How to read a vendor
Most bad experiences are avoidable by reading the vendor properly before you buy. The information is there; people just skip it.
What to look at
- Level and age. A long history with consistent volume is harder to fake than a shiny new profile.
- Feedback quality, not just score. Read the recent reviews. A wall of identical five-word praise is a weaker signal than detailed, specific feedback.
- Dispute record. How a vendor handled past problems tells you how they will handle yours.
- Terms. Read shipping, reship and refund terms before ordering, not after.
Warning signs
A sudden push to finalise early, pressure to move off-market, or a new demand to pay outside escrow are all classic signs of a vendor preparing to disappear. A trustworthy vendor is comfortable with escrow doing its job.
Last reviewed 2026-07-10.