How it works

• The system compares the albums of the players and automatically suggests the best possible exchange partners to choose from.
• An exchange is initiated as soon as one player sends an exchange request to another player.
• An exchange is considered complete once both players have confirmed receipt of the stickers or the exchange has been rejected.
• When two players agree to an exchange, their contact details are shared with each other.
• Every sticker is of equal value. This means that the same number of stickers is always exchanged in an exchange (exception: All-In exchange).
• After an exchange, players can rate each other.
• There are two player categories: amateur players (free) and professional players (paid).
• An amateur player can submit 3 OPEN exchange requests at any one time, whilst a professional player can submit an unlimited number. There is no limit to the number of exchange requests received.

Rules

1. A player is only allowed to own ONE player license (only ONE account).
2. Only original Panini or Topps stickers of the specified album may be exchanged (please also pay attention to edition).
3. The players are obliged to hand over the stickers in good condition.
4. If a player has open exchanges, he should frequently log on to the system and supervise his exchanges/exchange partners until the completion of the exchange.
5. The player is responsible for keeping his contact information correct and up-to-date at all times. This includes a valid e-mail address for system messages.
6. If a trade is not completed due to the fact of a player not sending his stickers or because the stickers arrived damaged, the referee can be informed ("Report this player" on the exchange details page).
7. It is prohibited to complete the exchange before receiving the images or to request the exchange partner to do so.
8. In the case of a mutually accepted exchange, the images determined by the system must be exchanged. Exceptions can be discussed together. It is not permitted to display the stickers list incorrectly and to create bait offers.
9. If a player commits a simple foul, he gets a yellow card. If a player commits a grave foul, he gets a red card. Only the referee can decide whether the committed foul was simple or grave.
10. If a player receives a red card, he gets disqualified and banned from the game. Only the referee can unban a player.

Tips

• Log in frequently; depending on your settings, you may not receive any messages from your exchange partners via email as well.
• Upload a profile picture – it makes things feel more personal.
• Write a short message with every exchange request.
• If you’d like to check something first when you receive a request, let the other player know briefly.
• Don’t forget to rate the exchange once it’s completed (click on the stars).
• If you’ve been a member for a while, check the postal address you’ve saved in your profile.
• Set the marker on the map in your profile to the correct location so that you can be found in a local search.
• When exchanging by post, don’t forget to write the sender’s address on the envelope.
• Allow your web browser to send notifications. This way, you’ll receive a direct notification quickly and easily for important events (new message, accepted exchange, etc.).
• Do accept an exchange request with just a few stickers every now and then. Towards the end, you’ll be glad if you’re only missing a few stickers.
• Never send money to other collectors. This website was set up for the free exchange of stickers.

The Referees

To ensure that everything on bildertausch.ch runs as fairly and smoothly as possible, we have our referees. They help with problems and make sure that swapping remains a pleasant experience for everyone.

The good news: In the vast majority of cases, they aren't even needed. Because bildertausch.ch has thrived for many years on fair play, patience, and a great community. Every day, thousands of stickers are swapped – and usually without any problems at all.

To make sure our referees don't have to consult the video assistant referee every time a Panini sticker is missing, you can help us out a lot by doing a few simple things, which we've listed here.

What a referee can do – and what they cannot

Our referees review reported cases and look into conspicuous behavior or rule violations.

What they can do:

• Issue warnings («yellow card»)
• In case of repeat offenses, issue a permanent suspension («red card»)
• Document and monitor conspicuous behavior
• Better protect other players as a result

What they cannot do, however:

• Conjure up missing stickers ;)
• Track down letters at the post office
• Organize replacement shipments
• Reverse trades
• Guarantee that someone will deliver the missing stickers
• Resolve personal disputes or moderate lengthy discussions

That is why it is especially important that you trade carefully, rate fairly, and resolve minor issues directly with each other whenever possible.

Please talk to each other directly first

Not every disagreement is immediately a case for the referee.

• Please don't report fellow players right away if 1-2 stickers are missing. That's exactly what the star rating system is for.
• Before you report someone: First use the message function and wait for a response.
• Before requesting a trade completion through the referee, please first contact the trade partner directly.

Misunderstandings are often resolved surprisingly quickly as soon as you ask politely.

Not every message needs a referee

Our referees appreciate having quiet workdays.

That's why:

• Don't send copies of messages to the referee if there's no problem at all.
• Not even if 1-2 stickers are missing in a large exchange.
• And please don't sound the alarm right away if a letter hasn't arrived after three days.

Standard mail can easily take a week to arrive. Holidays, weekends, or a particularly motivated mail carrier taking a coffee break can sometimes add extra time to the journey.

Actively manage your swaps

bildertausch.ch works best when everyone pitches in a little:

• Log in regularly
• Update your stickers list promptly if you're trading outside the platform
• Reply to trade requests and messages
• Send your letters promptly
• Close the swap properly as soon as the pictures have arrived
• Use the rating system

And if you happen to forget to leave a rating: No problem. You don't have to write to the referee right away for that.

Please do not complete trades prematurely

Anyone who completes a trade before the items have arrived is breaking the rules and undermining the rating system. After all, a rating can only be given after the items have been received:

• Have all the stickers arrived?
• Were the stickers of good quality?
• Was the trade fair and reliable?

Unfortunately, premature confirmations mainly help the bad actors – and do exactly the opposite of warning future participants.

Patience is part of the game

We know: When you're missing just ONE picture for the last page, it's easy to get nervous.

But remember: Your swap partners also have stressful days, family commitments, vacations, or simply a busy daily routine. The vast majority of problems can be solved with a little patience and a friendly reminder.

The most important thing of all: Fair play.

You help us most with fairness, patience, and mutual respect.

Because that is exactly what has made bildertausch.ch one of the best swap communities in Switzerland for years.

Thank you for being a part of it!