Guide Buying something from this forum for the first time — need tips to stay safe

drtgns

Discoverer
Hi, I’m buying a monitor from someone here. The deal is in its final stage.

Please guide me on what precautions I should take:

Q-When should I make the full payment?

Q-Should I ask for some proof, like an ID or a live video call?

Q-Is Delhivery a reliable shipping company?

Q- Do shipping company check product before shipping it?

Thanks in advance!
 
If this is the first time you're buying something on this forum, people might not agree to ship without full payment. But you can always try asking.

Live video call might be good, if the seller is ok with it.

Delhivery is cheap and has great coverage for many far flung areas, but level of service is worse as a result. You may see delays and delivery people who are not courteous. But it is legit.

No, Not at all: they don't check anything before shipping. Just grab box and run.
 
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If this is the first time you're buying something on this forum, people might not agree to ship without full payment. But you can always try asking.

Live video call might be good, if the seller is ok with it.

Delhivery is cheap and has great coverage for many far flung areas, but level of service is worse as a result. You may see delays and delivery people who are not courteous. But it is legit.

No, Not at all: they don't check anything before shipping. Just grab box and run.

I do get orders shipped by delivery. recently, I got a bicycle from Decathlon, and I would say the experience has been good so far with them.

I'm fine paying the full amount before shipping, but I will definitely ask for a video call before making the payment
 
1. Generally and mostly, yes.
2. No id proofs, vc might be possible if seller is fine with it.
3. Delhivery is okay, bluedart is best and dtdc is next.
4. Absolutely No.

Look, it alls boils down to the seller's trustworthiness. If they have a good track record and have been on the forum for years and then there is little to no issue. This is not like OLX or FB marketplace, people don't sell here to make a profit, they offboard stuff that they have no use of.
 
Q-When should I make the full payment?
Once you and seller decides to finally nail on the deal provided you have gone through the sellers feedback profile and reviews.
Q-Should I ask for some proof, like an ID or a live video call?
Live vc yes as many people here entertain it and for some stuff like hardware linked to a software aka dependency makes sense to live witness the sync between the two or iF a product is damaged like crack/dent etc. a vc provides a better actual insight on such damages before proceeding further.
Q-Is Delhivery a reliable shipping company?
NO, not for me at least but again it depends across personal exp. and regional service. Access which is the best for your region and if seller is willing to go for it.
Q- Do shipping company check product before shipping it?
Nop, unless the declaration states otherwise. Or unless someone is shouting that I wanna ship an iphone and then kiss goodbye to your iphone and receive a brick!

Now that the item in question is a monitor and that it will be your first deal ever here better ask the seller for a original box, thermocol, bubble wrap etc so that there are lesser chances of damages if any esp. given the current rough weather and rains. Or ask him to pack it like a tank and once you receive the item, make an unboxing video to be extra cautious for those unpleasant moments and shattered dreams, if at all...