Support

What is SwapCircles?

SwapCircles is a community-powered hyperlocal recirculation solution that makes it easy to access what you need — by giving and receiving what’s already in the community instead of buying new. It’s a perfect fit for schools, universities, neighborhoods, and cultural groups where resources are plenty but underutilized.

How should I join the SwapCircles platform?

The SwapCircles app is available on Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store for download. Welcome aboard!

Please read the FAQ below, and reach out for any specific questions on SwapCircles.

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How does it work?

Using SwapCircles
Sign up → Log in to the app. Keep notifications ON.
Join Community → Scan your community’s QR code from the communities screen.
List → Go to My Listing’s ‘List my Item’ to upload up to 2 photos and details describing your item. Offer a convenient location and time to pass on the item.
Shop → Browse the home feed to see what you like.
Request an item → Tap ‘Add to Barter Bag’ and wait for a confirmation from the Gifter.
Coordinate pickup → Meet at the designation location (or chat with each other from the app to coordinate).
Make the transfer → Follow on screen instructions for exchange within your circle by scanning the item’s QR code.

A community on SwapCircles is started by any member stepping in as an Admin. Once created, members can easily join it — and you’re welcome to be part of more than one community!

As a Shopper, you can browse what’s available in your group and claim items you need by adding them to your Barter Bag. You will receive your item either directly from the gifter at the preferred location and time as you have accepted, or during a community event organized by your admin if the gifter is available to bring it in.

As a Gifter, you can list any items that you own whenever you’re ready to pass them on. When a shopper claims your listing, you will confirm it and meet to successfully transfer the item.

As a system built on trust, value, and circularity, it’s a simple way to reduce waste and save money.

FAQ

What is the SwapCircles platform?

SwapCircles is a local community powered solution where you can give items that you no longer need, and you can pick up anything from the local community that you would like to use. You do not have to always give something to get something else, but contributing anything excess that each of us owns will keep up the interest within the community.

Should I purchase the item from the community?

SwapCircles is a platform to recirculate value – not necessarily monetary. Community members pass on things they do not need anymore and pick up things that they would like to use, instead of buying new. Members are welcome to first “shop” items before they begin listing to offer what they own.

What types of items can I list?

Any item that you own but do not need anymore can be posted to your community if it is still in good condition for use. It’s your valuable gift to your community. The platform supports clothings, costumes, baby gear, sports items, toys, gadgets, appliances.

Can I rent my item or borrow someone’s with this platform?

Today, borrowing or renting is not directly supported. Any item that is claimed and successfully transferred is now with a new owner. All trades are final. If the item eventually becomes available again in the community collection then anyone can claim it with due process, including you.

How is my email used?

Your email is needed only to authenticate you via Google’s Firebase (compliant with applicable data protection laws). It is not used or stored within the SwapCircles platform, after it passes authentication through Firebase. It is not shared with others or used for marketing. SwapCircles values your privacy (our privacy policy) and follows strong data protection practices.

Who is the admin of a community?

Each community (like a school, neighborhood, or cultural group) is started and moderated by someone from within your group. This admin helps invite members, enroll volunteers, facilitate events for exchanges etc. They also get cool insights into how the community is performing!

Can I join multiple communities?

Yes! If you’re part of a school and also a neighborhood group, for example, you can access all the listings from both. You can also choose which communities you would like to list your item on. This way, you can source most of the things you need from your multiple communities.

How can I start a community of my own?

We love when changemakers step up! You can start a community via the app within a minute. Then you can “Invite Members” with a QR code or link to grow your group. Here is a demo of SwapCircles in action.

SwapCircles can support you with digital communications, materials, setup help, and tips to make your exchange space thrive. Please reach out if you need support in setting one up. Email: rashmi@swapcircles.com.

What’s the way to finally deliver the item?

Self Pickup: The shopper can choose to go in-person and pick up the item from the gifter at the preferred location and time indicated on the listing. The gifter and shopper can also use our in-app chat facility to coordinate easily.
Event Exchange: This happens in-person at a scheduled swap meet — usually at a school, community center, or yard sale. Items are collected and organized by volunteers, and members come in to drop off or pick up theirs using their item’s QR codes displayed in the SwapCircles app.

You can participate in any style depending on what your community is able to offer.

Do I have to exchange something in order to claim something?

Not right away. You can always claim first, then give later. We encourage balance over time to keep the inventory alive, but we also recognize that needs may come before offerings.