Community Guidelines & Safety Tips
Last updated September 1, 2026
Barteria works because neighbors trust each other. These guidelines explain what we expect from every member and how to swap safely. They are part of the Terms of Service; breaking them can lead to restrictions or removal.
1. The spirit of swapping
Swap the way you would like to be swapped with: honest listings, fair values, quick replies and showing up on time. A swap is two neighbors helping each other, not a transaction to win.
Declared values are there to keep things fair, not to haggle. If an item feels over- or under-valued, pass on it or offer a bundle; don't pressure the other side.
2. Honest listings
Photograph the actual item in good light, including any damage, stains or missing parts. Describe the condition accurately using the four levels: new with tags, like new, good, usable.
Only list things you own and can hand over. Don't list items that are still in a match elsewhere, reserved for a friend, or that you're not sure you'll part with.
Luxury items need serial-tag, material-label and receipt photos; these are seen by our reviewers only and are never shown publicly. If you're unsure whether something is genuine, don't list it as luxury.
3. No cash, ever
Never ask for or offer money, gift cards, transfers or "a little extra" to balance a swap. If the values don't line up, add an item to your bundle or walk away.
Report anyone who asks you for money. Requests for payment outside the app are the most common sign of a scam.
4. Meeting safely
Meet in public places in daylight: a café, a park entrance, a building lobby with a concierge, a mall. Avoid private homes and empty parking lots, especially for a first swap.
Tell someone where you're going, or bring a friend. Keep your phone charged and the chat open — the meeting details and the other person's profile are right there.
Trust your instincts. If anything feels off, you can leave at any time and use the walkaway button. Nobody will be penalised.
For furniture and heavy items, use the self-pickup radius wisely, bring help, and check the item fits before taking it apart.
5. Lobby drop-off protocol
Lobby drop-off lets neighbors in the same or nearby buildings swap without meeting: each side leaves their item with the concierge or in a locker, and the receiver redeems an 8-character PIN in the app to confirm pickup.
How it works: confirm a lobby drop-off meeting in the chat; each of you gets a PIN for your own parcel. Label the parcel with the first name of the receiver, leave it at the agreed spot, and tap "I left it at the lobby". Give the PIN to the receiver by hand, by a note in the parcel, or read it to them in person — never post it in the chat before the parcel is in place.
The receiver enters the PIN when they pick the parcel up. When both parcels are redeemed the swap is complete. PINs expire after 72 hours and lock after 5 wrong attempts; if one side never deposits, use walkaway and the items return to the feed.
Only use drop-off spots that are supervised (concierge, locked lockers, staffed reception). Don't leave valuables in an unattended lobby.
6. Check before you confirm
Inspect the item at the meeting: open it, try it, compare it with the photos. Ask questions — a respectful check is part of every swap.
Confirm the swap in the app only after both items changed hands: scan the other person's QR code or enter their 6-digit code. Don't confirm ahead of time "to save a minute".
If the item doesn't match its description, use the walkaway button — politely and without drama. Both items go back to the feed immediately and nobody is penalised.
7. Walkaway etiquette
Walking away is a normal part of swapping. Say "this isn't for me, thanks for coming" and tap walkaway. There is no rating and no strike either way.
Don't use walkaway to punish someone or to avoid a swap you agreed to for no reason; repeated patterns are reviewed. If you can't make it, cancel the meeting in the chat as early as you can.
8. Being on time
Arrive at the agreed time. If you're running late, say so in the chat. If the other side hasn't arrived 30 minutes after the agreed time and isn't answering, you can report a no-show from the chat.
If you were reported unfairly, contest it within 48 hours with a short explanation; a moderator will decide. Two upheld no-shows in 90 days pause swiping for 14 days.
9. Respectful communication
Keep chats friendly and on topic. No harassment, insults, discrimination, unwanted advances or spam. Don't share other people's personal information.
Reply within a reasonable time — your response tier is visible on your profile. If you're no longer interested, say so or let the match expire; don't leave people hanging.
10. Report and block
Report counterfeit items, scams, harassment or anything that violates these guidelines from the item, profile or chat menu. Reports are confidential and reviewed by our team.
Blocking is silent: you disappear from each other's feeds and any open match between you is canceled without penalty. Use it whenever you feel uncomfortable.
11. Quick safety checklist
Public place, daylight, phone charged. Someone knows where you are. Inspect before you confirm. Never pay or accept money. Walk away if it feels wrong. Report anything suspicious.
In an emergency call 100 (police) or 101 (Magen David Adom).