How to exchange services and things safely
How to agree a result, split a bigger exchange, check the other side, hand over a thing and spot a scam before it costs you.
Agree on a result, not just an activity
Most disappointments come from agreeing on an activity but not on a result. Instead of "I'll help with your website", write "I'll fix the contact form and add two pages by Friday". A concrete result can be checked, and both sides know when it is done.
Everything that matters belongs in the deal proposal: scope, deadline, handover place and any top-up.
Split a large exchange into parts
In a bigger exchange, do not hand over the whole value at once. Split it into smaller parts you deliver in turn, for example the first three photos for the first page. If something goes wrong, you lose one small part at most.
Whoever starts should start with a smaller part. The other side gets a reason to continue and you get proof they mean it.
Check who you are dealing with
Next to an offer you see how long its author has been a member of Vymenit.sk, how many public offers they have, how many exchanges they completed and how old the offer is. Vymenit.sk verifies only the email address, not identity, so for a bigger value ask for samples of work, a portfolio link or a short video call.
An older profile without completed exchanges is not a bad sign, just a new one. Ask questions and see whether the answers match the offer.
When you meet in person
Meet in a public place during the day. Look at and try the thing before the swap, photograph its condition and agree what happens if something does not work. Never send a deposit outside the platform just so someone holds an item for you.
Money only through escrow
If money is added, let it go through a top-up on Vymenit.sk. The money waits in escrow and the other side receives it only after the exchange is confirmed. A side payment, a transfer to an unknown account or a link to a "payment page" in a message is the most common start of a scam.
What to watch out for
Be careful when someone pushes you to decide fast, wants to continue off the platform, asks for SMS codes, card details or documents, or offers something too good to be true. End that conversation and report the offer or profile; moderation will see it.
When something goes wrong
Stick to what is in the chat and the deal proposal. While you are still agreeing terms, handle changes with a counter-proposal; you can cancel the deal until the work starts. If the other side stops replying, send a concrete reminder with a deadline.
Once the work has started, a deal cannot be cancelled by one side. Either both sides complete it, or you open a dispute and describe what happened; the dispute and your description go to Vymenit.sk support. If a top-up is held in escrow, it stays frozen until support decides who receives it. If rules are broken, use the Report button.