When you want to communicate with a buyer or seller about an item, you can send them a message through the OfferUp app. Messaging lets you securely chat about items, ask questions, and propose MeetUp Spots. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of it — and stay safe while you're at it.
Stay safe while messaging
If someone asks you to chat off-platform
For your protection, we strongly recommend you only communicate with other users through the OfferUp messaging feature. This keeps your personal information private, and we keep a record of the conversation in case we ever need to investigate a claim or item dispute for you.
Be cautious if someone asks you to move the conversation off OfferUp. This is a common tactic scammers use to defraud people.
If you’re messaging with someone who you think is suspicious, please protect yourself and the community by reporting them. To learn more, see
Suggested reply: "I prefer to keep all communication on OfferUp. It keeps a record for both of us and helps keep things safe."
If someone asks for personal information
Don't share personal information in messages with buyers or sellers — this includes your phone number, email address, home address, or OfferUp account password.
Suggested reply: "I don't like to share my personal information. Let's keep chatting here on OfferUp."
If someone is harassing you or acting suspiciously
Don't continue engaging. Report and block them instead. See How to report a user for how to do both.
If you're arranging an in-person meetup
Agree to meet at a safe, well-lit, public location. OfferUp partners with local businesses and police stations to create Community MeetUp Spots — find one in the app, then share it with the other person through messages. See Suggest a MeetUp Spot to learn how.
Suggested reply: "Want to meet at [MeetUp Spot name]? It's a safe, well-lit, public spot."
Get the most out of messaging
Respond to messages quickly
People are in a hurry, so respond to messages as soon as you can. Great buyers and sellers typically respond within an hour, sometimes within minutes. Responding quickly speeds up the buying and selling process and improves your reputation by earning you profile badges, compliments, and positive ratings.
Get notified about new messages
OfferUp sends email and push notifications whenever you get a new message. If you're not receiving these, check your notification settings in the app and on your device. See Managing your notification preferences for more.
Ask specific questions
Read the item's description thoroughly first — it may already answer your question. If you still need to ask, be specific: "Is the item damaged at all?" or "Are you the original owner?" tend to get faster responses than general questions.
If you change your mind about buying
Let the seller know — don't leave them waiting or missing out on other buyers.
Suggested reply: "Thanks, but I changed my mind."
When your item sells
Mark it as sold. This removes your listing from the public feed, tells buyers it's no longer available, and stops new messages about it.