Safety Tips for Buyers
Before placing an international order, use these guidelines to vet sellers, verify product quality, arrange safe shipping, and choose a payment method that protects your interests.
Researching & Vetting the Seller
- Check the seller's rating. Review ratings and feedback on the seller's Exporters.SG profile page before making contact.
- Communicate within Exporters.SG. Avoid moving conversations to personal email or messaging apps — this makes it harder to resolve disputes and increases fraud risk.
- Don't rely on photos alone. Ask the seller about product quality, grading, condition, and any relevant certifications or standards.
- Check the price against the market. If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Submit a buying lead to receive competing quotations and benchmark pricing.
- Confirm product authenticity. Request a certificate of origin, proof of authenticity, or other relevant documentation where applicable.
- Clarify after-sale policies. Ask about warranty coverage, exchange options, and return policies before committing.
- Request customer references. A credible seller should be able to provide references from previous buyers.
- Red flag: Be cautious if the seller asks you to deal through a company different from the one listed on their Exporters.SG profile.
Shipping Arrangements
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Clarify who pays for shipping and insurance. Agree on responsibilities upfront and put it in writing.
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Request shipping documents. Ask the seller for a copy of all shipping documents (e.g. bill of lading, packing list) once the order has been dispatched.
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Require online tracking. Use a shipping firm that provides online shipment tracking so you can monitor your order independently.
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Consider an inspection service. For high-value or high-risk shipments, arrange a third-party pre-shipment inspection.
See our guide on how to choose the right shipping terms.
Choosing a Payment Method
Payment method choice significantly affects your level of protection in the event of a dispute.
| Payment Method |
Speed |
Buyer Protection |
Notes |
| International Wire Transfers |
Fast |
Low |
Non-reversible once sent. High risk if seller defaults. |
| Credit Card |
Fast |
Moderate |
Chargeback options available. Check with your bank. |
| Escrow Service |
Moderate |
High |
Payment released only after goods received. Use only reputable, verified escrow providers. |
| Letter of Credit (LC) |
Slow |
High |
Bank-backed guarantee. Recommended for large orders. |
| Western Union / informal transfer |
Fast |
Very Low |
Avoid. Untraceable. Commonly used in trade fraud. |
Important on escrow: If a seller insists on using a specific escrow provider, ask why. Fraudulent escrow services do exist. Only use well-known, independently verified escrow services.
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