How BuyorMeet Protects You
Every transaction on BuyorMeet is protected by our multi-layer security system. Buy and sell locally without worry.
The Transaction Flow
Step 1: Buyer Pays Deposit (10-30%)
Buyer places a small deposit via card. This is NOT full payment — just a commitment fee that shows you're serious. Money goes straight to escrow.
Step 2: Schedule Meetup
Both parties agree on a safe, public meetup location and time through in-app chat. We suggest police station lobbies, coffee shops, and busy public areas.
Step 3: GPS Check-In
When you arrive, both buyer and seller tap 'I'm Here'. GPS verifies you're both within 200m of the meetup location. This prevents 'I never met them' scams.
Step 4: Inspect the Item
Buyer inspects the item against the listing photos and description. Take your time — check everything. We recommend taking photos for your records.
Step 5: Dual Confirmation
Both parties confirm the exchange. Buyer taps 'Item Received', seller taps 'Item Delivered'. Or scan the QR code for instant verification. Both must confirm — one-sided abuse is impossible.
Step 6: 24-Hour Protection Hold
After confirmation, funds are held for 24 hours. During this window, the buyer can file a dispute if they discover an issue. If no dispute, funds auto-release to seller.
Step 7: Funds Released
After the 24-hour hold (or immediately if buyer approves early), the full payment is released to the seller. Both parties can rate each other.
Escrow Protection
Money is held by Stripe (a licensed payment processor), not by BuyorMeet. Neither party can access funds until both confirm the exchange. Deposits are always refundableif the item isn't as described.
Dispute Resolution
If item isn't as described: deposit is frozen (not released). Seller can accept fault (instant refund) or dispute (platform reviews within 48h). We compare photos, chat history, and the original listing to decide.
No-Show Penalties
Buyer no-shows: Deposit goes to seller as compensation for wasted time.
Seller no-shows: Buyer gets full refund, seller receives a strike. 3 strikes = account suspension.
Anti-Abuse System
We track dispute patterns. Users who repeatedly file false "not as described" claims get flagged, lose dispute privileges, and can be permanently banned. Sellers with repeated legitimate complaints get delisted.
Identity & Trust
Verified Phone
Every user must verify their phone number via SMS before transacting
Optional ID Verification
Verified users get a trust badge and higher visibility in search results
Ratings & Reviews
Both parties rate each other after every transaction, building a trust score over time
Seller Listing Requirements
Before a listing goes live, sellers must provide proof that becomes the evidence baselinefor any future disputes:
Real photos (not stock images)
We detect and reject stock photos. All images must be original.
Multiple angles required
At least 2 photos showing front and back / different angles.
Condition description
Must accurately describe any flaws, damage, or missing parts.
Optional: video proof
For electronics, we recommend a short video showing the item powers on.
Why Deposits, Not Full Payment?
The deposit model is safer because:
- Buyers risk less money upfront
- Chargeback exposure is minimized
- Less friction = more transactions
- Deposit = commitment, not punishment
The deposit exists to:
- Reduce no-shows (skin in the game)
- Discourage bad behavior
- Compensate sellers for time if buyer flakes
- Keep the platform fair for both sides