Bartering seems simple – exchange what you have for what you want. But many traders make avoidable mistakes that cost them great deals, waste time, or even lead to bad experiences. Learn from these common errors so you can trade smarter and more successfully.
Mistake #1: Overvaluing Your Own Items
❌ The Problem:
You think your used textbook is worth $50 because you paid $80, but similar books are trading for $15-20.
Why it happens: Emotional attachment, sunk cost fallacy, or simply not checking market prices. Your item's value isn't what you paid – it's what others will trade for it right now.
✅ The Fix:
- Check eBay sold listings (not asking prices)
- Search completed trades on 37th Place
- Ask: "What would I actually pay for this right now?"
- Factor in condition honestly
Mistake #2: Poor Quality Photos
❌ The Problem:
Blurry, dark, or messy photos make your items look worthless, even if they're great.
Photos are your #1 tool. Most traders scroll past listings with bad images, no matter how good the item actually is.
✅ The Fix:
- Use natural light – Take photos near a window during daytime
- Clear backgrounds – White wall or plain surface
- Multiple angles – Front, back, close-ups of any issues
- Show scale – Include common objects for size reference
- Clean your items first!
Mistake #3: Vague or Incomplete Descriptions
❌ The Problem:
"Good condition" tells nobody anything. What's included? What's the size? Any flaws?
Incomplete descriptions lead to endless back-and-forth questions or deals falling through when buyers discover missing details.
✅ The Fix:
Always include:
- Exact condition (Like New, Very Good, Good, Acceptable)
- Dimensions/size
- What's included (box, accessories, manual?)
- Any flaws (scratches, stains, missing pieces)
- Functional status (works perfectly, needs batteries, etc.)
Mistake #4: Not Responding Quickly
❌ The Problem:
You wait 3 days to respond to an offer. The trader has already found someone else.
Online trading moves fast. The first responsive trader often wins the deal, even if their offer isn't the absolute best.
✅ The Fix:
- Turn on notifications for 37th Place messages
- Respond within 24 hours (ideally same day)
- If you can't trade right now, say so – don't ghost
- Set your status to "away" if you're unavailable
Mistake #5: Being Too Rigid in Negotiations
❌ The Problem:
"My item for yours, nothing else" – refusing to consider multiple items, cash adjustments, or alternatives.
Bartering isn't 1:1 exchanges. The best trades often involve creativity – multiple items, partial cash, or thinking outside the box.
✅ The Fix:
- Be open to bundles (2-for-1, 3-for-2)
- Consider partial cash to balance value
- Ask "What else do you have?" if the first offer doesn't work
- Think about what you actually need, not just exact matches
Mistake #6: Ignoring Safety Red Flags
❌ The Problem:
Meeting a stranger in a secluded location, sharing personal info too soon, or ignoring suspicious behavior.
Most traders are honest, but scammers and unsafe situations do exist. Never compromise on safety for a deal.
✅ The Fix:
- Meet in public places – police station parking lots, coffee shops, busy stores
- Daytime only for in-person meetups
- Bring a friend if possible
- Trust your gut – if something feels off, walk away
- Use 37th Place messaging – keep records
- Read our full safety guide
Mistake #7: Not Testing Before Trading
❌ The Problem:
Trading electronics without testing them first, only to discover they don't work after the deal is done.
For electronics, appliances, or anything functional, always test before finalizing the trade. For in-person trades, test on the spot.
✅ The Fix:
- Video evidence: Record items working before shipping
- Meet & test: For local trades, test items together
- Return policy: Agree on a testing period (24-48 hours)
- Document condition: Take photos before and after
Mistake #8: Poor Packaging and Shipping
❌ The Problem:
Shipping a fragile item in a flimsy envelope with no padding. It arrives broken, causing disputes.
Even perfect items become worthless if damaged in shipping. Bad packaging ruins your reputation and wastes everyone's time.
✅ The Fix:
- Over-pack rather than under-pack
- Use bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or paper padding
- Sturdy boxes, not worn-out ones
- Seal all openings with quality packing tape
- Mark "FRAGILE" when appropriate
- Consider insurance for valuable items
Mistake #9: Forgetting to Update or Delete Old Listings
❌ The Problem:
You traded your Xbox 3 months ago but forgot to remove the listing. Now you're getting constant messages about it.
Stale listings frustrate potential traders and waste everyone's time. They also make you look disorganized or unresponsive.
✅ The Fix:
- Delete or mark "traded" immediately after completing a deal
- Monthly review: Check your listings once a month
- Update availability if you change your mind
- Use 37th Place's status features to show active vs completed
Mistake #10: Trading Without Checking Reviews/Reputation
❌ The Problem:
Jumping into a trade without checking if the other person has a history of flaking, sending damaged items, or poor communication.
On 37th Place, user reviews and trading history exist for a reason. A quick check can save you from bad experiences.
✅ The Fix:
- Always check their profile before committing
- Look for completed trades and feedback
- New users aren't bad – but take extra precautions
- If they have negative reviews, ask questions
- Build your own reputation by being reliable
Bonus Tip: Learn from Your Mistakes
Even experienced traders make mistakes. The key is to:
- Reflect after each trade – What went well? What could improve?
- Ask for feedback – Learn from other traders' perspectives
- Stay updated – Follow the blog for new tips and trends
- Join the community – Learn from experienced barterers
Ready to Trade Smarter?
Now that you know these common mistakes, you're ahead of 90% of traders. Apply these fixes to your next trade and watch your success rate improve.
Need more guidance? Check out our other guides:
Remember: Every expert trader was once a beginner who learned from their mistakes. The difference? They didn't give up, and they kept improving. You can too!