How to protect yourself.

1. Keep everything in Pact

• Pay and get paid in the app. The protection only covers payments made through Pact. Cash, bank transfers and payment apps sent outside Pact can't be refunded or disputed through us.
• Talk in the app. Pact can review messages sent in the app if there's a dispute. A promise made by text or phone is your word against theirs.
• Check the other person. Look at their profile and ratings from past deals before you agree.

2. Agree the details in writing

Most disputes come down to "that's not what we agreed." Put it in the listing or the chat before anyone pays.

• For items: the exact model, the condition, any faults, and everything that's included (charger, case, box, accessories).
• For services: what will be done, by when, who supplies materials, and what "done" looks like.
• For events: the date, time, place, and what the ticket includes.

3. Sellers: photograph it before it leaves

Photos taken before the handover are the best evidence you can have. Take them in good light, and keep the originals, which carry the date and time.

• The serial number, IMEI or VIN. This proves the item the buyer received is the one you sold. It's usually on a label, in the settings, or under the battery.
• Overall condition from every side. Front, back, top, bottom and edges.
• Close-ups of any wear or damage. Scratches, dents, stains, cracks. Showing them up front stops a later claim that you caused them.
• It working. Powered on, the screen lit, the engine running. A short video is even better.
• Everything included. Lay out the accessories, cables and packaging together in one shot.
• For services, before and after. Photograph the space before you start and the finished work when you're done.

Then use them. Put the key shots in your listing or send them in the chat, so they're on record. When you submit proof, the app has you take photos at the handover or of the finished work.

4. Buyers: check it at the handover

• Match the serial number to the one in the listing or the seller's photos.
• Test it before you walk away. Turn it on, try the buttons, charge it, run it.
• For phones, tablets and laptops, make sure the seller has signed out of their account and turned off activation lock (such as Find My on Apple devices). A locked device can't be used.
• Take your own photos of anything that's different from what was described, right away.

5. Use the 24-hour window

When the seller submits proof, you have 24 hours to review it. After that the payment is released automatically. If something is wrong, open the pact and choose Raise a dispute inside that window, with your photos and a clear description. Raising a dispute freezes the payment while Pact reviews both sides. See how disputes work.

6. Meeting in person

• Meet somewhere public and busy, in daylight. Many police stations have a safe exchange spot in their parking lot or lobby.
• Tell a friend where you're going and who you're meeting, or bring them along.
• For work at your home, have someone else there if you can, and keep valuables out of the way.
• Trust your gut. If something feels off, leave. You can cancel the pact before proof is submitted and the buyer gets a full refund.

If something goes wrong

• A problem with the deal: raise a dispute in the app within 24 hours of proof, with your photos and messages.
• A user breaking the rules: report them from their profile, the listing or the pact.
• Anything else: email support@pact.market with the listing title and the email on your account.
• If you are in danger, call 911 first.