Safe Trading

Meet in a safe location

Always arrange to meet in a public place — a busy parking lot, a pet store, or a community centre work well. Avoid meeting at your home for a first transaction with a new person.

• Daytime meetings in busy public areas are safest.
• Bring a friend if you're unsure.
• Let someone know where you're going and who you're meeting.

Inspect before you pay

For livestock, look for clear eyes, no visible disease or parasites, and active behaviour. For equipment, test it on the spot if possible. Don't hand over payment until you're satisfied.

• Ask the seller for photos or a short video before meeting if you have doubts.
• Bring a small flashlight to inspect fish or shrimp closely.
• For expensive equipment, ask for a demo before paying.

Keep communication in-app

Use AquaTrader's built-in messaging to negotiate and coordinate. Your phone number and email stay private. If a seller or buyer insists on moving to a different platform immediately, treat that as a red flag.

Payment tips

• Cash is simplest for local in-person trades.
• Interac e-Transfer works well — use the "request money" feature so you pay only after you've seen the item.
• Avoid wiring money or using gift cards — these are common scam tactics.
• Never pay for something you haven't seen in person or verified through video.

Shipping livestock

Shipping live animals carries inherent risk. If you agree to ship livestock:

• Use reputable carriers experienced with live animals.
• Agree in writing (in-app message) on who bears the risk if animals don't survive transit.
• Sellers should pack with heat/cold packs as appropriate and use breather bags.
• Buyers should be home to receive and open immediately.

Trust the rating system

After a successful trade, leave an honest review. Ratings help the whole community identify trustworthy sellers and buyers. Check a user's rating and review history before committing to a large or unusual transaction.

Report problems

If something feels off — a listing looks fraudulent, a user is being abusive, or you've been scammed — use the Report button on any listing or contact us at hello@aquatrader.ca. We take reports seriously and act quickly.