Advice on buying a bike from Facebook marketplace/groups

[Mum4367]

Can I get some advice on buying off Facebook. I want to make a £100+ purchase for a secondhand kid's bike. We're in a relatively remote part of the UK, seller is relatively local.

We'll probably collect from the door. What's the safest way to pay? Does PayPal offer any protection? Several pictures were provided on request. We'll obviously check the bike to make sure it is in good condition. Any other advice?

For context, I've been away from the UK for several years and wasn't sure if much has changed, plus I've only made small value purchases up to this point.

Thanks for any advice!

Go to the house and pay cash

I've bought a lot of secondhand bikes over the years and have always paid cash.

Check it over when you go take a look. Check the brakes work and the gears all engage. You can do this by turning the bike upside and turning a pedal with your hand. As for protections: it's just a bike, there's not that much wrong that can't be spotted in a few minutes.

I presume for that price you know what you want and what it should look like. You go and have a look amd if it doesn't meet expectations you walk away. I bought a kids bike for about £30 two years ago on marketplace and it is still going strong.