🐿️ The Scout Code
A Guide to Being a Good Scout
Nearbuy is built on trust, safety, and community. These five guidelines define how we trade, meet, and look out for one another. By using this platform, you agree to uphold each one.
The "Neighbour First" Rule
Nearbuy is built on trust. We are a community of real people in Sunbury and surrounding areas.
Be Kind: Harassment, hate speech, or bullying of any neighbour will result in an immediate and permanent ban.
Be Real: Use your real name and a clear profile photo. Anonymity breeds bad behaviour; visibility breeds trust.
The "Gold Pin" Standard
Safety
To keep everyone safe, we have strict rules for meetups.
Public Places Only: All handshakes must happen at designated Gold Pin locations or high-visibility public spots.
The Handshake Protocol: Never release funds (scan the QR) until you have the item in your hand. Never hand over an item until the Scout has scanned your code.
No Home Visits: For your safety, do not invite strangers to your home or go to theirs.
What You Can (and Can't) Trade
We are here for makers, bakers, and treasure hunters.
Allowed: Handmade crafts, home-grown produce, upcycled furniture, vintage finds, and neighbourly services.
Prohibited: Weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, adult content, stolen goods, or any "drop-shipped" mass-produced items from overseas. We are local, not a warehouse.
Fair Play & Fair Pay
No Off-Platform Trades: Moving a trade off-platform to avoid the Scout Fee removes your Escrow Protection. If you trade outside the app, we cannot help you if things go wrong.
Honest Descriptions: Don't hide flaws. If the sourdough is a day old or the chair has a scratch, say so.
The Chief Scout's Word
Final Authority: Nearbuy moderators (The Chief Scouts) have the final say. We reserve the right to remove any listing or user that doesn't align with the "Spirit of Sunbury."
Last updated April 2026 · Nearbuy Sunbury, VIC 🌿