First Time’s the Charm: Handy Tips for Your First Transaction on OLX

Through the years, the Internet has provided a venue for virtual marketplaces that connects people with similar interests. Online classifieds platform OLX remains to be a top example as it has been bringing individuals together through the simple act of buying and selling.

While online buying and selling is becoming more common, not everyone feels the same security and assurance that physical stores deliver. These reservations stem from the lack of familiarity with the seller, and the cloud of uncertainty people associate with the multiple ads promising deals that may seem too good to be true.

Feeling nervous and uneasy when using the platform for the first time is normal. But this shouldn’t always be the case as there are multiple wonders in being part of OLX’s growing community. Whether you intend to buy or sell on the platform, OLX has you covered with a guide to help first timers like you take part in the alchemy of buying and selling. Below are 3 simple tips you should consider to ensure that your first transaction runs smoothly. Sellers: Setting-up your account and creating your first ad

For first time sellers, make sure you have your OLX account ready before you sell your first item. Setting up your account is simple and straightforward: you only need to provide your mobile number and e-mail address. Just like any other account you create on the Internet, make sure you change your passwords from time to time in order to minimize the risk of getting hacked.

Treat this as an opportunity to help you connect and build rapport with potential buyers in the anonymous space so make sure that you provide your name in your ad. In the description, putting your “reason for selling” or RFS and a detailed specification of your item (even the flaws!) definitely helps. Make it easier for potential buyers to get a better understanding of your item and for you to get a higher chance of closing that deal quickly!

Offer meet-ups as it allows you to clarify payment terms, product conditions, and reasons for selling with your buyers. More importantly, you get to know the next owner of your item!

Buyers: Detecting red flags

For first time buyers, it can be overwhelming to go through numerous ads generated from your searches. As more ads and deals appear, it is easy to be swayed by ads that promise high quality products at cheap and affordable prices. But before you proceed, carefully examine the following elements of the ad: photos, item description, and price.

If you stumble upon ads that use stock photos as images, ask the seller for a photo of the actual product. Also be on the look-out for sellers who implement a “no meet-up” policy but ask for initial deposits. Meeting up and choosing cash-on-delivery (COD) are the best options since it gives you an opportunity to inspect the product before you purchase and let go of your hard-earned money. Make sure to check if the prices are off the standard retail price and ask the seller’s reason for selling (RFS) behind the bargain if the departure from the SRP is considerable. Buyers and Sellers: Meeting-up in style

Closing the transaction can be daunting for first timers. Relax, regardless if you are a buyer or a seller, you’ve done your part and prepared carefully for that perfect transaction. Both parties are encouraged to meetup in a public place. The sight of a lot of people in the transaction space will definitely give a feeling of trust and security to help you calm your first transaction jitters.

As a rule of thumb, respect each other’s time. Agree on the most convenient time and place for meet-ups and stick to it. Be polite and sensitive in informing your buyer or sellers about changes in schedule. Remember that both parties compromise in every transaction just to make sure transactions push through.

Upon meet-up, communication between buyers and sellers should be open. As a buyer, politely clarify any hesitation you have with the product. Take this as an opportunity to carefully evaluate if you are pushing through with the transaction. Remember that unless you are satisfied, you have no obligation to buy the item. If you do not feel that the product meets your expectations, respectfully tell the seller your reasons so they understand.

Sellers, on the other hand, should be accommodating when responding to questions. Be honest and open-up any issues which you think are crucial. Anything vital you do not disclose can pose problems in the future. If there seems to be a lot of questions thrown at you, don’t panic or feel attacked, your buyer is simply making sure that your product is worth their hard-earned money. In the event that your buyer declines to push through with the transaction, understand where they are coming from .After-all, meet-ups are non-committal for both parties.

First time users set themselves up for successful transactions when they understand the platform, know their needs, and keep an open mind. As our roles as buyer or seller are not fixed, it is important to understand where both parties stand in each transaction phase. While transactions are bound by uncertainty, parties should proactively create trust-based relationships to drive secure transactions. After-all, OLX believes that winning together begins when every party involved do their part in ensuring that simple transactions turn into worthwhile connections.