: Check their profile age, history, and reviews from other buyers.
: On some platforms, sellers ask for a message so they can create a new, "unboosted" listing to avoid paying advertising or promotion fees to the app.
: Ensure the website URL starts with https and displays a lock icon in the browser bar. before buying
The instruction to (or "DM before buying") is a common shop policy used by independent sellers on platforms like Depop , Vinted, and Mercari. It essentially asks potential buyers to send a direct message to confirm specific details before clicking the purchase button. Why Sellers Request a Message First
: Pay with a credit card rather than a debit card for better fraud protection, and avoid using "Friends & Family" options on apps like Venmo or PayPal. : Check their profile age, history, and reviews
: Many sellers cross-post the same item on multiple apps. Messaging ensures the item hasn't already sold elsewhere.
: Sellers may need to calculate international shipping costs or weigh the item to provide the most accurate price for the buyer. The instruction to (or "DM before buying") is
Why do sellers post a “message first before buying item”? : r/Depop