The Best Online Swap Sites

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This article shares tips from the 16th episode of Dealista,our podcast that'll help you get more for less.

Buying new is so pre-recession, and with so many online swap sites available for the picky trader, there’s no excuse not to get out there and start trading your excellent-condition, used items for something of equal value. We’ve already covered a handful of the best clothing swap sites around (check out these 5 favorites of our own Xin Lu), and in a recent Dealista episode, we dig a bit deeper to cover makeup, books, and video games, too!

Here’s the scoop on the rest of our top picks.

MakeUp Alley

While some people will get icked out by the thought of trading makeup, there really is no better way to snag those hard-to-find and discontinued items that you find yourself unable to live without. MakeUp Alley has over a thousand new items added daily, making this free-to-register site a legit way to score that certain shade of blush you thought you’d never find again. New products, samples, and slightly-used items are the norm here, although we highly recommend you steer clear of anything that appears gross. (Used mascara is always a no-no. It’s a common way to get an atrocious eye infection.)

BookMooch

Monthly book rental sites are hot markets right now, but why pay even $10 to read someone else’s cast-offs? With BookMooch’s totally free swap interface and so many listings to choose from, you can read for the cost of media mail postage — and nothing more! Those with extra books lying around and no interest in accumulating more may find their donation program a good fit. (You can donate your used books to charities like African Literacy and children’s hospitals!)

SwapTree

Ever since CD Warehouse went bust, many of us have sadly been unable to dump our used CD’s and DVD’s anywhere they may be wanted. SwapTree has super-intuitive free swap system, however, there is a slightly less-slim chance that someone out there may want your used copy of 80’s hair band ballads. Throw in the ability to trade video games and books, and you have yourself the all-in-one site for entertainment swapping! Just trade items of like-value, and skip the need for complicated transactions. As long as the items are worth the same, they can be traded outright for the cost of shipping (books for DVD’s, for example).

Swaggle

Before your drop $40 on that genius-baby babble toy, see if you can get it for free! Zwaggle guarantees that even if your little Einstein doesn’t like it, you’re out nothing more than the cost of shipping. With free sign up and trading points that can be earned and used for redemption on baby clothes, toys, books, swings, and nursing accessories, it’s just like a baby consignment sale without the high markup and piles of unmarked onesies. The built-in FedEx shipping tool makes sending and tracking easy (you’ll never wonder if your package made it there), and a charity option lets you donate your earned points to causes that help kids so that they can shop for free! (New users get points just for signing up.)

SwapBabyGoods

SwapBabyGoods is another wonderful option for parents on a budget. This swap site lets those without anything to trade get in on the action, too! See something you like? You may be able to buy it outright, making it a perfect option for those who don’t want to wait around until they’ve given things away.

Ready to trade? Read these additional quick and dirty tips for getting the most out of swap sites.

Research, Research, Research.

Swap sites can be a dime a dozen, making it hard to tell which ones are on the up-and-up. Use your instincts and steer clear of anything that doesn’t show much activity and a limited number of new listings. (The same goes for traders, who only have feedback to give them credibility. If you can’t find anything positive about a trader, don’t swap with them!)

Keep it safe.

Even though you’re not using cash to make a purchase, common sense should be used to keep your personal and financial info away from those who may use it for evil. Keep your screen name unlike your real name and avoid posting anything too personal to your profile (pictures really don’t have to be used). Sites that handle shipping for you are a good bet for keeping your info more private, as well.

Read carefully.

A photo is worth a thousand words, and many people prefer listings that use them to explain the condition of an item. The more complete a description, the more you have to go on, so avoid listings that appear confusing or don’t explain anything about the item to be traded. Swaps should be treated like a sale!

Use common sense.

Don’t ever swap disposable items that aren’t in their original packaging and wash clothing items as soon as you receive them. If you get something that isn’t in the condition promised (or arrives broken or damaged) go back to the trader to find a reasonable solution. Most sites don’t offer a formal grievance process, so be prepared to handle disputes on your own.

Dealista is a collaboration between Wise Bread and Quick and Dirty Tips, the producer of popular podcasts such as Grammar Girl, Money Girl, Winning Investor, and Mighty Mommy.

If you enjoyed these tips you can find more in our show's archive.

Disclaimer: The links and mentions on this site may be affiliate links. But they do not affect the actual opinions and recommendations of the authors.

Wise Bread is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.


Guest's picture

great sites! I just wanted to let you know that I tweeted this article. Thank you!

Guest's picture
Heidi

We've been using Goozex.com for video game trading. It's a LOT better than trading used games in at Gamestop for the pittance they give you.

Guest's picture
Marla

Got to check these out. We presently use Swaptree and have been able to get lots of CD's.

Guest's picture
Linda

Great list! Bartering can save you alot of money. I've had great success with http://www.swaptreasures.com where you can trade just about anything and it's freee.

Guest's picture
Rose

retweeted! this is a great article

Guest's picture
helade

Surprised you missed this one. It's been around since 2005 and has an inventory of over 4 million books. Excellent "customer" service and the Web site has a great user interface. They also do some terrific charity work. The ne plus ultra of book swap sites, IMNSHO.

Guest's picture
Guest

PaperbackSwap.com
SwapaCD.com
SwapaDVD.com

Guest's picture
Guest

this site. It give huge deals off of name brand clothing, shoes, accessories, everything, and its constantly getting new things!! You can get amazing deals. : ) You can use my invite if you want to join, since it is member only. http://www.hautelook.com/invite/634230 and this is another site just like hautelook www.ideeli.com/invite/fashionlover1990 . enjoy : ) and happy saving!!

Guest's picture
Guest

this site. It give huge deals off of name brand clothing, shoes, accessories, everything, and its constantly getting new things!! You can get amazing deals. : ) You can use my invite if you want to join, since it is member only. http://www.hautelook.com/invite/634230 and this is another site just like hautelook www.ideeli.com/invite/fashionlover1990 . enjoy : ) and happy saving!!

Guest's picture
Guest

I use Baarter.com, it's free and easy to use. No having to signup or create a profile, just post.

Baarter.com

Guest's picture
Sharice Harris

Hi, I am looking to swap a brand new water trampoline, never used, easy to assemble, world's largest at 27 ft, I can send in 7-10 days anywhere in the U.S., If you would like more details and would like to swap , contact me at englishplaytime@yahoo.com, Sharice

Guest's picture

SwapperSteve.com is a site that we created because we couln't find anything that quite met our needs. We made it completely free and very focused on bartering. You can barter for items, services, vacations, etc. Easy to post, the ability to add high res images and easily search make it an option we feel is worthy of a look. In addition, we tried to create a clean looking format and keep ads fresh by requiring users to (easily) renew their listings each week. It is new and we need help. If you decide to check out the site, we would appreciate your feedback. We also need your help in getting good swap items on the site for users to trade! Thank you for the post and for allowing us to mention our site!