Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the uGiveGet help centre. Whether you are new to our community or a seasoned member, this Frequently Asked Questions page is designed to answer your most common queries quickly and clearly. We believe in the power of sharing—giving what you can and receiving what you need—and our platform is built to make that exchange as simple, safe, and rewarding as possible. Browse the sections below to find out how everything works.

What is uGiveGet?

uGiveGet is a community-driven platform that connects people who have something to give with those who are looking for exactly that—be it physical items, skills, services, or simply a helping hand. The name says it all: you give, you get. Our mission is to foster a culture of mutual aid, reduce waste, and strengthen local neighbourhoods by making it easy to share resources. Unlike traditional marketplaces, uGiveGet is not about buying and selling; it is about generosity and reciprocity. There are no fees, no transactions, and no catches—just people helping people.

The platform works on a simple principle: members can post offers (things they are willing to give) and requests (things they need). Others in the community can then respond, sparking a direct conversation that leads to an exchange. Whether you are decluttering your home, sharing a home-cooked meal, offering gardening advice, or looking for a bicycle to borrow, uGiveGet is here to facilitate those connections. Every successful exchange builds trust and reinforces the idea that we all have something valuable to contribute.

How do I get started?

Joining uGiveGet is straightforward and completely free. Head to our sign-up page and create an account using your email address or a social media login. Once registered, you can set up your profile by adding a photo (optional but recommended), a short bio about yourself and your interests, and your general location. Your location helps us show you offers and requests from people nearby, but you can adjust the search radius later. You can also select categories that interest you—such as home goods, skills, or events—to receive tailored notifications.

After your profile is live, you can immediately start browsing the feed or post your first offer or request. We encourage all new members to read our Community Guidelines before participating; they outline the ethos of respect, safety, and kindness that underpins every interaction. To verify your account and unlock additional features like private messaging and the ability to post in certain categories, you may need to complete a brief identity verification step. This is solely to ensure the safety of our community and is handled securely through a third-party service.

Giving on uGiveGet

Posting an offer is one of the most direct ways to contribute. Click on the “Give” button and fill out the form: describe what you are offering, include relevant details (size, condition, expiry date for food items, availability), and upload a clear photo if possible. Be honest and thorough—accurate descriptions set clear expectations and lead to smoother exchanges. You can offer physical items like furniture, clothes, books, or electronics, but also intangible help such as tutoring, pet sitting, or tech support. The platform also lets you create “one-time” or “recurring” offers, so if you can regularly share fresh produce from your garden, you can set up a recurring post.

Once your offer is live, it will appear in the feed for members in your area. Interested members can send you a message through the platform’s built-in chat to ask questions or arrange a pickup or delivery. You are never obliged to accept any request—use your judgment and communicate clearly. When you agree on an exchange, you can mark the offer as “reserved” to prevent further requests. After the item or service has been given, you can mark it as “completed” and leave a review for the recipient. These reviews build your reputation and help others feel confident interacting with you.

Getting on uGiveGet

If you need something, the “Get” section is your starting point. You can either browse existing offers or post a request. To post a request, describe what you are looking for, why you need it (if you are comfortable sharing), and any preferences regarding pickup location or timing. Like offers, requests can be for tangible items or for help with a task. Be respectful and realistic; the community is generous but works best when requests are considerate and clear.

When you find an offer that meets your needs, use the “Ask” button to send a polite message to the giver. Introduce yourself briefly, express your interest, and ask any necessary questions. If the giver agrees, you can then arrange the logistics. Always communicate through uGiveGet’s platform until you have established trust; this keeps a record and helps us assist if any issues arise. After receiving the item or help, remember to mark the exchange as complete and leave a thoughtful review. This acknowledges the giver’s kindness and encourages future participation.

A quick tip: the more active you are in the community—both giving and getting—the richer your experience will be. Many members find that the relationships they build are as valuable as the items exchanged.

Safety and trust

Safety is the foundation of any community, and uGiveGet takes it seriously. Our platform includes several features designed to protect all members. First, user verification helps weed out fake accounts; we encourage everyone to verify their identity. Second, the review and rating system allows the community to self-police. Read reviews before engaging with someone, and always leave honest feedback after an exchange. Third, all on-platform communication is monitored for abusive language or suspicious behaviour, and you can report any user or message with a single click.

When meeting someone for an exchange, we strongly advise meeting in a public, well-lit place during daylight hours. If the item is too large to move, consider bringing a friend or letting a neighbour know. Never share personal information—such as your home address—until you feel completely comfortable, and even then, use a common-sense approach. For services, set clear boundaries beforehand and trust your instincts. uGiveGet is not liable for exchanges, but our support team can assist in mediating disputes and will take action against members who violate our policies.

Additionally, we have a strict policy against prohibited items: no weapons, drugs, counterfeit goods, animals (except for services like pet sitting), or anything illegal. A full list is available in our Community Guidelines. By following these simple precautions, you can enjoy a safe and rewarding experience.

uGiveGet is more than a marketplace—it's a movement toward a sharing economy where neighbours help neighbours. Every exchange strengthens our community fabric.

Account and profile management

Managing your uGiveGet account is easy. To update your profile, go to “Settings” and tap on your photo or name. Here you can change your bio, location, and interests. Your email address and password can be updated under “Account Security.” We recommend using a strong, unique password and enabling two-factor authentication if available. Notifications—such as new messages, requests, or offers in your area—can be customised: you can choose to receive them via email, push notification, or in-app only.

Your privacy is important. By default, your full name is not shown publicly; instead, your chosen display name and first name initial appear. You can adjust who sees your exact location (neighbourhood level vs. city level) in your privacy settings. If you ever decide to leave uGiveGet, you have the option to deactivate your account temporarily or permanently delete it. Deleting your account will remove all your posts, messages, and personal data from the platform. However, reviews you have left for others may remain to preserve community trust.

Troubleshooting and support

Sometimes things do not go as planned. If you encounter a technical glitch—such as a listing not appearing, trouble logging in, or a frozen screen—there are a few quick fixes you can try. First, ensure you have a stable internet connection and that the app or browser is up to date. Clearing your cache or reinstalling the app can resolve many issues. If you forgot your password, use the “Forgot Password” link on the login page to reset it.

For more persistent problems or disputes with another member, the best starting point is our dedicated Help Center. There you will find detailed guides, video tutorials, and a community forum where you can ask other experienced members for advice. If you still need assistance, you can reach our support team through the contact form available in the Help Center—we aim to respond within 24 hours. Please note that for privacy and security reasons, we cannot disclose personal information about other users or intervene in exchanges beyond our stated policies.

We are constantly improving uGiveGet based on your feedback. If you have suggestions for new features or ways we can do better, do not hesitate to share them via the feedback option in the app. Thank you for being part of our growing community of givers and getters.