Safe Meetup Locations
Always meet buyers and sellers in a safe public place. Here's how to find the best spots near you across Australia.
What is the "Meet Safe" badge?
Sellers who have agreed to only meet buyers at safe public locations receive the Meet Safe badge on their listings. Look for this badge when browsing — it means the seller is committed to your safety.
Types of Safe Meetup Locations
Police Stations
Victoria has 35 official Safer Exchange Sites outside police stations (see above). In other states, police stations are generally safe public locations — but there are no formally designated exchange zones outside VIC.
- Meet in the station car park or front entrance — busy, well-lit and monitored
- Officers are nearby and CCTV is recording, which deters dishonest behaviour
- Free to use, no appointment needed
Shopping Centres
Find Near MeLarge shopping centres have security guards, extensive CCTV coverage, and are busy public spaces. Meet near the main entrance or the customer service desk during business hours.
- Meet near the main entrance or food court — not secluded car parks
- Security guards are usually visible and can assist if needed
- ATMs are nearby for cash transactions
Petrol Stations
Find Near MeWell-lit, open late (many 24 hours), and always have CCTV cameras. The forecourt is a public space and staff are inside. Good for evening meetups when other options are closed.
- Choose a major branded station (Shell, BP, Caltex) — they have the best CCTV
- The forecourt is always lit and visible from the road
- Many are open 24/7
Cafés & Food Courts
Find Near MeComfortable, neutral public spaces for both parties. Good for daytime meetups. Staff are present and other customers provide a natural safety net.
- Choose a busy café or food court, not a quiet corner café
- Daytime is preferable
- Easy to talk and inspect items without feeling rushed
🚔 Victoria — Official Safer Exchange Sites
Official ProgrammeVictoria Police has established 35 dedicated Safer Exchange Sites outside 24/7 police stations across VIC — specifically designed for online marketplace transactions. Sites have CCTV, lighting and signage.
View all 35 VIC sites🛡️ Safe Meetup Tips — All States
- Meet in a busy, well-lit public place — shopping centres, petrol stations, cafes, or similar
- Bring a friend or family member if possible
- Meet during daylight hours when you can
- Never meet at your home or the buyer’s home for first meetings
- Inspect the item fully before exchanging money
- Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, walk away
- Never transfer money before seeing the item in person
- Tell someone you trust where you are going and who you are meeting
If you experience fraud or feel unsafe, report it to your local police and use the Report button on the listing. VendoAU will share relevant listing and account data with police upon a valid law enforcement request.
Golden Rules for Meetups
Never meet at night in isolated locations
Tell someone where you're going and who you're meeting
Inspect the item thoroughly before paying
Bring a friend for high-value purchases ($500+)
Trust your instincts — walk away if something feels wrong
Never hand over cash before you have the item
Take a photo of their licence plate if meeting privately
Report suspicious behaviour to us and police