🌼 Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about how Carterton Swap works.
What is Carterton Swap?
Carterton Swap is a free community bartering platform for Wairarapa. Members list what they have to offer and what they're looking for each week, and the platform finds matches. No money changes hands — only goods.
How does matching work?
Each week you list what you're offering and what you're looking for. On Sunday night the platform runs a matching algorithm across all listings. Results are published Monday morning. If a match is found, both parties agree to the swap and arrange the handover directly.
When does matching happen?
The listing window is open Monday to Sunday 9pm. The match runs Sunday night, and results are published Monday morning.
What if I don't get matched?
Sorry it didn't work out this week! As more people join and familiar patterns develop, the hope is that more and more successful matches take place. Check the pool summary on your dashboard to see what's in high demand — it can help you decide what to list next week.
Why is this only for Carterton?
Carterton Swap is built on high trust between community members, and that trust is easier to establish at a small, local scale. We want to get it right here first before expanding. That said, if you live nearby or operate regularly in Carterton, you're very welcome.
Do I have to swap with the person I'm matched with?
No. You might give goods to one person and receive goods from a completely different person — and that's still a successful swap. The platform matches offers and wants independently across the whole community pool, so everyone gets what they need without requiring a direct one-for-one exchange.
Problems or feedback?
Email hello@cartertonswap.com. Carterton Swap is run for free as a community project, so please be mindful that responses will be addressed based on availability. All genuine feedback is appreciated.
Carterton Swap is a free community project built and maintained by Jasper Irvine. The source code is open for other communities to adapt.