Community rules

Services only, no money, be honest, be safe, be kind. Everyone on TradeMe agrees to these rules when they join. They're short on purpose.

Version October 10, 2026. If we change them, we'll ask you to read and accept the new version.

  1. Services for services. No money.

    Swaps are one service for another. Don't ask for or offer cash, gift cards, crypto, or payment-app transfers (Venmo, Cash App, Zelle and the like), not even "a little extra to even it out". Use the balancing suggestion instead. Requests for money are flagged to our team.

  2. Be honest about what you offer.

    Describe your skills as they really are, and set a value you'd stand behind. If you're a beginner, say so: plenty of people are happy to trade with a learner.

  3. Have the licence if the work needs one.

    Some work needs a licence or certification in many states, such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, hair, rides and notary services. If yours does, only offer it if you hold the licence. TradeMe doesn't check skills or licences.

  4. Follow the safety checklist.

    Do every step your trade asks for: the meet plan, a public first hello where required, your buddy, and checking in and out. Don't try to move a trade off TradeMe to skip the checks.

  5. Keep contact details until the plan is set.

    Don't put phone numbers, emails, addresses or links in listings or early messages. They unlock automatically when the trade is scheduled.

  6. Show up, or say so early.

    If plans change, cancel in TradeMe with a reason as soon as you know. Repeated no-shows lead to reports and can end your membership.

  7. Be kind. No harassment.

    Treat people with respect, in messages and in person. No threats, slurs, unwanted advances, pressure or discrimination of any kind.

  8. Nothing illegal, unsafe or adult.

    Don't list sexual or adult services, weapons, drugs or alcohol, medical or clinical treatment, or anything illegal where you live. These listings are hidden and the account reviewed.

  9. 18 or older, one account, the real you.

    You must be at least 18. Use your real name (only your first name and last initial are shown) and keep one account per person.

  10. Speak up when something's wrong.

    Report anyone who breaks these rules. Reports are private. If you are ever in danger, call 911 first.

What happens when rules are broken

Our team reviews every report. Depending on what happened, we may hide a listing, warn a member, pause their account while we look into it, or close it for good. Three open reports from three different members pause an account automatically until a person reviews it. Serious safety issues may be passed to the police.