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SAFE MEETUP
GUIDE

Read this before your first exchange. Your safety is your responsibility - we're here to help.

Important: CartridgeBond connects buyers and sellers but is not present at meetups, does not supervise exchanges, and is not responsible for your personal safety or the outcome of any transaction. Meeting a stranger always carries risk. These guidelines are designed to minimize that risk - but following them does not guarantee safety. Use your judgment.

The Rules
📍
MEET IN A PUBLIC PLACE
Coffee shops, libraries, grocery store parking lots, and police station lobbies are ideal. Never meet at someone's home for a first exchange - public visibility is your best protection.
👁️
INSPECT BEFORE YOU PAY
Never hand over money before testing the cartridge. Insert it into a Switch and confirm the game launches. Check the case for damage. A1 means it plays perfectly and the original case is included.
🔒
PRICE IS ALREADY SET
Both parties committed to the price when they submitted. There should be no negotiation at the meetup. If someone tries to change the price at the door, you are within your rights to walk away.
⏰️
CONFIRM THE MORNING OF
Send a quick text or email the morning of the meetup to confirm. This is the single biggest way to prevent no-shows. If you don't hear back, don't drive across town.
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TELL SOMEONE WHERE YOU'RE GOING
Let a friend or family member know where you're meeting and when you'll be back. Share the other person's first name if you have it.
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AGREE ON PAYMENT IN ADVANCE
Decide before you leave the house whether you're using cash or Venmo. If using Venmo, confirm the transaction is complete before handing over the game.
Good Meetup Spots in Milwaukee
Coffee Shops
Starbucks and local cafes in Mequon, Shorewood, and Whitefish Bay are solid. Busy, well-lit, staff present.
Public Libraries
Mequon Public Library, Shorewood Library, and Milwaukee Central Library are all great options.
Police Station Lobbies
Many Milwaukee-area departments actively encourage using their lobby for online transaction meetups.
Grocery Parking Lots
Well-trafficked stores during daylight hours. Plenty of foot traffic and cameras.
Target / Best Buy
Good visibility and busy during the day. Convenient if the buyer wants to test on a display unit.
Community Centers
Public parks and community centers work well during daylight hours in good weather.
What to Check at the Meetup
1
CHECK THE CASE
Is the original case present? Is the cover art intact? Minor scuffs are acceptable - cracks or missing cases are not A1 and you are not obligated to proceed.
2
CHECK THE CARTRIDGE
Look at the cartridge pins. They should be clean and gold-colored. Any corrosion or damage is a red flag.
3
INSERT AND LAUNCH
Put the cartridge in a Switch and confirm the game loads to the title screen. This confirms the cartridge is authentic and functional.
4
PAY AND CONFIRM
If everything checks out, complete payment. Keep the game in hand until Venmo payment is confirmed if paying digitally.
5
REPORT ANY ISSUES
If something was misrepresented, email cartridgebond@gmail.com right away. We track this and it affects future matching.

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