Online bartering is generally safe, but like any internet transaction, there are risks. Scammers exist everywhere – eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and yes, even bartering platforms. The good news? With these 10 safety tips, you can protect yourself and trade with confidence.
⚠️ Important: Read This First
Scams are rare on 37th Place, but they can happen. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and walk away. No trade is worth compromising your safety or losing your items.
Tip #1: Check User Reputation and Reviews
Before agreeing to any trade, thoroughly vet the other person:
- Review count – Look for users with multiple positive reviews
- Review content – Read what others say about them
- Account age – Older accounts are generally more trustworthy
- Completed trades – Check their trade history
- Response pattern – Are they communicative and professional?
🛡️ Safety Tip: For high-value items ($100+), only trade with users who have at least 3-5 positive reviews. For your first trade, consider starting with lower-value items to build your own reputation.
Tip #2: Use the Platform's Messaging System
Always communicate through 37th Place's built-in messaging:
- Messages are documented – Creates a record if disputes arise
- Platform can intervene – Support can see the conversation
- Protects your privacy – No need to share personal contact info
"If someone insists on moving to email, text, or phone calls immediately, that's a red flag. Legitimate traders are happy to use the platform messaging."
Tip #3: Always Ship with Tracking
This is non-negotiable for online trades:
- Proof of shipment – You can prove you sent the item
- Monitor delivery – Know exactly when it arrives
- Dispute protection – Tracking is evidence if needed
- Insurance option – Available for valuable items
Recommended shipping methods:
- USPS First Class Package (includes tracking, ~$4-7)
- USPS Priority Mail (faster, includes tracking and $50 insurance, ~$8-12)
- UPS or FedEx (good for heavier/valuable items)
🛡️ Safety Tip: For items worth $100+, pay for additional insurance. It costs a few extra dollars but provides major peace of mind.
Tip #4: Request and Share Clear Photos
Photos are your primary way to verify an item's condition:
- Multiple angles – Front, back, sides, bottom
- Close-ups of flaws – Scratches, wear, damage
- Proof of authenticity – Serial numbers, labels, signatures
- Timestamp photo – Have them write the date and your username on paper in the photo
Red flags with photos:
- ❌ Stock photos from Google (reverse image search to check)
- ❌ Blurry or poorly lit images
- ❌ Different background/lighting in each photo (may be from different sources)
- ❌ Refusal to provide additional photos when asked
Tip #5: Be Wary of "Too Good to Be True" Offers
If an offer seems unreasonably generous, proceed with extreme caution:
- Someone offers a $500 item for your $100 item with no good reason
- They claim the item is brand new but selling for 70% below retail
- They're eager to ship first with no verification
"Scammers bait victims with incredible deals. Ask yourself: Why would someone make this offer? If you can't think of a good reason, it's probably not legitimate."
Tip #6: Ship Simultaneously or Use Escrow
The safest approach is both parties shipping at the same time:
- Agree on a ship date – Both send items the same day
- Share tracking immediately – Exchange tracking numbers
- Confirm receipt together – Both verify items arrive as described
What if you have different reputation levels?
- If you're new and they have good reviews, it's reasonable for you to ship first
- If they're new and you have reviews, ask them to ship first
- If both are new, ship simultaneously or consider a lower-value first trade
🛡️ Safety Tip: For very high-value trades ($500+), consider using a third-party escrow service where both items are verified before exchange.
Tip #7: Watch for Common Scam Tactics
Be alert for these red flags:
The "I Shipped First" Scam
Scammer claims they already shipped your item but provides no tracking. They pressure you to ship yours immediately. Then their "shipped item" never arrives because it was never sent.
Protection: Never ship without receiving tracking first.
The Fake Tracking Scam
Scammer provides a tracking number, but it's for a different package (or an empty envelope) going to your address. You ship your item, and they ghost you.
Protection: Wait until the package actually arrives and verify contents before shipping yours.
The "Damaged in Shipping" Scam
You ship your item in perfect condition. They claim it arrived broken and demand you send a replacement or refund. In reality, they damaged it themselves or are lying.
Protection: Take detailed photos before shipping, package extremely well, and request photos of the "damage" with original packaging visible.
The Bait-and-Switch Scam
They send you an item that looks similar to what was promised but is actually a cheaper knockoff or different model.
Protection: Request photos of serial numbers, model numbers, or unique identifiers before trading.
Tip #8: Protect Your Personal Information
Only share what's necessary:
- DO share: Name and shipping address (needed for delivery)
- DON'T share: Phone number (until after successful trade), social media accounts, email address (use platform messaging), financial information (never needed for bartering)
Consider using:
- A PO Box or package pickup location instead of your home address
- Your first name only (if comfortable)
- A Google Voice number (if you need to share a phone number)
Tip #9: Meet Locally When Possible
For local trades, in-person exchanges can be safest:
- Meet in public places – Mall parking lots, coffee shops, police station parking lots
- Daylight hours – Schedule meetups during the day
- Bring a friend – Safety in numbers
- Inspect before exchanging – Verify condition in person
Never:
- ❌ Invite strangers to your home
- ❌ Go to their home alone
- ❌ Meet in isolated or poorly lit areas
Tip #10: Report Suspicious Behavior
If something seems off, report it to 37th Place immediately:
- User is pressuring you to complete the trade quickly
- They refuse to provide tracking or additional photos
- Communication becomes hostile or threatening
- They ask you to move off-platform or send money
- You receive an item that doesn't match the description
Reporting helps protect the entire community. Don't worry about "making a big deal" – the platform team would rather investigate and find nothing than miss a real scam.
What To Do If You're Scammed
If the worst happens:
- Document everything – Save all messages, photos, tracking info
- Report to 37th Place – Use the platform's report feature immediately
- Contact shipping carrier – If item was damaged or never arrived, file a claim
- Leave an honest review – Warn others about your experience
- Consider legal action – For high-value items, consult local police or small claims court
Building Your Trading Reputation
The best protection against scams is being a trustworthy trader yourself:
- Communicate promptly – Reply within 24 hours
- Be honest about condition – Disclose all flaws
- Ship quickly – Send items within 2-3 days of agreement
- Package carefully – Protect items during shipping
- Update your partner – Share tracking and confirm delivery
- Leave reviews – Build community trust
As you build positive reviews, other users will trust you more, and you'll attract better trade offers.
Final Thoughts: Trust Your Gut
Most people on 37th Place are honest traders looking for fair exchanges. Scammers are a small minority. But your intuition is your best defense.
"If something feels wrong, it probably is. No item is worth the risk if you're uncomfortable with the trade."
Trade smart, stay safe, and enjoy building your bartering reputation!