Posting an Item

Before you begin, gather all of the information you would like to include in your post.

Photographs

If you have a digital photograph of the item, you can include that in your Swap n Shop post. The best format for photos of your item is JPG. For additional instructions and general tips on how to photograph an item for an online auction, check out this information on the Kodak website.

Once you are ready to post your item in the Swap n Shop, proceed to the Post an Item form. Complete as many fields as possible.

If you are willing to accept another baby item in exchange for the item you are posting, make sure to check the option "Yes, this item is available for swap with an item of yours."

Finally, upload your photo(s) of the item and when all of the post information is complete, click the Post button.

Item Review & Approval

Your post is submitted for review and typically will be reviewed within 1-2 hours (although on rare occasion it can take as long as 24 hours for your post to be reviewed). Following that review, your item either will be posted in Swap n Shop, or you will be contacted to address any issues with your post.

Negotiating with Potential Buyers

If someone is interested in your item and decides to contact you, you will receive a private message. You can reply via private message as well and, if desired, your ongoing conversation and negotiation can take place entirely via private messages. (See the section below on Personal Safety for advice about sharing your email address or other personal information with a potential buyer.)

Personal Safety

Swap n Shop is a little like virtual garage sale, with the difference being that once an agreement is made, you have to meet someone to exchange items and/or payment. Since you may be bargaining with — and eventually meeting — someone you do not know, it is important to exercise caution:

• Be very careful what personal information you provide when communicating with someone via Swap n Shop. You should not provide your personal email address, phone number or other personally identifiable information unless or until you are comfortable with the other party.
• Meet in a public place (coffee shop, library) where there are other people around and the chances of foul play are reduced. If an individual refuses to meet you in a public place, it may be a red flag to retract your offer. If it is not possible to meet in a public place, it is important to at least bring someone with you.
• It is a good practice to never have someone pick up or drop anything off at your home. Letting a stranger know where you live is risky.

Avoiding Scams

• Deal only with local people you can meet in person. Swap n Shop is a local exchange and any legitimate participants will be located in (or very near) Ozaukee County. If you follow this one simple rule, you will avoid most possible types of scam.
• Never wire or electronically transfer funds — anyone who asks you to do so is a scammer.
• Cashier checks and money orders are easy to fake. Use caution and common sense.
• Never give out any financial information (bank account number, social security number, eBay/PayPal info, etc.).
• Columbia Center is not involved in any Swap n Shop transaction and does not handle payments, guarantee transactions, provide escrow services, or offer "buyer protection" or "seller certification."

If you follow these simple tips, and rely on your common sense, using Swap n Shop will remain a positive experience.