Safety tips for buyers

There are few simple steps you can follow to protect yourself online through every stage of the buying process.

Step 1: Searching for bikes

Keep an eye out for significantly undervalued bikes – if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!

Step 2: Contacting the seller

• Prepare some questions about the bike to ask the seller to help verify that they are genuine and that the bike is as described
• Do not provide the seller with your personal identification details like a copy of your licence or banking information.

Step 3: Inspecting the bike

• Arrange to meet at a neutral location like a police station car park and try to take someone with you
• Before you test ride the bike, make sure your insurance covers test drives
• Be wary of sellers asking for a deposit at this stage. If you do choose to put a deposit down, make sure you get a receipt stamped with the date and time and the sellers licence details.

Step 4: Making an offer

• Before making an offer, make sure you know your limits when negotiating. What are you willing to pay?
• Do your research and know the value of the bike before making a deal. 
• Find out the legal status of the bike before making an offer. 

Step 5: Paying the seller

• Use a method of payment that provides you with proof of purchase like a receipt or email confirmation directly from the provider
• Ask for a signed receipt with the date and time to confirm payment
• Never send cash in the mail
• Check our security updates regularly for important information.