Six Facebook Marketplace scam avoidance tips: A perfect way to get rid of your old junk is the Facebook Marketplace and make a few bucks or pick up amazing finds at discounted prices.
Sadly, there are individuals out there ready and able to cheat and rob you. Many people enjoy creating drama and would try to kill your correct reputation as a seller. Here are a few ways to safeguard yourself.
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Meet the safe way
Never meet up at someone’s house to swap items. Will you like to get robbed? And this is how you get rejected. To be on the safe side, always meet in a public place, and bring a friend or two along.
In their parking lots, several police departments have “exchange spots” so that individuals can meet up safely. Even if yours does not have a designated exchange place, meeting in your police station’s parking lot is the best way to meet a stranger, with a clear view of security cameras.
The exchange at the same time at all times.
Never offer an object to others and allow them to make payments. Your best bet is always to swap the money and the object at the same time.
Pro tip: If they think you’re going to be charged when they get their tax return, they’re actually never going to pay you.
Before you order, try
I don’t talk about trying out an object that’s for sale. I am referring to the seller. Click on the person’s profile before you post that you want an object and check for the telltale signs of a scammer.
What to look for here:
Is that person living in your area? That’s a red flag if they’re on a local sales list, but they don’t live near you.
Will they have a number or just a handful of friends? With names that sound made-up, scammers tend to have either just a few friends or several friends.
On their profile photo, perform a fast reverse image search. You know you’re dealing with a scammer if it shows up as someone else.
No personal perspective is a bad sign, too. Be cautious, particularly if they show other signs of a scammer if their profile picture is of a car, flower, or any other inanimate object.
Another warning sign in their public posts is spammy links—like links to porn pages or weight loss pill sites—.
Researching your product
Always do your homework before you sell and before you buy. See what new products are being sold for.
When you buy, inquire how old the product is and whether there are any defects. Then compare the price of the deal to the price you would pay at a supermarket. If it just doesn’t seem to be a good deal, pass it.
Sellers, if you mentioned your price correctly, it would be best. If the item is brand new, discount it for a few dollars, still in the package. The older it is and the more harm it has, the greater the price you can disregard.
Checking around the marketplace is an excellent way to offer the fairest deal. Take note of what other vendors are selling similar goods for, and get as close to those prices in your listing as you can.
Pricing badly will at best result in angry comments and destroy your credibility as a seller at worst. Some individuals are deliberately tracking down posts from vendors they don’t like and attempting to sabotage sales. So, the best thing is to remain on the right side of people by being fair and honest.
Display facts
This tip is from a hardcore buyer and seller in the marketplace: show evidence to prospective buyers. Don’t just snap an item picture. Go the extra mile. For your post, a photo of receipts, stickers, and appraisal letters will help you get top dollar.
For instance, if you’re selling a vintage Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress, you should include in your post a photo of the label of the dress. People need proof. Without it, buyers may think your price is sketchy and poor.
Do not negotiate with a seller who is wishy-washy.
When selling items on Facebook, people are infamous for changing their minds. In their post, they’ll tell you one price, but they’ll raise the price when you give them a message. Then, for a few days, they won’t give you a message and then raise the price again.
Back out as soon as anyone begins to reveal their flaky side. These individuals aren’t worth the drama. You can never get your hands on the item after all that talk, even though you agree with the inflated price.