1. Pick the right platform for the item
The safest platform depends on what you’re selling. Anything bulky or high-value (furniture, appliances, prams, cars, bikes) is best sold locally, in person — that’s where Lemown Marketplace shines. Small, easily-posted items (books, small electronics, collectibles) can go on shipping-first platforms. Rentals belong on Lemown Rentals; services on Lemown Services.
2. Write a listing that attracts serious buyers
Serious buyers read the description more carefully than they look at the photos. Include: exact condition, age, brand, dimensions or size, any flaws, why you’re selling, and pickup or delivery details. Vague ads attract low-ball offers and time-wasters.
3. Take photos that build trust
Shoot in daylight, on a neutral background, from multiple angles. Include one shot that shows scale (a hand, a coin, a coffee cup). Show any damage clearly rather than hiding it. Buyers who feel the ad is honest reply first.
4. Price it based on real data
Search recent completed sales for the same item. On Lemown, filter by category, area and status to see the current market. A second-hand item in good condition typically sells for 30–60% of its retail price — higher for premium brands, lower for older tech.
5. Filter buyers before you meet them
Serious buyers use full sentences, ask specific questions, and agree a time and location without drama. Anyone asking to "post it right away" or offering to overpay in exchange for shipping abroad is a scam. Stay in Lemown chat — never move to email or WhatsApp before you’ve agreed a real, in-person meeting.
6. Meet safely
For small items, meet in a busy public place — shopping centre, cafe, Garda station carpark. For bulky items collected at your home, have someone else in the house, meet in daylight, and be ready to say no if anything feels off. Our full meeting buyers safely guide covers this in depth.
7. Handle the payment safely
Cash is fine for smaller amounts. For anything over €500, ask for a bank transfer while the buyer is still with you, and confirm the funds have landed before handing over the goods. Never accept a cheque from a stranger, and never post an item before payment has cleared.
8. Keep a record
Write a simple receipt for cars, bikes and higher-value items. Take a photo of the buyer collecting the item if they’re happy. It’s a tiny bit of paperwork that protects both sides.
Frequently asked questions
What is the safest way to accept payment when selling online?
Cash in daylight, or a bank transfer confirmed in your banking app while the buyer is still with you. Don’t rely on WhatsApp screenshots — log in and see the funds yourself.
Should I share my home address in a listing?
No. On Lemown your listing only shows an approximate area — you decide when and if to share the exact address in chat once the buyer is confirmed. See our safety guide.
How do I avoid scam messages?
Ignore any message offering to "post it abroad", overpay, or send a courier. Stay inside Lemown chat and only meet buyers who agree a specific local time and place.
Is Lemown safer than other marketplaces?
Lemown is local-first — no shipping, no payment processing — which removes the categories of scam that rely on couriers and fake payment confirmations. Combined with in-app reporting and one-tap blocking, that makes it a much safer place to trade than platforms built around shipping.
