Safety Guidelines
Version 2026-07-02-draft · Last updated July 2, 2026
Meeting people
- Meet in busy public places for first exchanges — cafés, libraries, community centers.
- Tell a friend where you are going, or bring one.
- Keep your exact address private until you fully trust the other person. Posts and profiles only ever show approximate areas.
- Trust your instincts. You can decline, withdraw, or walk away from any exchange at any time — offers are never binding.
Online exchanges
- Keep conversations in Battarbox messages until you are comfortable; our safety tools only work here.
- Never send money, gift cards, deposits, or “shipping fees.” Battarbox exchanges never involve payments between members — any payment request is a scam.
- Be careful with links and files from people you do not know.
Goods and services
- Inspect goods before completing a trade; test electronics; check for recalls.
- Some services (electrical, gas, medical, childcare, legal advice) require licenses — verify credentials and see Prohibited Items.
- Food exchanges: label ingredients and allergens, and follow local cottage-food rules.
Tools we give you
- Block any member — they can no longer send you offers or messages, and you stop seeing each other's posts.
- Report any profile, post, offer, or message to moderators. Reports are confidential.
- Pause your profile when you are unavailable — your posts leave discovery instantly.
- Availability limits with manual approval keep you in control of oversubscribed offers.
Emergencies
If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services first. Then report the account to us so moderators can act.