Q: Selling a frame with new OE decals: Installed or included?

[C40_guy]

I'm getting a frame ready for sale...bought it in somewhat rough shape (which for Ti means pretty clean...), cleaned it up, stripped the old raggedy decals and got replacement ones from the manufacturer.

Should I install the decals before photos and show complete, or should I *include* the decals with the purchase...but not installed?

I'm on the fence about this...would appreciate input from other PL members...

As a buyer, what would *you* prefer?

Thanks!

[duff_duffy]

I’d keep off, let’s buyer decide.

[JedB]

I'd provide them as a part of the sale, but let the buyer decide to install.

[purpurite]

As a buyer and designer, I would want to do them myself. You could provide an option to buyers to have them installed for them (by you) on purchase, though. Some might not want that level of anal retentiveness.

[duff_duffy]

Let’s see the frame as it sits now

[fourflys]

for me, I'd rather the decals be put on prior to sale as I don't trust myself enough to install them so they'd look good.. might give the option in the FS ad and let the buyer decide?

[glepore]

Originally Posted by fourflys

for me, I'd rather the decals be put on prior to sale as I don't trust myself enough to install them so they'd look good.. might give the option in the FS ad and let the buyer decide?

Winner winner chicken dinner.
Some buyers might trust you more than themselves, others vice versa. And its IMHO easier to put em on than take em off if you want an unbranded look.

[slowpoke]

Depends on the price of the frame and the buying demographic.

If it's under $300 for someone who's not a bike nerd, put the decals for an easy sale. If someone may be willing to pay another $300 to get the frame repainted another color, then keep the decals off.

[C40_guy]

Originally Posted by slowpoke

Depends on the price of the frame and the buying demographic.

It's a Seven Axiom frame from 2003 with standard geo, slightly extended headtube. Gorgeous frame, lovely rear curved seat stays. Near flawless condition with two exceptions -- very small dent in downtube and water bottle bosses that have been replaced.

If I *do* put the decals on, I think the dent will disappear...so I will show the tube prior to re-decaling.

I'm thinking (hoping?) that it will sell for $1K with EMS carbon fork, King headset and Seven stem and Seven Ti seatpost. Hoping I'm not optimistic...

[lafish]

I’m with the leave-em-off crew. I took the decals off my Seven Evergreen after the first trip I took with it where they pealed part way off anyway. Seven sent me replacements, which I put in a drawer they’ve remained for the past nine or ten years. If/when I sell it, I’ll include them in the box.

[avalonracing]

I've put decals on my Seven and it isn't easy to do perfectly. I'm super OCD about this kind of stuff and it would make me nuts if they weren't on correctly. If you can't do it perfectly put them on. Otherwise, leave them off.

[KonaSS]

If you can put them on and they look professional. Do it. The average punter out there (myself included) wouldn't want to have to do this.

[JMT3]

I’m into the let the buyer decide camp. I’ve done and done it correctly and it was perfect at least to my eyes.

This thread reminds me of do we put carpet in the bedrooms or hardwood floors debate.

[C40_guy]

So...Seven makes installing decals nearly foolproof.

I took a photo of the down tube dimple before decal application and included that in the listing.

Decals went on very easily and I think the frame looks more presentable that way. Easy enough to remove them if someone wants the incognito look.

[Old Frog]

+1 on let the buyer decide. If I were the buyer, I would want the decals off, keep them & offer them to the next buyer if/when I sold the bike.