How to buy safely
Buying in your city, where you can personally meet with the seller, inspect the product you are buying and pay for the goods on the spot - is the safest and most secure way to transact.
If you found a product or service you want on List.am, first, consider a few useful tips to help you avoid fraud and any disappointments.
Be careful and cautious if:
- There are many spelling or grammar errors in the title or description of the ad; Information provided is cryptic or incomplete;
- Title or text is in a foreign non-native language, or translated using an automatic translator;
- Name of the user or company name do not inspire confidence, are not properly specified or do not correspond to reality;
- A phone number is included in the description using digits, letters or other characters;
- A foreign phone number is used in the ad.
Product description
Remember that an honest seller always uses detailed, clear description for their products or services.
Please note the following:
- It is important to discuss all product details before you commit to buy, not after the fact. Also ask for receipt or warranty information.
- Make sure to as many questions as possible, request additional photos of the product.
- When meeting the seller, verify that the item you are purchasing is indeed the one advertised. Check to make sure there are no faults and it is functioning properly and as expected before paying the seller.
Price
If an item you're considering has an unusually low price and seems too "attractive" or the price seems fake, it may mean that someone is trying to attract your attention in order to commit fraud.
Payments
If possible, pay with cash. It is the easiest and safest way to pay.
Never ever send any money abroad!
If what you are buying is too expensive (e.g., a car), you can negotiate with the seller to pay via a bank transfer. In this case, you should be present at the bank with the seller and make sure that all the paperwork is completed properly.
When buying from a dealer or an agency, make sure that you are dealing with a solid organization. If in doubt, ask for their license number, physical address as well as an opportunity to talk to their existing customers.
Meeting with the seller
If you and seller agreed to meet in person, schedule the meeting in a well-lit public place. Avoid vacant lots, parking lots, deserted alleys or parks. Consider bringing a friend to the meeting or someone who could support you and attest the deal.
If a person is providing you a service at home, ask them to show you their identification documents before letting them in. If you are planning to meet with someone, do not forget to write down their contact details or details of other people who may be present. If, for any reason you cannot make your appointment, let them know in advance.
Shipping
In case of delivery of goods by mail, request a safe and convenient delivery in advance, ask how well will the item be packaged. Also do not forget to discuss exactly who will pay for shipping - you or the seller. Using courier delivery services is always a good idea: it will give you the opportunity to inspect the item and its condition before making the payment.
Buying a used car
Even if the car ad looks good, and the seller seems trustworthy - do not forget about the most basic rules before buying a car:
- Car Registration Certificate should be available and provided to you by the seller – this is a primary document for the car.
- The car should be checked for theft and prior history to avoid having any problems with the police later.
- Engine and chassis numbers should be consistent, same font of the same height and width should be used, as well as the thickness of the character lines should be the same. There should be no traces of altering the numbers.
- Pay special attention to the interior and the smell inside the car - it is easy to figure out the conditions under which it was used, and whether there is any non-obvious damage.
- Look at the condition of the body and the deformation of body panels – this will help you determine whether the vehicle was in an accident.
- If the price is unreasonably low compared to the average cost of this particular model and year, it may be wise to skip this purchase.
Be careful
In case of doubt when buying, we recommend contacting the seller by phone provided in the ad. Save contact information of the seller, details of the correspondence, documents confirming the payment and delivery - this can be useful in case any issues arise.
Always be alert and use common sense in all transactions, and, if in doubt, do not part with your money and goods.
If you have any problems or questions, please contact our Customer Support for more information.
