How to sell to a stranger safely online
Review the listing and keep communication and payment in the app. Understand when your chosen fulfilment method counts as acceptance.
What to know
Check the description, condition and seller-provided evidence.
Use the order status in the app when arranging fulfilment.
Shipping uses tracked couriers and SilentSale®-issued labels. Raise issues within 72 hours after delivery confirmation, or collection for a locker or parcel-shop order. Confirming receipt closes this window early, so inspect the item first.
PIN Pickup is an in-person handover. The buyer inspects the item before sharing their six-digit PIN; the seller enters it in the app to complete the order. The PIN is acceptance. There is no shipping, tracking or post-handover dispute window.
How SilentSale® protects both sides
SilentCover® is a discretionary protection service under the SilentSale® Terms. Both sides protected equally: buyer and seller each contribute £0.30 + 3% of the item price. Decisions depend on the Terms and evidence.
PIN Pickup is an in-person handover. The buyer inspects the item before sharing their six-digit PIN; the seller enters it in the app to complete the order. The PIN is acceptance. There is no shipping, tracking or post-handover dispute window.
Questions people ask
How do I check payment before fulfilment?
Check the order’s payment status in the app; do not rely on a screenshot or off-platform message.
What if the item is not as described?
For Shipping, raise an issue within the review window before confirming receipt. For PIN Pickup, inspect before sharing the PIN; the PIN is acceptance.
Keep reading
- Is it safe to sell on Facebook Marketplace?
- How to avoid marketplace scams in the UK
- What is the safest way to sell something in person in the UK?
- Marketplace scams UK: eight warning signs
- How to price preloved items in the UK
- Sell locally without cash: PIN Pickup explained
- All guides
- All answers
- Compare marketplaces
- City guides
Sources
- SilentSale® Terms and Conditions: payment, protection, acceptance and evidence rules. Checked 2026-10-02. §3.1–3.3, §6.1–6.5, §4.1–4.3, §7.5, §15.2.2–15.2.4, §6.5.1–6.5.1, §7.3.7, §15.2, §3.2.2, §3.5.1, §4.4, §2.3.4