Safe Trading
Bartering with neighbors is one of the friendliest things you can do — and a few simple habits keep it that way for everyone.
Before you meet
- Keep your conversation inside Atlantic Barter Co. messages so there’s a record.
- Check the other person’s ratings and profile.
- Agree clearly on exactly what each side is bringing.
- Never share financial information — you’ll never need it here.
When you meet
- Pick a public, well-lit place: a coffee shop, library, or community center. Many police stations have “safe exchange zones.”
- Bring a friend, or at least tell someone where you’re going and when.
- Inspect the item before completing the trade.
- For larger items at a home, trade in daylight and keep your phone handy.
Trust your instincts
If anything feels off — someone pushing for cash, dodging questions, or pressuring you — it’s completely okay to walk away. No trade is worth feeling unsafe. Afterward, report the member so we can protect the rest of the community.