These checklists will help you get all the information you need to make an informed purchase with Trading Post.
Check the item
- Read the description
Read the description carefully and look closely at any photos that the seller has provided. You will be buying the item ‘as is’, so take particular note of any flaws that are mentioned or shown.
- Ask questions
Feel free to ask the seller for more information or more detailed photos if their listing doesn’t provide all the details you need or want.
- Ask for photos of the actual item
Stock photos and photos of a brand new version of the item from a catalogue or website will not show you what the seller’s item looks like and the condition it’s in. Check photos carefully to identify any faults or imperfections.
- Work out what the item is worth
Take the time to research what sort of price similar items sell for. Look on tradingpost.com.au, check your local paper and ask friends and family. Remember to take into account the age and condition of the item.
If it’s an auction, decide on the maximum amount you’re willing to offer and then stick to it!
- Check the payment & delivery options
When you bid or Buy Now, you are agreeing to meet the seller’s terms and conditions, including the payment & delivery options offered.
Be sure:
- you understand and are comfortable with the payment options
- you’re willing to accept the delivery options, bearing in mind that any delivery costs are added to the purchase price, not included in it.
You can ask the seller if they’re willing to accept an alternative payment or delivery arrangement you have in mind. However, ask before you bid or commit to Buy Now as the seller is under no obligation to agree.
- Ask for proof of ownership, possession & authenticity
Ask the seller for proof (e.g. serial number, certificate of authenticity or valuation certificate etc) that:
- the item is genuine
- the item is in the seller’s possession
- the seller has the right to sell the item.
Pay particular care if you are bidding for or buying an expensive item, such as an appliance, jewellery or artwork.
- Check the seller’s return policy
It often pays to check whether the seller has a return or refund policy to cover you if the item delivered is not as described, particularly if you are buying a new or expensive item.
Check the seller
- Seller feedback
Check whether the seller has feedback from previous transactions. Reading feedback from other buyers is a great way to judge whether a seller is an honest and reliable trader.
- Check whether the seller is a Verified Trader
Verified Trader™ is our trusted seller & buyer program in which members apply to have their personal details verified by Trading Post. We’ve introduced Verified Trader™ to help you feel confident when buying on tradingpost.com.au.
- Contact the seller before you pay
This will help you confirm that you have their correct contact details in case you have trouble paying for or receiving your purchase.
- Australian Business Number (ABN)
If the seller has an ABN, check that it matches the rest of their details. The Australian Government provides an online ABN Lookup service at www.abr.business.gov.au where you can check if a business has an ABN or ACN.
Buying from Auctions & Buy Now ads
- Register to start buying online
Before you bid on Auctions or purchase an item through a Buy Now ad, sign up to become a Trading Post member – it’s free.
- Understand how bidding works
Auto-bidding occurs when you bid on Auctions. It allows you to compete with other buyers by specifying the maximum amount you are willing to offer for an item and letting Trading Post place incremental bids on your behalf.
- Weigh up the pros and cons of Buy Now prior to Auction
Some sellers provide buyers with the opportunity to secure a sale by offering a Buy Now price with an Auction. Are you willing to pay it at the Buy Now price? Is the item worth this amount? Or, are you prepared to risk the possibility of losing out to another seller by going to Auction?
Check your details
- Ensure your contact details are up to date
Once you agree to purchase an item, your contact details and the seller's are exchanged via email. Incorrect contact details may make it difficult for the seller to contact you to complete the sale.
- What contact details do you want the seller to receive?
Look at your preferences in My Trading Post to change the settings which details you want to pass onto sellers.
- Become a Verified Trader
Join our Verified Trader program to have your identity checked and verified by Trading Post® to help validate your status as a trustworthy seller. We’ve introduced Verified Trader ™ to help our members feel confident when you know who you're dealing with.
Safe trading
- Be aware of online scams
Pay particular attention to sales where the item seems underpriced - it may be a scam. Or where it involves sending payment overseas, as all Trading Post members must reside within Australia. Therefore you should never respond to request to send payment overseas.
We update our site regularly with information about scams that have been detected by Trading Post and how to recognise them.
- Only use a payment method you feel comfortable with
Where possible, use a payment option that provides you with proof of purchase. Avoid sending cash in the mail or using money transfer services with people you don’t know. (e.g. Western Union or Money Gram). See tips on safe payment methods.
- Trading Post® Community advice
Post a question on a Community discussion forum to seek advice from other members of the Trading Post community.
- Trust your instinct
Things that seem to good to be true, often are!
