Safe handover and payment: closing private sales cleanly

Most private sales in Switzerland end with an in-person handover. That is a good thing: the hand-to-hand exchange is the simplest way to check goods and money at the same time. Keeping it safe does not require suspicion of everyone – just a few firm habits.

The right place and time

• ·Choose a busy public place in daylight: railway station, shopping centre, well-frequented car park.
• ·For small valuables: many police stations tolerate handovers in their entrance area – the choice of venue alone deters dubious buyers.
• ·For large or heavy items (workbench, bike, furniture) at home: have a second person with you and keep the item in the garage or hallway rather than inside the flat.
• ·Arrange the appointment in writing in the platform chat, not by phone – that way everything stays documented.

Payment: cash or TWINT, but done right

Cash on handover is the standard for amounts up to a few hundred francs – and for good reason it is what the police recommend. For larger sums, briefly check the banknotes' security features and count in front of both parties.

TWINT works just as well if you follow one rule: the payment only counts once it shows as received in your own app. Do not accept the buyer's phone as proof – open your own app and refresh. For buyers the reverse applies: pay only after inspecting the goods.

Beware of everything else: cheques, foreign transfers, "payment services" you have never heard of, or overpayments with a refund request are almost always fraud.

Inspect first, then pay

• ·Switch on electrical devices and e-bikes and let them run briefly – agree in advance that power or a charged battery will be available.
• ·Test functions instead of just looking: drill under load, shift through all gears, open zips.
• ·Check accessories and completeness against the listing (charger, keys, manuals).
• ·Note or photograph the serial number – it helps both sides with later questions.

The receipt: two minutes that prevent disputes

From around 100 francs upwards, a mini receipt is worth it – two copies, or a photo for both. A few lines are enough:

• ·Date, place, names of buyer and seller
• ·Item with brand, model and serial number
• ·Price and the note "amount received"
• ·The note "second-hand purchase as inspected" plus known defects
• ·Both signatures

Shipping instead of handover

If shipping is agreed: dispatch only after the payment has arrived in your account, use tracked shipping (registered or insured for higher values) and photograph the item while packing. Never accept a "courier" arranged by the buyer – that is a known scam.

On shopitnow, it is best to state payment method and handover mode directly in the listing (collection, shipping or both). That filters unsuitable enquiries before they happen.

Frequently asked questions