7 Warning Signs of Scams When Buying an Art Deco Bar Cart on Chairish

White-Glove Shipping Surcharge: Be wary of unexpectedly high shipping costs, especially those labeled 'white glove.' While this service implies careful handling, some sellers or third-party shippers may inflate these charges significantly or fail to provide the promised level of service, leaving you with damage and overcharged fees.

Fake Designer Attribution: Scammers may misrepresent the cart's designer or era to inflate its value. Always independently verify the attribution of Art Deco pieces, as 'styled after' pieces are often passed off as genuine.

Off-Platform 'Local Pickup' Fraud: If a seller insists on arranging 'local pickup' outside of Chairish's platform, especially if it involves direct payment or communication, this is a major red flag. This circumvents Chairish's buyer protection and can lead to you losing your money without receiving the item.

Stolen High-End Gallery Photos: Listings that use professional, high-quality photographs that don't seem to match the seller's other listings or descriptions can be a sign of stolen imagery. The actual item may be significantly different or not in the condition advertised.

The 'Payment via Check' Trap: While less common on platforms like Chairish, be cautious if a seller requests payment via check or other non-traceable methods outside the platform's secure payment system. This is a classic scam designed to defraud buyers.

Vintage vs. Reproduction Bait: Sellers might intentionally blur the lines between genuine vintage pieces and modern reproductions, especially with Art Deco styles that are frequently replicated. Ensure the description clearly distinguishes between the two.

Unreported Structural Damage: High-quality images can hide underlying issues. Always look for detailed descriptions of the cart's condition, including any scratches, dents, structural instability, or repairs, and ask for additional photos if anything seems unclear.

Account Takeover via Phish: Be vigilant against phishing attempts that aim to steal your login credentials. These emails or messages may look like they are from Chairish, urging you to 'verify' your account or click a link, which could lead to your account being compromised and fraudulent activity.