How to meet a local buyer or seller safely
Most local sales are just two neighbors and a few minutes. A little planning keeps it that way.
Choose the place
- Meet somewhere public and busy, in daylight
- Many police stations have a lobby or parking lot you can use. Call yours and ask
- For large items at your home, move them to the garage or porch so nobody needs to come inside
Before you go
- Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back
- Bring someone along for anything big or expensive
- Keep your talk in the app's messages, so there's a record
Check the item, then pay
See the item and try it before any money moves. Plug it in, turn it on, open it up. A real seller won't mind. Don't pay a deposit for something you haven't seen.
Payment
- Cash is simple. For big amounts, meeting at a bank lets you check the bills
- With payment apps, see the money arrive in your own app, not a screenshot
- Don't take checks or cashier's checks from strangers. They can bounce days later
When to walk away
If the place changes at the last minute, the story keeps shifting, or something feels off, you can just leave. There will be other items.
On UseMart
UseMart keeps your messages in one place, never shows your home address, and has a Deal Handshake to confirm a sale in person. Buying on UseMart is free, and selling your own stuff is free too - up to 25 items for sale, no card needed.
Go to UseMart