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Swappa generally enjoys a positive reputation for offering a reliable platform for buying and selling used electronics, with many users appreciating the thorough vetting of devices and the ease of transactions. However, significant concerns arise regarding customer service, particularly in response times and support during disputes, with numerous customers expressing frustration over unhelpful interactions and unresolved issues. Additionally, complaints about payment processing and discrepancies in product conditions highlight a need for improved communication and accountability. Overall, while many customers report satisfaction, the negative experiences suggest a critical need for enhanced customer support and service transparency.
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Several years ago I had a good experience on Swappa after it was recommended to me by a phone repair man. I decided to use Swappa again for a new phone last month. The seller intentionally sent me a phone that was not unlocked and it was still financed. I immediately contacted the seller and after Swappa got involved he gave an address for me to return the phone. Two weeks later I am still waiting for my refund. Swappa's only involvement is to state that the phone was delivered to a different address. The seller had already acknowledged it was forwarded - the seller gave an address to intentionally and purposely "lose the phone". I've reached out numerous times to the seller via Swappa and Paypal, the seller has refused to answer. Swappa is hands-off and not assisting in the matter. Immediately commenting when a customer states a problem is not customer service. Customer service action, assisting in making it right. Simple comments to acknowledge is not customer service. I've been very disappointed in Swappa's care for the customer and care to keep Swappa a safe place for customers. Buy from websites that will stand behind their customers and assist them.
Swappa is not responsible for any sale that doesn't match the description. Their response is that at swappa they trust the seller to be honest, and when they're not honest, swappa cannot he held responsible. It's ridiculous how useless their customer support is.
If a device is not as advertised we expect sellers to address this. If they do not we restrict their Swappa account and/or advise a dispute with Paypal: https://swappa.com/faq/general/not_as_advertised
We use Paypal on Swappa for their protections: https://swappa.com/faq/buy/payment_options
We'd like to assist here. Please reach out to [email protected]
I have bought an iPhone and now an iPad. I have been satisfied with my purchases. I would recommend this site and have already.
Good Help and prompt replies from Swappa staff. Website is easy to navigate. I've sold 8 items there (iPhones, iPads and a macbook) all completed within 2-4 days. The payout to the seller is excellent, much better than ebay. I have decided to use only Swappa since I have found it reliable and efficient to sell my tech items.
Provides a trusted and easy way to offload old devices! You get peace of mind due to the requirement for PayPal transactions, as well as identifying any devices with blacklisted IMEI
Use it just for electronic devices, never a bad experience either buying or selling, recommend highly.
This is my second purchase on Swappa. And as for the first time I am 100% satisfied. This is a very fair marketplace to find your best tablet at a good price.
I've bought several devices on the site and have never had an issue. Listings have clear information and it is easy to contact sellers for additional information. Payment is safe as well though I've never received an item not as described.
I tend to keep a phone longer than I should. A friend turned me on to Swappa. I was about to get one of LG's latest phones at 2/3 less than what my mobile provider is asking. Phone was in better condition than described and came with freebie items. Seller had excellent communication skills. I have already recommended to several people. This was a great shopping experience.
The site has been a good place to sell items in the past. I bought through the site for the first time. There was a minor issue with the product which the seller and I worked out, but Swappa staff let us know they wanted to make sure both parties were happy in the end.
I heard about this business through a friend who also got a new iphone. The transactions were safe and verified. I paid for express shipping and got my phone shortly after. The condition was just as described. I'm glad I took a chance using this site over Amazon.
Three purchases and all went great. The products exceeded my expectations. Items received extremely quickly and well-packaged. Swappa maintains a high standard for listed items. I know because I just listed my first item. I've recommended to friends who are happy. You'll likely be very pleased as well.
Worst place to sell items, unclear & frustrated requirements for pictures & info.
Useless customer support.
We provide steps during the listing process with our photo requirements outlined. This information is also provided here: https://swappa.com/blog/what-is-a-verification-photo/ and linked during the listing process.
"A “verification photo” is a low-tech — but effective — anti-fraud measure used by Swappa to keep the marketplace safe. A verification photo contains the item being sold along with a unique code provided by Swappa. This photo provides proof that the seller actually has the item being sold."
Pal, we'd like to help here. Please reach out to [email protected] and we can assist with this process.
Excellent customer service. Affordable phone. Simple transaction. With expedited shipping, I had my new phone in less than 24 hours. Condition matched or exceeded description and phone worked with the carrier specified. I would use Swappa again.
Swappa is almost like an Ebay for electronic devices but without the bidding. Look for reputable sellers and ask lots of questions about the device before buying. Transaction was fast and easy.
I bought and received my phone in about a week. The phone was in good condition and the seller was professional. He checked up during different check points to see if everything was ok. I had a overall good experience.
I wanted to sell the phone quickly and put it out there at a great price to accomplish that. Within hours it was sold and on its merry way to the buyer. EBay is such a hassle and I just wanted to see results quickly and I'm sure if I listed it at the same price I'd still be waiting and waiting for it to be sold. I'll definitely recommend this site to anyone who wants to sell their phone. I'm sure I could have gotten more if I wanted to wait. My buyer got the deal of a lifetime. Good for him. I got the iPhone XS which I love. Too bad it cost me nearly $500.00 but Im happy.
Must admit I was nervous for my first Swappa sale. But with better prices than eBay, gazelle, and every other resale or trade in option, it was worth the risk. So glad that I did. Smooth transaction, fast payment. Will definitely use this service again soon.
Answer: Hi Neisha. Swappa is quite safe! Please see the 500+ reviews on this site referencing the safe and pleasant buying experience that is Swappa. Please email [email protected] if you have further questions. Thanks for using Swappa!
Answer: Hi Peggy. If you receive a device that is not as advertised then you can return it for a refund. Our policy is that simple. Swappa staff works hard to prevent problems from happening, and PayPal has extensive buyer protections in case they do. Buy with confidence. Thanks for using Swappa.
Answer: Hi Alfred, Swappa requires all users to provide the ESN number for each device when creating a listing as a verification step. For more questions, please email our support team - [email protected] Thanks!
Answer: Very safe, I've bought and sold over 40 phones using Swappa and have only had one problem... When that happened both Swappa and PayPal had my back.
Answer: Yes, you should remove and keep your SIM card when you sell your used phone. SIM cards are tied to your account, so are not transferable. More information and why in our FAQ: https://swappa.com/faq/sell/sim_card_included
Answer: Because they are scammers and a holes. They can't be bothered with you. Awful site. Use eBay instead.
Answer: Swappa guarantees it which goes above and beyond paypal. They are running IMEI checks and they do a great job. It's on you when you receive your phone to go through the phone check list to make sure it's good, checking cameras, microphones wfi, bluetooth, water damage check, things like that. Its really worry free buying.
Answer: Contact Swappa support. If an item is not as described by seller, the buyer is entitle to a refund.
Answer: Most sellers don't ship to African countries. This is because they include a reasonable fee on their prices to cover for shipping in the US, I guess shipping to Africa would come at a higher cost and they seem to be avoiding that for whatever reason. However, you can research and register for a freight forwarding company and have your orders shipped to them. In turn, these companies will forward your order to you when they receive it. As I pointed out before, this is something you have to read about and carefully consider. Hope that helps.
The place to buy and sell newish tech. Safety, simplicity and staff-approved listing make Swappa the better way to buy and sell used phones, tablets, laptops, video games, home tech and more.


Loretta,
We're sorry for the hassle with this sale. It is far from the norm on Swappa.
This seller sold a device that was not as advertised and against our criteria.
Our staff responded multiple times on the sale page and communicated that a return would be needed.
When the seller stopped addressing this on the return. We advised escalating to Paypal to force this.
We show Paypal has forced a refund here.
Due to the sellers refusal to address this, they were removed from our service and will not be returning.