With over 40% of UK consumers saying they bought a second-hand item last year* and a +700% increase in searches for ‘pre-loved furniture near me’**, it’s clear consumers are looking to save money and be more sustainable shoppers.
But, for some, what they ordered may not be what turns up – if it turns up at all, which can be the risk when buying second-hand. So, what can you do to minimise this risk?
To help you stay safe when buying from one of the many online marketplaces, the experts at DeliveryApp provide some top tips on what to look out for before you part with any hard-earned cash.
6 key tips for buying online
Research and compare
Before making a purchase, thoroughly research the product, its features, and its price. By looking at the original price of an item or comparing similar you’ll be able to see if you’re getting a good deal – some people may even try to inflate the price if they can.
Checking what prices other sellers are offering these items for can also flag any issues – if the one you’ve found seems too cheap, it could be a fraud or a counterfeit, so best to leave it. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Check seller reputation
When buying from individual sellers or smaller online platforms, check the seller’s reputation, ratings, or reviews if available. This helps gauge the reliability and quality of what they’ve sold previously.
Secure payment methods
Opt for secure payment methods that offer buyer protection, such as PayPal or reputable online payment platforms. Avoid sellers who ask you to make payments through a separate bank transfer as you may struggle to get your money back if something goes wrong.
For example, Vinted can’t offer support or a refund if you make a payment outside of the platform.
Read and re-read descriptions carefully
Pay close attention to product descriptions, including specifications, conditions, dimensions, and any additional information provided by the seller. This ensures that the item meets your expectations and requirements and if it doesn’t meet the description.
If your item arrives and is ‘significantly not as described’, you should be able to log and submit a claim, although the T&Cs vary between each site. Having used a secure payment method will help with any dispute.
Understand return policies
Many sellers (particularly individuals) may not offer returns for items sold on platforms like Vinted. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the return policies of the online platform or seller before you buy anything.
Understand the conditions, timeframe, and any associated costs or requirements for returning an item in case it doesn’t meet your expectations.
Use a trackable posting service
Only buy from sellers who send goods using a trackable postal service, whether that’s through Royal Mail or DeliveryApp – this means you can trust your item to arrive safely at your doorstep.
Dwain McDonald, CEO at DeliveryApp adds: “It’s so important to have your wits about you when buying things online, particularly when it comes to protecting your payment details and personal information.
“There’s no point in buying online if the goods never make it to you, so making sure your selling uses a tracked service can remove the stress of having to deal with disputes and lost items.”
For more information about DeliveryApp, please visit www.deliveryapp.com