The goods and the money must change hands at the same time. Never pay upfront. Cash is the best method of payment, pay only when you collect the goods.
Inspect the goods thoroughly. Test the goods, turn electrical goods on. Make the seller give you a "demo" of the goods to ensure that they work as expected.
Get as much details about the goods as possible. Ask many questions to see if the buyer has immediate answers. Many vague answers may indicate the goods are stolen.
How long have they owned the goods?
Where did they buy them?
Are the good still under guarantee?
How much did they pay for them, do they have the original slip?
Why are they selling the goods?
By wary when details are hazy and sketchy.
If buying computer equipment, make sure that you get the original installation discs for the operating system and/or office applications, otherwise they may be pirated.
Let family or friends know when and where you will meet the seller and when you expect to return. If possible go with someone else, rather than going alone - safety in numbers.
Meet in a public place if at all possible.
When a deal seems to be too good to be true - it probably is. A seller who seems too keen to rid of the item, even agreeing to a huge drop in asking price should arouse suspicion.
Leave your valuables at home when meeting with a prospective seller.
Find out about the selle. Name, address, phone numbers, place of work. Verify these details.
