Selling your unwanted items on Kijiji is a fantastic way to declutter and make extra cash. However, any seasoned Canadian seller knows the platform comes with its own unique set of headaches. Two of the most frustrating experiences are dealing with chronic insultingly low offers in your chat messages, and buyers who renege on an agreed price right when they show up in person.
If you are tired of having your time wasted and want to protect your hard-earned profits, this guide is for you. Learn how to spot problematic buyers early, shut down unrealistic offers professionally, and handle the dreaded in-person renegotiation tactic without losing your cool.
Part 1: How to Handle Unreasonably Low Offers in Your Messages
An unreasonably low offer is one significantly below market value—often 50% or more off your asking price. While haggling is a normal part of the Kijiji ecosystem, aggressive bargaining can be incredibly draining. Here is how to manage it efficiently.
1. Pre-Empt the Haggling in Your Description
The best defense is a good offense. When writing your Kijiji ad, be explicit about your pricing strategy.
- If you are open to offers, state: “Price negotiable, within reason.” * If you will not budge, state: “Price is firm. Unreasonable offers will be ignored.” While this won’t stop every bargain hunter, it significantly reduces the volume and gives you a clear license to hit delete.
2. The “No, Thank You” Approach
You don’t owe an online stranger an explanation or an argument. If someone offers $20 on a $100 item, a simple, polite “No, thank you” or “The lowest I can go is $80” keeps things professional. If they continue to push or become aggressive, simply stop replying.
3. Use the Power of the Block Button
Some users blitz dozens of listings hoping to find a desperate seller or flip items for a quick profit. If a user becomes relentless, rude, or insults your item to justify their low price, don’t engage. Tap their profile and hit Block. This permanently prevents them from messaging you on current or future listings.
Part 2: What to Do When a Buyer Reneges in Person
There is nothing quite as frustrating as agreeing on a price online, driving to a meetup spot (or waiting at home), only for the buyer to show up and say, “I know we said $50, but I only have a $20 bill and a $10 bill on me. Will you take $30?” This is a classic psychological manipulation tactic. They are betting that because you are already there, you will accept less just to get the deal over with. Here is how to shut it down.
1. Confirm the Price Before You Meet
Before you walk out the door, send a final confirmation text in the Kijiji app.
“Great, see you at 5:00 PM at [Location]. Just to confirm, we are locked in at $50 cash, correct?” Getting them to explicitly type “yes” right before the meetup makes it much harder for them to pull a fast one in person.
2. Stand Firm and Prepare to Walk Away
If they try to negotiate after arriving, look them in the eye and say: “No, we agreed on $50 in the chat.” Do not apologize, and do not bargain. In a shocking number of cases, the buyer who “only brought $30” will magically find the remaining money in their other pocket or offer to send an immediate Interac e-Transfer once they realize you aren’t going to budge.
3. Choose Your Meetup Spots Wisely
To make standing firm easier, always choose a public meetup spot that is very close to your own home or workplace (like a local coffee shop or a well-lit grocery store parking lot). If the buyer tries to shortchange you, you can walk away instantly without feeling resentful that you wasted gas or a 30-minute drive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I get offended by ultra-low offers on Kijiji?
No. Try not to take it personally. For many people, aggressive haggling is just a sport or a starting point for negotiation. If an offer is insulting, treat it like spam—ignore it, delete it, or block the user and move on with your day.
Is it safe to accept Interac e-Transfer on Kijiji?
Yes, but only if it is completed in person. Never accept an e-Transfer from someone promising to send a courier or a family member to pick up the item later—this is a common phishing scam. If you accept an e-Transfer at the meetup, stand with the buyer until the confirmation email lands in your inbox and the funds are officially in your account before handing over the item.
What should I do if a buyer starts throwing a tantrum when I say no?
If a buyer becomes hostile or aggressive when you refuse their lower in-person offer, immediately walk away to a safe, populated area (inside a store, bank, or police buy-and-sell zone). Do not argue. Once you are safe, report their account to Kijiji and block them.
Can I leave a bad review for someone who reneged on a price?
Yes. Kijiji allows buyers and sellers to rate each other once a baseline of conversation has occurred. If a buyer wastes your time by changing the deal at the last minute, you can leave them a low star rating and a factual review to warn other sellers.
Summary: Key Takeaways for Kijiji Sellers
Navigating Kijiji successfully is all about setting boundaries and valuing your own time. Remember these three golden rules for your next sale:
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Filter early: Put “Price Firm” or “Serious Inquiries Only” in your description to weed out casual bargain hunters.
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Lock it in: Always explicitly re-confirm the agreed-upon price in writing immediately before meeting up.
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Be ready to walk: The moment a buyer tries to shortchange you in person, politely decline and leave.
By standing your ground, you protect your profits and help cultivate a more respectful buy-and-sell community across Canada.