Trade Safely on Campus

A few simple habits help you buy and sell with confidence. Follow these tips to keep every OliCart exchange safe and smooth.

Meet in Public Places

Always meet in well-lit, busy, public areas on campus—like libraries, student unions, or dining halls. Never meet at a private home or isolated location.

Check Items Before Paying

Inspect the item in person before handing over any money. Test electronics, flip through textbooks, and confirm it matches the listing photos and description.

Use Safe Payment Methods

Prefer traceable payment methods like Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal. Avoid wiring money or sharing financial details. Never pay in full before seeing the item.

Keep Conversations in OliCart

Keep your communication inside the app so there is a record of the conversation. Be cautious of buyers or sellers who push to move off-platform too quickly.

Bring a Friend

Whenever possible, bring a friend along to the meetup. If you must go alone, share your location and meetup details with someone you trust.

Watch Out For These Red Flags

  • A deal that seems too good to be true
  • Pressure to pay a deposit before meeting
  • Refusal to meet on campus or in public
  • Requests to use unusual payment apps
  • Listings with no photos or vague descriptions

If you ever feel unsafe during a meetup, leave the area and contact your campus security or local emergency services right away.