HomeSafety Tips
Safety Tips
Guidelines to keep every exchange positive, safe, and comfortable for everyone.
Meeting in Person
Always meet in a public, well-lit location for your first exchange with a new community member. Popular spots include coffee shops, library lobbies, grocery store parking lots, and community centers.
- •Choose a public place for pickup — avoid meeting at your home for first-time exchanges
- •Tell a friend or family member where you're going and when you expect to be back
- •Meet during daylight hours when possible
- •Trust your instincts — if something feels off, it's okay to cancel
- •Bring a friend along if you feel more comfortable doing so
Communicating with Other Members
- •Keep all communication within the ShareSphere app until you're comfortable
- •Never share financial information, passwords, or sensitive personal details
- •Be wary of requests to move communication off-platform immediately
- •Verify item details in chat before arranging a pickup
- •Report any suspicious or uncomfortable messages to our team
Food Safety
When sharing or receiving food, follow these guidelines to keep everyone safe:
- •Only share food that is within its safe consumption window
- •Clearly label homemade items with ingredients, especially common allergens (nuts, dairy, gluten)
- •Package food safely in sealed, clean containers
- •Note preparation date and "best by" date in the listing
- •Never share food that has been opened, partially consumed, or improperly stored
- •Recipients: inspect food before consuming and ask about storage and ingredients
Sharing Clothing and Other Items
- •Clean and sanitize clothing before offering it for sharing
- •Accurately describe the condition of items in your listing
- •Include photos that honestly represent the item's current state
- •Do not share items that are broken, unsafe, or past their usable life
- •For electronics, test them before listing to confirm they work
Protecting Your Privacy
- •You don't have to share your exact address — use a nearby landmark or public meeting point
- •Review your location settings in the app before posting
- •Remove personal information from item photos (documents, mail, license plates visible in backgrounds)
- •Use only your first name or a nickname publicly in your profile
Reporting Issues
If you ever feel unsafe, encounter suspicious behavior, or experience a problem with an exchange, please report it immediately through the app or contact us at our contact form. We take every report seriously and respond within 24 hours.