Trading safely

Most people here are just collectors like you. A few easy habits keep it that way.

Before you buy

Check the seller's reviews and verified trades on their profile before you pay.
Ask for fresh photos of the actual card, front and back. Even better: with a note that has their username and today's date.
Compare the price to the market. A deal that looks way too good usually is.
Keep the conversation in Trade Routes messages, so there is a record of what you agreed.

Paying

Shipping? We recommend a payment method with buyer protection, like PayPal Goods & Services.
Who covers the Goods & Services fee is up to the seller: they might split it, pay all of it, or none of it. Be sure to ask!
Friends & Family, Zelle, Cash App and Venmo to a stranger have no protection. If it goes wrong, the money's gone.
Never pay with gift cards. Nobody legit should ask for them.

Meeting up

Meet somewhere public! A card shop, a mall, or a police station safe trade zone. Daytime is best.
Look the cards over before any money changes hands, and know how to spot a fake: Pokémon, Magic.

Shipping

Penny sleeve, then a toploader or card saver, in a bubble mailer or a plain envelope. Agree on which with the buyer first!
Take photos of the cards as you pack them.
Use tracking for nice ones, and signature confirmation for really nice ones.
Share the tracking number in your chat :)

Red flags

They push to move the chat off Trade Routes.
They won't send current photos.
They insist on Friends & Family or gift cards.
They rush you: "someone else wants it, pay now".

Something off?

Use the Report button on the listing, profile or chat, and block anyone you don't want to hear from. We read every report.

The fine print

Trade Routes is a place to find each other. We're not part of your deal: we don't hold the money, check the cards, or ship anything, so we can't guarantee a trade or refund one. You're responsible for the trades you make.

We are not liable for scams and can't reimburse you. We do our best to keep scammers out, and if something goes wrong, report it and we'll do what we can on our side, like banning a bad actor.

If there's ANY doubt, don't trade. And for anything short of 100% sure, use buyer protection.