Making purchases online is often a popular way to access items that are more affordable, or not available in your rohe! We have a range of online platforms available at our fingertips – think Facebook Marketplace, TradeMe or other reselling sites.
Many whānau also use these as quick and convenient ways to sell items that they may no longer need – school uniforms that are too small or your own clothes! If you have heard from friends and whānau about their bad experiences using these sites, here are our top tips!
Use established platforms
TradeMe is one of Aotearoa’s most trusted online marketplaces. It offers buyer protection for certain transactions and also has built-in systems to track sellers’ ratings and feedback.
Facebook Marketplace is great for local, in-person exchanges and allows you to buy and sell within your local community. You can also rate sellers and check in advance if other buyers or sellers have had a good experience with them.
Check seller and buyer ratings and reviews
When buying on TradeMe, always check the seller’s ratings and read reviews from past buyers. A seller with consistently high ratings is more likely to be trustworthy. Similarly, if you’re selling something, check the buyer’s ratings if they have purchased from others before.
On Facebook Marketplace, while there is a five star official rating system, you can also look at a person’s profile to gauge their credibility. If the profile is brand new, lacks personal details, or seems suspicious, it might be worth avoiding.
Meet in safe, public locations
If you need to meet in person, always meet in a safe, public location. Shopping malls, cafés, or other well-lit and busy areas are perfect. You can avoid inviting buyers to your home or going to theirs, especially if it’s your first interaction.
For larger items (like furniture) that require travelling to someone’s whare, bring someone along with you or schedule the meet-up during daylight hours when others are around. Let someone know where you’re going if you’re heading to an unfamiliar place.
Be wary of too good to be true deals
Scammers often target online buyers or sellers, especially on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, where monitoring may be less strict than on platforms like TradeMe.
Things to be cautious of:
Unusually Low Prices: If an item is significantly cheaper than you would expect to pay be cautious.
Requests for Upfront Payments: Never send money before seeing an item.
Suspicious Links or Payment Methods: Scammers might send you a link to an external site to make payment. Always use the platform’s built-in payment options.
We also recommend you:
Protect your personal details
Be careful not to share sensitive personal information, such as your home address, phone number, or banking details, especially if you’re still deciding about making a purchase.
Use secure payment methods
For online transactions, stick to secure payment methods. On TradeMe, using their payment options like Ping, will ensure funds are held until both parties are satisfied. For Facebook Marketplace, consider cash transactions for local exchanges or bank transfers once you’ve established trust. Avoid clicking on any links sent by the seller or transferring money online that you feel unsure about.
Set clear expectations
When selling online, make sure that your item descriptions are clear and honest. This reduces the possibility of disputes after the sale. Provide detailed photos, mention any flaws or issues, and be transparent about the item’s condition.
If you’re buying, don’t be afraid to ask for more information or photos before agreeing to a purchase, especially if you’re not able to inspect the item in person. Request measurements, ask about any damage, and confirm the authenticity. You’re well within your rights to request a receipt for any branded items or purchases of higher value.
Avoid last minute changes
If a buyer or seller suddenly changes the meeting location, payment method, or any agreed-upon terms, it’s a sign to be cautious. Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency or confusion by making last-minute changes. Stick to your original plan, and if something feels off, don’t hesitate to cancel your purchase.
The information contained in this document is intended for general guidance and information only and is not personalised to you. It does not take into account your particular financial situation or goals.
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