Safe Exchange Spots for Online Marketplaces — Neutral & Fair

You found the perfect deal on Facebook Marketplace, but the seller lives 40 minutes away and "porch pickup" feels risky. Or maybe you're selling a laptop and don't want a stranger knowing where you sleep. midpoint.place helps you find a safe, public, and equidistant location to meet buyers or sellers, ensuring the transaction is secure and the travel is fair.

The rules of the safe trade

Safety should never be compromised for a deal.

• Rule #1: Never meet at a private residence for high-value items.
• Rule #2: Never get into a stranger's car.
• Rule #3: Always meet in daylight.

Best venues for exchanges

When you calculate the midpoint, look for these specific venue types:

1. Police Station "Safe Zones"

Many police departments have designated "E-Commerce Exchange Zones" in their lobbies or parking lots. These are monitored by cameras 24/7.

• Search: "Police Station" or "Sheriff's Office".

2. Bank Lobbies

If you are selling a car or item for cash, meeting at a bank is smart.

• Benefit: You can verify the cash is real/deposit it immediately.
• Benefit: Cameras are everywhere.

3. Busy Coffee Shops

For lower stakes items (clothes, books), a Starbucks is perfect.

• Benefit: Wi-Fi allows you to Venmo/Zelle instantly.
• Benefit: High foot traffic discourages bad behavior.

Handling the "Fairness" of travel

• The Standard: Splitting the drive 50/50 is the polite norm for mid-value items ($50+).
• The Exception: For cheap items (under $20), the buyer usually travels to the seller.
• The Negotiation: Use the midpoint.place map to show why a specific spot is fair. "Hey, this mall is exactly 15 mins for both of us."

Tips for specific items

• Electronics: Meet somewhere with power outlets (cafe) to test that it turns on.
• Clothing: Do not try things on in a stranger's car. Meet at a mall with public restrooms if needed.
• Furniture: If the item is huge, you might have to go to their house. Bring a friend. Do not go alone.

FAQs

Can I share the location without sharing my address?
Yes! That's the whole point. You enter your general area (zip code), finding the midpoint without ever revealing your street address.

What if they refuse to meet halfway?
If a buyer refuses to meet in a public place, that is a red flag. Walk away from the deal.

Is it safe to use Venmo/CashApp?
Yes, but treat it like cash. Once sent, it's gone. Verify the item before sending payment.

Trade smart

Protect your privacy and your time. Find a safe, central location for your next online exchange with midpoint.place.