What is the difference between an online and a face-to-face transaction?

Choosing the Right Trustap Model for You

Trustap offers two ways to buy and sell: online and face-to-face. Both options keep your money safe, but sometimes one is better than the other.

Online Transactions (with Shipping)

• Great for:

Smaller items that can be posted — like books, clothes, electronics, board games, collectibles, and more.

Also ideal when meeting in person isn’t practical, for example, if the seller is located far away.

• How it works: 

1. The buyer makes a secure payment to Trustap.
2. The seller ships the item and provides tracking information.
3. Once delivery is confirmed by the shipping company, the 24-hour complaint period begins.
4. If no complaint is made, Trustap releases the payment to the seller.

👉 Learn more about the Complaint Period

• Important:

The seller must add tracking details within 4 days of payment.

 Face-to-Face Transactions (In-Person or Digital Exchange)

• Great for:

  1. Larger items or items that cannot be shipped (animals, for example)
  2. Items you want to inspect first before agreeing on a final price
  3. When you live nearby and can easily meet
  4. Digital goods or services

• Note:

This model offers flexible payment options:

• 1. You can choose to pay in two steps — first, a Deposit to secure the item, followed by a Remainder payment to cover the agreed full price.
  2. You can also skip the Remainder and make one full payment upfront instead.

• How it works: 

1. The buyer makes a first payment to Trustap (deposit or full payment, as you prefer)
2. Buyer and seller meet in person to exchange the item
3. If needed, the buyer pays a remainder payment to cover the agreed full price. (Optional step – can be skipped.)
4. Either party confirms the handover in the app, and the complaint period begins.
5. If no complaint is made, Trustap releases the funds to the seller.

👉 Learn more about the Complaint Period

Important:

Only the amount paid through Trustap is protected. The deposit is refundable (minus the Trustap fee) if the sale doesn’t go ahead.

 Still unsure?

Check out our detailed guides for both options.

• Online: Overview of the Online Transaction process
• Face-to-face: Overview of the Face-to-Face Transaction process

 

Need Help?

Trustap is here to protect both buyers and sellers. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact our support team here.

 

Ready to give it a try? Download the Trustap app or sign up here and start exploring!