5 Essential Tips for Buying and Selling Locally in Canada

But, there’s a darker side to buying and selling online – scams. Canadian residents lost over $11 million to merchandising scams (including Facebook Marketplace) in 2023, likely equalling that amount in 2024.

The good news is that you can stay safe and save money buying and selling online – and the five tips we go through in this post can help.

Key Takeaways

• Do Your Research First: Compare prices online and review item details or seller reputations.
• Be Detailed and Honest: Clear descriptions and photos help build trust, whether you’re buying or selling.
• Negotiation is Normal: It’s common for Canadians to haggle a bit—politely.
• Choose Secure Platforms: Use in-app chat features to keep personal info private and watch for scam alerts.
• Leave Feedback: Positive reviews help others and strengthen community trust.
• Karrot is a prime example of an online marketplace that connects you with nearby sellers. You can find local secondhand items for sale on Karrot, plus you can easily filter your search results based on your style. 

Do a Quick Price Check

Before listing your old desk or snapping up that discounted coffee table, it pays to do a little homework. You can check similar listings online—on local buy-and-sell apps or even popular retailer websites—to gauge a fair price.

A few quick things to remember when working out a fair price:

1. When a person sells something secondhand, the warranty from the manufacturer is usually voided. This means that if it breaks before the warranty period ends, the buyer won’t be able to take advantage of the warranty. (Yep, that lifetime warranty usually means nothing for a secondhand buyer.)
2. Even if an item has only been used lightly or for a few months, the price should be discounted to reflect the loss of access to the warranty and other consumer rights.
3. As a newcomer, it might take some time to understand typical Canadian price ranges. If you’re unsure, feel free to ask friends, coworkers, or neighbours for a second opinion. This way, you can set or offer a price that feels good for both sides.

Clear, Detailed Descriptions Sell

Whether you’re selling your spare set of plates or trying to score a lightly used microwave, details matter. If you’re the seller, include measurements, brand names, condition notes—anything the buyer needs to know. With that great description handled, then move on to the photos. Crisp, bright photos from multiple angles build confidence in the condition of the item and reduce back-and-forth questions. It’s also helpful to include photos of any damage or defects, so the buyer isn’t surprised when they arrive to pick up the item.

On the flip side, if you’re the buyer and the listing seems vague, don’t hesitate to ask for more photos or extra info on the item’s condition. Canadians value politeness, but they also appreciate direct questions that help move a deal forward. It’s better to clarify everything up front, via direct message, so nobody wastes time or money on something that doesn’t meet expectations.

Be Prepared to Negotiate

Some friendly negotiation — “wondering if you would take $25 for this instead of $30?” — is seen as part of the buying-and-selling dance in online marketplaces in Canada. But that doesn’t mean buyers should always expect a discount.

So, how will you know when a discount is on the cards?

Some ads say “OBO” in the text, which means ‘or best offer’. That means there’s some wiggle room on the seller’s part. Others might say ‘price firm’, which means the seller is less likely to budge on price (though it’s not impolite to ask, just don’t expect the seller to agree).

Generally though, if you’re buying, make a fair offer that respects the item’s quality and condition. Lowballing (offering a very low price) can hurt your chances of closing the deal and might give you a reputation as a difficult buyer. However, it can work sometimes – so if you’re going to try this tactic, it’s polite to mention that you’re lowballing but that your offer reflects what the item is worth to you.

Remember, a polite conversation and a reasonable counteroffer usually result in a successful transaction where both parties feel good about the outcome.

Use In-App Chat Features

Taking advantage of secure chat tools built into some local marketplaces can help you protect your privacy and identity online, without sacrificing on security. For example, Karrot offers in-app messaging that keeps records of your conversation in one place and can help you avoid spam or phishing attempts.

By sticking to in-app chat, you also reduce the risk of confusion. You won’t have to dig through text messages, emails, or social media DMs to find pickup details or confirmations. Plus, many platforms let you see each other’s transaction history or reviews, so you can get a feel for the person you’re dealing with before meeting them in person.

Stay Safe Online

Safety should be a priority when buying or selling online—especially if you’re new to Canada’s way of doing things. According to the Anti-Fraud Centre, scammers are targeting people buying and selling goods on social media or online classifieds. They’ll often send fake e-transfer emails to trick you into revealing your banking information. The email might look legit at first glance, but it’s designed to capture your login credentials, leaving you vulnerable to theft.

To protect yourself, keep these sub-tips in mind:

• Check Seller/Buyer Reviews: Take a minute to look over user ratings or comments. It’s an easy way to gauge reliability. If a user doesn’t have reviews or the account is very new, be extra cautious (though remember, reviews can be faked on some profiles, so it’s always a good idea to exercise caution).
• Spotting (and Avoiding) Scams: Trust your gut if something feels off—like pressure to pay before meeting the seller, an item advertised at a suspiciously low price, or a seller who isn’t willing to let you view the item before paying.
• Cash or E-Transfer: In Canada, these are the most common ways to pay. Use e-transfer only when you’re confident the transaction is legitimate. Otherwise, stick to cash for smaller items, or ask to see the item first.

The best way to stay safe? Rely on platforms that verify sellers and are proactive in removing fake or fraudulent profiles. Some marketplaces, including online classifieds and social media platforms, are very slow to respond to scams or fraud. So choosing proactive platforms where that’s a high priority can help you decrease your risk of being scammed.

Our Final Tip here: Pay It Forward

Once the deal is done, leave a quick review or rating. This small gesture strengthens community trust and helps others feel safe engaging in local buy-and-sell activities. It’s an easy way to play your part in creating safe online marketplaces and more trusting communities.

Trust Karrot

Buying and selling locally in Canada can be an exciting part of settling into your new home. You’ll meet people in your neighbourhood, discover hidden gems, and spend less than you would on brand-new items. Just remember to do your homework, use secure communication channels, and stay alert for scams.

Looking for a trustworthy platform? Meet Karrot.

Enjoy safe and simple secondhand shopping with Karrot. This secure, user-friendly app makes it easy to buy and sell online with features that give you peace of mind. Here’s what Karrot is doing to make online buying and selling safer:

• Verifies users through their phone number and location.
• Relies on robust reviews and ratings systems.
• Catches and removes scammers.
• Implements Know-Your-Customer (KYC).

Sign up today and discover how easy it is to find your perfect bargain right around the corner. Discover Deals in Your Neighbourhood — Download Karrot.