Check out the seller profile
Your first port of call to find out about a seller is one click away on the right-hand side of the listing. Each seller has a profile on Gumtree, where you can read reviews from previous buyers. It will also show what their average response rate is and how long they’ve been active on the site.
Inspect the listing
Carefully examining the listing is a good way to tell if someone is a seasoned seller or not. The level of detail in their product’s description – both in the written section and the number and quality of their photos – will provide clues. The old saying ‘too good to be true’ is worth bearing in mind. If something is priced much lower than similar products, then you might question its authenticity.
Ask questions
If you want more info, then you can send the seller a message. To determine whether you’ve really uncovered a bargain, you could ask the seller for their original receipt or a certificate of purchase. And if you feel you need to view an item in person before buying, there’s no need to be embarrassed about asking.
Stay on platform
Keeping all communications between you and a seller within Gumtree will add a layer of protection. This way, you have a record of any price negotiations and promises made. Our filter system is designed to automatically block any suspicious messages that look like spam.
Stick to reputable payment methods
Most payment methods have some sort of consumer protection as standard, so it’s wise to be wary of any seller (or buyer) who asks you to switch to one that doesn’t. Many sellers will ask for cash payment on collection – if you’re comfortable with this, then it’s a good idea to take the exact money with you when picking the item up as they might not have change.
Bearing these five tips in mind will help you have a more enjoyable shopping experience on Gumtree. With so many reliable people offering stuff for sale in our marketplace, you’ll be able to make some fruitful connections in no time. For more helpful tips, take a look at our guide on how to buy safely on Gumtree.
