Good practice for brokers

Helping members stay safe

Practical safety advice for members, and the tools brokers can use when an exchange carries more risk.

Most exchanges are simple and safe. A little planning helps keep them that way.

Advice to share with members

• Meet somewhere public for a first meeting, or have someone else there.
• Tell a friend or family member where you are going and when you expect to be back.
• Keep money, bank cards and passwords out of exchanges.
• Trust your feelings. It is fine to say no, or to stop an exchange that feels wrong.
• Tell a broker if anything worries you.

Extra care for some activities

Some activities carry more risk. Examples are visiting someone's home, driving, work with tools, or support for someone who may be at risk. For these:

• Tag the listing in Risk Tags, so other brokers know to take care.
• Ask for insurance with Insurance required where your community's rules say so.
• Record vetting decisions for members who work with people at risk.
• Consider arranging the first meeting yourself.

A tag on its own does not always make exchanges wait for a broker. Broker approval required on a tag only takes effect when an admin has turned on both Broker approval required and Auto-approve low-risk exchanges in Configuration. Check with your admin how your community is set up.

Protected members

Some members have asked for extra protection. Respect their choices, even if it makes arranging help slower. Never pass on their contact details without their agreement.

If you think someone is in danger, contact the emergency services first.

This is done on the main website. The accessible site does not have this page.

More guides in this topic

• A simple daily routine for brokers
• Helping members exchange time fairly
• Keeping members' information private
• Welcoming new members

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