On an online marketplace, trust is everything. Buyers can’t inspect your item or meet you before deciding whether to reach out — your profile and reputation do that work for you. Here are some steps you can take to build trust with buyers on OfferUp.
Complete your profile
Your profile is often the first thing a buyer looks at before sending a message. A complete profile gives buyers a better sense of who they’re dealing with before they reach out.
- Add a profile photo. A clear photo of yourself helps buyers recognize you when you meet up. Profile photos must follow our Community Guidelines.
- Verify your email address. Verifying your email address adds a Confirmed Email badge to your profile.
- Verify your phone number. Verifying your phone number adds a Confirmed Phone badge to your profile.
For more information on profile badges, see Public profile badges.
Apply for TruYou verification
TruYou is OfferUp’s identity verification program. When you join TruYou, OfferUp verifies your identity through a government-issued ID and a selfie. If approved, a TruYou badge is added to your profile photo, showing other users that you’ve completed identity verification.
TruYou verification is free and voluntary. To apply, your account must have a verified phone number. You can apply through the OfferUp mobile app.
For more information, including how to apply, see TruYou verification program.
Respond to messages consistently
How quickly and consistently you respond to messages is visible on your profile. Staying responsive shows buyers you’re an engaged, reliable seller. Here’s what you can do:
- Turn on notifications. OfferUp sends push and email notifications when you receive a new message. Make sure notifications are enabled in the app and on your device so you don’t miss a message from a buyer.
- Respond promptly. Try to reply to messages in a timely manner. Your average response time may be visible to other users on your profile.
- Keep all communication in the app. Messaging through OfferUp may help keep your personal information private and maintains a record of your conversations.
Earn the Reply Rate badge
When you consistently respond to messages, you can earn a Reply Rate badge on your profile. This badge shows other users that you’re likely to reply to their questions.
To qualify for the Reply Rate badge, you must meet both of these requirements:
- Message at least 4 different people using OfferUp messaging.
- Reply to at least 75% of the first messages you receive from each person.
Once earned, your reply rate is updated automatically based on your activity over the past 120 days. If you no longer meet the requirements, the badge will be removed but can be earned again at any time.
For more information, see Earn the Reply Rate badge.
Build a strong rating history
After every transaction, buyers can leave you a rating. Your ratings are public and visible on your profile as a star score and a total count. A positive rating history gives future buyers more confidence before reaching out.
- Rate your buyers too. After a completed transaction, take a moment to rate the buyer. Rating others is a good way to contribute to the OfferUp community.
- Aim for smooth transactions. Being responsive, accurate in your listings, and reliable at meetups all contribute to a positive experience for buyers.
Compliments
When someone gives you a 4 or 5 star rating on OfferUp, they can also add compliments about you by selecting from a preset list of tags, like Friendly, Reliable, or Communicative.
The number next to the tag indicates how many times people have given you that compliment. These compliments show on your public profile and let others know that people like doing business with you.
For more information see, About your reputation.
Be honest in your listings
Accurate, honest listings are one of the most effective ways to build trust over time. Buyers who receive exactly what they expected are more likely to leave positive ratings and compliments.
- Describe the condition accurately. Use OfferUp’s condition labels honestly and explain the condition in your own words in the description.
- Show any flaws in your photos. Photographing scratches, stains, or wear helps set the right expectations for buyers before they reach out.
- Include all the relevant details. A complete, detailed listing reduces the number of questions buyers need to ask and makes the transaction smoother for everyone.
For a full look at what makes a great listing, see How to create a great listing.