FAQ

Here are some of our most Frequently Asked Questions:

Awesome Bicycles!

  • Auction your enthusiast/custom super-cool bicycle to a community of like-minded cycling enthusiasts!

LOW FEES

  • Buyers pay 15% commission for sales over $350 or a flat $50 for less expensive rides. We do not charge “maintenance fees” or any other fees for our services. (We are not a car dealership.) On BycBid, what you see is what you get.
  • THERE ARE NO FEES TO LIST

In summary, verified users participate in bidding on the bicycles up for auction. The bidder with the highest offer at the conclusion of the auction becomes the winner. Upon winning, the bidder will be charged a 15% commission fee. Once the payment has been processed, both the buyer and seller will receive each other's contact information. It is their responsibility to complete the transaction independently, outside of our platform. We do not mediate transactions or handle payments. For more detailed information, please continue reading below.

REGISTER.

  • Sign up: Visit our website and click on the "Sign up here" icon. This will take you to the registration form.

  • Registration Form: Fill out the required information on the registration form. Please ensure that you provide accurate details, including your name, contact information, and a valid email address.

  • Photo ID and Bank Card: As part of the registration process, we require you to upload a photo of your current government-issued ID. Rest assured, we only request this information for security purposes. We will never store your credit card information. All payment information is securely stored, charged, and handled by Stripe, a trusted and reputable payment gateway provider.

  • Email Verification: After completing the registration form, you will receive an email with instructions to verify your email address. Please follow the verification link provided in the email to activate your account.

  • Ready to Bid: Once you have successfully verified your email address, you will be ready to sell, bid, comment, and keep track of bids in your profile. You can enter the credit card information you wish to use for bidding when you decide to place a bid.

Bidding on a Bike

Once you’ve found a bicycle you’re interested in, here are the steps you should take to bid confidently and successfully!

Perform Due Diligence

While we’ve tried to make buying a bicycle online as safe and easy as possible, it’s ultimately your responsibility to perform your own due diligence prior to placing a bid and make sure that the bicycle you’re considering is right for you.

  • Review the listing thoroughly, including known flaws, recent maintenance, photos, etc.
  • Ask the seller any questions that you may have about the bicycle via Comments, Seller Q&A, or the Contact feature.

Bidding

  • Once you have registered as a verified user you will be able to bid. To bid on a bicycle you must first register to bid with a valid credit card, phone number and government ID that matches the name on the card.
  • After you are verified, simply select the bid button and enter your bid. Please note that a one-time hold of $100 will be placed on your credit card when you submit your bid. This hold is a security measure to validate your bid and will be released at the end of the auction. Your card will not be charged unless you win the auction. 

  • Bids are binding, so it is important to bid only if you are fully committed to purchasing the bicycle and have conducted the necessary due diligence. Once you become the high bidder, the bike is considered yours, and no refunds will be provided. 

WINNING THE AUCTION

  • To buy a bicycle on Bicycles & Bids, you must win the auction by ultimately being the highest bidder. If the seller has put a “reserve” on the auction, you only win if your bid meets or exceeds that price. If the auction has no reserve, then the highest bidder wins it regardless of the amount bid.                                                                                                           
  • After the auction concludes, you will receive the seller's contact information, and vice versa, to finalize the details and logistics of the transaction. As a buyer, it is expected that you complete the payment for the bicycle in full within one week of the auction's end. Please note that a commission equal to 15% of the winning bid, with a minimum amount of $50, will be charged to the highest bidder at the conclusion of the auction. It is important to emphasize that this fee is separate from the full amount of the winning bid, which is still owed to the seller.

 

SELLING YOUR BICYCLE

1. Prepare Your Listing!

  • Get your bike ready for it's closeup. Wipe it down, clean it up and take as many detailed photos as you can. The more photos you take, the more likely your auction will be successful. 
  • Get together any documentation you have regarding the bicycles purchase and provenance. These may be uploaded as pictures.
  • Before you can sell on Bicycles & Bids, your sweet ride must not be listed for sale elsewhere online. This means you’ll have to remove any other advertisement for your bicycle and you cannot accept offers outside of the auction.

2. Submit Your Bicycle

It's completely free to submit your bicycle for auction on Bicycles & Bids. 

  • Once you have successfully registered and verified your profile, you can easily initiate the selling process by clicking on the "sell" button and completing the sale application. Our dedicated auction team will carefully review your submission and may reach out to you for additional details if necessary. We strive to provide a response within one business day. While not every bicycle may meet our criteria for BycBid, we genuinely appreciate your effort in submitting your bicycle.

3. Going Live

  • Once you’ve provided us with all of the necessary information and photos and your auction has been approved, you will be notified when it has gone live.

4. Finalizing the Sale

Once a bike is sold on Bicycles & Bids, we connect the buyer and seller so they can complete the sale directly. Here are our recommendations and tips for ensuring a successful post-auction transaction – and remember, we’re always here to help!

  • Communicate with the Seller: Contact the seller promptly to initiate the payment process. Exchange contact information and discuss the preferred payment method.
  • Use a Secure Payment Method: Opt for a secure payment method that offers buyer and seller protection. Popular options include PayPal, Escrow.com, or reputable online payment platforms. These services help safeguard your transaction and provide recourse in case of any issues.
  • Verify Seller's Identity: Before making any payment, verify the seller's identity and legitimacy. Check their ratings, reviews, and feedback from previous buyers. If possible, request additional information such as proof of ownership or authenticity.
  • Insist on Documentation: Request a receipt or invoice from the seller for the transaction. Having proper documentation serves as proof of purchase and can be useful for warranty claims, insurance purposes, or in case of any disputes.
  • Ensure Secure Shipping: If the bicycle needs to be shipped, discuss shipping arrangements with the seller. Choose a reputable shipping service with tracking and insurance options. Request that the seller adequately pack and protect the bike to prevent damage during transit.
  • Be Wary of Unusual Payment Requests: Exercise caution if the seller asks for unusual payment methods. Such requests may indicate potential fraud or a violation of the platform's terms of service.
  • Stay Vigilant for Scams: Be aware of common online scams and red flags. Avoid sharing sensitive financial information or sending payment before verifying the legitimacy of the transaction. If something seems suspicious, trust your instincts and consider reaching out to the auction platform's support team for guidance.

5. Share your Success Story

Email us a photo of your new ride to share your success story. We’d love to hear all about it!

To register for bidding, please follow these steps:

  • Sign up: Visit our website and click on the "Sign up here" icon. This will take you to the registration form.

  • Registration Form: Fill out the required information on the registration form. Please ensure that you provide accurate details, including your name, contact information, and a valid email address.

  • Photo ID and Bank Card: As part of the registration process, we kindly ask you to provide a photo of your valid government-issued ID and a bank card bearing the same name. Please note that we request this information solely for security purposes. Your credit card details are never stored within our system. Rest assured, all payment information is securely handled, charged, and stored by Stripe, a well-established and trusted payment gateway provider. It's important to emphasize that your payment details are only entered when you intend to place a bid.

  • Email Verification: After completing the registration form, you will receive an email with instructions to verify your email address. Please follow the verification link provided in the email to activate your account.

  • Ready to Bid: Once you have successfully verified your email address, you will be ready to bid, comment, and keep track of bids in your profile. You can enter the credit card information you wish to use for bidding when you decide to place a bid.

To place a bid on a bicycle, you must first register on our platform as described above. Once you've completed the registration process, follow these steps:

  • Browse Listings: Explore our available bicycle listings and find the one you're interested in purchasing.

  • Click "Place Bid": On the bicycle's listing page, locate and click the "Place Bid" button.

  • Enter Your Bid: In the bid entry form that appears, enter the amount you wish to bid. Your bid must be higher than the previous bid, and there may be a minimum increase requirement based on the current bidding level.

  • Confirm and Submit: Review your bid amount to ensure its accuracy, and then click "Submit" to place your bid.

Please note that a one-time hold of $100 will be placed on your credit card when you submit your bid. This hold is a security measure to validate your bid and will be released at the end of the auction. Your card will not be charged unless you win the auction.

Bid increments increase as follows:

  • A minimum bid of $100 to start the auction
  • Minimum $25 increments up to $999.00
  • Minimum $50 increments from $1000.00

We currently only operate in the USA so all bids on Bicycles and Bids are in United States Dollars (USD).

Shipping costs are determined by the seller. Some sellers may offer free shipping as part of their listing, while others may charge a shipping fee. We encourage sellers to provide shipping options that are reasonable and fair to buyers.

Although the decision to offer free shipping ultimately rests with the seller, you can express your willingness to cover or contribute to the shipping costs. This gesture can foster a positive and cooperative atmosphere between buyers and sellers, promoting goodwill and positive karma.

No, we do not have proxy bidding available on our platform. When you are outbid, you will need to manually enter your next bid. It's important to note that once you input your bid amount, the price of the bicycle will immediately reflect your bid. For instance, if the current high bid stands at $3000 and you enter a bid of $3,500, the current high bid will be updated to $3,500 instantly.

Our bidding system ensures transparency and allows participants to actively engage in the bidding process. You have the opportunity to monitor the auction and place bids according to your desired increments as the bidding progresses.

We kindly ask buyers to refrain from directly asking sellers about the specific reserve pricing during the auction as it is meant to maintain confidentiality and uphold a fair auction process. Any exchange of said information before the auction end will disqualify the bidder and may result in the removal of the auction from our platform. BycBid is committed to transparency and strives to create a level playing field for all participants.

If the reserve is not met, then the seller will be notified and the bicycle relisted. In certain cases where the highest bid is close to the reserve price, we may make efforts to work with both the buyer and the seller to reach an agreement. 

To complete the transaction smoothly, please follow these steps:

  • Contact the Seller: After winning the auction, we recommend reaching out to the seller as soon as possible to discuss the next steps and finalize the details of the transaction.

  • Payment: Coordinate with the seller to arrange the payment. We strongly recommend using a payment system that provides buyer and seller protection, such as PayPal or a trusted escrow service. These platforms offer additional security and help safeguard your transaction. Ensure that you both agree on the payment method and any additional fees or arrangements, if applicable.

  • Shipping or Pickup: If the item needs to be shipped, confirm the shipping details with the seller. They will provide you with information on the shipping options available, costs, and estimated delivery times. If the seller has specified pickup as an option, arrange a convenient time and public location to collect the item.

  • Complete the Transaction: Once the payment has been made and the shipping or pickup details have been confirmed, proceed with finalizing the transaction. Ensure that you have received any necessary receipts, invoices, or proof of payment. Keep a record of these documents for your reference.

Transportation and shipping costs are the buyer's responsibility, so we recommend considering your options and gathering estimates for personal travel or shipping prior to placing your bid. Here are some common strategies for collecting a bicycle:

  1. Local Pickup: If you and the seller are in the same locality, you can arrange to meet up in a public place for the exchange. This option allows for a direct handover of the bicycle and eliminates the need for shipping. You are still required to purchase the bicycle. Failure to do so will result in a permanent ban. 

  2. Shipping Services: If you require the bike to be shipped to your location, it's important to coordinate with the seller to ensure a smooth transition. We recommend using reputable shipping companies that specialize in transporting bicycles, such as Bikeflights.com. They offer competitive rates and are experienced in handling bike shipments.

If bidding on an auction that provides a shipping service, make sure to take note of the logistics, packaging requirements, insurance options, and any additional fees beyond the winning bid that the seller requires. It's crucial to understand the shipping method and associated costs before finalizing the transaction as you will be liable for them as well. 

Remember, it's important to consider the transportation or shipping costs as part of your overall budget when bidding on a bike. Being prepared and informed about your options will help ensure a seamless process.

Ensuring a secure payment method is crucial when completing a transaction. Here are some recommendations for paying the seller safely:

  • Cashier's Checks: Cashier's checks are often considered a secure form of payment. They are issued by a bank and guarantee the funds are available. Using cashier's checks provides a paper trail and can offer peace of mind for both buyers and sellers. It is important to ensure that the check is legitimate and issued by a reputable bank before any exchange takes place.

  • Trusted Payment Systems: We strongly recommend using payment systems that provide buyer and seller protection, such as PayPal or a trusted escrow service. These platforms offer additional security measures and help safeguard your transaction. They act as intermediaries, holding funds until both parties are satisfied with the transaction. Be sure to discuss and agree upon the payment method with the seller, including any additional fees or arrangements involved.

  • Seller's Preferred Payment Method: The seller is responsible for specifying their preferred form of payment in their profile. It is important to review the seller's profile before placing a bid to ensure that you can meet their payment requirements. If you are considering a bid but unable to use the specified payment format, we recommend refraining from bidding. Ultimately, the seller has the final call on the accepted form of payment.

Please remember that as the winner of the auction, you are obligated to purchase the bicycle from the seller. It is essential to honor your commitment and proceed with the agreed-upon payment method.

Yes, there are certain rules and guidelines to ensure a positive and focused conversation within the comment section. Here are the rules to follow:

  • Maintain Respectful Communication: Please engage in respectful and courteous conversation. Avoid using foul language, engaging in personal attacks, or any form of harassment towards others. Treat fellow community members with kindness and respect.

  • Keep the Conversation Bicycle-Focused: The primary focus of the comment section should be the bicycles being sold. Avoid sidetracking the conversation by discussing unrelated topics or other bicycles. Stay on-topic and contribute to the discussion in a meaningful way.

  • Prohibited Actions: The following actions are strictly prohibited and may result in penalties or removal from the community:

  • Sharing Personal Contact Information: For privacy and security reasons, refrain from attempting to share your personal contact information or requesting personal information from others.

  • Spamming: Do not engage in spamming, which includes posting repetitive or irrelevant content, excessive self-promotion, or advertising unrelated products or services.

  • Inquiring about the Reserve: Asking the seller about the reserve price is not allowed during the auction. Reserve prices are confidential, and sellers are not obligated to disclose this information.

  • Speculating on Bicycle Prices: Avoid making comments that predict or call out the expected selling price of a bicycle. Let the auction process unfold naturally.

  • Inappropriate Content: Do not post inappropriate images, descriptions, or links to inappropriate videos, webpages, or content.

  • Personal Business Promotion: Refrain from plugging your personal business, website, social media handles, or any unrelated self-promotion.

It is important to note that violating these rules may lead to penalties, including removal of comments, temporary suspension, or being permanently banned from the community. We strive to maintain a positive and engaging environment for all cycling enthusiasts.

If you come across any violations or have any concerns about the comment section, please report them to our customer support team for prompt attention.

Seller Questions

Listing a bicycle on Bicycles & Bids is completely free of charge for sellers! You can create your listing and showcase your bicycle to potential buyers without incurring any upfront costs. 

The winning bidder will automatically be charged a commission equal to 15% of their winning bid amount, with a minimum commission fee of $50, at auction end. This commission helps us maintain and improve our platform, ensuring a seamless selling experience for all users.

Please remember that the actual transaction for the bicycle will be conducted directly between the buyer and the seller in a mutually agreed-upon manner outside of our site. The winning bidder is required to pay the full amount of their winning bid directly to the seller.

 

At Bicycles & Bids, we have a broad focus on working and ready-to-ride COMPLETE bicycles and Electric Bikes (with pedals) across all genres, sizes, and styles. Our goal is to cater to a wide range of cycling enthusiasts, from  messengers, and downhill chargers to gravel dads, track racers, and roadies. We also welcome tri-athletes, cruisers, bike campers, long-haul riders, polo players, vintage lovers, and anyone else seeking something unique and hard to find.

We prioritize bicycles with interesting stories, provenance, unique customizations, rarity, and other distinctive qualities. While we appreciate the diversity of bicycles, we generally do not accept entry-level bikes from giant big-box retailers.

While we do not list every bicycle we're offered, we are always open to discussing whether your submission would be a good fit for Bicycles & Bids. If you have a bike that meets our criteria or if you have any questions about the suitability of your submission, we encourage you to reach out to us. 

 

Currently, our platform is limited to sellers located within the United States. However, we are actively working on expanding our reach to include international sellers in the near future.

 

Submitting your bike for sale is a simple process once you've completed registration and profile verification. To begin, click on the "Sell your Bike" button and follow the step-by-step listing instructions. After filling out and submitting the form, our team at Bycbid will review your application. 

Once your auction is live, we will notify you via email. Additionally, we may reach out to request any additional information or pictures that can help improve the visibility and success of your auction.

When selling your bike, it's important to include key information to create an attractive listing. Here's what you should include:

  • Make, model, and year: Specify the brand, model, and year of your bike.
  • High-quality photos: Upload clear photos from different angles.
  • Component details: Mention components, upgrades, or customizations.
  • Known history: Share maintenance records or previous usage.
  • Condition description: Describe the bike's overall condition.
  • Supporting documents: Include receipts, serial numbers, or provenance documentation if available. Documentation may be uploaded as pictures in your application.

By providing comprehensive details, you'll build trust with serious buyers and increase the amount of competitive bids. If not enough details are supplied, our team may contact you for additional information or clarification before going live. 

When listing your bike on Bycbid, you have full control over the details and descriptions of your bike listing. The only input we require is in the "Bycbid's Take" box that appears on the listing. We recommend including as many relevant details as possible to maximize the success of your auction. By providing comprehensive information, you build trust with potential buyers and increase your chances of attracting interested parties. Rest assured, if we find that your application lacks sufficient detail, we will reach out to you before making your listing live to ensure it is optimized for success. 

 While we don't offer precise scheduling for auctions, we provide sellers with the option to provide preferences. If you have a specific start date in mind or would like to avoid having your auction live during a particular week (such as during a vacation or business trip), simply let us know, and we'll make every effort to accommodate your request.

We think E-bikes are cool and gladly accept them as long as they have pedals! However, please note that we do not accept throttle-based scooters or mopeds. Before confirming shipping arrangements, please ensure that the E-bike can be safely shipped to your desired location.

Each auction typically lasts for 5 days, but please note that the exact duration can vary. In the final minute of an auction, each new bid resets the auction clock to two minutes remaining to avoid sniping. This dynamic approach emulates the excitement of a traditional auction, where bidding continues until participants stop, rather than ending at a fixed time and potentially favoring last-second bids. 

While you cannot directly edit your auction yourself, if you need to make changes to your auction, simply reach out to us with your request. We will consider these changes on a case-by-case basis, although we cannot guarantee that all requests will be accommodated. Additionally, you have the option to leave comments on your auction, including additional photos, and can answer questions to enhance the clarity of your listing.

We highly encourage active engagement in the comments section by responding to any questions that are posted. Being an active participant in the discussion is a key factor for successful auctions. It is important to maintain a positive and constructive tone in your answers, as this helps build confidence among potential bidders. Remember, the individuals asking questions are fellow cycling enthusiasts who are genuinely interested in your bike. By providing helpful and informative responses, you can enhance their interest and increase the likelihood of a successful sale.

Yes, we provide sellers with the option to choose between a "reserve" and a "no reserve" auction. In a "reserve" auction, you can set a minimum price that you are willing to accept for your bike. This reserve price is not disclosed to the buyers during the auction. On the other hand, a "no reserve" auction has no minimum price, and the bike will be sold to the highest bidder.

If you opt for a reserve auction, we will ask you to suggest a reserve price. However, we may recommend a lower reserve price if it disagrees with our market research. Bikes being auctioned without a reserve can be found under the corresponding tab on our website. If a bike is not listed on that page, it likely has a reserve.

It's important to remember that sharing your reserve price with bidders is strictly prohibited and may result in the removal of your auction from our site.

 Disclosing a reserve price almost always slows down bidding, especially as the auction nears or reaches that value. As such, revealing your reserve price is strictly prohibited and will result in the removal of your auction. 

No, all bicycles listed on our platform are exclusively for sale through the auction. Prior to being auctioned, sellers are required to remove the bike from sale on any other websites or platforms. This policy is strictly enforced to ensure fairness and integrity in the bidding process. Any attempts by buyers or sellers to conduct transactions outside of the auction in order to bypass it will result in permanent banning from our site. We take this measure to uphold the integrity of the auction system and provide a fair marketplace for all participants.

 If your reserve price isn't met during the auction, we will notify you and automatically relist your bicycle, unless you specify otherwise. In certain cases, we may assess the proximity of the highest bid to your desired price. If the highest bid is close enough, we'll contact both parties to explore the possibility of reaching a deal. If you would like to lower your reserve price or make adjustments to increase your chances of success, please contact support.

After the auction is completed, we will charge the winning bidder a fee equal to 15% of their winning bid.  Once the winning bidder has been charged, we will provide both the buyer and seller with each other's contact information. This enables them to communicate and arrange the payment and exchange process directly.The full amount of the winning bid that is still owed to the seller will be exchanged off-site in a mutually agreed-upon format, separate from our platform. For tips on ensuring a safe and successful transaction, please refer to our earlier responses. Please keep in mind that Bycbid is not responsible for transactions conducted outside of our website.

While we make every effort to verify our bidders, it's important to remain cautious as scams can still occur. Bycbid is not liable for transactions outside of our site. To ensure a safe payment process, we recommend following these tips:

  • Secure payment methods: Use trusted payment methods that offer buyer and seller protection, such as utilizing an escrow service or a platform that provides secure payment options.

  • Insist on complete payment: Request the full payment amount before proceeding with the transaction. Avoid accepting partial payments or agreeing to installment plans unless you have established a trusted relationship with the buyer.

  • Document the transaction: Keep a record of all communication, payment receipts, invoices, and any agreements made between you and the buyer. Having documentation can be valuable in resolving any disputes that may arise.

  • Meet in safe locations: If you decide to meet the buyer in person for the exchange, choose a safe and public location, preferably during daylight hours. Consider meeting at a local bike shop or another public venue that provides a secure environment.

  • Be cautious of red flags: Pay attention to any warning signs or suspicious behaviors. These can include buyers pressuring for quick transactions, insisting on unusual payment methods, or refusing to provide necessary information. Trust your instincts and exercise caution if something feels off.

  • Verify the identity of the seller or buyer: Before finalizing the transaction, ensure that the individuals involved in the sale match the information listed on their Bycbid profiles. Confirming their identity adds an extra layer of security to the process.

By following these tips, you can enhance the security of your payment process. However, it's important to note that while we strive to create a safe platform, Bycbid cannot be held responsible for transactions conducted outside of our website. Your vigilance and adherence to safe payment practices play a vital role in ensuring a secure and successful transaction.

While it is not legally required, we highly recommend creating a Bill of Sale to document the sale of the bicycle. This document should include important details such as the make, model, and serial number (if applicable) of the bicycle, the agreed-upon purchase price, and the terms of the transaction. It is important that both the buyer and seller sign and date the Bill of Sale, and each party should retain a copy for their records. This helps provide clarity and serves as a written agreement between the parties involved in the transaction.

In order to maintain accountability, we have strict policies in place to address non-compliance from winning bidders or sellers. If a winning bidder fails to follow through with the purchase, they will be charged the 15% fee and permanently banned from our platform. Similarly, if the seller disappears after the auction, they will be charged the 15% commission fee and also face a permanent ban. In such cases, the winning bidder will receive a refund for their payment.

In the rare event of a non-compliant buyer, we will immediately engage with the next-highest bidder(s) to explore the possibility of selling your bike at an agreed-upon price. If a deal cannot be reached, we will relist your bicycle.

THIS website is NOT related to Doug Demuro, Cars and Bids website or any of its affiliates. We think they’re pretty cool tho and you should def check them out for all your enthusiast automotive needs at www.carsandbids.com.

Currently, our auctions are limited to the United States. However, we understand the interest and demand from other regions such as Canada, Europe, South America, and Asia. Rest assured, expanding  to these regions is on our roadmap, and we appreciate your patience as we work towards expanding our reach. BycBid is committed to providing a global platform for bicycle enthusiasts, and look forward to serving customers from around the world in the near future.