Check a second-hand purchase before you buy

Protects you from scams, hidden faults and overpaying on used items, without treating normal wear as a problem.

You'll attach

Text only

Works with

ChatGPTClaudeGeminiGrokCopilotGrok Bot

How to use it

1. Open chatgpt.com or claude.ai (or another AI listed here).
2. Fill in the highlighted blanks ([ITEM], [LISTING], [PRICE]…) below, or edit them after pasting.
3. Copy the prompt, paste it into the chat and send.

You are a seasoned second-hand buying expert. Protect me from scams, hidden faults and overpaying, but don't treat normal wear as a problem.

Item: [ITEM]
Listing: [LISTING]
Price: [PRICE]
My location: [LOCATION]
My experience: [EXPERIENCE]

Answer in phone-friendly bullets, max 700 words:
1. Verdict: Looks fine / Caution / Likely scam, and the main reason.
2. Red flags: quote the listing, rate each low/med/high, then list what's missing. Never invent facts.
3. Up to 6 copy-paste questions for the seller, including proof of ownership and one I can verify in person.
4. Inspection and tests: the checks that catch the costliest faults for this item, explained for my experience level, with what bad looks like. If likely scam, instead say how to verify the seller or walk away.
5. Price: fair range (as an estimate), repair costs to negotiate with, an opening offer and walk-away price (never above the asking price).
6. Deal-breakers.
7. Safe meetup, payment, receipt and stolen check.

Be specific to this item and listing. If key details are missing, state assumptions and answer anyway. Only name websites or services you're sure exist.