Community Guidelines

1. Purpose

1.1 PenderExchange (the "Platform") exists to connect neighbours across the Gulf Islands, enabling Users to obtain what they need, pass along what they no longer require, and strengthen the community. These Community Guidelines set out the standards of conduct that PenderExchange expects of every User.

1.2 These Guidelines supplement the Terms of Service and the Acceptable Use Policy. Capitalized terms not defined here have the meanings given to them in the Terms of Service. Conduct that is inconsistent with these Guidelines may be addressed under the Acceptable Use Policy.

2. Standards of Conduct

Users are expected to deal with one another honestly, courteously, and in good faith, and to conduct every interaction on the Platform with the same respect they would extend to a neighbour in person.

3. Listing Standards

Every Listing should allow other Users to make an informed decision. Users should:

• Use clear, descriptive titles: state plainly what is offered. "Solid oak dining table" is preferable to "Great deal!!!"
• Provide accurate descriptions: disclose the condition of the item, any wear or defects, and any other fact a reasonable buyer would wish to know.
• Set fair prices: price items reasonably and state whether offers will be considered.
• Use genuine photographs: post photographs of the actual item offered, and avoid stock images and heavily edited pictures.
• Respond promptly: reply to inquiries within a reasonable time.

4. Personal Safety

Although most transactions conducted through the Platform proceed without incident, Users should take reasonable precautions for their personal safety:

• Meet in public places: arrange pickups and exchanges at a well-known public location. The Driftwood Centre and Hope Bay are convenient public meeting points.
• Bring a companion for significant transactions: when buying or selling an item of substantial value, consider bringing another person.
• Protect financial information: never disclose banking details, passwords, or other sensitive financial information. A legitimate buyer or seller will not require them.
• Exercise judgment: if a Listing or a conversation appears suspicious, you are under no obligation to proceed.
• Inspect before paying: examine the item before making payment and confirm that it matches its description and functions as represented.

5. Communications Between Users

When communicating with other Users about a Listing, Users should:

• Remain respectful: keep all communications courteous, including when declining to proceed with a transaction.
• Respond in a timely manner: a brief reply declining an offer is preferable to no reply.
• Answer questions accurately: respond honestly to questions about the condition of an item.
• Confirm arrangements in advance: agree on the time, place, and other details of any pickup or delivery before meeting.

6. Payments Between Users

PenderExchange is a classifieds platform. It connects buyers and sellers but does not process or facilitate payments between them, and every transaction takes place directly between the parties involved.

• Payment terms: the buyer and the seller are responsible for agreeing on, and completing, the terms of payment.
• Payment methods: cash and e-Transfer are the most common and straightforward methods for local transactions.
• Receipts: for higher-value purchases, the parties should prepare a simple written receipt recording the item, the price, the date, and the names of both parties.

7. Resolving Problems

If a transaction does not proceed as expected, PenderExchange recommends the following steps:

1. Contact the other party: most concerns can be resolved through direct and candid communication.
2. Report the matter to PenderExchange: if the matter cannot be resolved directly, or if you believe another User is acting in bad faith, report the Listing using "Report this listing" or write to support@penderexchange.ca. PenderExchange will review the report and take such action as it considers appropriate.
3. Contact the RCMP where a crime is suspected: if you believe that you have been the victim of theft, fraud, or any other offence, contact the local RCMP detachment. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911.

8. Building Trust

The Platform depends on the good faith of its Users. Users can contribute to a trustworthy marketplace by:

• Maintaining an accurate profile: a profile that shows your name helps other Users understand with whom they are dealing. Eligible residents may also request resident verification through their account settings.
• Communicating reliably: dependable and timely communication, including when the answer is "no, thank you," establishes a reputation as a trustworthy member of the community.
• Supporting the community: reporting suspicious Listings, assisting neighbours, and acting with courtesy all contribute to a Platform the community can rely upon.

PenderExchange thanks its Users for helping to maintain a welcoming and trusted marketplace for the Gulf Islands.