How Safe Exchange Works
Every transaction is protected by mandatory escrow, professional verification, and insured shipping. Here's exactly how we keep you safe.
The Complete Process
Buyer Purchases & Funds Are Secured
When a buyer purchases an item or a seller accepts an offer, the buyer's payment is immediately captured and held in our secure escrow account. The seller is notified that funds are secured and it's safe to ship.
Buyer Protection: Your money never goes directly to the seller. It's held safely until verification is complete.
Seller Ships to Verification Center
The seller ships the item to our secure verification center using a prepaid, fully-insured shipping label we provide. Items are never shipped directly between buyers and sellers.
Seller Protection: Your payment is guaranteed. Once verification passes, funds are released automatically.
Professional Verification
Our experts inspect every item using professional equipment:
- ✓XRF Analysis — Non-destructive purity testing
- ✓Precision Weight — Certified scales accurate to 0.01g
- ✓Authenticity Check — Visual inspection by experts
Results: PASS (matches listing), MISMATCH (minor discrepancy — buyer decides), or FAIL (counterfeit/major issue — full refund).
Delivery & Funds Release
Once verification passes, the item is shipped to the buyer with full insurance and signature confirmation. When delivered, funds are automatically released to the seller's account.
Everyone Wins: Buyers receive verified authentic items. Sellers receive guaranteed payment. Safe Exchange earns a small fee for providing trust.
What Happens If...
Item fails verification?
The buyer receives a full refund immediately. The item is returned to the seller, and their account may be flagged for review depending on the severity of the issue.
Item has a minor mismatch?
The buyer is notified of the discrepancy (e.g., listed as BU but shows minor wear) and can choose to proceed at an adjusted price or receive a full refund.
Seller doesn't ship?
If the seller doesn't ship within the required timeframe, the order is automatically cancelled and the buyer receives a full refund. Seller's account is penalized.
Item is lost or damaged in shipping?
All shipments are fully insured. If an item is lost or damaged, we file the insurance claim and ensure both parties are made whole.
There's a dispute?
Our dispute resolution team reviews all evidence and communications. We make fair decisions based on facts, not who complains louder.
I change my mind?
Buyers can cancel before the seller ships. After shipping, cancellations are subject to our return policy and the seller's discretion.
Transparent Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid By |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer Fee | 3% | Buyer (added to purchase price) |
| Seller Fee | 3% | Seller (deducted from payout) |
| Verification Fee | Included | Covered by platform fees |
| Shipping (Seller → Verification) | Seller Provides | Tracking & Insurance Required |
| Shipping (Verification → Buyer) | Calculated at checkout | Buyer |
Example: Item sells for $1,000. Buyer pays $1,030 (+ shipping). Seller receives $970. Safe Exchange earns $60.
Our Role
Safe Exchange is a neutral marketplace. We provide trust infrastructure, not trading services.
What We Do ✓
- • Hold funds in secure escrow
- • Verify authenticity of items
- • Facilitate insured shipping
- • Resolve disputes fairly
- • Build trust between strangers
What We Don't Do ✗
- • Buy or sell precious metals
- • Set or suggest prices
- • Hold inventory
- • Provide investment advice
- • Take positions in markets
Ready to Get Started?
Join thousands of collectors buying and selling with confidence.