A Simple Safety Checklist for Online Marketplace Transactions
Good marketplace habits begin before a bid or purchase. Use this checklist to review listings carefully, protect account access and keep useful transaction records.
Stay on the marketplace
Use the site's normal account, bidding and messaging features for marketplace activity. Be cautious if someone asks you to move a transaction to an unrelated service or requests information that is not necessary for the transaction.
Protect your account
Use a strong, unique password and do not share login credentials. Be suspicious of messages asking for passwords, verification codes or other sensitive account information. If a message appears unusual, verify it through the normal site rather than following an unexpected link.
Review the listing carefully
Confirm the item description, photos, price, quantity and seller information. If something important is missing, ask for clarification before bidding. Extremely vague descriptions or inconsistent details deserve extra scrutiny.
Evaluate the seller
Review seller information and available feedback. Visit the Seller Stores directory to see whether the seller has other listings. No single signal guarantees a transaction, so combine seller history with the quality of the current listing.
Keep records
Save relevant confirmation information, listing details and messages. Records make it easier to understand what was agreed to if questions arise later.
Use reasonable judgment
If an offer seems inconsistent with the product, price or seller information, slow down and investigate before committing. A few extra minutes of review can prevent avoidable problems. For additional buying guidance, read Online Auction Tips for Buyers and Online Auction Buying Guide.