How to Contact a Seller on Owning

Category: Buying & Selling Last updated: 2026-07-15

Found something you want to buy? Here's how to reach out to the seller, what to ask, and how to stay safe during the conversation.

How to contact a seller

Every listing on Owning has a "Contact seller" button. Click it to open a conversation with the seller directly on the platform.

Step 1: Open the listing

Browse to the listing you're interested in. You can find listings by:

• Browsing categories from the homepage
• Using the search bar
• Filtering by category, price, condition, or location

Step 2: Click "Contact seller"

On the listing detail page, click the "Contact seller" button. This opens a messaging window where you can type your message.

Step 3: Write your message

A good first message includes:

• Confirmation that the item is still available ("Hi, is the [item] still available?")
• A specific question about the item (condition, accessories, defects)
• Your location if you're planning to pick up in person
• A polite tone — sellers respond faster to courteous messages

Example first messages

Simple and direct:

"Hi! Is the iPhone 13 Pro still available? I'm in Madrid and could pick it up this weekend. Thanks!"

With a question about condition:

"Hello, I'm interested in the MacBook Air. Could you tell me the battery cycle count and whether the original charger is included? I can pick up in Barcelona."

With a price question:

"Hi, is the Samsung TV still available? I'm interested but my budget is around €350. Would that work for you? I can pick up tomorrow."

Step 4: Wait for a response

Sellers receive a notification when you message them. Most respond within a few hours. If you don't hear back in 24-48 hours, the item may have been sold or the seller may be inactive.

Step 5: Arrange the transaction

Once the seller confirms availability, arrange the details:

• Meeting place: agree on a public, well-lit location for in-person meetings
• Time: schedule a time that works for both of you
• Payment method: agree on how you'll pay (cash, PayPal, bank transfer)
• Inspection: confirm that you'll be able to inspect the item before paying

What to ask before buying

Question	Why it matters
"Is the item still available?"	Confirms the listing is current
"What's the condition like? Any defects?"	Verifies the condition label
"Does it come with accessories?"	Charger, box, cables, manuals
"Why are you selling?"	Context can reveal issues
"Can I see more photos?"	Especially of any defects
"Is the price negotiable?"	Opens the door to a fair offer
"Where are you located?"	For pickup arrangements
"Do you accept [payment method]?"	Ensures safe payment

Safety tips for contacting sellers

• Stay on the platform. Don't move to WhatsApp, email, or SMS unless you've established trust. The platform keeps a record of your conversation.
• Never share sensitive information. Don't send your address, bank details, or ID numbers in messages.
• Meet in public. For in-person transactions, always meet in a public place — a café, shopping center, or police station lobby.
• Inspect before paying. Always check the item before handing over money. If the seller refuses, walk away.
• Use safe payment methods. PayPal Goods & Services, bank transfer, or cash on collection. Never use Western Union, MoneyGram, or cryptocurrency with someone you don't know.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off — too good to be true, evasive answers, pressure to pay quickly — walk away.

What if the seller doesn't respond?

• Wait 24-48 hours. Sellers have lives and may not check messages constantly.
• Send a follow-up. A polite "Hi, just following up on my message — is the item still available?" can prompt a response.
• Move on. If no response after 48 hours, the item is likely sold or the seller is inactive. There are plenty of other listings.

Can I contact a seller without an account?

Yes — you can browse listings and view details without an account. On the web, clicking "Contact seller" may prompt you to log in or create a free account to send a message, which helps ensure everyone on the platform is identifiable.

If you're using the API, the contact seller endpoint (POST /api/listings/{id}/contact) is public and requires no authentication — you can send a message with just a name, email, and message body. See the API Reference for details.

Learn more

• How to Buy — the complete buying guide
• Safety Tips — staying safe during transactions
• Understanding Listing Conditions — what condition labels mean
• FAQ — quick answers to common questions