Advantage Membership

I can’t find the Advantage on your site anymore?

In order to improve the online experience for all users, we have discontinued Advantage membership.  What this means is that selected Advantage features will now be available to all BuySell.com users.

I am an avid Advantage member. Will I lose access to my member benefits?

In order to improve the online experience for all users, we have discontinued Advantage membership.  What this means is that selected Advantage features will now be available to all BuySell.com users.

Will I still get access to all the newest ads from the paper at 6am on Thursday?

Yes, all the ads from the classified paper will continue to be available online every Thursday at 6 am PST & MST, and 7AM CST.

Will new ads be highlighted?

Yes, this feature is now avaialbe for all BuySell.com users

Will I still have proximity search?

Yes, this feature is now available for all Buysell.com users.

If I purchased membership prior to May 17, 2007, can I receive a refund for any outstanding credits?

Yes, contact our customer service for further information on how to receive a refund.  Call us at:

BC, Manitoba & Saskatchewan
Phone: (604) 519-2776 or 1-877-819-2776

Calgary
Phone: 1-888-881-8487

Edmonton
Phone: 1-800-661-3463

Navigating Buysell.com

How can I access The Clipboard?

You must be a registered user of our website and log on to utilise The Clipboard. Registration is FREE! You choose your own username and password but sometimes they have already been taken - watch for screen messages. If your first name is already taken perhaps your dog's name would work!

I don't want to give my Visa number over the internet - is there another way to buy credits?

We do have secure server digital ID to allow us to offer secure web services for your credit card but if you're still nervous there are several alternatives:

BC, MANITOBA & SASKATCHEWAN BUY & SELL: During business hours call us and have your credit card ready, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday. Locally call (604) 777-8604 or out-of-town 1-800-663-1199, ext 8604.

Or mail your name, phone #, mailing address, e-mail address and your username along with a money order to:

Buy & Sell Press, c/o: Internet Subscriptions, Suite W020 – 4664 Lougheed Highway, Burnaby, BC V5C 5T5

BARGAIN FINDER: During business hours, call us and have your credit card ready, 8 to 6 Monday, or 8 to 4 Tuesday to Friday. In Calgary call 255-3898 and in Edmonton or elsewhere in Alberta call 1-888-881-8487.

Or mail your name, phone #, mailing address, e-mail address and your username along with a cheque or money order to:

Bargain Finder, c/o: Internet Subscriptions, 5901 - 3rd Street, SE Calgary, Alberta, T2H 1K3

Bargain Finder, c/o: Internet Subscriptions, 11642 - 149 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5M 3R3

Please note that we only accept credit cards, money orders or cash.

How can I change my e-mail address and/or phone number?

Click on MY BUYSELL (at the top of this page), then choose EDIT MY ACCOUNT and you'll be able to change your personal information.

What are Cookies?

A Cookie is a small amount of data sent to your browser and stored on your computer's hard drive. We use Cookies to store and track information about you. Cookies are sent when you register or log in and are turned off when you log out.

If you have an account with us you will be required to accept a Cookie. The technology we are using requires Cookies in order for it to work. Having a Clipboard necessitates that we track the user somehow in order to know who the Clipboard belongs to.

How do I find my ad?

Just fill in your telephone number in the Find My Ad box at the top of the 'browse' page and click on the search button.

Can I check out an ad from last weeks Buy & Sell and/or Bargain Finder?

BC BUY & SELL: You can visit our office in Burnaby (Suite W020 – 4664 Lougheed Highway) to check out the latest and the previous weeks issue if it's important to you. If you require an older issue contact the office first (604 540-4455). There is a charge for this service and they will need to get the issues ready for you.

BARGAIN FINDER: You can visit our office in Edmonton (11642 - 149 Street) or Calgary (5901 - 3rd Street S.E.) to check out back issues if it's important to you.

SASKATCHEWAN BUY & SELL: You can visit our office in Saskatoon (#105-2301 Avenue C North) or in Regina (1758 McAra Street) to check out back issues from the last month if it's important to you. If you require an older issue please contact the office first at 1-888-SELL-FREE (1-888-735-5373). There is a charge for this service and they will need to get the issues ready for you.

MANITOBA BUY & SELL: You can visit our office in Winnipeg (#14 - 1680 Notre Dame Ave.) to check out back issues from the last month if it's important to you. If you require an older issue please contact the office first at 204 949-6800. There is a charge for this service and they will need to get the issues ready for you.

Can I save the ads I'm interested in to The Clipboard?

If you are a registered user and have logged in you can save ads which are paid and free ads with an asking price of under $1000. Free ads over $1000 can only be saved to the Clipboard by ADVANTAGE members. When you're browsing just check the ads which interest you and then click Save Selected Ads to Clipboard. It's a good idea to print them out, or email them to yourself, as the ads from the papers are updated weekly.

Can I search the ads by using one word or a phone number?

Yes. Just choose the region you wish to search, click on Search and fill in the information. To see search results for other regions just click on the region box and make your choice.

What Is Search Alert?

You must be a registered user of the website to utilise this feature. Search Alert sends you an email whenever new ads match your favourite searches. To turn on Search Alert, click on Search and check the box beside the search you wish to activate for Search Alert. Remember to uncheck the box when you have found your match! We will send you an email, in advance of the publication date, when the item you are looking for is advertised. This is a very convenient service that allows you to spend less time searching through unwanted ads.

When do the new ads appear online?

The new ads appear on the web every Monday at 8 am for BC and AB and 9am for SK and MB. If you don't want to wait until Monday and would like to see the ads on Thursday morning you can sign up for our ADVANTAGE membership and get the ads at the same time as the papers hit the streets. Please click on the heading ADVANTAGE MEMBERSHIP to view all the benefits of this new option!

Why would I need to Logout?

We recommend you use this feature ONLY if others have access to your computer! If you have purchased ADVANTAGE membership or online ad credits you can delete your cookie (personal ID) to prevent others from accessing your account. When you revisit our site you must reset your cookie by clicking on the clipboard, place ads or account to login.

Placing Ads

What choices do I have for submitting an ad through your website?

BC, SASKATCHEWAN & MANITOBA REGIONS:

To place an ad in BoatJournal or Nor'Westing just click on this ad option for instructions.

MANITOBA & SASKATCHEWAN:

Online Only Ads: You can use this option to place an ad in the region of your choice after purchasing online ad credits. It will run for one week and be online within 24 hours of submission if approved. One phone number (email address optional) will appear in the ad but there is no photo upload or website address permitted and the ad must meet our Private Ad Guidelines. You can click on 'account' to check your unused credits - they don't all have to be used in the same issue.

BC & ALBERTA:

Online Only Ads: This option allows you to place a bold print ad with a large "New Ad" heading for 1 week online only. It will be online within 24 hours of submission if approved. NOTE: Ad credits cannot be used to place online only ads.

Online & Print Ads: This option is currently only available online for the BC Buy & Sell and the Alberta Bargain Finder using online ad credits. One phone number will appear in the ad but there is no photo upload or website address permitted and the ad must meet our Private Ad Guidelines. You can click on 'account' to check your unused credits and they don't all have to be used in the same issue. These ads run for one week and the deadline for the Thursday Buy & Sell is Sunday at midnight in BC and Monday at 6 pm in Alberta.

BC & ALBERTA ONLY

Online & Print Photo Ads: These are Paid Ads and will run for either 2 weeks in the BC Buy & Sell paper and online or for 3 weeks in the Bargain Finder and online. To submit an online+print photo ad just click on Place Ads and then on Place a Photo Ad.

Are there other ways to place an ad besides using the internet?

BC BUY & SELL: Yes, you can visit one of our Full Ad Centres or offices and fill out a free ad form. You can call our Free Ad line at (604)280-1000 Monday To Friday 7:30am - 7pm and from 10am-5pm Saturday and Sunday. Or you can just fill out the Free Ad Forms in the Buy & Sell newspaper and mail them in.

MANITOBA & SASKATCHEWAN BUY & SELL: You can visit one of the offices and fill out a free ad form or call the Free Ad line at 1-800-665-6658 Mon-Fri 9am-9pm and Sat & Sun 12pm-7pm or use the Free Ad Forms in the paper.

BARGAIN FINDER: BARGAIN FINDER: Our Free Ad Lines (403-255-3511 in Calgary or 780-420-2222 in Edmonton) are open 8am – 6pm Mondays, 8am – 5pm Tuesday through Friday, 10am – 4pm Saturdays and 12pm – 4pm Sundays for your convenience. The free ad forms in the paper can be mailed to or dropped off at our offices.

How can I change (or cancel) an ad I've already submitted online?

If the ad is an Online Only ad you can email us by clicking on feedback or contact our Customer Service representative locally at (604) 777-8604 or out-of-town 1-800-663-1199, ext 8604.

Should you need to change (or cancel) an Online+Print ad you can email us by clicking on feedback (please include the phone number the ad was placed under) or contact our Customer Service representative locally at (604) 777-8604 or out-of-town 1-800-663-1199, ext 8604 before Tuesday noon.

If it's too late to change (or cancel), don't worry, your ad will only run for one week.

How can I see how many credits I have left?

Click on account - all credits are listed on the lefthand side of the page.

What is the deadline for private Online+Print ads?

BC BUY & SELL: The deadline for the Thursday Buy & Sell is every Sunday at 5pm by calling our Free Ad line at (604)280-1000 Monday To Friday 7:30am - 7pm and from 10am-5pm Saturday and Sunday. The website deadline for Online+Print ads for the BC Buy & Sell newspaper is midnight on Sundays.

MANITOBA & SASKATCHEWAN: The deadline is Sunday at 7pm. To place a private ad in the Buy & Sell newspaper please call our Free Ad Lines 1-800-665-6658.

BARGAIN FINDER: The deadline for the Thursday Bargain Finder is every Monday at 6pm. Please call our Free Ad Lines (403 255-3511 in Calgary or 780 420-2222 in Edmonton) which are open 8am - 6pm Mondays and 8am - 4pm Tuesday through Friday for your convenience. The website deadline for Online+Print ads for the Bargain Finder is Monday at 6 pm.

Can I send you an ad by e-mail or fax?

Sorry, but our system is not set up to accept private ads by e-mail or fax. Ad placements must be purchased or (for a Best Offer ad) credit card validated before an ad can be submitted via the internet.

Why can't I place online ads for free?

We now have a policy of charging a handling fee for online ad placement. All private ads placed through our website do not 'automatically' go online but must be checked, edited, processed and classified before appearing. Due to the overwhelming increase in online ads we found it too labour-intensive and expensive to continue as a free service.

You need to first purchase online ad credits and we keep track of your unused credits and let you know when you sign on - they don't all have to be submitted in the same issue. Our philosophy remains the same and free ads can still be placed in the traditional ways:

BC, MANITOBA & SASKATCHEWAN BUY & SELL: BC's Free Ad Line (604-280-1000) and our Automobile line (604-523-AUTO [2886]) or Manitoba & Saskatchewan (1-800-665-6658 - deadline is Sunday 7pm) now have extended hours (BC time) from 7:30am - 7pm Monday to Friday and 10am - 5pm Saturday and Sunday for your convenience. There are several Full Ad Centres and 7-11s where free ads can be dropped off. These ads must be on the forms from the Buy & Sell newspaper. The locations are listed on our website and also in the newspaper. The forms in the paper can also be mailed or dropped off at our office.

BARGAIN FINDER: Our Free Ad Lines (403-255-3511 in Calgary or 780-420-2222 in Edmonton) are open 8am – 6pm Mondays, 8am – 5pm Tuesday through Friday, 10am – 6pm Saturdays and 12pm – 4pm Sundays for your convenience. The free ad forms in the paper can be mailed to or dropped off at our offices.

Can I send a Photo Ad over the internet?

ONLINE ONLY PHOTO ADS - ALL REGIONS:

Online Only Photo Ads are paid ads. Just click on Place Ads and then on Place an Online Only Photo Ad. Your photo ad will be online within 24 hours of submission if approved.

Customers from all regions can place an Or Best Offer ad in the region of their choice and upload a photo with the ad.

BC REGION - ONLINE + PRINT PHOTO ADS

Online+ Print Photo Ads are Paid Ads and run for two weeks in the BC Buy & Sell paper and online. To submit an online+print photo ad just click on Place Ads and then on Place a Photo Ad.

BARGAIN FINDER - ONLINE + PRINT PHOTO ADS

Online+ Print Photo Ads are Paid Ads and run for three weeks in the Bargain Finder paper and online. To submit an online+print photo ad just click on Place Ads and then on Place a Photo Ad.

Can I place an Online+Print ad via this website?

Online+Print ads are currently only available online for the BC Buy & Sell newspaper and for the Bargain Finder. Please read the FAQ: What choices do I have for submitting an ad through your website?

To place an ad in the WINNIPEG or SASKATCHEWAN Buy & Sell please call 1-800-665-6658 (deadline is Sunday 7pm).

How can I renew an ad I placed online?

Click on 'my ads' and then scroll down to the ad you wish to renew.

How long does an ad run?

Online Only ads run for one week on our website only.

Online+Print ads run for one week, both on our website and in the newspapers.

Or Best Offer Ads run online only for two weeks.

Why are you asking for my postal code?

This will be used for the proximity search which is available only to ADVANTAGE members. We do not reveal your postal code as this is confidential. With this new option prospective purchasers may now search for ads closer to their home!

Safety and Security

In some cases, suspicious BUYERS may:

If you feel you are interacting with a seller or buyer that the BuySell.com security team should investigate, please let us know . In our experience over the past several years, we've noticed a variety of indicators that may point to fraudulent activity.

- Ask you to ship to an address outside the US or Canada
- Place large orders to be sent to a foreign location
- Say they will pay you half of what's due before they receive the item, and half payment afterwards
- Pay with an international credit card or cashier's check
- Recommend an unfamiliar escrow or payment service
- Use poor English in their communications
- Insist on COD. It is important to note that many carriers (notably FedEx), will do very little to confirm the identity of the buyer, or validity of a payment instrument. This has allowed some fraudulent buyers to use fake cashier's check on CODs.

At some point after a deal has been reached, every buyer and seller will exchange contact information. That's normal. Our recommendation is merely to use our forum to exchange those details.

In some cases, suspicious SELLERS may:

- Request that you send your payment overseas
- Only accept Western Union or another money transfer service (e-Gold)
- Recommend an unfamiliar escrow or payment service
- Try to convince you not to use payment services which offer protection (ex. Escrow.com, PayPal)
- List an address that is different from their member rating page
- Refuse to give you a working shipment tracking number
- Continously provide excuses about why you haven't received an item
- Use images taken from other websites, or photos that are not of the item in their ad
- Use poor English in their communications
- Sell suspect copies of software, music, or videos
- Sell an expensive popular item at a very low pricepoint
- Not be upfront about the authenticity of items for sale

Please Check Out Fraud Bulletin

Please be EXTREMELY WARY of offers by distant strangers  who send you a high value (but counterfeit) cashier's cheque, and then have you wire the balance to them. These offers are sometimes emailed to BuySell.com posters, often as offers for sale items. Banks will cash these counterfeit cheques, but then hold you responsible for the funds when the cheque fails to clear!

1. Distant buyer offers a high-value (but fake) cashier's cheque in exchange for your item

• You receive an odd email offering to buy your item site unseen.
• Cashier's cheque is offered for your sale item, as a deposit for an apartment, or just about anything else.
• Value of cashier's cheque often far exceeds your item - buyer asks you to wire the balance via money transfer service
• Banks will often cash these fake cheques AND THEN HOLD YOU RESPONSIBLE WHEN THE cheque FAILS TO CLEAR
• Scam often involves a 3rd party (shipping agent, business associate owing buyer money, etc)

2. Distant seller requests payment via Western Union or MoneyGram:

• Seller often claims that an MTCN or confirmation code is needed before he can withdraw your money - this is FALSE, once you've wired money, it is GONE.
• Common items currently: laptops, plasma TVs, cell phones, tickets - but could be almost anything
• Common countries currently include: Nigeria, Romania, Ukraine, Spain, UK, Italy, Netherlands - but could be anywhere
• Deal often seems too good to be true

3. Distant seller offers to send you a cashier's cheque and then have you wire money:

• This is ALWAYS a scam, in our experience - the cashier's cheque is FAKE
• Sometimes accompanies an offer of merchandise, sometimes not
• Scammer often asks for your name, address, etc for printing on the fake cheque
• Deal often seems too good to be true

4. Distant seller suggests use of an online escrow service.

• Most online escrow sites are FRAUDULENT, operated by scammers
• For more info, do a Google search on "fake escrow" or "escrow fraud"
• If you must do business with a distant seller, insist on a legitimate service, such as www.escrow.com

5. Distant seller asks for a partial payment upfront, after which he will ship goods

• They says he trusts you with the partial payment
• They may say he has already shipped the goods
• Deal often sounds too good to be true

 We’ve had numerous scammer accounts shut down, and are working with officials in attempts to curtail these kind of scams .. in the meantime, it's BUYER BEWARE.

For local police help, call the non-emergency police number in your local phone book.

If you have been victimized, you can contact the Canadian PhoneBusters hotline toll-free at 1-888-495-8501.