Playbooks · Where, when, how
Meet safely
Flipping is meeting strangers with cash. Here is how experienced flippers make that boring.
Where
A police station "safe exchange zone" (most departments have one, with cameras and a sign), or the entrance of a busy store in daylight. Not their house, not yours, not a car park at night, not "I'll meet you halfway" at an exit. If the seller refuses a public place, the deal is off.
When
Daylight. If the only time they can do is 10 pm, tomorrow morning exists. Tell someone where you are going and who you are meeting; share your location from your phone.
Cash
Counted at home, in an envelope, exact amount plus a walk-away number. Do not pull out a roll. Do not bring more than the deal. Cash only: Zelle, Venmo, Cash App and PayPal Friends are irreversible and the standard payment for a scam. When you are the seller, the same applies: cash, and check large bills with a marker or the light.
Two people, one voice
Bring a friend if you can, especially for phones over $400. One person checks, one person watches. The person who checks is the only one who talks about price.
Read the meeting
Someone who wants to hurry you, keeps the unit in their hands, or changes the meeting place last minute is telling you something. You can leave at any point, including with the money still in your pocket. Nothing that is for sale is worth a bad feeling in a parking lot.
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