Buying and selling secondhand kite gear shouldn't feel like a gamble. Our goal is to make buying secondhand gear just as safe and hassle free as buying new gear from a shop. Unfortunately, online marketplaces can attract scammers, and we're dealing with high value transactions. We've built a set of tools that help you spot the good actors and avoid the bad ones. Together, with a clear head, they make Kitelost one of the safer places to trade gear.
Listing trust meter
Walk away
Too many red flags. Don't send money
35 /100
What we do
We give you signals like verified serial numbers, lost & stolen reports, transfer history, reviews, business badges, account age: every one of them is a piece of information that helps you build a clearer picture of who you're dealing with and what you're buying.
What we don't do
We don't act as the seller. We don't hold money in escrow. We don't inspect or authenticate gear. We don't guarantee that any listing is legitimate, that any seller is honest, or that any item is as described.
What you do
Read the signals. Ask the right questions. Pick a payment method that gives you protection. Meet in person where you can. Walk away if something feels off.
Each one is a clue, never a guarantee. Tap any signal to see what it tells you, what it doesn't, and how to weigh it.
A printable mental checklist - what a good listing has, and what to ask for if it doesn't.
Your check
0 /6
Tick boxes as you go
If any of these are missing, ask. A real seller will be happy to send another photo or answer a question. A scammer will get evasive or push you to commit before you've seen what you need.
If you spot one, slow down. If you spot two, walk away. There are plenty of real sellers, you don't owe anyone the benefit of the doubt.
Use these
Avoid these
Even with every signal green and every flag absent, deals occasionally go bad. Here's the rundown.
Stop sending money. Stop sending gear.
If you suspect a scam, freeze the deal. Don't send the next instalment. Don't ship anything else.
Save everything
Screenshot every message. Save email headers. Note timestamps. Keep payment receipts and bank statements. This is your evidence.
Report the user to Kitelost
Use the report button on their profile. We'll investigate, we may suspend the account, and we'll share what we can with the community to prevent the next incident.
Contact your bank
If you sent money via bank transfer, call your bank's fraud line immediately. SEPA transfers can sometimes be recalled if you act fast. The faster you call, the better your odds.
File a police report
Most banks and platforms (us included) need a police-report number to take meaningful action. Don't skip this step.
Flag the gear on Kitelost
If you sent gear that was never paid for, file a Stolen report on Kitelost so the gear is flagged in the registry. If a future buyer scans the serial, they'll see the flag and contact you.
What Kitelost will do
What we can't do
IN PLAIN ENGLISH Kitelost is a tool that helps you trade smarter, not a guarantor that backs every deal. We do the platform-level work; you do the rider-level work. Done together, that's how this stays one of the safer places online to buy and sell kite gear.
Reporting a suspicious user takes 30 seconds and protects the next rider in line. Click 'report listing' under the description.