Meetup safety guide: Bati tayo done right
Where to meet, what to bring and how to inspect an item so every Bati tayo meetup ends with a handshake.
"Bati tayo" means the deal ends face to face — a handshake, an inspected item, and payment that happens only when you are happy. A good meetup takes ten minutes. Here is how to run one well.
Pick the right place
Choose a busy, public spot you can reach easily: a mall entrance, a convenience store, an LRT or MRT station concourse, or a barangay hall area. Daytime is best. If the other party insists on a secluded spot or a late-night meeting, that is a reason to cancel, not to negotiate.
Before the meetup
- Confirm the exact item, price and meeting place inside Usap so both sides have it in writing.
- Tell a friend where you are going, or better, bring one along for high-value items.
- Agree on payment: cash on inspection is simplest; if paying by e-wallet, send it only after you have checked the item, while the seller is beside you.
During the meetup
Take your time inspecting. For phones, check the IMEI in Settings against the box and test calls, camera and charging. For documents-heavy items like vehicles, read every paper before paying. If the item is not what was described, say so politely and leave — a real seller will understand.