Used ATV Parts - Trash Or Cash?

You finally saved up all your pennies to create the Picasso of all ATVs. New exhaust system, A-arms, axle and shocks are all installed and the beauty is ready to ride. So now what? Get rid of the huge pile of parts next to it. How, you ask? Throw it in the trash? Well, if you do that, you might as well dump your wallet into the same garbage bin.

We've all had a pile like this at some point in time. Almost brand-new parts that have nothing wrong with them, other than the fact that you can't go as fast as you'd like. You can throw them away, or you can put that money back into your pocket. As the old saying goes, "one man's trash is another man's treasure."

Look around the next time you go to your favorite riding spot. Not everyone has to have the latest and greatest bolt-on goodies. One thing is for certain, though: Parts do break (hey, almost everyone crashes at some point). The easy solution? Visit the local dealer and order new parts. The biggest problem with that is the amount of money you'll be shelling out for those replacement pieces. This is where our good friend, the Internet, comes into play. With a little research, people can find high-quality used parts with little to no time on them and pay about half of what a brand-new item would cost.

If you have Internet access, start by checking out various "classified-type" websites. One of the most popular and user-friendly is eBay (www.eBay.com). Through eBay, you can buy and sell old or new items anywhere in the world. For a minimal fee, this site lets you post pictures and include a description of your item, as well as allowing you to host the auction. You would be amazed at how much money your new paperweights may bring you!

Another website that's becoming increasingly popular is Craig's List (www.craigslist.org). Primarily utilized to advertise deals within your local geographic area, you can post an ad on its website for free. This concept is very similar to listing an ad in the newspaper. There's a perk to posting something on Craig's List versus a plain listing in the classified section of your neighborhood paper. This site allows you to post a few pictures to go with your ad, which can really make or break a deal. If you decide to go with Craig's List, you will need to write a thorough description of the item. It's also highly recommended to repost your ad on a daily basis to maximize its visibility factor. Also, be prepared to field multiple e-mails and phone calls from potential buyers.

Last but not least, browse online ATV or off-road forums. Almost every ATV website or club has some kind of section devoted to the buying and selling of ATV parts. Be creative in your search. If you think someplace "may" sell used parts, then look into it! The money you put back into your pocket is only limited by the amount of time you invest in your own research.

Once you've completed your research and determined which site you want to use to sell your parts, take a moment to inventory everything you have. This will make it easier to keep track of everything you're selling. Keep in mind that if you're planning to use an auction-type method to sell your parts, like eBay, don't list them somewhere else. This will ensure that you don't sell the same part to two different people and get put in a bind.

The next step is one of the most important steps of all-clean your parts! I'm not saying to completely disassemble and rebuild everything that you're selling. Just take some time to wipe off all of the grease build-up, dust and dirt that has accumulated over time. If you were looking to buy something used, would you buy from Seller A, who had cleaned their parts to show as much detail as possible, or from Seller B, whose parts looked like they had been lying out in the backyard for the past year?

Once the parts are clean, lay them out on a clean background for your photos. I usually go to the local drugstore and pick up a few sheets of black or white construction paper. Whatever color you select, you want to ensure that your parts stand out. Also, be sure that you haven't included any additional parts in the picture unless they go with the specific item you're selling. You don't want anything to clutter up your pictures, nor do you want people to think they're getting a "free gift with purchase." When it comes to the photos, imagine yourself as a potential buyer when you're taking the pictures. What sort of pictures would you find most appealing?

The next, and possibly most important step in selling your parts on the Internet, is your description. Tell it like it is. If the paint is chipped off or there are dings in parts like pipes and A-arms, let the buyers know. They know they're looking at used parts. Not everyone is expecting a part in showroom condition. There's nothing worse than having to deal with a disgruntled customer who feels they've been wronged. This will only generate more work for you in the end.

Now that you're ready to start selling, pull up a comfy chair in front of the computer and take your time. Once you enter your description and post your pictures, double-check everything before you post your listing. If you made a mistake, correct it before posting the ad. Be sure to post your listings in the evenings. You want people to be home and unoccupied, allowing them plenty of time to peruse and/or purchase your items. Another helpful tip is to prepackage your items for shipping. In the event someone asks you how much shipping will cost, you'll already know what size box you'll be using and how much it will weigh when you go to calculate it. That could save you a ton of time.

Once you finish submitting your listings, sit back and answer questions when they come in. In no time, you will see how much your not-so-hard work pays off. You will gain garage space as the parts start to disappear and the dollars start to flow back into your pocket.

Now, if you find yourself staring at a dozen spare parts but don't have the time to sell them all, don't freak out. There are numerous companies that will handle everything for you. They'll even take the pictures and ship your items for a percentage of the profit. You don't get as much on your return, but you do save time and still get to fill your pockets with a little extra dough.

So the ball is in your court now. Whichever method you choose, you'll score some cash on your used items and free up some room in your garage. Hey, maybe you can use that space to store your new toys! The possibilities are endless!