Code of Conduct

Welcome to VarageSale, your virtual garage sale app, the spot where thousands of families find incredible local deals and earn extra spending money in a trusted ‘neighbourly’ environment.

Below you’ll find some tips for transacting, as well as useful information about specific types of items. Happy buying and selling!

TIPS:

Tips for Buying: https://news.varagesale.com/2016/01/12/getting-the-best-bargain-how-to-inspect-used-items/

Tips for Selling: www.varagesale.com/sellers-corner

VarageSale’s FAQs: http://help.varagesale.com

MEET-UPS:
VarageSale is all about keeping it local, so transactions should always take place in the local community area. Admins do their best to vet all membership requests to ensure real identity, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take your own personal precautions as well.

We suggest meeting in a place where you feel comfortable and never giving out personal information (like telephone numbers or email addresses). Keep all communication within the VarageSale platform - that’s why we have a private messaging system!

Porch pick-ups are common but of course something the buyer and seller agree to at their own risk. They involve the seller leaving the item out on the front porch, and the buyer picking up the item and leaving the money in an agreed-upon location (such as in a mailbox or under a mat). Generally, porch pick-ups are used for smaller items at low prices so that if anything did happen, it wouldn't be a big loss to anyone. We suggest not completing a porch pick up with someone until you know they are trustworthy and vice versa. When there is a bit of a relationship established (such as from buying items repeatedly from one seller), this sort of thing becomes easier. All that said, it's ultimately your call whether you feel comfortable with this.

BUYERS BEWARE - HOT TOPIC ITEMS:
We care about each and every one of our members, and our goal is for you to have best experience possible. You should always inspect items fully prior to purchasing, but here are a few specific item types that you might want to take extra precaution with when buying secondhand-

Car seats & car seat bases: Always check the manufacturer website to see if the item has expired, based on the number of years it’s been since the manufacture date. As well, ask the seller if the car seat has ever been in an accident (if it has, it should be destroyed and disposed of).

Cribs: When purchasing a crib secondhand, ensure that the owner’s manual is included as well as all necessary hardware to safely and properly assemble the crib. You should never purchase a drop-side crib or any crib manufactured prior to 1986. For more information about cribs, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/safe-sleep/cribs-cradles-bassinets.html

Brand-name items: To protect yourself from purchasing a counterfeit item, ask the seller to provide proof of authenticity, date codes, receipt of purchase, or anything else that proves an item is authentic. You may also want to meet at a store that can verify authenticity when completing the transaction.

Breast pumps: Many pumps are designed for single users only and can pose serious health risks to mothers and children when used by multiple people. Here is an article with more information: http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/lv/lvjunjul04p54.html

Bumbo baby seats: Bumbo seats are under a voluntary recall if they were manufactured prior to August 2012 (those that have no straps). You can order a repair kit and find more information on their website: http://bumbocanada.com/bumbo-recall-information.html