Ask simple questions that produce verifiable answers

The best questions are concrete and easy to compare with the listing and photographs.

You can ask:

• how long the seller has owned the item;
• why they are selling it;
• which defects or issues they know about;
• which repairs or modifications have been made;
• exactly what is included;
• whether any functions are unused or untested;
• whether they can provide photographs of specific details.

There is no need to turn the conversation into an interrogation. Look for specific, consistent answers.

If the information keeps changing or simple technical questions are repeatedly avoided, increase the level of verification before proceeding.