DISCLAIMER: FarmStock acts as a venue to allow anyone to advertise animals (and related accessories and necessities) for sale or wanted. We are not involved in the actual transaction between buyers and sellers. As a result, we have no control over the quality, safety or legality of the items advertised, the truth or accuracy of the listings, the ability of sellers to sell items or the ability of buyers to pay for items. We cannot ensure that a buyer or seller will actually complete a transaction. We do not claim to provide a 'secure trading system' for buyers or sellers. FarmStock is simply a place to post ads. The onus for the success or security of a transaction is entirely with the advertiser or buyer.

Whether you're the winning bidder at an online auction, or you're responding to an ad on a classifieds website (or even replying to an ad in a newspaper or magazine) you should be aware of the options you have to ensure the transaction goes smoothly:

1. Where possible, insist that the seller use Australia Post's Cash on Delivery service. More details can be found here: http://www.australiapost.com.au/BCP/0,1080,CH2137%257EMO19,00.html

2. Alternatively, purchase goods by Escrow. Escrow is an independent third party that holds your money until you have received and approved the goods. Only then is the payment passed to the seller. FarmStock recommends Escrow Australia:

https://www.escrowaustralia.com.au

For a transaction of under $500, they charge a AUD$20 flat fee. This is a small price to pay for the peace of mind it brings. To see their full schedule of fees click here.

3. Never pay by bank transfer or instant wire transfer services such as Western Union or MoneyGram. Avoid sellers who demand that method. Always use a safe payment method.

4. Make sure you are using services such as escrow or credit cards with chargeback facilities or a payment service like PayPal.

5. Make sure the people you're dealing with are honest before any money changes hands. Ask the seller to provide references from satisfied customers (or the email address of satisifed customers, so that you can contact them directly).

6. This is an Australian site, for Australian advertisers only. We do not recommend dealing with overseas buyers. We have received complaints from advertisers who have received E-mails from scammers based overseas. If you receive a reply to your advertisement from someone based outside Australia, we recommend you ignore their E-mail. Before any money or goods change hands, make sure you have measures in place to ensure a successful transaction. Only by trading within Australia can you be certain that the person you are dealing with is subject to Australian law.

7. The safest way to buy is to examine the animal you are buying in person before paying for it. For this reason, we do not recommend buying animals from interstate or overseas, unless you are able to examine them in person.

8. The best way to ensure the animal you're buying is healthy and that your transaction is safe, is to meet with the seller in person.

We welcome your comments and suggestions regarding this document. To have your say, please email webmaster@farmstock.com.au

Best Regards,

FarmStock
webmaster@farmstock.com.au

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