I've gotten some indications of interest in a bike I have listed on Pinkbike. One potential buyer wants to know how much it costs to ship a bike (in this case, to Chicago). Good question. Here are a few others

1. How do you get an estimate for that sort of thing? How would carriers want it packaged? You should get certified delivery, but what about insurance?
2. What is the best and safest way to handle the monetary part of the transaction? I don't want cash (there's plenty of convincing "funny money" out there) and, while I would like a cashier's check, I know the buyer won't want to send it without the bike, and I'm not sending the bike until the payment clears. Is there a better way for both parties?

A little help?

The safest way is to have a reputable bike shop disassemble and pack the bike for you.   Get the messurments of the box and drop it into the Fedex and/or UPS calculator.  Some shops will even ship it for you and may be able to get a better price due to their bussiness account.   

As for payment I have used (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links) before.  Give

Thanks for the info. Bikeflights.com looks pretty good $46 three day shipping here to Chicago. Any of the LBSs able to quote me to have it disassembled and packed?