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Based in Cupertino, California, SwapThing enables the
swapping (trade and barter) of any combination of items
and services between consumers and small businesses, as
well as direct purchases. For exchanges that seem unequal,
cash can be used to balance the transaction. SwapThing is
swap-based, as opposed to auction-based, allowing
completely private, one-on-one negotiations. SwapThing
offers free registration and listing for items, and there
is never a transaction fee for the exchange of goods or
services.
The SwapThing search engine matches items/services offered
to items/services wanted - a unique system of direct
exchange between users. User trustworthiness and
reputations are formed by means of a rating system, which
is provided through a partnership with RapLeaf. SwapThing
also enables the creation of community and social
networking through user tagging, a blog, and SwapCircles.
A SwapCircle is a group of individuals who identify with a
particular activity, locality or other commonality. Valued
peer-to-peer connections are formed through the
networking, making swap transactions amongst one another
more dependable and honest. |
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