Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction & Acceptance

Welcome to DropSwap. DropSwap is a peer-to-peer platform that enables users to exchange physical items with one another. By creating an account or using the platform you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions. If you do not agree, you must not use DropSwap.

2. Eligibility

• You must be 18 years of age or older
• You must be located in the United Kingdom
• You must provide accurate and complete account information
• You must not have been previously banned from DropSwap

DropSwap reserves the right to verify eligibility and to suspend or terminate accounts that do not meet these requirements.

3. Platform Role & Technology Services

DropSwap is a technology platform that connects users who wish to exchange physical items. DropSwap's role is strictly that of a technology intermediary.

• DropSwap does not own, sell, supply, or handle any items listed on the platform
• DropSwap does not verify the condition, authenticity, or legality of any item
• DropSwap is not a party to any swap agreement between users
• All swap agreements are made directly between users, who are solely responsible for their obligations under those agreements
• DropSwap does not provide payment services, hold funds, or act as a regulated escrow provider

Nothing in these Terms creates any agency, partnership, joint venture, or employment relationship between DropSwap and any user.

4. Payment Processing & Security Holds

All payments on DropSwap are processed exclusively by Stripe Payments UK Ltd, which is authorised by the UK Financial Conduct Authority as an electronic money institution under reference number 900461. DropSwap does not handle, receive, hold, or control any user funds at any point.

• Security holds are authorised as a card hold through Stripe. DropSwap does not receive, hold, or control those funds. The hold may be captured, cancelled, or released according to the platform outcome, Stripe's terms, and card network rules
• DropSwap communicates swap outcomes to Stripe, which then processes fund movements in accordance with Stripe's own terms
• DropSwap does not guarantee the release, refund, or return of any funds
• DropSwap does not currently charge a platform administration fee — swapping is free

By using the payment features of DropSwap you also agree to Stripe's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. To the extent permitted by law, DropSwap is not responsible for acts or omissions of Stripe in connection with payment processing.

5. Financial Services Disclaimer

DropSwap is a technology platform. DropSwap does not provide payment services within the meaning of the Payment Services Regulations 2017, does not hold or transmit funds, and does not operate as a bank, money service business, or regulated escrow provider. The security hold process is a conditional card authorisation operated by Stripe on behalf of users, and DropSwap's sole role is to communicate platform status updates to Stripe. Nothing in these Terms constitutes financial advice or a regulated financial service.

6. How Swaps Work

• Users list items they wish to swap
• A user sends a swap offer to another user
• If the offer is accepted, each party authorises a security card hold through Stripe equal to the estimated value of the item they are receiving
• Both parties ship their items using tracked delivery
• When both parties confirm receipt, DropSwap notifies Stripe and the card authorisations are released back to each party
• If a swap is cancelled or declined before payment, no funds are charged

Users are solely responsible for: accurately describing their items, using appropriate and secure packaging, using tracked and insured delivery, and retaining proof of dispatch. DropSwap accepts no liability for items lost, damaged, or delayed in transit.

7. Giveaways

The Giveaways feature allows users to offer items at no cost to the recipient. Giveaway listings are subject to the following:

• Giveaway items are free to post and free to claim — no fees apply
• Items are allocated strictly on a first-come, first-served basis — there is no element of chance
• Giveaways are not lotteries, prize competitions, or free draws within the meaning of the Gambling Act 2005 or the Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976

DropSwap reserves the right to remove any giveaway listing that does not comply with these Terms or applicable law.

8. Fees & Chargebacks

• DropSwap reserves the right to introduce platform fees in the future — any fees will be clearly communicated before they apply
• Security card holds are released by Stripe upon successful swap completion, cancellation, or decline in accordance with platform rules and Stripe's own terms
• We encourage users to contact DropSwap first so we can investigate quickly before initiating any chargeback or payment dispute with their bank or card provider. This does not affect any chargeback, card issuer, statutory, or legal rights
• Fraudulent or abusive chargebacks may result in account action

9. User Responsibilities

By using DropSwap, each user agrees to:

• Provide accurate, honest, and complete item descriptions and photographs
• Not list, offer, or exchange prohibited items (see Section 10)
• Communicate honestly and in good faith with other users and with DropSwap
• Complete agreed swaps promptly and without unreasonable delay
• Use tracked and insured delivery for all items
• Retain proof of dispatch until a swap is confirmed complete
• Not attempt to conduct swaps outside the platform to avoid the security hold process or platform protections
• Not create multiple accounts or impersonate other users

DropSwap may remove listings, issue warnings, or suspend or terminate accounts for any breach of these responsibilities.

10. Prohibited Items

Users must not list, offer, send, or exchange any of the following:

• Electronics of any kind, including but not limited to phones, laptops, tablets, televisions, and cameras
• Weapons, knives, firearms, or any item designed or adapted to cause harm
• Illegal drugs, controlled substances, or drug paraphernalia
• Alcohol or tobacco products
• Adult or sexually explicit content of any kind
• Counterfeit, fake, replica, or stolen goods
• Live animals
• Prescription-only or pharmacy-only medication
• Medical devices or medical equipment of any kind
• Opened, used, or homemade cosmetics, make-up, skincare, or personal care products
• Opened, homemade, or loose food items (factory-sealed or vacuum-packed only)
• Chilled or frozen food requiring refrigeration or temperature-controlled transit
• Food or drink past its stated expiry date
• Hazardous, dangerous, flammable, or toxic materials
• Gift cards, vouchers, store credit, or discount codes of any kind
• Cash, cryptocurrency, or any financial instrument
• Event tickets, travel tickets, or admission passes
• Recalled, unsafe, or withdrawn products
• Personal documents, identity documents, or personal data of any kind
• Regulated, invasive, or restricted plant species or seeds under UK law
• Anything that is illegal to buy, sell, or possess under the laws of England and Wales

DropSwap reserves the right to remove any listing at any time and without notice. Listing prohibited items may result in immediate account termination and, where appropriate, referral to law enforcement.

11. Disputes & Evidence Review

DropSwap provides an in-platform dispute mechanism to help users resolve disagreements. This mechanism is a facilitation tool only and does not constitute arbitration, mediation, or a regulated dispute resolution service.

• Disputes must be raised within 7 days of the expected or confirmed delivery date
• Users must attempt to resolve issues directly through swap messages before raising a dispute
• Both parties will be given 5 days to submit evidence and respond once a dispute is opened
• Failure to respond within 5 days may result in a default decision against the non-responding party
• DropSwap will review available evidence — including messages, photographs, tracking data, and account history — and communicate an outcome to Stripe
• Where a party is found to be in serious breach, DropSwap may communicate that outcome to Stripe for the relevant security hold; Stripe will process any such movement in accordance with its own terms and conditions
• DropSwap is not an arbitrator or insurer and does not guarantee any particular outcome
• DropSwap will consider the seriousness of the breach, available evidence, user history, and whether the issue appears accidental, negligent, or fraudulent before taking enforcement action
• DropSwap's decision is final for the purposes of platform administration, account status, and instructions sent to Stripe. This does not affect your statutory rights or your right to pursue a claim through the courts or another appropriate body

DropSwap accepts no liability for decisions made in good faith on the basis of evidence available at the time of review.

12. Limitation of Liability

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited under applicable UK law, including: liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence; liability for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation; or any liability that cannot be excluded under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 or other applicable legislation.

• Subject to the above, DropSwap is only responsible for foreseeable loss caused directly by our breach of these Terms or our failure to use reasonable care and skill
• DropSwap is not liable for loss or damage to items in transit
• DropSwap is not liable for disputes or disagreements between users
• DropSwap is not liable for misrepresentation of items by users
• DropSwap is not liable for any indirect, consequential, special, or punitive losses
• DropSwap is not liable for loss of profits, data, or business opportunity
• DropSwap is not liable for any act or omission of Stripe or any other third-party service provider

13. Consumer-to-Consumer Exchanges

Most swaps on DropSwap take place between private individuals. Consumer rights that apply to transactions between a consumer and a trader may not apply in the same way to private user-to-user exchanges. Users who are acting as businesses or traders must identify themselves as such in their listings and profile and must comply with all applicable consumer law, including the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013.

14. Consumer Rights

These Terms do not affect your statutory rights as a consumer under UK law, including rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. If you believe any term in these Terms & Conditions is unfair, you may have rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 or other applicable legislation. Nothing in these Terms is intended to, nor shall it, exclude or restrict your statutory rights.

15. Account Suspension & Termination

DropSwap may suspend, restrict, or permanently terminate your account if:

• You breach these Terms & Conditions
• You list or exchange prohibited items
• You engage in fraud, deception, or abuse of the platform or the security hold process
• You repeatedly fail to complete agreed swaps without reasonable cause
• You create multiple accounts or attempt to circumvent a suspension or ban
• You abuse the dispute process
• DropSwap is required to do so by law or regulatory authority

Where reasonably practicable, DropSwap will notify you of the reason for suspension or termination and will consider the seriousness of the breach before taking action. You may contact us to query a decision. Termination does not affect any rights or obligations that have already accrued, and does not affect your statutory rights.

16. Intellectual Property

All content, design, software, and trade marks on the DropSwap platform are owned by or licensed to DropSwap. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from any part of the platform without express written permission. You retain ownership of content you submit (item photos, descriptions) but grant DropSwap a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to display and use that content for the purpose of operating the platform.

17. Data Protection

Your personal data is processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy and UK GDPR. By using DropSwap you acknowledge that message content, swap history, and account activity are stored to enable platform operations and dispute resolution. Full details of how we collect, use, and retain your data — and how to exercise your rights — are set out in our Privacy Policy.

18. Changes to Terms

DropSwap may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify registered users of material changes by email at least 14 days before they take effect. Continued use of DropSwap after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms. If you do not accept the revised Terms, you must stop using the platform and may request account deletion.

19. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. DropSwap may bring proceedings against you in the courts of England and Wales. As a consumer, you retain the right to bring proceedings in the courts of England and Wales or the courts of any other part of the United Kingdom where you are domiciled. Nothing in this clause affects your statutory rights as a consumer under UK law.

20. Legal & Company Information

In accordance with the Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002, the following information is provided:

• Company name: DROPSWAP LTD
• Place of registration: England and Wales
• Companies House registration number: 16767084 (verify at companieshouse.gov.uk)
• Registered office: 34 Pencombe Road, Liverpool, England, L36 2NH
• Contact email: hello@dropswap.co.uk
• ICO registration number: ZC132166
• VAT number: not currently registered for VAT