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Safety center

Identity checks, Safe Chat, Safe Spots, Handshake and Trade rules, and what happens if someone does not show up.

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Your standing

Not yet verified

Reliability80 · Steady

0 completed handshakes · 0 no-shows

People who keep their word get boosted listings and extra Paddle Coins. No-shows lose 10 coins and sit lower in the market for a week.

The Handshake

  1. Step 1

    Both people are verified

    A Verified Neighbor has confirmed their name and phone. Look for the badge before you talk money.

  2. Step 2

    Money sits in Paddle Hold

    We keep the payment until you both say the handshake is done. Card, Google Pay, or Shop. No gift cards. No wires.

  3. Step 3

    Meet at a Safe Spot

    Library lobby, precinct lot, community center — lit, public, and often staffed.

  4. Step 4

    Tap Handshake

    Inspect the item, then both tap. Money releases. No-shows lose standing and coins.

The Trade protocol

  1. Step 1

    Both people are verified

    A Trade only starts when both neighbors have a Verified badge.

  2. Step 2

    Values are compared

    We show what similar things sell for. If one item is worth more, the difference goes into Paddle Hold — never cash in a parking lot.

  3. Step 3

    Even-up sits in Paddle Hold

    If the swap is uneven, we hold the difference until you both tap. If it is even, nothing extra moves.

  4. Step 4

    Meet at a Safe Spot

    Bring both items. Look them over in public. Do not swap in a driveway at night.

  5. Step 5

    Tap We swapped

    If both items match, you both tap. The even-up releases. No-shows lose standing, same as a handshake.

Safe Chat

Neighbors talk on Paddle & Trade only. Phone numbers, emails, gift cards, Venmo, and “text me” are blocked. Use Paddle Hold or a Trade to finish.

Open Safe Chat

I think this was a mistake

If a listing was hidden, a chat was closed, or you were paused by accident, you can ask us to look again. One short note is enough.

Send an appeal

Scam alerts

  • Sep 12

    Gift cards are never payment on Paddle & Trade

    If someone asks you to buy gift cards, hang up. Real neighbors use Paddle Hold.

  • Sep 14

    A 75-inch TV for $75 is not a deal

    Too-cheap electronics with “must sell today” language are a known pattern. Report the listing.

  • Sep 8

    Meet at a Safe Spot, not a driveway at night

    Paddle & Trade suggests staffed, lit places. You can always change a meetup to the precinct lot.

  • Sep 3

    Paddle & Trade staff will not call you for your code

    We never ask for your handshake code, coins, or bank password. If they do, it is not us.

Suggested Safe Spots

Always public, usually staffed, always lit. You can also type another place on the listing — a grocery, a church lobby. Driveways at night are still a bad idea.

Central Library lobby

Staffed public building

1 Reading Room Lane

9 am – 8 pm most days

Staff at the desk, cameras, seating, and bathrooms. Best for small items.

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South Precinct Safe Exchange

Police station lot

200 South Avenue

Always open

Marked exchange zone under lights, next to the station entrance. Best for vehicles and cash-adjacent deals.

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Community Center foyer

Town building

15 Civic Way

8 am – 9 pm

Front desk until evening. Wide doors, benches, and a loading lane.

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Post office parking

Federal building lot

8 Stamp Street

Lot open; lobby 9–5

Busy lot, cameras, and a public lobby. Good midday meetups.

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