Safely meeting up for a pickup or trade
The vast majority of My Grow Community exchanges are warm, neighborly, and uneventful. These habits keep it that way.
Before you meet
- Coordinate inside the in-app conversation — never share your home address publicly. The platform's messaging is auditable if something goes wrong.
- Look at the other person's profile — how long have they been on the platform, do they have reviews, are they verified?
- Daylight is your friend — first-time meetings in daylight especially.
Where to meet
In rough order of safest to least safe:
1. Verified Pickup Partner location — community gardens, co-ops, farmers markets, neighborhood hubs designated as trusted meetup spots. Look for the Pickup Partner badge on profiles.
2. A public park or library
3. Your front porch or driveway (during daylight, ideally with someone home)
4. The other person's front porch (same rules)
5. Inside a private home — generally not recommended unless you know the person already
During the exchange
- Bring the goods ready to hand off (bagged, weighed, etc.)
- Inspect what you're receiving — opening a few tomatoes to check for soft spots is fine and expected
- Don't feel pressured — if anything feels off, you can walk away. Use the Block option on their conversation if you don't want them to contact you again.
Cash for sale listings
Pay in cash for in-person sales. We don't take a fee on cash transactions — the platform fee structure only applies to in-app payments (when those launch).
For donations, trades, and free pickups, no money should change hands at all.
After the exchange
- Leave a review — even a quick "great trade, smooth handoff" helps future trade partners decide. Reviews are public.
- Report issues immediately — if produce was misrepresented (mold, much smaller volume, etc.), message the other party first. If they don't make it right, report it.
Red flags that warrant a report
- Asking to meet at a vague or remote location
- Insisting on cash for what was posted as a trade or donation
- Aggressive messaging after you decline an offer
- Listings that obviously don't match the photos
- Anything that feels off
Trust your gut. The community is built on trust, but the platform protects you when trust breaks down.
Still need help? Open a ticket.
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