Section 1
Acceptance of Terms
These Terms of Service govern your use of the SwapMate platform, operated by SwapMate (Pty) Ltd (registration number 2026/130270/07). By accessing or using SwapMate, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our services.
Section 2
Description of Service
SwapMate is a peer-to-peer platform that enables users to trade and swap items with other users. We provide the technology and platform to facilitate these transactions but are not a party to any swap agreement between users.
Our services include item listings, in-app messaging, meet communities, gamification features, and optional paid features such as premium subscriptions and item boosts.
SwapMate is a location-based marketplace. Providing and maintaining location access is required to create an account and to list items, so that swaps can be discovered and matched by proximity. If you do not enable location access, you will not be able to register or create listings. We only use an approximate (city/suburb level) location and never share your exact GPS coordinates.
Section 3
User Accounts
- You must be at least 18 years old to create an account
- You are responsible for maintaining account security
- You must provide accurate and complete information
- You must enable location access — it is required to register and to list items
- One personal account per individual
- Company accounts are permitted for registered businesses
- You may not transfer your account to others
Section 4
Company Accounts
Businesses may register a company account to access the B2B marketplace. Company accounts include team management, role-based permissions, company analytics, and audit trail logging.
- Company administrators are responsible for team member actions
- Company items are separate from personal marketplace items
- Company accounts must comply with all applicable business regulations
Section 5
User Conduct
You agree not to:
- Post false, misleading, or fraudulent content
- Violate any applicable laws or regulations
- Infringe on intellectual property rights
- Harass, threaten, or harm other users
- Use the platform for illegal activities
- Manipulate prices or engage in market manipulation
- Create multiple accounts for deceptive purposes
- Circumvent security measures or rate limits
- Abuse the boost or promotion systems
- Artificially inflate badges, leaderboard rankings, or swap counts
- Impersonate any person, business, or group, or misrepresent your affiliation with one
- Attempt identity verification using an identity document that is not your own
- Misrepresent your verification status or a group’s “Official” status
- Post, share, or request sexual, abusive, hateful, violent, or otherwise objectionable content
- Post any content that sexualises, endangers, or exploits a minor
Objectionable content & zero tolerance
SwapMate has zero tolerance for objectionable content and abusive behaviour. This includes child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE), sexual content, harassment, hate speech, threats, and content that endangers a minor. Our dedicated Child Safety Standards set out how we prevent, detect, and respond to CSAE.
Reporting and moderation. Every listing, profile, and message can be reported from within the app, and you can block any user so they can no longer contact you or see your activity. Reported content is reviewed, and content that violates these Terms may be removed and the responsible accounts warned, suspended, or permanently banned. We also run automated checks that may hide content pending review. Suspected CSAE is removed and reported to the relevant authorities. There is no obligation on you to interact with anyone you have reported or blocked.
To report a safety concern outside the app, contact safety@swapmate.co.za. If a child is in immediate danger, contact your local authorities first.
Section 6
Listings and Swaps
- You are solely responsible for your listings
- Items must be accurately described and photographed
- Item condition must be truthfully represented
- Prohibited items may not be listed
- Swaps are agreements between users
- SwapMate is not responsible for the quality or condition of swapped items
- You must complete agreed swaps in good faith
- When a swap is completed, all other pending proposals on those items are automatically cancelled and affected users notified
- Chat conversations linked to a swapped item are locked to read-only upon swap completion
Section 7
Prohibited Items
The following items may not be listed:
- Illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia
- Weapons, firearms, and explosives
- Stolen property
- Counterfeit goods
- Hazardous materials
- Adult content or services
- Live animals
- Items violating export/import laws
Section 8
Boost Promotions
Users may purchase a paid boost to give an item sponsored placement at the top of search results. Three tiers are available:
- Quick Boost — 24 hours
- Extended Boost — 72 hours
- Power Boost — 7 days
- Boosted items are marked with a "Sponsored" label
- Boost purchases are non-refundable once activated
- SwapMate reserves the right to remove boosted items that violate these terms
- Abuse of the boost system may result in account suspension
Section 9
Meets & Groups
Swap meets are private trading communities where members can trade within a closed group. Groups are open communities for discussion and connection.
- Swap meet creators are responsible for moderating their community
- Free users may join up to 5 meets; premium users have unlimited access
- Creating meets requires a premium subscription
- SwapMate may remove meets or groups that violate these terms
- Members may optionally verify their identity to receive a verified badge, and groups may apply to be recognised as “Official”. Verified and Official status are granted, and may be suspended or revoked, at SwapMate’s sole discretion, and do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or endorsement by SwapMate of any user, group, or meet
- Identity verification is optional and is carried out by a third-party provider; by verifying you consent to the processing of your identity and biometric information as described in our Privacy Policy
In-person safety. Swap meets and exchanges take place in person, between users. SwapMate is not a party to these interactions and is not responsible for the conduct, safety, condition of items, or outcome of any in-person meeting. Always meet in a safe, public place, verify the other party’s exchange code, and use your own judgement.
Section 10
Exchange Code Verification
To protect both parties during a physical swap exchange, SwapMate uses an exchange code verification system. Once a meeting is confirmed, each party receives a unique 6-character code.
- Each user must show their code to the other party and enter the code shown to them
- The swap is only marked as completed when both parties have successfully verified each other's code
- Codes are unique per swap and generated at the time of meeting confirmation
- Sharing your exchange code outside of the physical exchange is a violation of these terms
- SwapMate is not liable for disputes arising from misuse of the exchange code system
Section 11
Gamification
SwapMate features badges, achievements, and a leaderboard to encourage positive participation. These features are for engagement purposes only.
- Badges and rankings have no monetary value
- Attempts to manipulate gamification metrics may result in account penalties
- SwapMate may adjust gamification criteria at any time
Section 12
Fees and Payments
- Basic services are free to use
- Paid offerings include Individual Premium and Business (Gold and Platinum) subscriptions, and item boosts of varying durations
- Current pricing for all subscriptions and boosts is displayed in the app and in the relevant app store listing at the time of purchase
- Payments are processed through the Apple App Store or Google Play (managed via RevenueCat)
- All fees are in South African Rand (ZAR) unless otherwise stated
- Refunds are subject to our refund policy
- We reserve the right to change pricing with 30 days' notice
Section 13
Intellectual Property
- SwapMate owns all rights to the platform and its content
- Users retain rights to their own content
- By posting content, you grant us a licence to use it for platform purposes
- You may not copy or reproduce platform elements without permission
Section 14
Disclaimer of Warranties
The platform is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. We do not guarantee:
- Uninterrupted or error-free service
- The quality or safety of listed items
- The accuracy of user-provided information
- The behaviour or reliability of other users
Section 15
Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, SwapMate shall not be liable for:
- Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
- Loss of profits, data, or business opportunities
- Damages arising from user interactions
- Issues with swapped items
Section 16
Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless SwapMate from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your use of the platform or violation of these terms.
Section 17
Termination
- You may terminate your account at any time via Settings
- We may suspend or terminate accounts for violations
- Upon termination, certain provisions survive
- Your data will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and POPIA requirements
Section 18
Dispute Resolution
- Disputes between users should be resolved amicably
- SwapMate may provide mediation but is not obligated to
- Legal disputes shall be governed by South African law
- Courts of South Africa shall have jurisdiction
Section 19
Changes to Terms
We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes via in-app notification. Continued use of the platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms.
Section 20
Contact Information
For questions about these Terms of Service, contact us at: