The classifieds glossary
Buying, selling, renting or offering a service: understand the words in listings, with practical examples for Switzerland.
A negotiable price means the seller is willing to discuss the advertised amount. It does not promise a discount or acceptance of every offer. The final price is the amount both parties agree on.
A table is listed at CHF 120.–. You offer CHF 100.–; the seller may accept or decline.
Unlike a fixed price, this invites discussion. Confirm the final amount, included accessories and delivery costs before paying.
In-person collection means buyer and seller meet to hand over an item directly, without shipping it. It usually gives the buyer a chance to inspect the item before completing the purchase.
You meet the seller at an agreed location, test the bicycle and take it home after the exchange.
Collection does not guarantee the item’s condition. Agree on the location, payment and testing arrangements; plan transport for larger items.
An advance payment is part of the price paid before the remaining balance. It differs from a security deposit held against possible damage. The agreement determines what happens if the transaction does not go ahead.
For a CHF 500.– purchase, paying CHF 100.– in advance leaves CHF 400.– outstanding.
Check the recipient’s identity and keep a written agreement covering the item, total price and cancellation terms. An advance payment does not establish that a listing is trustworthy.
Tracked shipping provides a number for checking delivery events with the carrier. Tracking describes the shipment’s journey; it does not establish that the item inside matches the listing.
The seller sends you a tracking number, which you enter directly on Swiss Post’s official website.
A created tracking number does not always mean the parcel has been handed over. Check the tracking events; signature and damage cover are separate services.
In a listing, «new» describes an item presented as unused. Packaging condition, included accessories and the purchase date add useful details that this word alone does not provide.
A helmet bought but never worn can be described as new, with a note stating whether its box has been opened.
New differs from like new, which may have been used. Ask for current photographs, an accessories list and any available purchase documents.
«Like new» describes a used item presented as being very close to new condition. It is the seller’s assessment, not a technical certification or a promise about remaining lifespan.
A lamp used for a few weeks, with no visible marks and all functions working, might fit this description.
Compare the photographs and wording, and ask about faults, repairs or missing parts. For battery-powered devices, appearance alone cannot establish battery life.
A refurbished item has undergone checks and, depending on the seller, work before being offered for sale again. The word alone does not specify the tests performed, parts replaced or cosmetic condition.
A phone may have been tested and cleaned, with a replacement battery if the offer explicitly says so.
Unlike simply «used», refurbished describes preparation for resale. Ask who performed it, what was checked and which warranty terms apply.
An item sold for parts is offered mainly so its components can be recovered. Do not assume that it works or that a simple repair will make it usable again.
A computer that no longer starts may be sold for its case or specific identified components.
This differs from a working item with cosmetic damage. Confirm which components are present, which have been tested, known faults and compatibility with your equipment.
In Swiss listings, this usually refers to the official roadworthiness inspection, often called MFK. The statement needs a date; it does not fully describe the vehicle’s current mechanical condition.
A car is advertised as «inspected in June». Ask for the year and the corresponding paperwork.
An official inspection and a pre-purchase condition check serve different purposes. Review inspection notes, maintenance and repairs, and arrange a test drive.
A service record documents recorded vehicle maintenance, on paper or digitally. It helps explain how the vehicle has been maintained but does not replace an inspection of its current condition.
Service dates and recorded mileage can be compared with available invoices.
Having a service book does not mean every service is documented. Check dates, manufacturer maintenance intervals and evidence of major work.
Mileage describes the distance a vehicle has travelled, usually stated in kilometres in Swiss listings. It helps assess use alongside age, maintenance and driving conditions.
Two cars showing 80,000 km may have had very different use: short city trips or long-distance journeys.
Low mileage alone does not prove good condition. Compare the odometer with invoices and service records, and ask about discrepancies.
Leasing lets you use a vehicle in exchange for monthly payments under a contract. The monthly payment is not a purchase price; return arrangements or any takeover depend on the contract.
An offer at CHF 300.– per month may also require an initial payment and impose a mileage limit.
Compare duration, permitted mileage, fees and end-of-contract terms. For a lease transfer, confirm the procedure with the leasing company.
«Charges included» means the advertised amount includes the additional costs specified in the offer or tenancy agreement. It does not mean that every household expense is covered.
Heating may be included while electricity for the flat or internet remains payable separately.
Ask for a breakdown of net rent and charges. Distinguish a flat charge from advance payments reconciled later: the monthly amount may not be the final cost.
Rental security is linked to a tenancy agreement and covers certain claims by the landlord. It differs from monthly rent and from any request to pay for a viewing reservation.
An offer may require a blocked bank deposit or propose a guarantee arrangement with different costs and terms.
Check the arrangement, beneficiary, fees and release conditions. A guarantee premium is not money saved in an account for repayment to you later.
A tenancy agreement governs the use of a home or another property in return for rent. When reading a property listing, distinguish its advertising details from the terms actually agreed.
A listing gives 1 November as the move-in date; the agreement specifies the property, rent and rental conditions.
Read the duration, charges, termination terms and appendices before committing. An agreement to buy existing furniture does not replace the tenancy agreement.
A condition report records the state of a home and its equipment at a particular time, commonly at move-in or move-out. It provides a reference for comparing observations later.
A scratch on the floor and a missing key are recorded, with photographs where useful.
This is more than a furniture inventory. Read the observations, record any disagreement and keep the paperwork and dated photographs.
A quote or estimate describes a proposed service and its price or pricing method. It helps define the work before an order. The heading alone does not establish whether every amount is fixed or estimated.
An offer for assembling a wardrobe may itemise assembly, travel and any materials.
Check scope, exclusions, validity and change conditions. Compare equivalent services; this document is not an invoice for work already completed.
A flat fee is an agreed amount for a service with a defined scope. Unlike an hourly rate, it is not calculated solely from time spent. Work outside that scope may require a separate agreement.
A flat assembly fee may cover one specified wardrobe, excluding transport or a special wall fixing.
Ask exactly what is included, any limits and possible extra charges. A flat fee does not mean every additional request is included.
An hourly rate is the price charged for one hour of service. The total depends on billable time and agreed additional costs. An independent provider’s rate is not the same as an employee’s hourly wage.
At CHF 60.– per hour, two hours cost CHF 120.– for labour, before any separately stated charges.
Ask for an estimated duration, minimum charge and rounding policy. Clarify travel time, materials and applicable taxes too.
Travel charges cover the journey needed to carry out a service. Depending on the offer, they may be included or calculated as a flat amount, per kilometre or by time spent.
A home visit may list labour separately from travel starting at the provider’s workshop.
Do not infer travel charges from the hourly rate alone. Confirm the starting point, return journey, parking and any minimum charges before booking.
Example amounts are illustrative. Check each offer’s terms with the seller or service provider.