Once you commit to buy a Buy Now item or place a bid on an Auction you enter into a contract to purchase that item from the seller at the sale price.
Before you bid or buy
Here are 10 tips to help you achieve a positive outcome.
- Read the description carefully.
Look closely at any photos available of the item.
- Do some research.
Look at other items in similar conditions to check that the asking price is reasonable. See our tips on researching items.
- Find out as much as you can about the item.
If you’re unclear about any details, clarify with the seller. You can communicate with the seller using the question and answer function and your name and contact details remain private.
- Make sure you understand the payment and delivery options.
And any other terms or conditions that may apply before you commit to buying the item.
- Get to know who you’re buying from.
Check if the seller is a Verified Trader™ and has feedback and ratings from previous transactions.. Reading feedback from other buyers is a great way to judge if a seller is an honest and reliable trader.
- Ensure your contact details are up to date.
Once you agree to purchase an item, your contact details and the seller’s are exchanged via email. Incorrect contact details may mean that you can’t complete the transaction.
- Contact the seller before you pay.
This will help you check that you have their correct contact details.
- Choose a payment method you feel comfortable using
Preferably one that provides you with proof of payment. Do not send cash in the mail or use money transfer services (eg Western Union or Money Gram) to send payments to people you don’t know.
- Stay informed about the latest scams.
We update our site regularly with information about scams that have been detected by Trading Post®, and how to recognise them.
- Trust your instinct.
Things that seem to good to be true, often are!
Report fraud!
Trading Post takes illegal activities and your security on our site very seriously, so we strongly encourage you to report fraudulent or suspicious behaviour.
Please contact our Trading Post Online team if:
- there has been unauthorised activity on your Trading Post® profile
- you received invalid contact information from another buyer or seller
- you have not received an item you purchased or the item was not as described
- you believe a buyer or seller is not genuine.
