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Things to Consider
Buying from someone new can be an interesting experience. You may find a hidden gem of a service that offers a great value that you don’t want your friends to know about. In contrast, it can also be unpredictable and challenging at times. Dealing with new people or new companies has its tradeoffs. Whether it is cash or trade there are some important things to keep in mind:
Meet in a safe place
Predators are always seeking new ways to victimize people. One common theme is a purchase or sale that can feel too good to be true. Be careful and aware of your surroundings. Try to meet in a public place and/or let someone know where you are meeting.
Ask for references
Solid references can help measure credibility and give you feedback regarding the level of service to expect.
Gage Integrity
It is important for you to try to gage the level of integrity and fairness of the person selling to you- in case there is a problem, because in the end that is all you have. Here are some things to consider to be an educated consumer:
Is the salesperson telling you the truth, or is it being embellished? Is what the salesperson says will be delivered the same as what the contract says? What's in the `fine print`? Consider potential unknown factors before buying that could make the service cost more. Eg. A Home repair with unforeseen issues.
Educate yourself on the product(s) you are considering. The more prepared you are, the less likely you'll have the “wool pulled over your eyes”.
Make sure you can physically see or use the item before purchasing it. If it is wrapped in a box, then it needs to be removed. You don’t want to find you purchased damaged goods.
Prepare questions in advance about your purchase to determine if it’s a fit and gage the seller’s ability to deliver to you requirements. If you hear a little voice in your head saying, `Something's wrong here`, chances are, it is. Find someone else that offers the product or service, OR use your trade dollars in another way.