GENERAL TIPS FOR BUYERS
Fairsale is designed to serve both sellers and buyers equally. We aim to bring people who want to buy an item together with those who have the means to sell it, in an environment that both parties can trust.
As a buyer, we fully appreciate that your enjoyment of the service will depend on your experience with our sellers. To help you along, we have put together this list of tips and general advice to help you buy products with peace of mind.
Seeing an Item in Person
Our ads are designed to allow sellers to give you as much information as possible including photos, but nothing beats seeing an item with your own eyes in person. You can contact a seller to arrange a meet up so you can properly vet an item you are interested in, but always put your own safety first:
- Arrange to meet at a place that makes you feel comfortable.
- If possible, take somebody along with you. The peace of mind is great, but the second opinion could be invaluable as well!
- If you meet a seller at his or her home, you are under no obligation to enter the property. Again, do whatever makes you comfortable.
- Be as friendly as you like with a seller, but both parties are only obliged to talk about the item.
- You might not be entering a shop, but it’s still a business deal you are doing. Feel free to ask questions and if you don’t get sufficient answers, don’t do the deal.
- You are under absolutely no obligation to buy just because you view an item. Be prepared to walk away, and do so according to your own volition.
- Before you arrange to view an item, make it clear that you will only complete a deal if you are happy with the product when you see it in person.
- There is room to barter with sellers, but be respectful. After all, you would expect the same in return! Consider asking if there is any room for negotiation before you meet and view an item so both parties know where they stand.
What to Look for When Inspecting an Item
So, you’ve seen the photos, you’ve read the description and arranged to view an item. But what should you be looking for when you inspect the object of your interest? The checks you run through will differ depending on the type of item you are buying, and we’ll be publishing individual product guides for more specific information. There are some general points to bear in mind though:
- Take as much time as you need when inspecting an item. Don’t feel rushed or pressured.
- If it’s an electrical item or a car, do not be afraid to ask for a demonstration to make sure it works. Good sellers will be happy to oblige.
- Ask as many questions as you like, but keep them relevant.
- If the item is likely to have an instruction manual or similar document, ask for it.
- Inspect large items like furniture and vehicles for signs of wear and tear. Press down on mattresses, sit on chairs, ask about a car’s history.
- Only hand over your money and complete a deal when you are absolutely happy to buy. Up until that point, you can always walk away.
Paying For Your Item
When the time comes to hand over the cash and complete a deal, we want you to feel entirely comfortable with the situation. There is no reason to doubt the credentials of sellers on Fairsale, but when you are dealing with money, you should always be ready to take necessary precautions.
- Deals should be done by cash where possible. If you arrange to hand over payment via an alternative means with a seller, then do so carefully. We do not recommend that you share your bank or credit card details as a buyer.
- If a seller asks for an internet payment or deposit, be wary. Don’t allow yourself to be pressured and if you have a bad feeling about a deal, act on the side of caution.
- Only pay for an item once you have seen it in person and are happy with it.
- If you have made agreed to buy an item over the phone or by email, it doesn’t mean that you can’t back out when you see it in person. Just because you have the cash in your pocket, it doesn’t mean it can’t stay there.
Trust Your Judgement
The best advice we can give you is to trust your own judgement. Enjoy the process and remember:
- Go with your instincts when deciding whether to buy an item or not, especially if you are struggling to make a decision having vetted it thoroughly.
- Be patient if you’re not happy. Another version of the item may well come up again on Fairsale!
- If you don’t get a good feeling from a seller then walk away.
- If an item looks like a bargain, it may well just that! However, if the price seems to be too good to be true, ask plenty of questions and find out why it’s priced as it is.
- In the unlikely event that you do have a bad experience with a seller, we want to hear from you. We are confident that all our sellers are providing a genuine and honest service and we want to keep it that way. Click here for aContact Form.