Monday, March 14, 2011

buy for love, sell for money



Since it is time to reduce the amount of bikes stored in my garage, I am starting to advertise them for sale. Does seven bikes constitute a collection? Sounds better if I say collection for sale. So my collection is for sale. And true, I have owned and do own some collectible bikes-at least to me. But I am quickly reminded of many things. And despite my honesty in the ad-buyers are usually impressed when they see my bikes for sale, many ads are misleading. I mean they are just flat out lies. So here is a real life primer as how to read for sale ads.
One-beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Not everyone loves lavender Hondas. Two-excellent means it may have been when new, before you ruined it. Low miles-I never rode it because it never ran. Original condition-just like when parked five years ago, not running. Rare when new-nobody bought this turkey then, or now. Highly collectible-it is collecting dust in my garage right now. Original-except for paint, tires, accessories, and rebuilding the engine two years ago. Owned by famous celebrity-remember the Jon Voight car on Seinfeld? Check your sources. Must sell by this weekend!-ad has been running for a month now with no responses. Bought new-aren't all bikes new once? One owner-at a time. Recent tune up-was that before you parked it five years ago? $$ or best offer-I am pricing this high so maybe some gopher will think he is getting a deal when he only gives me what it is worth after negotiating-plus 20%. Thinking he got a deal. Title in hand-mine are kept in my safe deposit box. no trades-tell me what you got. no tattoos-bike is unmarked. Just registered-for the first time in years. Current registration-I am broke after paying late tag fees. As is-bring a truck. Many extra parts-can't remember where they go, they did come on the bike before I took it apart. One of a kind-lost interest in repairing it right. Only needs slight work to make it perfect-figure on investing twice what you paid for it. Only worked on by factory tech-until it ran out of warranty and your cousin tried to fix it. Can be ridden anywhere-after repairs by factory tech. First buyer with cash rides it home-I don't take credit cards. No joy riders-it doesn't run. Fresh battery-hope it starts, now. Won't last long-bike is rusting away. At this price-what is scrap value today?
And I think you get the idea. Beauty can be in the eye of the beholder. And the same bike you never rode because you didn't like it, becomes a gem when you go to sell it. Makes me wonder if you or the bike has a split personality! Somehow the old saying of buy for love and sell for money applies here. So watching lecherous TV evangelists begging for money annoys me. One guy offers a 100 time return if you send $100 to him-hey buddy, how much are you mailing to yourself? If it's that good a deal, why aren't you taking advantage of it? And how does that play in the ghetto, where we have no money? If we all did that how would that effect inflation? If some evangelist-who by the way aren't they supposed to spread the gospel, tells you this-he lies! This ain't the gospel! His "send money" is found nowhere in the Bible. In fact God tells those who serve Him to take no cash, only what you have, and He will take care of the rest. Read the Bible, and then come see me.
Did you know that radio stations charge a higher percentage for evangelists who beg for money? Seems they get a higher take from people believing their lies, so the station works a higher commission with them. Beware-what God has is free-and if you pay anything else for it, it is robbery. Take note those who charge for seminars, programs, and other things. And ask yourself-if it isn't better than the gospel, why should I be paying for it?
Jesus Christ's ad is simple. "Looking for lost souls. All who ask shall receive. Priceless gift of eternal life-no charge. In exchange for your sin, He offers forgiveness, redemption, and a relationship with God. and eternal life in heaven." Do you know of a better deal? If you only had two weeks to live, would you like to have to work out your salvation? Be based on your good works? What if you only got an 89, and needed a 90 for heaven? And some cults/religions call that love?
Jesus paid the price-it is free indeed. Mercy and grace. Read the book-not the ads. His list-not Craigslist. For His list is the Book of Life. Join now and become part of His collection. Must have today-for today is the day of salvation. No trades. His offer is best! But only if you take it! He bought you for love-and no money can ever replace that!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogpsot.com
1978 Suzuki gs1000e-just over 23k original miles. looks like it is new and runs the same. has been ridden from Seattle in two day-over 1400 miles-runs as good as it looks. fully restored, or can be driven. has original pipes, owners manual and tool kit. hard to find bike, this was the grandfather of GSXR, and Wes Cooley won superbike championship with it. highly collectible-you will not find one as nice new plugs, wires, oil, tires, chain, sprockets, handlebars-tank repainted original down to pinstripes. you must see to believe-a new bike from 78 no trades, money talks. e mail and I will arrange appointment.