Buy and sell bikes and parts. Properly.Trust & Safety
Buying and selling bikes online should be straightforward — not stressful.
Shift Bikes is a peer-to-peer marketplace, which means buyers and sellers deal directly with each other. We don’t handle payments or deliveries, but we do take trust and safety seriously.
This page explains what we do, what you should do, and how to stay safe when using Shift Bikes.
Our approach
Shift Bikes is built around a few simple principles:
- Transparency beats gimmicks
- Fewer barriers, not fewer safeguards
- Trust is earned through behaviour, not badges
We aim to reduce risk without turning the platform into a bureaucratic mess.
What Shift Bikes does
Platform messaging
All buyer–seller conversations happen on the platform.
This helps us:
- detect obvious scam patterns
- respond to reports with context
- prevent email harvesting and spam
Account controls
We actively limit and monitor:
- brand-new accounts
- message volume
- suspicious behaviour patterns
Accounts that exist solely to scam are removed quickly.
Listing moderation
We review reported listings and remove items that:
- appear stolen
- contain misleading information
- violate our terms
Repeat offenders are banned.
Reporting & support
If something doesn’t feel right, you can:
- report a listing
- report a user
- contact us directly
Every report is reviewed by a human.
What Shift Bikes does not do
It’s important to be clear about this.
- We don’t handle payments
- We don’t offer escrow or buyer protection
- We don’t guarantee transactions
- We don’t intermediate disputes over condition or price
This keeps the platform simple and free — but it also means users must act sensibly.
Safety guidance for sellers
Be clear and honest
- Describe condition accurately
- Photograph wear or damage
- State exactly what’s included
Clear listings attract better buyers.
Watch for common scam signs
Be cautious if a buyer:
- avoids answering basic questions
- pushes for off-platform messaging immediately
- offers overpayment or unusual payment methods
- pressures you to act quickly
If it feels off, it probably is.
Control the handover
- Meet in public places for in-person sales
- Don’t hand over items until payment is confirmed
- Use tracked shipping for posted items
You’re in control — there’s no obligation to proceed.
Safety guidance for buyers
Ask questions
A genuine seller won’t mind:
- extra photos
- serial numbers
- clarification on specs or history
Vagueness is a red flag.
Use sensible payment methods
Choose payment options you trust and understand.
Avoid:
- pressure to use gift cards or crypto
- unusual “agent” or courier stories
Trust your instincts
If something feels rushed, inconsistent, or too good to be true — walk away.
There will always be another bike.
Stolen bikes & parts
Shift Bikes does not tolerate stolen items.
We:
- encourage inclusion of serial numbers where appropriate
- investigate reports of stolen bikes or components
- co-operate with law enforcement if required
If you believe an item is stolen, report it immediately.
Reporting a problem
You can report:
- a listing
- a user
- a message
Or contact us directly at:
Include as much detail as possible — it helps us act quickly.
A final word
No marketplace can remove all risk — but a good one doesn’t pretend otherwise.
Shift Bikes is built to support sensible, informed buying and selling without hidden fees or false promises.
If something doesn’t feel right, you’re always free to step away.