How do I sell a washing machine for collection?

What should we both check at the door?

Look at the door seal, the detergent drawer, the hose and the plug. RoSPA says frayed wires are the usual shock risk on second-hand electrical items.

If there is a water supply and a drain you are allowed to use, run a short cycle while you are both there. If it leaks, or the drum will not turn, do not take payment and do not share a PIN. Measure the route with the stairs and car guide.

What are transit bolts, and do I refit them?

Beko’s guide is about a new Beko machine. It says there can be up to five transit bolts on the back, that they keep the machine secure in transit, and that they must be removed before you install it. Store them so the machine can be moved again. Have someone help you lift.

A second-hand machine may already have had the bolts removed. Look at the back of the one in front of you, and read that machine’s own manual. Do not assume every brand uses the same bolts. If they are still fitted, they are for transport, not for a wash.

Beko’s guide says a new Beko washing machine can have up to five transit bolts on the back, which keep it secure in transit. These must be removed before you install the machine. Store the bolts in case it is transported again. Have someone help when lifting, tilting and moving the machine. Source

RoSPA’s second-hand goods page says frayed wires are the usual shock risk on second-hand electrical items, and that asking whether a PAT test was done is one way to check. Source

Do I need a PAT sticker to sell it?

The Health and Safety Executive’s PAT page is written for employers. It says the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 do not make PAT, or an annual test, a legal requirement, and that PAT is not compulsory. That page does not tell a private seller to produce a sticker for a one-off sale.

Look at the cable yourself. A sticker is not a substitute for a frayed lead. Agree the price before the machine is on the stairs, using the buyer offers less once they arrive.

The Health and Safety Executive says the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require an employer to maintain electrical equipment that could cause injury. The regulations do not make inspection or testing, or an annual PAT, a legal requirement. HSE’s answer to whether PAT is compulsory is no. That page is written for employers. Source

When do I complete the sale?

On SilentSale®, collection is PIN Pickup. The buyer pays in the app, inspects, and shares a 6-digit PIN only when they accept the machine. If it leaks, do not complete the order. The buyer can cancel before the PIN and is refunded in full. There is no dispute window after the PIN.

It is free to list. Both sides contribute £0.30 + 3% of the item price to SilentCover® (£0.60 each on a £10 item), a discretionary protection service. Stripe holds the funds until pickup is completed. Read collection-only items, a refund after collecting and the Facebook Marketplace comparison.

SilentSale® Terms: payment is processed through Stripe when the buyer confirms checkout (section 10A.2.1). Stripe holds the funds until the item is delivered or collected (section 10A.2.2). SilentSale® does not directly hold the funds (section 4.1.4). Funds are not released to the seller until pickup is completed (section 10A.2.4). After checkout the buyer is issued a 6-digit PIN (section 7.5.2). The buyer must inspect the item before handing that PIN to the seller (section 7.5.3). The seller enters it in the app (section 7.5.4). Entering the PIN is acceptance, the order is then complete, and no dispute window applies (sections 7.5.5, 7.5.6, 15.2.3 and 10A.7.3). Source

SilentSale® Terms section 10A.5.3: a buyer may cancel a PIN Pickup order in the app until the acceptance PIN has been entered, and is then refunded in full. Section 10A.5.5: once the seller has entered the PIN, voluntary cancellation in the app is no longer available. Source

SilentSale® Terms section 3.1.1: both the buyer and the seller contribute to SilentCover®. Section 3.2.2: it is free to list, and the seller’s contribution is taken only after a successful sale. Section 3.3: SilentCover® is described as a discretionary platform service. Buyer and seller each contribute £0.30 + 3% of the item price (£0.60 each on a £10 item); the app shows the amount in pounds. Source