Second-Hand Items Safety: 9 Essential Tips to Avoid Scams When Shopping Online in Kenya

Second-hand online shopping has taken off so wildly that we’ve all but forgotten what it’s like to actually step foot in a store. These days, shopping is a full-body experience, where people shop from the comfort through their phones.

Unlike in-store shopping—where you can poke, prod, and inspect every inch of a product like a detective—online shopping leaves you scrolling through photos and praying that the “perfect condition” sofa doesn’t arrive looking like it’s seen the rough end of a wrestling match!

When shopping online for secondhand items, even on platforms with buyer and seller protections, the responsibility mostly lands on you to stay sharp and guard against scammers.

According to Citizen Digital Kenya a lot of Kenyans have lost money through online scammers. A lot of buyers argue that they make deposits for products but never get their products. Therefore, before buying products online, it is important to do your due diligence to avoid scamming

How to Avoid Scams

1. Use a trusted resale website

Start by choosing a well-known and reputable resale website with buyer and seller protections in place. Trusted platforms often have secure payment options, verified user profiles, and customer support teams that can help resolve issues.

This helps ensure you’re shopping in a safer online environment where scams are less likely to slip through the cracks. Remember, a good resale website doesn’t just connect buyers and sellers; it actively works to create a safe, scam-free shopping experience.

Additionally, the website should have features that are give customers assurance of the purchasing process. A second-hand website like Corido Marketplace has different buying options that ensure customers are protected. For example, the website has agents who verify products from sellers, and this improves credibility of second-hand items.

2. Physical visiting to see second-hand products

Whenever possible, arrange to meet the seller in person to inspect the item before handing over any money.

Public locations, like a busy café or mall, are ideal for these meet-ups, as they offer a safer setting for both parties, however this only applies for portable items. For household items that are bigger, visit the location of the item, even if it is the seller’s home.

Meeting face-to-face not only gives you a chance to verify the item’s condition but also helps ensure you’re dealing with a genuine seller. Plus, there’s no better way to avoid shipping mishaps than by walking away with the item in hand!

3. Stay alert on Red Flags

Trust your instincts! If the deal sounds too good to be true or the seller is hesitant about details, these could be warning signs.

One of the best ways to identify a scammer is when they are quick to rush for payments. If they insist on deposits to hold on the second-hand item for you, they might be looking to scam you the deposit the money. According to Sanci (2023), if they are not able to provide additional images photos and videos and avoiding physical meetings, they could be scammers. Do not be too eager make a purchase, rather take a moment to question suspicious behavior now could save you from a scam down the road!

4. Ask for photos of the product

Once you have identified the products you want from a second-hand website, pick the phone number and communicate to the seller directly. Request clear, detailed photos of the item from different angles, ideally with a timestamp.

This helps confirm that the seller actually has the item and gives you a better sense of its true condition. If the seller hesitates or offers generic photos, take a step back—it could mean the item isn’t as described or, worse, doesn’t exist. A genuine seller will usually be happy to provide extra photos to put your mind at ease!

Additionally, you can use Google lenses to search the images sent online to make sure that the photos a seller has sent are not downloaded from Pinterest. Therefore, if the images are perfectly curated, they could be online downloads and this is scam business.

5. Make payments once you have received the products

When possible, avoid paying in advance and instead opt to pay upon receiving the item. This way, you can inspect it firsthand before any money changes hands.

Cash on delivery or meeting in person allows you to verify the product’s condition and authenticity. If a seller insists on full payment upfront, especially on large-ticket items, proceed cautiously—it’s often a red flag.

Paying after receiving the item helps protect you from the classic scam of “money sent, product never seen!”

6. Ask for Proof of Purchase

One of best ways to verify that a second-hand product is legit is by requesting proof of purchase or a receipt from the seller. A second-hand seller that is legitimate and willing to sell their product, they will be willing to provide a purchase receipt.

 This documentation can help verify the phone’s origin and ensure that it hasn’t been stolen or tampered with.

It also provides a record of the transaction for your reference.

7. Read Customer Reviews

Before committing to a purchase, take a few minutes to browse customer reviews on the platform.

Reviews can provide valuable insights into the seller’s reliability, product quality, and past buyer experiences. Look for patterns: consistent positive feedback is a good sign, while multiple complaints about product discrepancies or delayed responses should raise some concerns.

8. How active is the website/seller?

Honest reviews from other buyers can be your best line of defense against getting burned by a shady deal!

It’s worth seeing how lively the second-hand website is.

For the website, frequent updates, recent listings, and an active community of buyers and sellers are good signs that it’s reputable.

As for the seller, an active profile with recent logins, multiple listings, and quick response times suggests they’re serious about selling.

On the other hand, if the website seems outdated or the seller hasn’t been active in a while, proceed with caution—sometimes, a quiet profile is a scam just waiting to happen!

9. Research the product online

If you are interested in a second-hand product, you have to go online and research about the product. For example, if you are buying a second-hand cooker, you have to know key features so that you know the questions to ask the seller. Also, check and compare it to other items on the internet.

Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true and trust your instincts. And if you’ve got a doubt, contact our team at Corido Marketplace.

Conclusion

Shopping for second-hand items online can be a great way to save money and find unique products, but it also comes with risks if you’re not vigilant.

By following these tips—using trusted platforms, meeting sellers in safe locations, avoiding upfront payments, and verifying each item—you can shop smarter and avoid scams.

Remember, platforms like Corido Marketplace are designed with buyer safety in mind, offering verified listings, secure payments, and the support of knowledgeable agents.

With the right precautions, online shopping can be safe, convenient, and rewarding. Enjoy finding great deals with confidence!

Here are five FAQs based on the article:

FAQs on Safe Online Shopping for Second-Hand Items in Kenya

1. How can I avoid scams when shopping online for second-hand items?

• To avoid scams, use trusted resale websites like Corido Marketplace that offer buyer protections, inspect items in person when possible, and avoid paying upfront. Always verify seller details and ask for clear, detailed photos of the item.

2. Why is it essential to meet the seller in person before buying a second-hand item?

• Meeting in person allows you to inspect the item’s condition firsthand and ensures you’re dealing with a genuine seller. It reduces the risk of fraud and eliminates shipping mishaps by letting you leave with the item in hand.

3. What should I do if a seller refuses to provide extra photos or meet in person?

• Refusing to provide additional details or avoiding a meet-up are often red flags. Scammers may hesitate to show real photos or meet face-to-face. In such cases, consider other options and always trust your instincts.

4. Is paying on delivery safer than paying upfront?

• Yes, paying on delivery allows you to inspect the item before making any payment, which helps protect against scams where the product never arrives or doesn’t match its description.

5. What are the benefits of using Corido Marketplace for second-hand purchases?

• Corido Marketplace provides verified listings, secure payments, and experienced agents who authenticate products. This extra layer of security helps buyers avoid scams and ensures a reliable shopping experience.