Frequently asked questions

Item questions

• What items are allowed?

  Most everyday items are accepted such as clothing, electronics, books, household goods, toys and more. As a general rule, if it can be legally mailed in Canada, it can be exchanged through Swap Spot. Prohibited and controlled items are not accepted, including firearms, drugs and controlled substances, dangerous goods, perishable items and anything illegal under Canadian law. Not sure if your item qualifies? Check Canada Post's acceptable for mailing and non-mailable matter guidelines for reference.

• Is there a size or weight limit?

  Yes. Items must fall within Canada Post's standard size and weight limits for shipping. Items must not exceed 30 kg (66 lbs) in weight, and no single dimension can be longer than 1 m (39.4 inches). Oversized items (any dimension between 1 and 2 m) and items over 30 kg are not accepted through this service.

• How should I package my item for drop-off?

  Packaging isn't required, but we recommend placing your item in a bag or box to keep it protected. Just make sure it's secure enough to be handled at the counter and stored safely until pickup.

• Can I use the service for multiple items in one transaction?

  Yes, as long as all items are part of the same sale between the same buyer and seller, fall within size and weight restrictions, and are dropped off together. If you're selling items to different buyers, each sale requires a separate transaction and service fee.

Payment questions

• What does it cost to use the service?

  Just $5 per transaction, paid by the seller at drop-off. There are no additional fees for the buyer.

• What if the buyer doesn't pay?

  If the buyer does not pay at pickup, the transaction will not be completed and the item will remain securely stored. The seller will be notified and will have 7 days to collect the item from the chosen post office. Please note that the $5 service fee is non-refundable.

• What if the item is free or we want to handle payment separately?

  No problem – if you've agreed to give the item away or handle payment between yourselves, simply indicate this when filling out the transaction form by entering $0. The buyer will still pick up the item at the post office location, but no payment will be collected at the counter.

• How long does it take to receive my e-transfer?

  Once the buyer has completed pickup and payment, you'll receive your e-transfer within 5 business days. Make sure the email address you provided on the transaction form is registered with your bank for Interac e-Transfer.

Privacy and safety questions

• How much personal information do I have to share?

  To complete a transaction, we only collect email addresses for the buyer and seller. This information is used only to facilitate your exchange and send you transaction confirmation and QR code emails. We do not share your email address with the other party.

• Is my address kept private?

  Yes, and that's one of the key benefits of using our service. Neither the buyer nor the seller needs to share a home address at any point. The post office location serves as the neutral exchange point for both parties.

Logistical questions

• Where can I drop off or pick up an item?

  Items are dropped off and picked up at the post office location agreed upon by both parties when the transaction is submitted. Find your nearest participating location.

• Where is the item stored and for how long?

  Your item is stored securely at the post office location from the time of drop-off until the buyer picks it up. The buyer has 8 days from the date their QR code email is sent to complete pickup.

• What happens if the item isn't dropped off?

  If the seller does not drop off the item within 8 days of the transaction being confirmed, the transaction will be cancelled. No service fee is charged until drop-off, so there is no cost to either party if the transaction does not proceed.

• What happens if the item isn't picked up?

  If the buyer does not pick up the item within 8 days of the date their QR code email is sent, the transaction will be cancelled and the seller will be notified. The seller will have 7 days to collect their item from the post office location. Items not collected within this period will be disposed of. Please note that the $5 service fee is non-refundable.

Liability questions

• What if the item is damaged or isn't as described?

  Our service facilitates the exchange of items between buyers and sellers but does not take responsibility for the condition or accuracy of listings. If you have a concern about an item, you will need to resolve it directly with the other party. We recommend communicating clearly before the transaction and keeping records of your listing and any agreements made.

• What if I have a dispute with the other party?

  Swap Spot is a facilitation service and does not mediate disputes between buyers and sellers. If an issue arises, we encourage both parties to communicate directly to reach a resolution.

• What if an item is lost, damaged or stolen while in Canada Post's care?

  Swap Spot does not assume liability for items while they are in Canada Post's care. While items are stored at a post office location, any claims for loss, damage or theft follow Canada Post's existing claims process.