Close5 Blog Top Tips for A Successful Exchange with Close5

So you've bought or sold an item on Close5. Congratulations! You're now onto the fun part - getting your cash or your new item. We've observed our fair share of deals on Close5 and listened to our users' feedback in order to compile this list of best practices for a stress-free meetup. Before Meeting UpAgree on paymentMake sure you've agreed on the price, and method of payment, whether it's cash, electronic payments, check, etc ahead of time.Keep your personal information privatePublic profiles help you get information about the buyer or seller, while chat works just like texting - No need to give strangers your phone number, address or email.Bring a friend to the meetupIf you're feeling uneasy about meeting a stranger, bring a friend. You'll feel more at ease and have twice the fun!Meet in a public placeAlways meet in a public space during peak hours when there are plenty of people around. Since we discourage meeting strangers at your personal residence to complete a transaction, here are some of our favorite places to meet:Police Station - Users can meet outside a police station, and more stations now encourage this behavior by posting "Safe Selling Zone" signs outside the building. Contact your local Police Station for more info.Coffee Shops - Big chain shops are prevalent on nearly every corner, have high traffic during business hours and outlets to test any electronics you may be purchasing.Shopping Mall - Malls often have high traffic throughout the day, surveillance, and security guards for your comfort.Libraries - It might sound odd, but public libraries typically have high traffic during business hours and tend to have a security guard on duty. Plus, who doesn't love a good read?Grocery Stores - Two for one errand! Complete your meetup and take care of your grocery shopping.If you're selling larger items that make a meeting in public difficult, be sure to bring your items outside before your buyer arrives. Not only will it make you both feel a bit more comfortable, but it'll also make the transfer to their vehicle that much easier. It wouldn't hurt to have a friend or family member with you, either. Not only can they keep you company while you wait, but they can help you move the item if necessary.Meeting somewhere else and worried about trying out your new item? Read our blog on what to do when you can't test an item at a meet-up.At the Meet UpBe punctualTime is valuable to everyone. When arranging a meeting, do your best to stay in contact with the buyer or seller and make the agreed-upon time.Use sound reasoningIf something doesn't feel right or is too good to be true, trust your intuition.Make sure you're getting what you agreed uponIf you're buying something, make sure you've inspected the item and it's as described.If you're selling something, always ensure that any electronic payments went through by checking your PayPal, Venmo or Cash account directly, and count cash carefully.Remember!All sales are final. Consider if you'll be truly happy with your purchase, as once you walk away with item in-hand, that's your agreement that the item is as expected and at a fair price. If you're not happy, consider walking away from the deal. Hopefully, these tips & suggestions help make the buying and selling process that much easier. You'll likely discover that it's kind of fun and most people you meet are pretty cool. It just takes a few sales to get the hang of it.Share with us any tips you think we missed on Facebook or Twitter!Need Close5 help or have feedback? Email us at support@close5.com any timeClose5: Buy & Sell Locally. Download Now!The information contained in this article reflects the personal opinions and recommendations of the author based on his or her own experience; you should do your own research before purchasing any item on a classifieds platform.