How to Message Sellers
What to ask, how to ask it, and how to handle the conversation from first message to completed sale, including dealing with language barriers.
A good first message is the difference between getting the item and getting ignored. This covers what to do before you message, what to ask, how to structure the message, how to negotiate, and how to handle language barriers.
Before you message
Read the full listing, not just the title and price. If the description says "shipping: €12 to Belgium," don't waste your first message asking about shipping to Belgium. Sellers who answer the same questions for every buyer get tired fast.
What to ask
If the full listing doesn't give an answer to the points below, don't be afraid to ask additional questions.
Condition It is important to know what condition the item you're buying is in. "Used" means nothing. Ask for specifics: "Any scratches, dents, or wear? Does everything work as it should?" If the listing already says "like new, bought in March, works perfectly", there is no need to ask for additional detail.
Shipping If you're unable to pickup locally (or if the seller doesn't allow it), be sure to get all the relevant information with regards to shipping availability and cost. "Do you ship to [your country]? If so, how much would it be?"
Dimensions and weight For larger items, such as furniture or big instruments, it might be important for you to know the exact dimensions of the item. Don't be afraid to request specific details from the seller.
Included accessories When relevant (a case for a guitar, a charger for a laptop, the original box for a collectible, ...), be sure to ask the seller whether certain accessories are included or not.
Authenticity For some items, it might be advised to verify the item's authenticity. In those cases, be sure ask for a photo of the serial number or a specific detail that a counterfeit wouldn't have.
Communication and message content
First of all, be sure to keep all communication with the seller on the platform. If the seller asks to move to WhatsApp or email, it's a red flag. The seller might be trying to take you off-platform where there's no buyer protection and no paper trail.
With regards to your messages' content, be sure to keep the tone polite, not demanding. "I want this, ship it to me" doesn't work. "Hello, I'm interested in this item. Would you consider shipping to [country]?" should yield better results.
Keep your messages short and to the point. There is no need to explain why you want the item, no story about your budget, no questions you could answer by reading the listing.
Example:
> Hello, is this still available? Do you ship to [country] and how much would it cost? Thanks.
When negotiating: offer a specific price, give a brief reason, and make it easy to say yes. "I see similar ones selling for around €80. Would you take €75, shipping included?" works better than "what's your best price?" or "€50 cash today." The first shows you've done your homework. The second outsources the decision to the seller. The third just annoys people.
If the price is firm, don't haggle. Sellers who write "price firm" or "fixed price" in the listing mean it. Messaging them with a lower offer wastes everyone's time.
Don't copy-paste the same generic message to ten sellers. If a seller sees a generic message that clearly went to everyone, they most likely won’t prioritise you. Mention something specific about the listing: "I see you've sold a few guitars before. Do you still have the original case for this one?" Shows you read their profile, not just the listing.
Don't pressure. "I have other offers" or "I need an answer today" is a common script scammers use. A seller who sees this will assume you're one. Give sellers time to respond. Not everyone checks platform messages every hour.
After you agree
Once you agree on a price and shipping, confirm everything in writing on the platform's messaging system:
- Final price (incl. shipping)
- Shipping method and expected delivery time
- How the item will be packed
- That you'll receive a tracking number once shipped
- Any other element relevant to your specific purchased item
When the seller doesn't respond
Some sellers go silent after the first message. It's not personal. They might have sold the item locally and forgotten to remove the listing, or they might not ship internationally and don't want to deal with it, or they might just be slow. Send one follow-up after 2-3 days. After that, move on.
Dealing with language barriers
Many platform listings are in the local language, and sellers don't always speak English. A message in the seller's language gets responses that English-only messages might not. You don't need to be fluent. You need a handful of phrases.
For most languages, copy your English message into Google Translate or DeepL and paste the translation. The result won't be perfect but sellers in most markets are used to it.