[FB, Gumtree] How to Sell Safely at Your Place

GreenRomeo on 31/08/2021 - 20:30

I understand the normal practice when buying/selling online is to meet at public places, ideally with CCTV, like supermarkets or, preferably, police stations for high value stuff. However, there are some items you cannot really take with you to the public place, either because they are too bulky (piano, big TVs…) or require AC power for testing (Apple TV, graphic cards,…) or both.

Also buyers generally request tax invoices for warranty purposes when applicable, and the invoices (when you buy online) usually have your personal info (home address, mobile number, email…) there.

I just wonder what's the consensus on how to protect yourself and your privacy as the seller when selling on FB/Gumtree (or even eBay with pickup option) in these cases?

Poll Options

  • 1
    Meet the buyer at home, give them original invoice as is
  • 3
    Meet the buyer at home, give them an invoice with all personal info removed
  • 0
    Meet the buyer at home, but make sure you have security cameras on
  • 3
    Meet the buyer at the garage only
  • 0
    Meet at a public place, provide them invoice and a number to call if there are problems
  • 9
    Meet at a public place, willing to sell cheap but do not provide any contact number or invoice
  • 3
    Other (please comment)
General Discussion

Comments

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 31/08/2021 - 20:36
    +9

    Sell without invoice.
    Meet at front door, don’t lead through house.

    • GreenRomeo on 31/08/2021 - 20:53

      Thanks, sounds like a good option to me. Although bringing a home theatre package (I’ve just upgraded) out and in for potential buyers to inspect is not exactly convenient, I’m willing to do it if there are no better options.

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 31/08/2021 - 20:56
        +7

        I guess that’s on you. But I personally don’t trust strangers won’t take the opportunity to case my house, I had a group of 3 guys come inspect a fridge once and ended up not going for it saying it was ‘too big’ when it was clearly labelled as a big fridge. and they were just commenting about everything as I led them through the hallway to the den and back out. Oh that’s a nice tv you have, is that the latest xyz model.

  • Ughhh on 31/08/2021 - 20:42
    +5

    Also buyers generally request tax invoices for warranty

    Don't forget that you can reject their request. You don't have to agree to anything. You're not a business relying on repeat business (unless you are).

    If you're not comfortable with giving personal details in the invoice, black out the details or don't sell to them.

    If you meet at your house, note that you're giving the buyer the opportunity to come back and 'request' a refund for any reason.

    • GreenRomeo on 31/08/2021 - 20:49

      If you meet at your house, note that you're giving the buyer the opportunity to come back and 'request' a refund for any reason.

      Is there anything we can do about that, such as requiring the buyer to sign an agreement, if there’s such a thing, that the item is sold as is with no refund accepted?

      • Ughhh on 31/08/2021 - 20:52
        +5

        There's no consumer guarantee for private sales, so the law already protects you. Buts its not the law abiding buyers that are the problem, its the one that believes they're entitled to what they want.

      • Presence on 31/08/2021 - 21:03
        +2

        Is there anything we can do about that, such as requiring the buyer to sign an agreement,

        I generally state in my ads that all items are "As is - haven't used in a while but turns on and works" or similar, so you are being clear that you are not making any guarentees about its future performance. If you state things like "works perfectly, only 3 months old", etc thats when people might get upset if it breaks.

        Also i live in a block of apartments and meet people out front - never tell them the unit number.

  • GreenRomeo on 31/08/2021 - 20:47

    Thanks guys for the early comments. Will consider the option of not providing an invoice, although I plan to sell a $2k+ new graphics card (among other stuff) and I thought it’d be quite a risk to the buyer if they don’t have the invoice for claiming warranty if the card plays up in e.g. a year.

    • Yummy on 31/08/2021 - 20:58
      +4

      Provide a copy of invoice but blank out your personal details.

  • dylanando on 31/08/2021 - 21:03
    +2

    I tend to corner them in, such as make them stand between two walls outside and stand opposite so if they wanted to run id at least have a chance. Obviously you have to be discreet and just move slowly lol.

    Ive never had an issue with buyers. Judge by their social profile.

  • djones145 on 31/08/2021 - 21:06
    +1

    live stream on Facebook, send us link
    tell them to smile your on ozbargain camera

  • dearears on 31/08/2021 - 21:07
    +7

    My Rules…

    1. Be honest.
    2. Be aware people on FB and GT are expecting a steal not just a deal.
    3. Once you agree on terms, phrase it again in written so that both parties understand the nature of transaction.
    4. Do not give you address until the last hour. Give rough approximation. Ask the person to call you once they are on way.
    5. Generally avoid last minute negotiation or negotiation at premises.
    6. Be aware that you have the right to refuse.
    • GreenRomeo on 31/08/2021 - 22:56

      Thanks for the advice. Sensible and easy to follow to me. It's great to know you seemed to have good experience selling at home with these rules.

  • thatonethere on 31/08/2021 - 22:25
    +2

    If it is something big like a fridge do Facebook. Perhaps make sure nothing portable and glamorous on show when they arrive. Have the item in the garage or verandah for inspection.

    Have a friend or two over if you don't have a large family and dog.

    • GreenRomeo on 31/08/2021 - 23:01

      Thanks. Just to confirm, do you mean for big items like a fridge you'd only do Facebook because you need to scan their profile, which you could not do with Gumtree, before allowing them to visit your place and go inside to inspect the fridge that is too heavy to even move to the front door? Would you refuse them to enter if they turn up with some questionable 'friends' to help move the fridge?

  • plmko on 31/08/2021 - 22:54

    Really have nothing to worry about except time wasting if you were selling a used piano/fridge etc no scammer is going to waste their time trying to flog off something that they cannot resell.

    • GreenRomeo on 31/08/2021 - 23:05

      I think it's more about protecting your privacy and yourself e.g. when you're home alone with valuable stuff in your house.

      I personally have mostly met the sellers from FB/Gumtree at their places (can't remember the last time I was asked to meet in a public place). It seems to me many having no problems meeting strangers at their place when selling stuff, but I'd rather be vigilant than sorry when it's my turn to be the seller this time.

  • [Deactivated] on 01/09/2021 - 08:01
    +1

    Out of my garage lol which faces street, have sold heaps of iPhones etc, just sold a iMac and iPhone 7 in last month. I prefer to go to someones house or they come to me than meet in a carpark.
    But then I am in a north coast now city 60k not suckhole Sydney,

  • moto on 01/09/2021 - 10:00
    +1

    Advertise it works by video proof with time and date. (Meet at a public place, willing to sell cheap but do not provide any contact number or invoice)

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