via http://1aamotorcycles.com/, (http://1aamotorcycles.com/,) who had the best quote. I bit my tongue with all the comments here about what kind of scam I must be pulling, but held off responding until everything buttoned up. Stig's bike was by far the best condition, low mileage AN400  I could find at a good price, low enough to offset the shipping cost. I felt comfortable buying sight unseen because of Stig's above-board public profile and reputation as very diligent about maintenance, much of the service history documented in another forum. That's worth a lot to me for my first motor vehicle at age 51 (I'm a bicycle guy).

I picked it up at the freight terminal and rode it 70 miles in rush hour traffic to a campsite where I'm currently hanging in my hammock admiring the milky way. First ride on any motorized 2-wheeler! The wind buffeting at highway speed was a bit scary, but i'll learn. Twisties fun! I let tailgaters pass because taking it slow until I'm more skilled. It's been a pleasure. Thanks Stig!

Title: Re: shipping a scooter - advice ?
Post by: Tromper on August 17, 2017, 07:10:02 AM
I'm the buyer. Bike arrived today via http://1aamotorcycles.com/, (http://1aamotorcycles.com/,) who had the best quote. I bit my tongue with all the comments here about what kind of scam I must be pulling, but held off responding until everything buttoned up. Stig's bike was by far the best condition, low mileage AN400  I could find at a good price, low enough to offset the shipping cost. I felt comfortable buying sight unseen because of Stig's above-board public profile and reputation as very diligent about maintenance, much of the service history documented in another forum. That's worth a lot to me for my first motor vehicle at age 51 (I'm a bicycle guy).

I picked it up at the freight terminal and rode it 70 miles in rush hour traffic to a campsite where I'm currently hanging in my hammock admiring the milky way. First ride on any motorized 2-wheeler! The wind buffeting at highway speed was a bit scary, but i'll learn. Twisties fun! I let tailgaters pass because taking it slow until I'm more skilled. It's been a pleasure. Thanks Stig!

Glad it worked out for all concerned Todd.  Just remember to keep the rubber side down and the shiny side up & ya should be good to go.

Vaguely possible I'll see ya on the road at some point.  I try to do a run to cementhenge via FR25 once a year or so & have been known to bump to Portland as well.
Title: Re: shipping a scooter - advice ?
Post by: Stig / Major Tom on August 17, 2017, 01:20:00 PM
I'm the buyer. Bike arrived today via http://1aamotorcycles.com/, (http://1aamotorcycles.com/,) who had the best quote. I bit my tongue with all the comments here about what kind of scam I must be pulling, but held off responding until everything buttoned up. Stig's bike was by far the best condition, low mileage AN400  I could find at a good price, low enough to offset the shipping cost. I felt comfortable buying sight unseen because of Stig's above-board public profile and reputation as very diligent about maintenance, much of the service history documented in another forum. That's worth a lot to me for my first motor vehicle at age 51 (I'm a bicycle guy).

I picked it up at the freight terminal and rode it 70 miles in rush hour traffic to a campsite where I'm currently hanging in my hammock admiring the milky way. First ride on any motorized 2-wheeler! The wind buffeting at highway speed was a bit scary, but i'll learn. Twisties fun! I let tailgaters pass because taking it slow until I'm more skilled. It's been a pleasure. Thanks Stig!


Todd old Bean ---
You were a pleasure to deal with!
I trust you'll take it easy for awhile. ...and stay on top of the oil/filter changes?
Most guys go with a taller screen for highway riding on the 400....I happen to like the breeze with that sport Ermax, but it is exciting at 70mph!
The battery tender pig tail is in the left side, waiting for a tender to keep the big YUASA 100% if parked for awhile.
Glad to have met you --- plenty of good people still around...even on the Left Coast!
Ride safe
Tom