Swapping safely — Swapshop

Most swaps are between neighbours helping each other. A little care keeps it that way.

Before you agree

Keep talking on Swapshop until you've agreed. It keeps a record, and you can report anything that worries you.
Look at their profile: reviews from other swaps, photos of their work, how long they've been a member.
Check registrations yourself. Gas work must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and notifiable electrical work by someone on a competent person scheme. Swapshop doesn't check these; the registers are free to search.
Be clear about what's included: materials, parts, travel, how long it'll take. Put it in the swap so you both agree the same thing.

Money

Swapshop never involves money. Nobody should ask you for a deposit, a fee, bank details or a payment to "secure" a swap. If they do, it's almost certainly a scam: report it.
If a job needs materials, agree who buys them. Buying them yourself is safest.

When you meet

Only share your address once you're comfortable, and only with the person you're swapping with.
For a first swap, consider having someone else at home, or tell a friend who's coming and when.
Trust your instincts. You can call a swap off at any point, even on the day.
If anyone is in danger, call 999.

Your responsibilities

Only do work you're competent and, where required, qualified to do.
Insurance: if you do this kind of work for a living, check your public liability insurance covers swaps. Homeowners may want to check their home insurance too.
Tax: if you're in business, HMRC can treat bartered work as income. If in doubt, ask an accountant or HMRC.
Children and vulnerable adults: Swapshop is for adults, and doesn't carry out background (DBS) checks on anyone.

If something goes wrong

Use the Report link on any profile, listing, message or review. Smallism reads every report, and we never tell the person who reported them. You can also block anyone: they won't be able to contact you. For anything urgent, email admin@smallism.org.