Use this checklist before every deal
Most problems are avoidable when you slow down and follow a simple routine. Use this checklist before you message, before you meet, and before you pay.
Step 1: Before you message
Confirm the listing feels real
- Read the full description and compare the price to similar ads.
- Look for clear photos that match the details in the listing.
- Avoid posts that feel rushed, vague, or too good to be true.
Check for trust signals
- Verified sellers carry a verified badge.
- Listings with multiple clear photos tend to be more reliable.
- Sellers who answer questions directly are usually safer to deal with.
Review the profile if available
Look for a complete profile, a verified badge, and consistent listing details. A clear profile does not guarantee safety, but it does reduce risk.
Step 2: While messaging
Keep early messages inside Demo
Staying in the Demo inbox protects your email and helps us investigate if something goes wrong.
Protect your personal info
- Avoid sharing your full name, home address, or banking details.
- Share your phone number only when you feel confident.
- Use a separate pickup location instead of your home when possible.
Ask specific questions
Short, clear questions save time. Ask about:
- Condition and age
- What is included
- Pickup location and timing
- Any issues or defects
Avoid pressure tactics
If someone pushes urgency, asks for a deposit, or wants to move off platform right away, pause and verify.
Step 3: Planning the meetup
Choose a safe location
- Pick a public, well lit place with people around.
- Meet in daylight when possible.
- If you feel unsure, bring a friend.
Meetup checklist
- Tell someone where you are going.
- Keep your phone charged.
- Bring exact change if you plan to pay in cash.
Confirm the details
Before you travel, confirm:
- Exact location and time
- Payment method
- Any special instructions like parking or building access
If you must travel far
Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Share the listing link with a friend so someone knows the context.
Step 4: At the meetup
Inspect before paying
Check the item carefully. If it does not match the listing or photos, you can walk away.
Keep the payment simple
Pay in person after you inspect the item. Avoid deposits for local pickups.
If the item has serial numbers
Ask the seller to confirm them. This is common for phones, bikes, and electronics.
Step 5: After the meetup
If anything felt suspicious, report the listing or message. Reports help us keep the marketplace clean.
If you need to ship
Shipping adds risk. If you decide to ship:
- Confirm the payment is verified before you send anything.
- Use tracking and keep proof of delivery.
- Package items securely and take photos before shipping.
Extra safety tips for buyers
- Never share your banking details.
- Avoid deals that require wire transfers or gift cards.
- If the seller avoids questions, move on.
Extra safety tips for sellers
- Keep the item with you until payment is confirmed.
- Count cash carefully or confirm the payment app receipt.
- Do not hand over extra items that are not listed.
High value item checklist
For expensive items, use a stricter routine:
- Meet in a busy public place.
- Bring a friend.
- Confirm the buyer or seller identity before the meetup.
- Do not accept partial payments.
Extra caution for vehicles or rentals
If you are dealing with vehicles, rentals, or longer term services, use extra caution:
- Verify ownership or permissions when possible.
- Meet in well known public places.
- Avoid pressure to pay quickly or sign without reading.
Common red flags
- The story changes or the price keeps shifting.
- The other person refuses to meet in person.
- You are asked to pay quickly or outside normal payment methods.
- The listing photos look copied or unrelated.
Quick safety FAQ
Should I pay a deposit to hold an item
No. Deposits for local pickups are a common scam tactic. Pay in person after inspection.
Is it safe to share my phone number
Share only when you feel confident. If you do, use a number you can change.
What if I feel uneasy during a meetup
Leave immediately. Your safety is more important than any deal.
Safety summary
If you are in a rush, remember these three rules:
- Keep messages on platform until you trust the person.
- Meet in public and inspect before paying.
- Walk away the moment something feels wrong.
