Seller Safety Guide

An accurate listing is your best defence against disputes. If the item matches what you described, a buyer has very limited grounds to complain.

Serious commercial buyers ask specific technical questions — single-phase or three-phase, external dimensions, gas type, service history. They give clear collection plans and straightforward contact details.

Be wary of buyers who:

• Offer the full asking price without asking any questions or negotiating.
• Push immediately to go off-platform to WhatsApp or email.
• Give vague or changing answers about who they are and where they are collecting from.
• Propose complicated payment arrangements or ask for your bank details via message.

• Confirm payment has cleared before collection — not after the van has pulled up.
• Meet in a safe, well-lit place and don't be there alone for high-value handovers.
• Confirm the collector's identity — ask for a name and check it matches what you agreed.
• Photograph the item before it leaves, with the buyer or driver present if possible.
• Have the buyer or collector sign a simple receipt confirming they inspected and accepted the item in its stated condition, including any known faults.
• Do not release goods or let them load until payment is confirmed. Once it is on the van, your practical options are very limited.

• Before dispatch: photograph the item working, its full condition, the pallet, the wrapping, and the carrier label — all with timestamps.
• Keep the booking reference, tracking number, and declared insurance value.
• Use tracked, signed-for delivery — a signature on delivery closes down most false "not received" claims.
• For high-value equipment, consider insured pallet delivery and declare an accurate value.

If you are selling equipment from a closing or closed business, only list items you own outright or are authorised to sell. Before listing:

• Confirm the equipment is not subject to a lease, hire-purchase, or finance agreement — the finance company may still own it.
• Check nothing has been claimed by a landlord under a right of distraint or by an administrator.
• Keep proof of ownership (purchase receipts, asset register, or written authority from an insolvency practitioner).
• Make clear in your listing who handles disconnection, removal, and access to the premises.

A catering trailer has more moving parts than a piece of static equipment. Disclose clearly:

• Make, year, chassis number or VIN where available, and unladen weight.
• Tow hitch type and condition, tyre tread, and brake condition.
• Gas and electrical setup — what's fitted, gas type, whether tested since last use.
• What's included (equipment, water tank, generator, awning) and what is not.
• Known faults — mechanical, structural, or cosmetic.

State clearly that the buyer is responsible for their own roadworthiness checks, insurance, and any further inspection before road use. Photograph exterior, interior, chassis underside, hitch, tyres, gas area, and electrics.

Retain the following for at least 12 months after any significant sale:

• A copy of the listing as it appeared at the time of sale.
• All buyer messages — keep these in CaterBids messaging wherever possible.
• Pre-handover or pre-dispatch condition photos and video.
• Data plate photograph.
• Payment confirmation showing cleared funds.
• Signed collection receipt or courier tracking confirmation with delivery signature.

If a buyer files a payment dispute, your bank will ask for evidence. Having this ready makes the process straightforward.

Be cautious if a buyer:

• Offers above asking price without viewing or negotiating.
• Asks you to refund an overpayment or pay a courier fee on their behalf.
• Sends you a payment link or courier booking link — these are often phishing.
• Shows you a "transfer sent" screenshot instead of letting you verify it yourself.
• Says your payment is "pending" until you take a further action or pay a fee.
• Rushes you, creates artificial urgency, or becomes hostile when you take time to verify.
• Insists on moving off-platform immediately and refuses to give a verifiable name.
• Wants goods released before funds are confirmed in your account.