Gumtree Review: Features, Safety, Legatility and Alternatives

Back in 2000, when Michael Pennington and Simon Crookall founded Gumtree, who knew the platform would once become the largest international classified marketplace in the UK? Although not as popular as eBay, Gumtree still finds a place in the top 30 sites in the United Kingdom, with over 30 million monthly visitors. Despite this immense popularity, the platform has long been controversial due to scams and frauds. So, now the question comes - Is it safe to use Gumtree? Let’s find out in this detailed Gumtree review.

Gumtree is quite similar to the US’s popular buy-sell platform, Craigslist. However, it lacks in terms of popularity. The platform allows users to buy and sell items by posting ads. That’s not all! Employers can even post jobs and services, and people can connect with different communities. 

If you’re planning to start out with the platform (whether it's about selling or buying), this detailed Gumtree review will help you greatly. We will go through every aspect of the platform, including its features, safety, trustworthiness, and alternatives. 

What Is Gumtree?

Gumtree is a UK-based classified advertisement website that lets people post ads for selling items. You can even find job listings and lifestyle guides here. It started as a local classified ads platform in London, with the initial aim of assisting individuals from New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa who had recently relocated to the UK to find employment.

In 2005, eBay's classified ads group acquired Gumtree and rebranded it. Over the past few years, it has undergone numerous sales and divisions, but it remains a substantial classified ads platform with diverse uses.

However, Gumtree's primary limitation is its focus on specific countries, making it not entirely accessible to everyone. For example, an employer in the United States can use Gumtree to hire a freelancer from Australia but not one from the United States. This local focus is a key characteristic of Gumtree's platform.

How Does Gumtree Work?

Gumtree serves as a marketplace facilitator, enabling direct communication between buyers and sellers. The platform itself does not handle any monetary transactions. All dealings are conducted directly between the parties involved, and Gumtree does not charge any commission for these transactions.

Prospective buyers can peruse the classified listings on Gumtree without needing to create an account. However, if you wish to sell items on the platform, registration is required. Once registered, you can post listings for items you intend to sell. Interested buyers can then reach out to you via your preferred contact method, be it email or phone.

In addition to individual users, Gumtree also welcomes businesses to register and sell their products or services on the platform. This provides businesses with an opportunity to expand their market reach. Real estate agents and car dealerships also use the platform to sell and rent properties and vehicles.

How Trustworthy is Gumtree?

Gumtree has been a trustworthy platform for buying and selling various items, which is evident from its existence for over 20 years. The website is user-friendly, and we've found it quite straightforward to navigate through listings and communicate with other users. 

The company claims that 99% of the listings on the site are without issue, which aligns with our encounters. However, like any online marketplace, there's always a small risk of running into scams or dishonest listings, so it's important to remain vigilant.

On Trustpilot, Gumtree has an average rating of 3.2, which reflects a mix of customer experiences. While many users have had positive experiences, some have faced challenges. It's advisable to read through reviews and exercise caution, especially when dealing with high-value items.

Overall, we consider Gumtree a trustworthy platform, provided users take the necessary precautions to protect themselves during transactions.

Is Gumtree Free to Use?

Gumtree offers services without charging even a single penny, making it one of the largest free classified ads platforms. It does offer paid features for increased ad visibility, but I've found the free option sufficient for my needs.

After analyzing the Gumtree review, what we appreciate most is the sense of community. It feels like a digital neighborhood where everyone's looking out for each other. Sure, there are occasional scam concerns, but that's a given with any online marketplace. 

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How do I Set up a Gumtree Account?

Setting up a Gumtree account is such a straightforward process; you don’t even need any help from a professional. Here's how you can create your account:

Step 1: Visit the Gumtree website

Go to the official Gumtree website - https://www.gumtree.com/ and click on the 'Register' link.

Step 2: Provide your details

Fill in the registration form with your email address, and choose a strong password for your account.

Step 3: Verify your email

Check your inbox for a verification email from Gumtree, and click on the provided link to confirm your email address.

Step 4: Complete your profile

Log in to your new Gumtree account and complete your profile by adding personal details such as your name and contact number. This step is crucial as it increases the trust of potential buyers and sellers.

Step 5: Start using Gumtree

With your account now set up, you can start browsing listings, posting your own ads, and communicating with other users.

How to Sell on Gumtree?

Here's a concise guide to help you sell your items on Gumtree: 

Step 1: Create an Account

If you haven't already, sign up for a Gumtree account by providing your email and creating a password.

Step 2: Post Your Ad

Click on the 'Post an ad' button. Select the appropriate category for your item and fill in the details of your ad, including a title, description, and price.

Step 3: Add Photos

Upload clear, high-quality photos of the item. Pictures can significantly increase the chances of your ad being noticed.

Step 4: Set Your Location

Ensure your location is accurate to attract local buyers.

Step 5: Review and Publish

Review your ad to make sure all details are correct, then publish it.

Step 6: Communicate with Buyers

Respond promptly to any inquiries. Use Gumtree's built-in messaging system for safety and privacy.

Step 7: Arrange Viewings or Pickup

Once a buyer is interested, arrange a safe place to meet or collect the item.

Is Gumtree Worth It?

As per our experience throughout this Gumtree review, we have to admit that it's a platform that stands out for its no-fee policy for listing items, which is a significant advantage over other sites. Gumtree's local-centric approach also means that transactions are often smoother and more personal as you're dealing with buyers in your vicinity.

However, it's not without its drawbacks. The platform may not have the same level of traffic as eBay or Amazon, which can mean slower sales. And while the community is generally more relaxed, this can sometimes translate to less serious buyers.

All in all, if you want to sell your items without paying any fees or charges, Gumtree is a platform you should try once. 

Top 10 Alternatives to Gumtree

If you think Gumtree doesn't fit your needs, there are numerous alternatives to explore. Each has unique features and audience, so it's worth exploring to find the right fit for your selling style and objectives.

1. eBay

Website: https://www.ebay.com/   

Once the parent company of Gumtree, eBay has earned a solid reputation in the online classifieds industry. This global giant caters to 160 million users and boasts approximately 1.5 billion active listings. 

While its user traffic is comparable to Gumtree, eBay stands out due to its superior SEO practices, enhancing its visibility on the internet. This means that even those who aren't regular eBay users might stumble upon your listing. The best part? You can likely use this platform without spending a penny.

2. Craigslist

Website: https://craigslist.org/   

Despite its seemingly outdated website design, Craigslist continues to thrive. This platform is a free-for-all, featuring everything from job postings and household goods to real estate listings and various services. 

While the site maintains its simplistic design, new subcategories are constantly being added. What sets Craigslist apart is its focus on facilitating local transactions. It serves merely as a meeting point, with all other aspects, including communication and payment, taking place off-site. This minimizes the risk of scams and allows users to avoid traditional marketplace fees.

3. Facebook Marketplace

Website: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/   

Facebook Marketplace stands out in the crowded online advertising space due to its vast user base. It's a common name among internet users worldwide, and accessing it is as simple as logging into your Facebook account. 

For sellers, the platform offers a unique advantage: visibility among the local audience. Your offerings are showcased primarily to those nearby, ensuring that despite the multitude of listings, your competition remains within your community.

4. BooKoo

Website: https://www.bookoo.com/  

BooKoo differentiates itself from more casual sites like Gumtree by enforcing stricter user protocols. To engage with BooKoo, one must register an account and verify their identity. 

Financial details are also required since BooKoo prefers to mediate transactions at every step. This focus on security is designed to foster local exchanges, though it does mean that sellers assume the risk when shipping is involved, potentially exposing them to fraud. 

However, a standout feature of BooKoo is its recognition of sellers' reputations, rewarding those with a positive track record.

5. Geebo

Website: https://geebo.com/  

Geebo serves as a digital marketplace, aggregating individual and third-party listings alike. To streamline the user experience and prevent clutter, Geebo employs a "Communities" filter, effectively organizing listings by city and state. 

The platform is praised for its straightforward design and user-friendly interface, which includes a robust search function and various filtering options. Geebo's commitment to a clean, focused marketplace is evidenced by its pioneering decision to eliminate personal and pet advertisements, earning it a favored status among users.

6. Hoobly

Website: https://www.hoobly.com/ 

Hoobly shares many similarities with Geebo, particularly in its adherence to security protocols and its preference for local dealings. However, Hoobly distinguishes itself by embracing what Geebo avoids: pet advertisements. 

With a reach extending to over 30 countries, Hoobly's presence is especially notable in the United States, where it has carved out a significant niche for pet enthusiasts.

7. Oodle

Website: https://www.oodle.com/  

Despite a barrage of critical online feedback, Oodle stands out as a credible and valuable platform. Previously, it was the engine behind Facebook Marketplace and now collaborates with Advertigo for online advertisements. 

Its prime feature is the seamless integration with popular social media networks. Much like linking your Facebook to Instagram, Oodle allows for simultaneous posting across your social media presence.

8. Kijiji

Website: https://www.kijiji.ca/   

Kijiji is a bustling hub in the Canadian online classifieds landscape, boasting a new listing every half a second. It's a prominent player with a presence in over a hundred Canadian locales, offering a platform for a myriad of sale items. 

Despite its less successful American journey, Kijiji remains a cost-effective alternative to Gumtree and similar sites like Craiglist, with listing fees ranging from $1 to $6.

9. OfferUp

Website: https://offerup.com/  

OfferUp has garnered a reputation for being a more user-friendly and secure alternative to Gumtree. What sets it apart is the transparency of seller profiles, which users can review before making transactions. 

Unlike other platforms where anonymity is the norm until the point of sale, OfferUp promotes openness from the start. Additionally, its built-in messaging system facilitates direct communication, eliminating the need for external messaging apps.

10. Adpost

Website: https://www.adpost.com/  

Adpost mirrors the functionality of Gumtree with a geographical twist; it's tailored to specific countries, and clearly listed on its welcoming page. This localized approach simplifies the selling process, guiding users through a country-specific filter as they list their offerings. 

Sellers have the flexibility to exchange goods for cash or engage in bartering through the "Swap" feature. Adpost's commitment to accessibility is evident in its free service and unlimited listing policy.

Want to Develop a Classified App Like Gumtree? Let Us Help You

Creating an online marketplace application is not challenging, but it's not as simple as child's play either. Given the fierce competition in the market, it's crucial to choose the right features that will set your app apart and lead it to success.

This is where the importance of engaging a leading app development company comes into play. Such companies have a team of experts who can ensure that everything is executed flawlessly and within the stipulated time frame.

If you're in search of a premier mobile app development company, feel free to reach out to us. We're here to turn your vision into reality.

Conclusion

That’s it in this comprehensive Gumtree review! After using it personally for over 2-3 months, we can say it is a must-have app for someone living in the UK. The app literally has everything, from fee-free services to robust security. At the same time, the account setup is quite straightforward. 

However, as with any classified ad platform, Gumtree also poses a risk of scams and fraud. Many of the platform users have even fallen prey to scammers. But with precautions and robust safety measures in place, you can lower your chances of being scammed. 

FAQs

How Good is Gumtree?

Gumtree is a popular platform for local classifieds, especially in the UK and Australia. The platform has a 3.1-star rating on Trustpilot. 

Do People Still Use Gumtree?

Yes, Gumtree is still a popular classified ads platform, with over 29 million active visitors every month. 

Can you Make Money on Gumtree?

You can make money by selling personal items or offering services on Gumtree.

What Sells Fastest on Gumtree?

Items like furniture, electronics, and vehicles tend to sell quickly on Gumtree.

What is Gumtree Payment?

Payments on Gumtree are usually made in person and not through the platform.

How do I Post on Gumtree for Free?

Posting an ad on Gumtree is free; simply follow the site's instructions to list your item.

Who Pays for Postage on Gumtree?

Gumtree is intended for local, face-to-face transactions; postage isn't typically provided.

Does it Cost to Sell on Gumtree?

Listing on Gumtree is free, but optional features for increased visibility are paid.

How Long Does a Gumtree Ad Last?

Ads on Gumtree generally last for 30 days unless deleted earlier by the user.