Welcome to the world of bartering! If you've never traded before, you might feel nervous about making your first exchange. Don't worry – this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to complete your first successful trade with confidence.
What is Bartering?
Bartering is simply exchanging goods or services without using money. Instead of buying something with cash, you trade items you already own for things you want. It's one of humanity's oldest economic systems, and it's making a comeback online!
On 37th Place, you might trade:
- A video game you've finished for one you haven't played
- Books you've read for new titles
- Exercise equipment you don't use for sports gear you need
- Collectibles, electronics, clothing, and much more
Why Barter Instead of Selling?
Great question! Bartering offers unique advantages:
- No money needed – Trade what you have for what you want
- Faster than selling – No waiting for buyers, no payment processing
- More sustainable – Keep items in use instead of throwing them away
- Build community – Meet people with shared interests
- Better for casual items – Some things aren't worth the hassle of selling
Before Your First Trade: Preparation
1. Create Your Profile
Your profile is your reputation. Complete these steps:
- Add a profile photo (even a simple avatar helps build trust)
- Write a brief bio about yourself and what you're interested in trading
- Set your location (helps with local pickups)
- Verify your email address
2. Choose Your First Item
Start with something simple. Good first trade items are:
- Books – Easy to ship, clear condition
- Video games – High demand, standardized value
- DVDs/Blu-rays – Simple, lightweight
- Small electronics – Cables, accessories, headphones
Avoid for your first trade: Fragile items, heavy furniture, expensive collectibles, or anything that requires complex shipping.
3. Assess Condition Honestly
Be truthful about your item's condition. Use this scale:
- Like New – Looks unused, may still have tags
- Very Good – Minimal wear, fully functional
- Good – Some visible wear but works perfectly
- Acceptable – Noticeable wear or cosmetic damage but still usable
Pro tip: When in doubt, rate your item one level lower than you think. It's better to under-promise and over-deliver!
Creating Your First Listing
Write a Clear Title
Your title should include:
- The exact item name
- Brand/edition if relevant
- Key details (size, color, platform)
Good examples:
- "The Lord of the Rings Complete Book Set - Paperback"
- "Nintendo Switch Pro Controller - Black - Like New"
- "Harry Potter Complete DVD Collection (8 Movies)"
Take Quality Photos
Photos sell trades! Take 3-5 clear photos showing:
- Main photo – The item from the front
- Detail shot – Any wear, scratches, or flaws
- Proof of authenticity – Labels, serial numbers, or brand marks
- Contents – Everything included in the trade
Photography tips:
- Use natural lighting near a window
- Place items on a neutral background (white or light colors)
- Clean your item first – it will look much better!
- Use your phone camera – no fancy equipment needed
Write a Helpful Description
Your description should answer: What is it? What condition is it in? What's included?
Example description:
"Trading my copy of Atomic Habits by James Clear. Paperback in very good condition with minimal spine creasing. No highlighting or writing inside. Great book on building better habits! Looking for other self-help or business books in exchange."
List What You Want
Be specific about what you're seeking:
- "Looking for: Fantasy novels, especially Brandon Sanderson"
- "Seeking: Nintendo Switch games, any condition"
- "Want: Yoga mat, resistance bands, or other home workout gear"
You can also say "open to offers" if you're flexible!
Receiving and Evaluating Offers
When Offers Come In
Exciting! Someone wants to trade with you. Now what?
- Check their profile – Do they have reviews? Completed trades?
- Look at their item – Is it something you actually want?
- Compare value – Is it a fair exchange?
- Ask questions – Don't be shy about asking for more photos or details
Red Flags for Beginners
Be cautious if:
- The other user has zero completed trades and no reviews
- They pressure you to decide immediately
- Their photos are blurry or seem copied from the internet
- They ask for personal information beyond shipping address
- The offer seems "too good to be true"
For your first trade, consider only trading with users who have at least 1-2 positive reviews.
Completing Your First Trade
Step 1: Confirm the Details
Before agreeing, confirm:
- What you're each sending
- Condition of both items
- Who pays for shipping (usually each person pays their own)
- Expected timeline (ship within 2-3 days of agreement)
Step 2: Exchange Shipping Information
Use 37th Place's messaging system to share:
- Full name
- Mailing address
- Any special delivery instructions
Safety tip: Never share your phone number or other personal contact info until after a successful trade.
Step 3: Package Your Item Carefully
Protect your item during shipping:
- Use a bubble mailer for books, games, DVDs
- Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap
- Use a sturdy box for anything breakable
- Seal securely with packing tape
- Include a friendly note thanking them for the trade!
Step 4: Ship with Tracking
This is crucial for beginners! Always use tracked shipping:
- USPS First Class – Affordable for items under 1 lb (~$4-6)
- USPS Priority Mail – Faster, includes free tracking (~$8-10)
- UPS or FedEx – Good for heavier items
Once you ship:
- Share the tracking number with your trade partner
- Keep your receipt until the trade is complete
- Check tracking daily
Step 5: Receive and Inspect Their Item
When your trade package arrives:
- Open it promptly
- Inspect the item carefully
- Compare it to the description
- Message your trade partner to confirm receipt
If there's a problem (item not as described, damaged in shipping), contact your trade partner immediately with photos. Most issues can be resolved with friendly communication.
Step 6: Leave a Review
After a successful trade, leave a positive review! This helps your partner build their reputation and encourages them to leave you a review too. Mention:
- Item was as described
- Good communication
- Fast shipping
- Careful packaging
First Trade Checklist
Use this checklist to stay on track:
- ✅ Complete your profile
- ✅ Choose a simple item to trade
- ✅ Take clear photos
- ✅ Write an honest description
- ✅ Check offers carefully
- ✅ Communicate clearly
- ✅ Package securely
- ✅ Ship with tracking
- ✅ Confirm receipt
- ✅ Leave a review
Common First-Timer Questions
What if no one wants to trade with me?
Be patient! It can take a few days to get offers. Try:
- Adding more photos
- Lowering your expectations (trade for something less valuable)
- Browsing others' listings and making offers yourself
Should I ship first?
If you both have zero trades, shipping simultaneously is fairest. If the other person has positive reviews and you don't, it's reasonable for them to ask you to ship first.
What if they don't ship their item?
This is rare! If you've waited 5+ business days with no tracking number:
- Message them politely asking for an update
- Report the issue to 37th Place support
- Leave an honest review about the experience
Your Bartering Journey Starts Now!
Congratulations – you now know everything you need to complete your first barter trade! Remember:
- Start simple
- Be honest
- Communicate clearly
- Ship carefully
Your first trade might feel nerve-wracking, but after you complete it, you'll wonder why you waited so long. Welcome to the 37th Place community – happy bartering!