: Sellers may need to calculate international shipping costs or weigh the item to provide the most accurate price for the buyer.
: Many sellers cross-post the same item on multiple apps. Messaging ensures the item hasn't already sold elsewhere.
: Sellers want to ensure the buyer has read the full description, especially if the item has specific flaws or unique sizing.
: It allows buyers to ask for bundle discounts if they want to purchase multiple items at once. Best Practices Before Making a Purchase 💡 Do your homework :
The instruction to (or "DM before buying") is a common shop policy used by independent sellers on platforms like Depop , Vinted, and Mercari. It essentially asks potential buyers to send a direct message to confirm specific details before clicking the purchase button. Why Sellers Request a Message First
: Request a "tagged photo"—a picture of the item with a piece of paper showing the seller's name and the current date —to prove they actually have it.