How to Sell Safely to a Stranger in Georgia: Meeting, Payment, Paperwork | Unlim.ge

Selling to a stranger in Georgia is safe when you stick to three habits: meet in a busy public place, get paid before you hand over the item, and put the terms in writing, even in a short message. If you sell on a platform with a built-in complaint option, such as Unlim.ge, you also have a direct way to flag a problem buyer. Here is how to handle each step, from the first message to the handover.

Chat: spotting a genuine buyer

Most problems start before you ever meet. Be careful if the buyer:

• Asks nothing about the item. Real buyers ask about condition, accessories and why you are selling.
• Pushes to pay right away without seeing it. Especially if they send a link you need to open to receive the money.
• Asks for your card details, SMS codes or passwords. A card or account number is all anyone needs to pay you. Nobody needs an SMS code.
• Wants to move to a messenger app before you have even agreed on price and a meeting.

Expats are a frequent target because scammers assume they do not know local practice. If something feels off, walk away.

Meeting: where to show the item

• Pick a busy spot. A shopping mall, a cafe or the entrance of a bank branch works well. For furniture or large appliances shown at home, ask a friend to be there.
• Agree on a time in advance and tell someone where you are going.
• Let the buyer test the item in front of you. Switching electronics on together prevents later claims that it never worked.
• Do not hand the item over before you are paid.

Payment: cash, transfer or card

• Cash. Simplest for cheaper items. Count larger amounts on the spot, or meet near a bank so the cash can go straight into your account.
• Bank transfer. Release the item only once the money shows up in your own banking app. A screenshot saying the payment was sent proves nothing.
• Deposits to hold the item. If a buyer sends one, check it has really arrived, and never send money back because they claim they overpaid.

Paperwork for bigger sales

For everyday items, a short written message with the item, condition, price and date is usually enough. For high-value sales:

• Electronics. Hand over the receipt and warranty card if you still have them.
• Cars. Ownership is transferred through the Public Service Hall or the Service Agency. Buyers usually check the VIN first, so have it ready.
• Property. The sale is registered with the National Agency of Public Registry, and buyers request a registry extract.

Procedures and fees change, so check the current rules with the agency itself.

How Unlim.ge helps you sell more safely

• Registration is required to post a listing, so sellers and buyers are not fully anonymous.
• Built-in complaints. You can report a buyer, seller or listing right on the platform.
• Free basic listings. You do not pay just to publish an ad.
• English, Russian and Georgian. The site and iOS and Android apps work in all three, so you can state your terms clearly to local buyers too.

Comparing other places to post an ad? See Where to Post a Classified Ad in Georgia.

Frequently asked questions

Should I ship the item before the buyer pays?

No. Hand the item over only after the money is in your account or you have the cash.

The buyer wants my SMS code to send the payment. Is that normal?

No. Paying you only takes a card or account number. A request for an SMS code is almost always a scam.

What if a buyer behaves suspiciously?

Stop the deal and report them through Unlim.ge. If you have already lost money, contact your bank and the police on 112.

Do I need a contract to sell a used item?

Usually a short written message with the item, price and date is enough. Cars and property are transferred through state agencies.