by Linsey Knerl

Have you often wondered if there was an alternative to buying everything thing you need new? In this article we’ll look at some of the best online swap sites and services available to those who just want to borrow fabulous items for living better.

The Best Online Swap Sites

What’s the deal with online swap sites? They can be very similar, but they each serve a very different need. Here’s the skinny on how our favorites work.

SwapStyle - If you’re concerned with wearing this year’s hottest designer fashions, your wallet may cringe at the thought of buying new.  With consignment stores being a time-consuming way of finding exactly what you need, the Internet is now offering another option for getting high-quality used designer goods at the click of your mouse.  Sites like SwapStyle.com, for example, offer members the chance to swap their excellent condition Coach, Kate Spade, and Ed Hardy for other items of equal value.  There is also the opportunity to buy items outright that you want to keep forever!

To begin using the site you must sign up for a membership and pay a small annual subscription fee.  From there, you’ll have access to unlimited swaps or purchases, with the opportunity to trade to your heart’s desire for only the price of shipping an item.  In addition to clothing, SwapStyle offers cosmetics, books, and designer gifts.  (Their forums and style updates are worthy reads, as well, for anyone looking to stay on top of fashion trends and tips!)

MakeUp Alley - Trying hard to find that certain discontinued shade of blush?  Wishing you could find it, but not willing to pay outrageous prices for it on eBay?  MakeupAlley.com may be for you.  With over 1,000 new items added daily, it may be one of the largest swap sites for cosmetics and accessories, offering peaks at listings to registered members only.  Feeling icky about the possibility of swapping  slightly-used or sample cosmetics?  Stick to the unopened products and never, ever trade for used mascaras (which can harbor infection-causing germs.)

BookMooch - There’s no reason to pay even a penny for that slightly-used book you’ve been wanting to read.  With BookMooch.com’s snappy user interface and gazillions of listings, there’s a way to read for free!  Simply give away a book to get points, and then use those points to request new-to-you books.  There is even an option to donate books to much-deserved charities, like children’s hospitals and African Literacy.  Simply pay shipping to send out books--there’s no other cost involved!

SwapTree -

Though new swap sites pop up all the time, we recommend that you stick to sites that have been around awhile, show new listings daily, and can provide proof of how much activity goes on.

The entertainment swap authority, SwapTree.com offers books, CDs, DVDs, and video games for free, provided you have something of equal value to trade.  SwapTree’s  free system couldn’t be easier:  You list all the items you want to get rid of and a wishlist of things you want.  The system automatically sets up an equal-value exchange and lets you know what to ship and where to send it (you pay shipping on items you mail out.)  You can trade a book for a CD, a DVD for a video game, etc--provided the values are equal.  With nothing to figure out, using SwapTree is a seamless way to keep your entertainment collection fresh and valuable!

Zwaggle - Tired of buying the newest, innovative baby toy, only to have your little one crawl away with boredom?  Zwaggle.com is the connecting point for parents wishing to trade their clean, safe children’s items for something they can really use!  Sign up is free, and members get points (or zoints) right away for joining.  Set up like other swap sites, you send along items you don’t need (thus saving them from a certain death in the landfill) and request items you find useful.  Shipping is done entirely through the site, using FedEx--tracking, pickups, and confirmations are a breeze!  Nifty items on the newly listed page include designer baby clothes, Boppy’s, baby carriers, swings, and toys.  You can now skip those expensive consignment sales and get swapping!  (Zwaggle also integrates a wonderful charity component, allowing you to donate your points to a worthy cause so that they can request items for their daily operations, too.  What a neat, cashless way to give!)

SwapBabyGoods - This is another reputable baby/toddler swap site, with a less-flashy interface but a good variety of items.  Free to join and use, SwapBabyGoods.com offers clothing, toys, and items for mom in a simple format.  Users not wanting to take the time to build up a big swap credit can find many of the better items for sale, making it a great option for those who don’t have a lot of items to give away.  They also have some of the best coupons and free product vouchers available!

Rehash - Perhaps one of the most community-focused swap sites out there, Rehash.com focuses on the green impact that trading can have in our world.  With a clever interface, drag-and-drop functionality, and some very active forums, users can not only trade, they can meet new people with similar interests!  Most of the items we saw were clothing and shoes, but an assortment of items (including textbooks) become available at any given time, and many of the top traders have lots to offer!

How to Get the Best Deals on Swap Sites

Think you’re ready to trade?  Read these additional quick and dirty tips for getting the most out of swap sites:

  • Do your research. New swap sites pop up all the time, and we realize that someone has to be the first to take a chance on it. That said, we recommend that you stick to sites that have been around awhile, show new listings daily, and can provide proof of how much activity goes on. A site that appears to have limited trades, hasn’t been updated in awhile, and can’t provide examples of recent trades should be avoided at all costs!! Likewise, traders who show no new trades or only show negative feedback should be skipped over in favor of proven swappers.

  • Stay safe. Like any other shopping transaction, keep your confidential information heavily guarded. Use a screen name that is different from your real name, substitute a cartoon or icon for your profile pic, and don’t give out anything more than what will be needed to follow through on a trade. If possible, stick with sites that handle some of the shipping logistics for you.

  • Read descriptions carefully.  If you can limit your trades to item listings that contain photos, do so. You can tell a lot from a high-res picture. Item descriptions should also be thorough. Don’t be afraid to ask questions from those who offer items you’re interested in. Even a swap should be treated like a sale!

  • Be a discerning shopper. Don’t ever swap disposable items that aren’t in their original packaging or resealed for your protection. Insist that clothing be washed before it is sent, and then wash it again when you get it. If something arrives broken, damaged, or in a condition less than what was advertised, use the grievance process offered at each website to get satisfaction. (Many times, you can offer negative feedback to impact their future trades and send a message.) 

As always, you can send us your questions, comments, and tips to dealista@quickanddirtytips.com or call 206-426-1615. We’re also on Facebook under “The Dealista!”