Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Registration
Q. Why do I need to register?
A. We want to run a safe website and in order to do this we have to know who our users are so that we can stop any abuse. We will conduct random checks to ensure user details are not false. Although no system is failsafe we look to safeguard genuine users to the best of our ability.
Q. Why do you need my email address?
A. This enables us to verify you are the legitimate user of that email address and to allow us to pass on to you news and improvements to the site.
Q. Will you pass on my personal details to third parties?
A. No, we have a strict privacy policy which you can read in full by clicking the "Privacy Policy" link at the bottom of the page.
Q. Why is use of the site free?
A. We want to encourage as many people to use the site as possible and build a community of like-minded people. There will be a small user fee in the future once the site is fully populated.
Creating an Advert
Q. What do I do if my vehicle isn't listed in the drop down menus?
A. We have a catch all category of "other" which you should use and then detail the name and model of your vehicle in the free text box.
Q. What is the free text box for?
A. Once you have completed the compulsory fields i.e. make, model, etc the free text box allows you to describe your vehicle in more detail. Use it to mention things such as air-con, PAS, race-cans, alloys, luggage systems, etc. . Also use it to describe any damage, scratches/scrapes, mechanical problems or improvements. Remember the more accurately and truthfully you describe your vehicle the more likely you are to make a good clean swap. No one wants any nasty surprises when they arrive to view your vehicle.
Q. Do I need a photograph of my vehicle?
A. No you don't, but we highly recommend you do as it will greatly improve your chances of making a swap. That should also include shots of crash damage and scratches and scrapes. People like to see what they are getting-wouldn't you?
Q. Can I use my photographs from my camera-phone in my advert?
A. Yes you can, but generally speaking the quality of such photographs is less than 3 million pixels and consequently the quality of the image is not as good as that from a digital camera. However, any photo is better that none so stick it on.
Q. Should I take a photograph of the inside of my car or of the bike controls?
A. The choice of photos is up to you but it doesn't do any harm to show off internal features as well.
Q. Can I sell my vehicle, not swap it?
A. Yes you can, but this site is primarily for swapping and most users will be looking to exchange their vehicle for something else.
Q. Can I edit my advert once I have submitted it, e.g. I want to add or delete something?
A. Yes, just log in, go to 'My Account' and select your live advert, click on it and make any changes you wish.
Completing a swap
Q. If I see something I like, what do I do next?
A. Go to our 'How does it work' link at the top of the home page and this will take you through the process. In short, click on the 'contact this swapper' button on the page the vehicle is displayed and this will take you to facility where you can initially exchange emails and then if you feel comfortable, telephone numbers.
Q. I have been in contact with the other swapper and after checking the values of our two vehicles on Parkers Guide, their vehicle has lower/higher value than mine?
A. Discuss the value difference with the other swapper, agree on what you both believe to be a fair price difference and then take the necessary cash or banker's draft along to the place you want to swap.
A. Walk away if this is really fundamental to a successful swap. Alternatively agree on a larger or smaller proportion of cash if it is just a minor scratch or scrape. We try to encourage site users to be as up-front as possible but there will always be cases where there are points not mentioned on an ad by another swapper. Remember some may be genuine mistakes, try to be flexible. If you think they have deliberately tried to mislead you then leave the face-to-face meeting as diplomatically as possible and return to the site to find another swapping partner.
If you think that swapper was deliberately trying to be fraudulent or you were concerned about their behaviour then please email us at abuse@swapmywheels.com and we will investigate. Please remember the site is a venue and although we do our best to ban offenders we cannot be held responsible for their actions. Please see our Terms of Use at the foot of our home page for details.
Q. What do with my advert after I have successfully completed a swap?
A. Log in and go to "My Account" and delete your ad.