It is extremely important to handshake that we offer a safe and trusted platform for our users to buy and sell. Although we are constantly monitoring the site for fraudulent activity, it pays to be savvy when buying and know what to look for if a listing doesn’t seem quite right.
If you come across a listing that seems too good to be true, it most likely is. When tossing up whether or not a certain seller should be trusted, here are some things to look for:
- 1. Has the seller verified any of his or her contact details? Verification is done via a credit card payment, or by verifying the seller’s contact phone number or address. Sellers can verify all their credentials and this will be highlighted on their profile.
- 2. Check the sellers’ handshakes – this gives good insight into other users’ experiences with this seller.
- 3. Does this seller have any other listings? If a member is selling a number of high priced items and is not a legitimate business account or business, this could indicate possible criminal activity. Please report this listing straight away.
- 4. Do the photos look original? If the images look like they have been pulled from the internet, ask if the seller can provide an original photo of the actual item they are selling.
- 5. Ask questions. If you need more information, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification before you place a bid or use the buy now option.
If alarm bells start ringing or you are still unsure about the seller or the listing, please report this by clicking the Report this listing button on the listing page, and our team will look into it.
Quick tips for safe buying
Buyer beware! Before you make a bid or buy any item(s) do your homework and follow these quick and simple checks:
- Read the advert carefully.
- Study the photos in detail or ask the seller to post more photos.
- Check the price and make sure it’s fair for the item(s) advertised.
- If you need more information ask the seller questions.
- Make absolutely sure the item(s) are exactly what you want and for the purpose intended.
- Check the seller’s handshakes.
- Make sure the shipping and payment details are clearly stated.
- Don’t buy from overseas traders.
- If you have any doubts, don’t buy it.
- If the item(s) being sold sound too cheap, be cautious and do your homework.
- Do not make any payments into an overseas bank account or through Western Union.
- Be vigilant. If photos are copied from another website or from the OEM website then there is a chance that the item(s) for sale are not a true representation.
- Fakes, counterfeit or pirated goods such as clothing, jewellery, handbags, music, games, movies and software are prohibited from being sold on handshake.
- Keep a record of all payment details and correspondence with the seller.
- If you have purchased a high value item ask the seller for a phone number in case you need to contact them.
- For your own safety, report the seller if they try to bypass the auction process.
- Keep in contact with the seller and make sure you are completely aware of the delivery process from the time you make the payment to when you can expect delivery. Allow up to 5-7 days for the process to be completed.
- If a seller does not follow through with the delivery of goods after you have paid the money into their account, you must endeavour to make contact via email or phone at least 3-4 times and leave a message. After 5-7 days without a reply you need to place a handshake accordingly and report this to us immediately.