Home Browse About Us Contact
Login Sign Up
Community Standards

Community guidelines for a safer student marketplace

The Spear Exchange works best when people are respectful, honest, and careful during every conversation, listing, and meetup. These guidelines set the tone for the FSU community.

Respect people first Use clear, calm communication and assume good faith until the facts say otherwise.
Meet safely Prefer public campus spaces, daylight hours, and simple meetups.
List honestly Show the real condition, include clear photos, and disclose issues up front.
Report problems If something feels off, report it instead of escalating in chat.

1. Be respectful in every interaction

Use messages to clarify the deal, not to pressure, insult, or manipulate other users. Polite and direct communication keeps transactions fast and reduces misunderstandings.

  • Do not harass, threaten, shame, or repeatedly message someone after they have declined.
  • Do not use slurs, hateful language, or discriminatory behavior based on any protected characteristic.
  • Do not spam the same listing, price, or message to flood the platform.

2. Keep the campus community safe

Safety matters more than convenience. If a meetup feels rushed, isolated, or confusing, slow it down or reschedule in a safer public space.

Public meetups

Choose campus or other public locations with people around and reasonable visibility.

Reasonable timing

Avoid late-night meetups or last-minute pressure that makes it harder to verify the item.

  • Do not ask someone to come to a private residence if a safer public meetup is available.
  • Do not request unsafe payment methods or pressure anyone to ignore their own safety boundaries.
  • If you are uncomfortable, leave and report the situation rather than escalating it.

3. Post listings that are truthful and complete

Buyers rely on the information you provide. Missing details create avoidable disputes, so be clear about condition, compatibility, and anything a buyer should know before meeting.

  • Use recent photos and avoid stock images or misleading screenshots.
  • State the condition honestly, including scratches, missing parts, functionality issues, or wear.
  • Remove or update listings promptly when the item is sold, unavailable, or no longer matches the description.
  • Do not post items you do not own or do not have permission to sell.

4. Handle meetups and payments carefully

The cleanest transaction is simple: confirm the item, agree on the price, meet in public, verify the exchange, and keep a record of the messages if needed.

  • Inspect the item before you pay whenever possible.
  • Bring only the agreed amount and do not use surprise add-ons or bait-and-switch tactics.
  • Be cautious with digital payment requests, especially if the seller refuses any verification step.
  • Do not claim chargebacks, fake refunds, or failed transfers as a way to avoid paying fairly.

5. Report suspicious or abusive behavior

Reporting protects the whole community. If you see a scam, a prohibited item, or a user acting aggressively, flag it early so it can be reviewed.

  • Report fake listings, stolen goods, scam attempts, or obvious impersonation.
  • Report harassment, stalking, threats, and attempts to move a deal into unsafe territory.
  • Keep screenshots or message records when they help explain what happened.
  • If the situation involves real-world danger, contact campus security or local authorities immediately.

6. Consequences for violations

We may remove content, issue warnings, limit features, or suspend access when someone violates these guidelines or the Terms of Use. Severe or repeated abuse may be escalated to campus or law enforcement authorities when appropriate.

These guidelines are meant to support a practical student marketplace, not replace common sense or formal campus policies.