1. Search with intent
Open Lemown, choose a category, and filter by county. Set a realistic price range. Save the search so you’re alerted when new items appear.
2. Read the listing carefully
Look for specific details: age, brand, condition, dimensions, why the seller is selling. Vague listings often hide flaws.
3. Ask sharp questions before meeting
"When was it last serviced?", "Any faults I should know about?", "Do you have the original receipt?". A serious seller responds in full sentences within a day.
4. Inspect before you pay
Turn appliances on. Test-ride bikes. View phones booting up. Check car engines cold. For furniture, sit in it — wobbles show up in seconds.
5. Negotiate calmly
Fair haggling is expected. Offer 5–15% below asking on smaller items, more if there are clear flaws you can name. Insulting lowball offers annoy sellers and make them refuse to sell to you at any price.
6. Pay smart
Cash for small items. Bank transfer confirmed in your app for bigger ones. Never send anything before you’ve seen the item in person.
7. Leave a review
A short honest review helps the next buyer, and rewards a good seller with more trust.
Frequently asked questions
Should I always pay in cash?
Cash works for smaller items where you can physically inspect them. For amounts over €500, a bank transfer confirmed on your phone before handover is safer for both sides.
Can I return a second-hand item if it breaks?
Generally no, unless the seller misrepresented it. That’s why the in-person inspection matters so much.
