General tips
No money in advance! A request for payment in advance usually turns out to be an attempt at fraud. Never transfer money in advance! This applies both to cash payments (e.g. via Western Union, MoneyGram, Escrow) and to bank transfers. In both cases, it is possible to cash the money with a false ID and you have no way of getting your money back! With this type of transaction, you are taking a big risk as you do not know the recipient. Electronically transmitted documents (registration certificates, logbooks, CITES, etc. sent by e-mail) can easily be forged and offer no guarantee of the identity of the person selling the item or that the documents constitute valid proof of ownership of that item. As a seller, you should always take precautions against fraud. Often sellers are paid by check for a transaction where it turns out that there is not enough money. We strongly advise you not to accept checks as a means of payment!
Safe selling
Always make sure you receive full payment for the services or goods you advertise on our site before completing the transaction. The place where you meet the buyer must be a safe place. Do not accept any excuses from the buyer regarding the originally agreed payment. Even if, for example, they have driven 2 hours to pick something up. Before you accept money orders or banknotes, check them carefully. If you receive counterfeit banknotes, contact the buyer or seller immediately, as banks will not recognize them and it must be considered a criminal offense to bring such counterfeits into circulation. If you receive bulk orders, verify credentials before delivering the order. Ask the buyer for a valid photo ID and proof of address. Be honest about the listing you are posting and enjoy the direct customer experience and the trust that comes with it for future orders. One of the most important things is not to disclose any financial or personal information, except for what is needed for payment on the platform. However, please note the special provisions of our terms and conditions («§19.2») with regard to classified ads in the pet trading section.
Safe shopping
The place where you meet the seller must be safe. Also make sure that you can check the items before paying. Stay away from inappropriate offers and focus on checking the item beforehand, especially if an offer sounds too good to be true. Don’t make any hasty decisions. In many cases, it can be helpful to sleep on a purchase decision for one or more nights before making it. To enjoy a safe and dispute-free transaction, it is best to inspect and collect and then pay to finalize the deal. If the details about an item seem unclear or opaque, clarify them before you buy. Always check the delivery terms, payment method and price. Do not give anyone your financial information and choose the payment method that is convenient for you. Buy items directly from the seller and check the goods beforehand. Also compare prices before you make the purchase. You can also use trusted third party services to check the condition of the item you want to buy.