Trading 101

Whether you're new to trading or a seasoned pro, Lucky Sweater is the perfect place to trade unique items with like-minded people. Follow these steps to find your next favorite piece and make a successful trade!

1️⃣ Upload your items

Snap photos of your item and take note of any flaws. It's important to list accurate details and measurements, as brand sizes can vary. This helps ensure a smooth trade.

Add your items before Tuesday at 12pm PT each week so they make it in the weekly swap drop!

What photos must be included?
Why are listing measurements important?
What size should I add? Should it be the size on the tag or how I think it fits?
What does the “Trade Preference” section of the item listing page mean?

2️⃣ Share what you’re in search of (ISOs)

Add the items, brands, or even styles you’re in search of to your ISO list to help you best find your trade tango partners! 🙂💃

You can add ISOs while you are uploading items, via the “Trade Preference” dropdown or via your Profile in the “ISO” tab. We can’t wait for you to discover new brands/items that become your new favorite wardrobe staples and to find the items on your ISO list you’ve been coveting for years! 🦄

Where can I find what other people are searching for (their ISOs)?

3️⃣ Start Browsing

Take a look at the amazing, curated items posted by fellow community members by tapping “Trade” in the bottom menu of the app. You can also check out items tagged in community look photos and discussion posts! 

See what members are looking for via the “Trade preference” labels on the top left of each item on the item listing page. 

When do the latest items up for trade go live?

4️⃣ Save and Super Save the items you love

Tap the star icon on items on items you are possibly interested in trading for. This shows interest to your fellow community members! This can lead others to browse your closet, create potential save matches, and lead to more trades. So save away!

You can share your ultimate excitement for 1 item once a week with Super Saves to help increase your chances of finding a save match. Head to the item’s listing page and tap “Super Save” in the bottom right corner.

Lucky Sweater Sustainer 🍀 members get 5 Super Saves a week. Upgrade now in the app to improve your odds and secure your favorite trades!

What is a save match?

5️⃣ Request a trade

Interested in an item? Tap “Message about a trade” on a member’s item listing page. Suggest an item you think they'd like from your closet, or keep it open-ended so they can check out your closet and see what they like! Requesting a trade is also a great way to start getting to know the community and make friends. 

Here are some messaging examples you can send with your trade request!:

  • "Hey there! I'm really interested in your [item], and I'd be happy to trade it for my [item]. What do you think?"

  • "Hi friend! I noticed you have [item] on your ISO list, and I just happen to have it! Would you be interested in trading for my [item]?"

  • "Hello! I would love to trade my [item] for your [item]. Let me know if that sounds good to you!"

  • "Hey, I saw you were looking for [item], and I think I have the perfect trade in mind! Would you be interested in swapping your [item] for my [item]?"

  • "Greetings! Your [item] caught my eye, and I have a [item] that I think would be a great trade. Let me know if you're interested!"

  • "Hey there! I love [item name], and I would love to trade for it. Would love to have you check out my closet and let me know if there's anything you're interested in!"

How do I know the value of an item? How do I know I am requesting a fair/even trade?
What if I want to buy an item?
Can I gift items?

6️⃣ Do the trade tango

Once you or your fellow community member send a trade request, you can start chatting and always edit the trade request for another item. 

You can also discuss details like the condition of the items, any additional items you could add to the trade, and shipping preferences. Once you've reached an agreement, tap “Accept trade” (if you are the one reached out to) at the top of the chat and get ready to ship your items!

We ask for timely communication and to get back to a fellow trader within 24 hours. Trades also expire after 6 days so message away!

What if I need more time to decide if I want to trade with someone? For example, I want to see what other requests I get.
What if I want to pass on the trade? What is good trade etiquette here?

7️⃣ Ship the item and get your item in return.

With a few simple taps, you can enjoy the convenience of shipping, printing a label, and tracking your package right from the Lucky Sweater app.

Here’s how it works:
1. After accepting a trade, confirm your delivery address. (Your fellow trader will do the same!)

2. Select the type of box/envelope you will use and the delivery service you prefer.

3. Opt-in for Item Protection 🛡. Lucky Sweater members can add an extra layer of support and security when trading with Item Protection. This protection costs $2.99 USD to provide financial coverage for trade-back shipping fees, potential refunds for issues like an item doesn't arrive or is significantly not as described, and premium, dedicated support for resolving trade-related issues promptly. Learn more about Item Protection.

Lucky Sweater Sustainer 🍀 members get automatic Item Protection at no extra cost.

4. Pay for the shipping label for the item you will be sending directly in the app. You can then choose to instantly get a shipping label or a no-printer-needed QR code to show to USPS at drop off! Your trade partner will pay for the item they are sending to you.

We're partnering with trusted shipping software Shippo directly in Lucky Sweater to ensure this process is as streamlined as possible. Plus, they help us deliver competitive shipping rates for USPS, FedEx, UPS, and more. So not only are you gaining convenience, but you're also getting fantastic value!Shipping internationally? No problem! We even make the customs form easy to fill out through the app, though we do encourage you to ship as locally as possible to reduce environmental impact.

Shipping internationally? While we make it easy to ship internationally, our rates aren’t perfect—yet. We recommend using an outside shipping service for the lowest rates. We also encourage shipping as locally as possible to reduce environmental impact too! 

In addition, our in-app shipping service is not mandatory. If you have an option you prefer to use outside the app, just confirm that is okay with your fellow trader, and go ahead! There is even an option in the select an outside shipping option.

How do I pack the item?
What service powers this new feature? Can I ship with my favorite delivery service?
How can I pay for my shipping label?
Is my payment information secure?
How do I get my shipping label or QR code?
What is Item Protection 🛡️?

8️⃣ Rock your item and leave a thank you note

We hope you love your traded item! Share photos of your latest trade in the Community tab and leave a thank you note for your trader. Let's reward amazing and trustworthy community members together! 

What happens if the item is different than described?
What if I don’t like the item?
What if I don’t receive the trade or I sent my item and my fellow trader hasn’t answered me in a few days?
Where you find your thing.

Come for the clothes, stay for the community. Never have to buy again.