Offcut

Pickup safety

"Meet in a public place" doesn't work for a pallet of block. Settle these before anyone drives out.

This is general guidance, not a safety plan. Offcut isn't on site and doesn't control any pickup. You're responsible for your own safety and following the rules that apply to the site.

Before you go

  • Agree on the item, quantity, price and payment in Offcut messages.
  • Agree who's loading and with what. Hand-load, forklift, skid steer or your own machine.
  • Know the weight. Check it against your truck, trailer, straps and hitch.
  • Confirm the seller is allowed to give you site access. Ask about gates, hours, and the site super.
  • Share the pickup address only with the buyer you've agreed to meet.
  • Go in daylight when you can. Tell someone where you're going. Bring someone when you can.

On site

  • Wear what the site requires. Hard hat, boots, vest, gloves, eye protection.
  • Stay out of swing radius, trenches, overhead work and anywhere you weren't invited.
  • Only qualified people run machines. If nobody's qualified, don't use the machine.
  • Stop if the ground, the load or the setup looks wrong.
  • Secure the load before you leave the site.

Check it before you pay or load

  • Count it. Check it against the listing.
  • Look for rot, rust, cracks, water damage and missing pieces.
  • Equipment: match the serial number or VIN to the paperwork. Ask for the title and ask about liens. Run it first.
  • Old salvage: ask the age and source. You can't see asbestos or lead in a photo. Test it if you aren't sure.
  • Fill: ask where it came from and whether it's clean.
  • Rated products: ask for the approval number.

Money

  • Offcut never asks for payment on a deal and never holds deal money.
  • Don't pay a deposit for something you haven't seen.
  • Don't wire money. Don't accept an overpayment and send back the change.
  • Get a bill of sale for equipment and anything of real value.

If something's wrong

If the deal feels off, walk away. Report the listing or user in the app. If you think something's stolen, call your local police. If someone's hurt or in danger, call 911.