Agreeing on Payment Methods on markto.ch
markto.ch does not handle payments, escrow, or hold funds — all payment happens directly between buyer and seller during pickup or meetup. Agreeing on the method early avoids confusion and builds trust.
Most Common & Safest Methods on markto.ch
- Cash on pickup (by far the most popular and recommended)
- Pros: Instant, no fees, no reversal risk, easy for local deals.
- Cons: Buyer needs exact change; seller handles cash safely.
- Best for: All items under CHF 1,000–2,000, first-time meetups.
- TWINT (Swiss mobile payment app — very common in Switzerland)
- Pros: Fast, contactless, shows proof instantly via screenshot, low/no fees for private transfers.
- Cons: Buyer needs TWINT app + linked card/bank; seller must accept QR code or phone number transfer.
- Best for: Mid-value items (CHF 100–1,000), when both use TWINT.
- Bank transfer / e-banking (e.g., via Raiffeisen, UBS, PostFinance app)
- Pros: Traceable, good for higher amounts.
- Cons: Takes time (can be instant with same-bank, 1–2 days otherwise), risk of chargeback or fake proof.
- Best for: High-value items (cars, watches, electronics > CHF 1,000) — only if buyer/seller know each other or after in-person inspection.
Less Common / Riskier Methods to Avoid or Use Cautiously
- PayPal “Friends & Family” — rare, fees apply, reversible.
- Advance payment / deposit — high scam risk; never accept unless you fully trust.
- Western Union, MoneyGram, crypto — almost always scams on classifieds.
- Shipping + payment first — avoid unless using a trusted service (markto.ch has no shipping integration).
How to Agree on Payment in Messages
- Bring it up early (after price & pickup agreed)
Buyer example: “Cash on pickup OK? Or TWINT fine too?”
Seller example: “Cash preferred, TWINT also works if you show confirmation before handover.” - Confirm clearly in writing
“Final: CHF 250 cash on pickup Saturday 14:00 at Migros [city]. I’ll count before you leave.”
“CHF 180 via TWINT — send to [your TWINT number] when we meet and item is checked.” - For TWINT / digital payments
- Agree to pay after inspection/handover.
- Seller shows item working → buyer sends TWINT → seller confirms receipt → buyer takes item.
- Always save screenshot of transfer confirmation.
- Safety rules everyone follows
- Never pay in full before seeing/inspecting the item.
- No advance transfers (“deposit to hold”) — serious buyers don’t ask.
- Meet in public, daylight if possible.
- For high-value: Test item fully before any payment.
Quick Comparison Table
| Method | Speed | Safety (Local Meetup) | Fees | Most Used on markto.ch? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash | Instant | High | None | Yes – #1 choice |
| TWINT | Instant | High | None/low | Yes – very common |
| Bank Transfer | Minutes–days | Medium | None/low | Sometimes (high value) |
| Advance Payment | N/A | Very low | Varies | Avoid |
Bottom line: Stick to cash or TWINT at handover for 95% of markto.ch deals — confirm method + amount in chat, inspect first, pay last. Keeps it simple, fast, and safe.
Smooth payments, happy trades! 💳