A Beginner’s Guide to Safely Buying New Electric Bikes on Folksy

Your Essential Safety Guide to Buying New Electric Bikes on Folksy

Welcome to Folksy! This guide is designed to help you, as a beginner, safely navigate the process of purchasing new electric bikes. While Folksy is a platform for unique and often handmade items, the principles of safe online shopping apply to all transactions, especially for higher-value items like e-bikes. By understanding potential risks and utilizing the platform's features, you can ensure a smooth and secure buying experience.

Understanding the Risks: Scams to Watch Out For

Electric bikes are significant purchases, and unfortunately, they can attract scammers. Be aware of the following common scams that might be encountered when buying e-bikes on Folksy:

• ✓ Resell of Mass-Produced Goods: While Folksy focuses on handmade items, some sellers might attempt to pass off mass-produced electric bikes as unique. Always verify the authenticity of the product and seller.
• ✓ Stolen Artisan Photography: Scammers may use attractive images of e-bikes that they do not own or have permission to sell. Look for consistency in the seller's profile and other listings. If the images seem too good to be true or are of professional quality without a clear brand association, be cautious.
• ✓ Fake Handmade Certification: This is less applicable to e-bikes as they are typically manufactured, but be wary if a seller claims a complex manufactured item like an e-bike is 'handmade' in a way that seems misleading.
• ✓ VAT/Customs Payment Phish: Be suspicious of any requests for additional payments outside the platform for 'VAT' or 'customs' fees, especially if the seller claims the item is arriving from overseas and requires direct payment to a third party. All legitimate fees should be handled through Folksy's checkout process.
• ✓ Account Verification SMS: Never click on links sent via SMS asking you to verify your Folksy account or payment details. This is a common phishing tactic to steal your login credentials or financial information. Folksy will typically communicate account-related matters through their platform or official email.
• ✓ Off-Platform PayPal Invoicing: While PayPal is a payment option, be cautious if a seller insists on conducting the entire transaction via PayPal invoicing outside of the Folksy platform. This bypasses Folksy's buyer protection and can be a precursor to various payment scams. Stick to Folksy's integrated payment system.

Leveraging Folksy's Features for Safer Transactions

Folksy offers several features to help you assess sellers and products. Familiarize yourself with these tools:

• ✓ Seller Ratings and Reviews: Pay close attention to a seller's overall rating and read recent reviews. Look for feedback specifically related to e-bike purchases if available.
• ✓ Shop Policies: Review the seller's shop policies regarding returns, shipping, and warranties. Clear and transparent policies are a good sign.
• ✓ Communication: Use Folksy's messaging system to communicate with sellers. This keeps a record of your conversations and ensures you are interacting within the platform's safe environment.
• ✓ Payment through Folksy: Always complete your purchase using Folksy's integrated payment system. This ensures you are covered by any buyer protection policies the platform offers.

Verifying Seller Identity with Safe Trade Services

For high-value items like new electric bikes, consider an extra layer of security. Utilizing Safe Trade Services for identity verification can significantly reduce the risk of dealing with fraudulent sellers. For e-bikes, which are typically priced above $500, we recommend the **Premium Plan** to ensure a thorough verification of the seller's identity. This provides an added level of confidence before you commit to your purchase.

Before You Click 'Buy'

Before finalizing your electric bike purchase on Folksy, take a moment to:

• ✓ Ask detailed questions about the e-bike's specifications, condition, warranty, and shipping.
• ✓ Request clear, unedited photos or videos of the specific bike you intend to purchase.
• ✓ Be wary of sellers who pressure you to buy quickly or make urgent decisions.
• ✓ Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Don't hesitate to walk away from a suspicious deal.

By following these guidelines, you can enhance your safety and confidence when buying new electric bikes on Folksy. Happy and safe riding!