HAM SWAPFEST RULES AND REGULATIONS
Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2025 6:11 pm
>>>YOU MUST BE A LICENSED HAM TO SELL OR BUY ON THE "HAM GEAR FOR SALE" or "HAM MADE LISTINGS <<<
SWAPMEET RULES
This SwapFest forum is free to all amateur radio operators. The rules are designed to minimize risk and fraud.
We are unable to guarantee the outcome of any transaction. All transactions are between the buyer and seller. We are unable to be involved in disputes over packaging, shipping delays, or poor communication.
If fraud is suspected, we will investigate to the fullest extent possible. If fraud is proven, we will take action against the user, which will include banning and assisting the appropriate law enforcement agency. However, we will not moderate disputes over equipment condition, pricing, or other subjective issues. We will assist in recovering funds and legal actions as far as we are able.
1.0 PURPOSE
To provide a safe, fair venue for amateur radio operators to buy and sell personal ham gear, and to help prevent fraud and misuse.
"Ham gear" includes: ham radios, ham radio antennas, test gear, ham radio power supplies, ham-related software, ham product literature, homebrew ham radio items, etc.
"Ham gear" does NOT include: general-purpose electronics, computers, furniture, tools, cameras, clocks, appliances, toys, cars, boats, real estate, etc. These must be listed under the "General Merchandise" section.
1.1 WHO MAY SELL
Only Registered members with a Ham Radio License on file (of any level) may post "For Sale" listings in the Ham Gear For Sale or Ham Made categories.
You must be logged in as a registered Ham member to create a listing.
2.0 PROHIBITED ITEMS under any category
The following items may NOT be offered for sale or trade under any topic:
Items illegal to sell or possess in the U.S.
Radios/amplifiers banned by U.S. law or regulation, including CB amplifiers
Services, repairs, or intangible goods
Commercial sales of new/used equipment (see Ham Made Gear rules for exceptions)
Firearms, explosives, fireworks
Adult content or anything not suitable for a family site
Clothing that is not Ham related
2,1 NOT ALLOWED In "Ham Gear For Sale": (But may be posted under General Merchandise)
CB, GMRS, air-band, marine, weather, and other non-ham radios
Computers, displays, printers, clocks, computer accessories of any kind
Non-Ham related power strips, power distribution panels, surge suppressors, power sequencers, or similar items
DJ gear, stereo systems, PA equipment, car audio - unless "ham branded" - this includes Behringer, Alesis, Mackie, Yamaha, etc. etc. - only audio gear with ham brands such as Yaesu, Kenwood, W2IHY, etc. may be listed in the Ham Gear section - even if they can be used in ham applications
Parts not specifically ham-related (bulk wire including bulk coax, fuses, switches, etc.), including large batteries of any kind that are not specifically "ham-branded"
Trailers, campers, or other vehicles, even if "equipped for ham use"
Real estate of any kind, even if "equipped for ham use"
Gift cards or certificates of any kind, even if from a ham radio store like HRO
Any Non-type-accepted amps without an FCC ID designated for Ham use. Homebrew amps for use on Ham Bands are fine to list.
Tools: wrenches, hammers, bulk wire, conduit, etc. -
Generic parts - non "ham-branded" bits and pieces, knobs, resistors, capacitors, etc., even if useful for a ham project, all such items must be listed in General Merchandise
3.0 OUR ROLE
We charge no fees or commissions on sales
We assume no responsibility for transactions in any way
We do not verify identity or ownership claims
We do not provide escrow or warranties, nor can we assist in any way with fund recovery or other issues that may arise from a transaction. Our SwapFest is "use at your own risk"
We will cooperate with law enforcement if called upon
4.0 LISTING POLICIES
Listing Titles:
Do NOT include words like: "For Sale," "TRADE," "L@@K," "Rare," "NOS," "Mint," "Shack in a Box,", "New!", "restored", "Never Used!", etc.. ("As-Is" is acceptable)
Do NOT include specs, serial numbers (unless you regularly sell identical items and the S/N helps the moderators determine if you are relisting), or payment/shipping info in the title
Do NOT post "Lowered price," "Reduced," "New price", "Final price," etc. in title
No slang or vague terms (e.g., "doodad," "thingy")
Avoid all caps (e.g., "Icom IC-7300" is OK, "ICOM IC-7300 TRANSCEIVER FOR SALE" is NOT)
Title Edits: Moderators may edit titles. Do not re-edit them back.
Photos:
Every item listed for sale MUST have a clear photo showing the ACTUAL ITEM and a visible call sign on a paper tag
EACH item in the ad must be in a photo with the hand-written callsign, name and the posting date
Boxed items must be unboxed and the photo must clearly show the item for sale
Ads without photos will be removed
Stock photos may be included as supplements, but not as substitutes for photos of the actual item
Do not post 3rd party links to photos only; use the forum's "Upload a File" feature
Photos must be of sufficient resolution and quality or your ad will be flagged for correction. The Qualifying ID photo must very clearly show your name, date, and call sign and unmistakably be in the same shot as the item. Any ID papers that look to be digitally inserted will be cause for the ad to be pulled.
Videos:
Videos may not be used
Re-listing Items:
You must wait at least 10 full days before relisting the same item.
Do not re-list individual items from a previous group ad until 10 days pass
Mark sold items as "SOLD" within the thread (next to the item that sold)
Marking Listings:
Once sold or withdrawn, Edit Title to mark as:
"SOLD"
"PENDING"
"CANCELLED"
DO NOT DELETEthe post after the sale — keep pricing and photos intact
Sellers must change the title flag themselves
Contact Method:
Sellers must clearly state the preferred method of contact
Communication should be via Telephone, Private Message, or email
Silent Key gear and estate sales:
Not allowed unless the seller has physical possession of the item, and the listing party's callsign, name, and posting date must be in the photo with the item. The listing party must assume all responsibility for the sale and shipping, just as if the items were the seller's own.
Wrong Categories:
Ads posted in the wrong forum will be moved by the moderator (or if a prohibited item, will be deleted)
If moved for the listed reasons, please don't appeal to have it "moved back".
Like Items:
Multiple identical items must be grouped into a single listing
Do not post separate listings like "Astatic Mic #1," "Astatic Mic #2," etc.
Excessive Complaints:
Ads receiving multiple complaints may be removed
Repeat offenders may lose access to the SwapFest forum
Ad Quality:
Ads that are poorly written or misleading may be removed
Sellers must have some sort of descriptive text - not just photos. It's strongly recommended that sellers spell out shipping options and list a selling price.
Brand Accuracy:
Misleading or incorrect branding (e.g., labeling a generic item as a known brand) will result in removal
Ad Limit:
Limit 4 new ads per calendar day
Combine multiple items when possible
If listing multiple IDENTICAL items, put them in the same ad. Please don't start multiple ads for each identical item - such ads will be removed.
Cross-posting to eBay or other sites is acceptable as long as the post on this SwapFest is complete and follows all Rules.
A single link to a single post is acceptable. Links to multiple listings of the same item are not permitted.
PAYMENT POLICY
All posts should have a clear and understandable policy for accepted payment methods.
Do not ask for PayPal "Friends & Family" payment — ads requiring or offering "Friends & Family" (or "Friends only" or "FF", etc. etc.) will be removed.
Sellers MAY NOT ask buyers to pay the PayPal fee. Just add the fee to your price.
Workarounds to the F&F policy like "PayPal accepted (restrictions apply)" are NOT allowed.
HANDWRITTEN Call Signs, name, and date required in Photos:
ALL photos of sale items MUST include a call sign on paper in the same photo with the item. This is easy to do and ALL explained here: https://forums.qrz.com/index.php?th...s ... re.903842/
This helps prevent scams and ensures legitimacy - you are proving to buyers that you actually possess the item for sale, and that the name, date, and call sign were written by you and not digitally inserted.
5.0 HAM MADE GEAR
This section is for sellers of homebrew or custom ham-related gear
No resellers, "dealers", no commercial businesses. Only "ham-made cottage business" items may be sold this way.
Photos are required, as well as warranty and returns policies.
Limited to listings of gear made or modified by the seller
6.0 RIGHT TO REFUSE SEVICE RESERVED
WE reserve the right to remove any listing or restrict access to any person.
Violations of these rules may result in a warning, removal of listings, or banning from the SwapFest.
Users who ignore or flaunt the rules for selling on this SwapFest may lose access.
SWAPMEET RULES
This SwapFest forum is free to all amateur radio operators. The rules are designed to minimize risk and fraud.
We are unable to guarantee the outcome of any transaction. All transactions are between the buyer and seller. We are unable to be involved in disputes over packaging, shipping delays, or poor communication.
If fraud is suspected, we will investigate to the fullest extent possible. If fraud is proven, we will take action against the user, which will include banning and assisting the appropriate law enforcement agency. However, we will not moderate disputes over equipment condition, pricing, or other subjective issues. We will assist in recovering funds and legal actions as far as we are able.
1.0 PURPOSE
To provide a safe, fair venue for amateur radio operators to buy and sell personal ham gear, and to help prevent fraud and misuse.
"Ham gear" includes: ham radios, ham radio antennas, test gear, ham radio power supplies, ham-related software, ham product literature, homebrew ham radio items, etc.
"Ham gear" does NOT include: general-purpose electronics, computers, furniture, tools, cameras, clocks, appliances, toys, cars, boats, real estate, etc. These must be listed under the "General Merchandise" section.
1.1 WHO MAY SELL
Only Registered members with a Ham Radio License on file (of any level) may post "For Sale" listings in the Ham Gear For Sale or Ham Made categories.
You must be logged in as a registered Ham member to create a listing.
2.0 PROHIBITED ITEMS under any category
The following items may NOT be offered for sale or trade under any topic:
Items illegal to sell or possess in the U.S.
Radios/amplifiers banned by U.S. law or regulation, including CB amplifiers
Services, repairs, or intangible goods
Commercial sales of new/used equipment (see Ham Made Gear rules for exceptions)
Firearms, explosives, fireworks
Adult content or anything not suitable for a family site
Clothing that is not Ham related
2,1 NOT ALLOWED In "Ham Gear For Sale": (But may be posted under General Merchandise)
CB, GMRS, air-band, marine, weather, and other non-ham radios
Computers, displays, printers, clocks, computer accessories of any kind
Non-Ham related power strips, power distribution panels, surge suppressors, power sequencers, or similar items
DJ gear, stereo systems, PA equipment, car audio - unless "ham branded" - this includes Behringer, Alesis, Mackie, Yamaha, etc. etc. - only audio gear with ham brands such as Yaesu, Kenwood, W2IHY, etc. may be listed in the Ham Gear section - even if they can be used in ham applications
Parts not specifically ham-related (bulk wire including bulk coax, fuses, switches, etc.), including large batteries of any kind that are not specifically "ham-branded"
Trailers, campers, or other vehicles, even if "equipped for ham use"
Real estate of any kind, even if "equipped for ham use"
Gift cards or certificates of any kind, even if from a ham radio store like HRO
Any Non-type-accepted amps without an FCC ID designated for Ham use. Homebrew amps for use on Ham Bands are fine to list.
Tools: wrenches, hammers, bulk wire, conduit, etc. -
Generic parts - non "ham-branded" bits and pieces, knobs, resistors, capacitors, etc., even if useful for a ham project, all such items must be listed in General Merchandise
3.0 OUR ROLE
We charge no fees or commissions on sales
We assume no responsibility for transactions in any way
We do not verify identity or ownership claims
We do not provide escrow or warranties, nor can we assist in any way with fund recovery or other issues that may arise from a transaction. Our SwapFest is "use at your own risk"
We will cooperate with law enforcement if called upon
4.0 LISTING POLICIES
Listing Titles:
Do NOT include words like: "For Sale," "TRADE," "L@@K," "Rare," "NOS," "Mint," "Shack in a Box,", "New!", "restored", "Never Used!", etc.. ("As-Is" is acceptable)
Do NOT include specs, serial numbers (unless you regularly sell identical items and the S/N helps the moderators determine if you are relisting), or payment/shipping info in the title
Do NOT post "Lowered price," "Reduced," "New price", "Final price," etc. in title
No slang or vague terms (e.g., "doodad," "thingy")
Avoid all caps (e.g., "Icom IC-7300" is OK, "ICOM IC-7300 TRANSCEIVER FOR SALE" is NOT)
Title Edits: Moderators may edit titles. Do not re-edit them back.
Photos:
Every item listed for sale MUST have a clear photo showing the ACTUAL ITEM and a visible call sign on a paper tag
EACH item in the ad must be in a photo with the hand-written callsign, name and the posting date
Boxed items must be unboxed and the photo must clearly show the item for sale
Ads without photos will be removed
Stock photos may be included as supplements, but not as substitutes for photos of the actual item
Do not post 3rd party links to photos only; use the forum's "Upload a File" feature
Photos must be of sufficient resolution and quality or your ad will be flagged for correction. The Qualifying ID photo must very clearly show your name, date, and call sign and unmistakably be in the same shot as the item. Any ID papers that look to be digitally inserted will be cause for the ad to be pulled.
Videos:
Videos may not be used
Re-listing Items:
You must wait at least 10 full days before relisting the same item.
Do not re-list individual items from a previous group ad until 10 days pass
Mark sold items as "SOLD" within the thread (next to the item that sold)
Marking Listings:
Once sold or withdrawn, Edit Title to mark as:
"SOLD"
"PENDING"
"CANCELLED"
DO NOT DELETEthe post after the sale — keep pricing and photos intact
Sellers must change the title flag themselves
Contact Method:
Sellers must clearly state the preferred method of contact
Communication should be via Telephone, Private Message, or email
Silent Key gear and estate sales:
Not allowed unless the seller has physical possession of the item, and the listing party's callsign, name, and posting date must be in the photo with the item. The listing party must assume all responsibility for the sale and shipping, just as if the items were the seller's own.
Wrong Categories:
Ads posted in the wrong forum will be moved by the moderator (or if a prohibited item, will be deleted)
If moved for the listed reasons, please don't appeal to have it "moved back".
Like Items:
Multiple identical items must be grouped into a single listing
Do not post separate listings like "Astatic Mic #1," "Astatic Mic #2," etc.
Excessive Complaints:
Ads receiving multiple complaints may be removed
Repeat offenders may lose access to the SwapFest forum
Ad Quality:
Ads that are poorly written or misleading may be removed
Sellers must have some sort of descriptive text - not just photos. It's strongly recommended that sellers spell out shipping options and list a selling price.
Brand Accuracy:
Misleading or incorrect branding (e.g., labeling a generic item as a known brand) will result in removal
Ad Limit:
Limit 4 new ads per calendar day
Combine multiple items when possible
If listing multiple IDENTICAL items, put them in the same ad. Please don't start multiple ads for each identical item - such ads will be removed.
Cross-posting to eBay or other sites is acceptable as long as the post on this SwapFest is complete and follows all Rules.
A single link to a single post is acceptable. Links to multiple listings of the same item are not permitted.
PAYMENT POLICY
All posts should have a clear and understandable policy for accepted payment methods.
Do not ask for PayPal "Friends & Family" payment — ads requiring or offering "Friends & Family" (or "Friends only" or "FF", etc. etc.) will be removed.
Sellers MAY NOT ask buyers to pay the PayPal fee. Just add the fee to your price.
Workarounds to the F&F policy like "PayPal accepted (restrictions apply)" are NOT allowed.
HANDWRITTEN Call Signs, name, and date required in Photos:
ALL photos of sale items MUST include a call sign on paper in the same photo with the item. This is easy to do and ALL explained here: https://forums.qrz.com/index.php?th...s ... re.903842/
This helps prevent scams and ensures legitimacy - you are proving to buyers that you actually possess the item for sale, and that the name, date, and call sign were written by you and not digitally inserted.
5.0 HAM MADE GEAR
This section is for sellers of homebrew or custom ham-related gear
No resellers, "dealers", no commercial businesses. Only "ham-made cottage business" items may be sold this way.
Photos are required, as well as warranty and returns policies.
Limited to listings of gear made or modified by the seller
6.0 RIGHT TO REFUSE SEVICE RESERVED
WE reserve the right to remove any listing or restrict access to any person.
Violations of these rules may result in a warning, removal of listings, or banning from the SwapFest.
Users who ignore or flaunt the rules for selling on this SwapFest may lose access.