Frequently Asked Questions

How it Works

Does it cost anything to become a member?
What if I don't have a child in school, do I have to choose a School Page?
Does it cost anything to post an ad?
Can students use MySchoolSwap?

Posting Ads

Is my ad anonymous?
Who will see my ads?
When does an ad expire?
Can I edit, delete or renew an ad?
How can I post my ad on more than one School Page?
When I renew an ad, it doesn't give me the option to edit, how can I do that?
How do I reply to an ad?
How do I swap things?
Are there shipping fees?
Why can't I upload a photo on my iPhone or iPad?

My Account

Can I change my account information?
Can I keep track of my credit purchases?
Can I buy a gift certificate for credits?

Spirit Sponsor Ads & Credits

What if I already bought credits before Basic Ads were free?
I have a business, can I advertise on MySchoolSwap?
What is a Spirit Sponsor Ad?
How do I buy credits for a Spirit Sponsor Ad?
Will my credits expire?
Can I give my credits to someone else?
Can I get a refund on credits?
I bought credits on PayPal but it is saying 'Payment Failed'

School Donations & Fundraising

Does a school have to join to earn cash?
Does our school earn money from sales of items between parties?
My school requires a contract to promote a program like MySchoolSwap. Do you offer one?
How does the money get distributed to schools?
Can anyone use MySchoolSwap?
How can I add a school that’s not in your datbase?
Can I add a group or organization that's not a school?
Can I add a college or university?
Can we remove our school from your database?
Can I choose a school that’s far away?
Can I choose more than one school?
Will my school know I have purchased a Spirit Sponsor Ad?
How can I let my school know about MySchoolSwap?
Are my credit fees tax deductible?

Safety & Security

Can ads that are inappropriate or fraudulent be reported?
How secure are my credit card transactions?
Are my purchases or sales protected?

How it Works

Does it cost anything to become a member?
No, membership is free. Anyone over the age of 18 can join. All that is needed is an email address and School Page choice. if you buy a Spirit Sponsor Ad, 50% of that purchase will be donated to your school.

What if I don't have a child in school, do I have to choose a School Page?
You must select a School Page to join. It can be any school—a local school or your alma mater. Your ad appears on the School Page but also gets noticed by a national audience because YOUR zip code—not the school zip code—determines your location when you post an ad. So, folks will see your ad if they are looking in your location or your category. A School Page adds an EXTRA benefit of displaying all ads posted by people connected to that school. 

If you have no school at all in mind, you can enter 'All Schools' when you join and your ads will appear on the MySchoolSwap general All Schools page. See the All Schools Page.

Does it cost anything to post an ad?
All Basic Classified Ads are free. When you post an ad you will choose Basic Ad or Spirit Sponsor Ad.  Spirit Sponsor ads require credits.

Can students use MySchoolSwap?
While we are a company focused on the community of children (persons under the age of 18) and their schools, children under the age of 18 are ineligible to use this Site without supervision. MySchoolSwap is for parents and families, school volunteers and the surrounding business community as a community network that supports schools. We do not manage communication and exchanges—we only provide ad space—therefore the safety of our children is priority. See Terms of Use.

Posting Ads

Is my ad anonymous?
The information displayed to the public in your ad will be the information you enter in your ad description ONLY. You must include your zip code for search purposes. Contact information like phone number and address are optional. Your email address will not be visible to the public in your ad. If someone replies to your ad, MySchoolSwap directs the message to the email address you provided when you joined. If you begin communication with someone that has replied, your email address will then be exposed. Make sure you reply to THEIR email address in the message, DO NOT hit reply to the automated message.

Who will see my ads?
Everyone can. Searchers can search ALL or narrow search based on location or category.  If a Search is narrowed to JUST your School Page, your ad will also appear there. When you post an ad, enter the zip code of YOUR location not your school location if the zip code is different. To expand your reach, you can also share your ad on Facebook.

When does an ad expire?
Basic Ads expire in one month unless they are removed or renewed by ad owner.

Can I edit, delete or renew an ad?
Yes, you can edit, delete or renew an ad in My Account. Ads that are renewed before the expiration date will begin a new, one-month cycle and appear at the top of the results.

How can I post my ad on more than one School Page?
Each time you Renew your ad in My Account, you have the option to select a new School Page. You can save up to 3 schools in School Pages and change them at any time. Save new schools before you Renew your ad. You can Renew your ad multiple times before expiration. It will appear in All Ads once but will appear on each School Page you Renew it on.

NOTE: this only works for free Basic Ads, and does not work for Spirit Sponsor ads unless you bought credits for more than one school. To renew a Spirit Sponsor ad, you must purchase credits in support of that school which will enable you to renew the Spirit Sponsor ad.

When I renew an ad, it doesn't give me the option to edit, how can I do that?
When you go to My Account under My Ads, you will see you have the option to Edit, Renew or Delete your ad. If you wish to edit your ad, you must edit it first then Renew it.  If you want to change your School Page with a new school, go to My Schools in My Account and add a new school to your list then Renew it.

How do I reply to an ad?
Simply hit Reply to Ad and the ad owner should respond to begin communication. The ad owner will see your email address and any other contact information you wish to provide in the content of your message.

How do I swap things?
MySchoolSwap does not manage swaps, we simply provide a place to post ads for them. If you want to swap something, post an ad in the SWAP Category under HAVE IT or WANT IT and indicate what you HAVE or what you WANT and what you wish to swap. It is always a good idea to include a price if a swap isn’t available. More about swapping.

Are there shipping fees?
MySchoolSwap does not manage exchanges or shipping, we simply provide a place to post ads. Depending on what you are selling and the location of the buyer, shipping may be a factor. Any shipping fees are handled between the buyer and the seller. The benefit of MySchoolSwap is searches can be narrowed to My School Page or Zip Code for local transactions. See Buying and Selling Tips and Safety and Security for tips on safe transactions.

Why can't I upload photos on my iPhone or iPad?
Unfortunately right now the browser, Safari, does not support the upload photo feature. Even though iPad seems like a desktop, it is still a mobile device using mobile software.

My Account

Can I change my account information?
Yes, you can change your email address, username and password as well as your school at any time in My Account.

Can I keep track of my credit purchases?
Yes, that can be found in Spirit Sponsor Ads in My Account.

Can I buy a Gift Card for credits?
We are in the process of developing a Gift Card option however it is not available at this time. Credits are not transferable.

Spirit Sponsor Ads & Credits

What if I already bought credits before Basic Ads were free?
Credits do not expire. They will be stored in your account and can still be used towards a Spirit Sponsor Ads. Schools have already received donations for 50% of past sales if their school met the $20 minimum requirement. If not, the balance rolled over to the next payment distribution once the school accumulates sponsored supporters. Thank you for your past support!

I have a business, can I advertise on MySchoolSwap?
Right now, the best way for businesses to expose themselves is with a Spirit Sponsor Ad.  If you are interested in partnering with MySchoolSwap as a recognized sponsor please email MySchoolSwap for more information.

What is a Spirit Sponsor Ad?
A Spirit Sponsor Ad is similar to a Basic Ad and is part of all ad listings. However, Spirit Sponsor Ads offer the added benefit of a shaded background a URL link in the headline and a Spirit Sponsor banner. A Spirit Sponsor Ad automatically rotates to the top of you School Page monthly depending on how long your ad runs. It is perfect for small businesses looking for greater visibility with a direct link to their web site. More about Spirit Sponsor Ads.

How do I buy credits for a Spirit Sponsor Ad?
Go to Buy Credits. All transactions are securely made through PayPal with a PayPal account or any major credit card. A PayPal account is not necessary to buy credits. Once you have credit in your account, you can apply them when you post an ad and select the Spirit Sponsor option. Learn more about Spirit Sponsor Ads.

Will my credits expire?
No, credits can be stored and used at any time. Our policy is subject to change, see Terms of Use.

Can I give some of my credits to someone else?
No, credits are not transferable at this time.

Can I get a refund on credits?
Sorry, there are NO REFUNDS on credits. MySchoolSwap donates 50% of credit purchases to schools. The school you choose to support is funded when credits are BOUGHT not when a Spirit Sponsor Ad is posted. The school is still funded even if your credits are not used. MySchoolSwap cannot guarantee success with your Ad, we simply provide a place to post Ads. For further questions or concerns, please contact MySchoolSwap.

I bought credits on PayPal but it is saying 'Payment Failed'
If you are using a new PayPal account and putting funds in from a bank account, PayPal requires a couple of days to clear. Therefore your credits WILL NOT BE available until funds clear with PayPal. You should be notified when they clear. Credit card purchases on PayPal are instant.

School Donations and Fundraising

Does a school have to join to earn cash?
No. When a member selects a school to support and buys credits for a Spirit Sponsor Ad, that school is automatically made active. When the minimum $20 is raised, the school will receive a check on the next distribution date. The school does not have to do anything but share the news.

Does our school earn money from sales of items between parties?
No. MySchoolSwap is not involved in sales, transactions or communication between parties, we just provide the space to advertise and sell credits for Spirit Sponsor Ads. 50% all all credit purchases is donated to your school.

My School requires a contract to promote a new program like MySchoolSwap. Does MySchoolSwap offer one?
My School Swap, LLC offers a free School Enrollment Agreement that is optional. It offers added benefits like custom marketing material and a designated check recipient. See School Enrollment Agreement.

How does the money get distributed to schools?
MySchoolSwap automatically creates a report for each school that has been made active. Activation occurs when a member, who designated a school to support, buys credits for a Spirit Sponsor Ad. A check for 50% of all dollars spent on credits is sent to the main address of the school. It will be clearly marked as a payment from My School Swap, LLC and will indicate the TOTAL number of dollars spent on credits by members supporting that school during the payment period. Learn more.

Distributions are made 3 times a year. The school must meet a minimum of $20 in earnings for a distribution. If the requirement is not met, the earnings will roll over to the next distribution. 

Distribution Dates:

Can anyone use MySchoolSwap?
Yes, anyone can Search Ads without becoming a member. Anyone over the age of 18 can post a free ad but must become a member first. While we are a web site focused on the community of children (persons under the age of 18) and their schools, children under the age of 18 are ineligible to use this Site without supervision. MySchoolSwap is for parents and families, school volunteers and the surrounding business community as a community network. We do not manage communication and exchanges—we only provide ad space—therefore the safety of our children is priority. See Safety & Security.

How can I add a school that’s not in your database?
Our database includes the most recent list of public schools available but it may not include new schools. Also, not all private schools are available on public databases. If your school is not in our database, you can simply add it by providing the name and address. Your school will be verified by MySchoolSwap and you will be notified by email once it is. Add a School.

Can I add a group or organization that's not a school?
Yes. While we are targeting the general school community, any group or organization that supports the academic, social, artistic or athletic development of children qualifies including groups like Arts Organizations, Camps, Sports Leagues, etc. We will review your request and verify it for approval. Add a School.

Can I support a college or university?
We have not yet developed a program that would efficiently track and distribute funds to colleges, universities or alumni associations.

Can we remove our school from your database?
Our school database is comprised of most public and private preschool, elementary, middle and high schools in the United States. This database may not be complete or fully accurate. All schools in our database are accessible by any member to select to support when they join. Schools not in our database can be added by anyone but will be verified by MySchoolSwap before they are eligible to receive funds. All ads posted by supporters of a given school will appear on the school's individual page and can be viewed by any user.

Any school can be permanently removed from our database upon written request by school administration. It will be added to a 'Do Not Verify' list. If a new user attempts to add it, the school will not be verified and will not qualify for earnings. Send written requests to My School Swap, LLC, P.O. Box 292, Gainesville, VA 20156.

Can I choose a school that’s far away?
Yes. When you post an ad it will appear on the School Page but will also get national exposure. If you post an ad for a bike for sale, anyone searching for bikes in your location will find it. Your location goes by your zip code NOT your school zip code.  However, if you want your ad or message to reach a local audience, it is suggested you choose a local school even if you are not a parent or alumni.  See My School Page.

Can I choose more than one school?
You can choose up to 3 schools. When you become a member you must select one school and that will be your default school. You can change schools or add schools at any time in My Account. When you buy credits for a Spirit Sponsor Ad you can choose which school will be funded. Only one school can be selected at a time.

For example: when you buy $10 in credits, you can select School #1 and they will receive $5. The next time you buy credits, you can select School #2 and so on. You cannot change schools or apply credit to other schools after the credits have been bought.

Does my school get funded when I buy credits or when I post my Spirit Sponsor Ads?
The school will be funded when credits are bought not when Ad is posted. Therefore, we cannot provide refunds on credits. Credits do not expire so they can be used any time.

Will my school know I have purchased a Spirit Sponsor Ad?
Your Purchase History is accessible My Account. It shows which credits were applied to which schools. Schools receive data for the TOTAL number of dollars spent on credits only by supporters of that school. We are not collecting personal member information—only email addresses—therefore, we cannot provide that information to schools. Credit card information is securely handled with PayPal™ and not retained by MySchoolSwap.

We do notify schools that have been made active with a credit purchase by a supporter. This may prompt them to visit MySchoolSwap and their School Page and see your ad!

How can I let my school know about MySchoolSwap?
If you think your school would benefit from MySchoolSwap, contact your school principal or school fundraising group (PTO or PTA) president. Ask them to go to MySchoolSwap.com and download flyers and promotional material to distribute at your school. Be the start of a new trend that has a positive affect on schools everywhere! Share the news.

Are my credit fees tax deductible?
My School Swap, LLC does not meet qualified charitable organization guidelines. Transactions are made through MySchoolSwap and PayPal. MySchoolSwap then donates 50% of your purchase directly to your school. That portion may be deductible but it is advisable to check with your accountant first as policies vary and some private schools are for profit. You can print out a record of your credit transaction history, along with the amount that has been donated to your school at My Account.

Safety and Security

What about Ads that are inappropriate or fraudulent, can they be reported?
Yes, MySchoolSwap allows users to report any ad they find inappropriate or fraudulent. The option is listed with the ad result. MySchoolSwap will review the ad and make a determination about whether to remove it or contact the ad owner.

How secure are my credit card transactions?
All MySchoolSwap credit purchases are directed and handled securely through PayPal.  All major credit cards are accepted and PayPal accounts can be used but are not necessary. See Privacy Policy for more information.

Are my purchases or sales protected?
MySchoolSwap is not involved in payments, communication or exchanges and does not offer Seller or Buyer Protection. We recommend you make any long distance payment to a seller through PayPal. PayPal will protect your purchase and will review and settle any disputes. Learn more about PayPal services. More Tips for Buying and Selling.