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Wondering how something works? Start here. If you don't find your answer, we'd be happy to hear from you at hello@handmedowntown.com.
Let's point you in the right direction.All 13 answers below.
The exchange
What is Hand-Me-Down Town?
It's a place for families to pass along the things children outgrow and find what they need next. Items are exchanged using Points. The family claiming an item pays shipping and a platform fee separately. Along the way, you get a home in an illustrated town to make your own.
What are Points?
Each item has a Points value. When you claim it, those Points are held until the exchange is complete, then passed to the family who listed it. Earn Points by passing things along and use them for your next find. They aren't cash and don't cover shipping or platform fees.
Do items cost money?
You use Points for the item itself. If it's being mailed, you also pay shipping. A platform fee applies to both mailed items and local pickup. The family listing the item receives Points, not money.
What can I list?
Clothes your children have outgrown, toys they're ready to share, baby gear, books, and learning supplies are all a good place to start. Other useful family items, including household tools, are welcome too. Items should be practical to ship or available for local pickup.
What can't I list?
Please leave out anything recalled, unsafe, or unsuitable to pass to another family. Be honest about wear and missing pieces. Most listings should be easy to ship. If an item is too large, only offer it with local pickup.
Shipping and fees
What fees do I pay?
If you're claiming a mailed item, you'll pay shipping and a platform fee. For local pickup, you'll pay just the platform fee. Shipping depends on the package, and you'll always see the total before you pay. The amount shown at checkout applies to your exchange.
Who pays shipping?
The family claiming the item buys the prepaid label. The family passing it along packs it up and sends it.
How does shipping work?
Start at the Hand-Off Stop Post Office. Eligible, available items from one listing family can share a shipment. The app uses item slots to estimate a shipping tier, with package limits applying; adding items may change the tier and price. Check the total before payment. The claiming family pays for the prepaid label, the sender packs and marks the parcel shipped, and the receiver confirms arrival to complete the exchange and release Points.
Can I use local pickup?
Yes, if the listing family offers it. Pay the platform fee, then follow their instructions to arrange a meeting. Your public Town address is separate from your real street address.
The Town
What is the Town?
It's where everything comes together. Browse the shops, visit the Post Office for an exchange, and stop at Town Hall for help. You'll also have a home to decorate and characters to meet. You can get straight to listing or claiming whenever you like.
Do I really get a home and an address?
Yes! When you set up your first listing, you choose a home style and receive a Town address. Then you can make yourself at home with the Room Designer. Your real street address is used for shipping labels and isn't displayed as your public Town address.
How do quests work?
You'll discover characters, stories, and seasonal activities as you explore. Take part when you feel like it. Quests aren't required to list or claim an item, and they don't replace Points.
How do I join?
Start by creating your account, or sign in if you already have one. You can set up your home and add your first listing whenever you're ready.
Still wondering?
We'd love to hear from you.
Big question or little one, you're welcome to ask. Send us a note and we'll help you find your way.