Shift Marketplace Trade-Only Listings

Learn how to create trade-only listings in the Shift Marketplace when you need to swap shifts with another employee. Understand the trade-only workflow, how to apply for trades, and manage trade applications.

Overview

Trade-Only listings allow you to list shifts specifically for trading with other employees. Unlike pickup-only listings where anyone can claim your shift, trade-only listings require finding a partner who wants to swap shifts with you. This ensures you maintain your hours while finding coverage.

Who this is for: All employees
Time needed: 10-15 minutes to create and manage listings
Prerequisites: Access to Shift Marketplace app and assigned shifts

🎯 What You’ll Learn

• How to create trade-only listings
• How to apply for trade-only listings from other employees
• How to manage trade applications (accept/reject)
• Understanding the difference between trade-only and pickup listings
• Best practices for successful trades

📋 Understanding Listing Types

The Shift Marketplace supports three listing types:

1. Pickup Only

Your shift can be claimed by anyone without requiring a trade. You give up the shift entirely.

Use when: You don’t need to maintain your hours and just want coverage.

2. Trade Only ⭐ (NEW)

Your shift requires a trade - someone must offer you one of their shifts in exchange.

Use when: You want to swap shifts to maintain your hours while changing your schedule.

3. Pickup or Trade

Flexible option - allows either pickup or trade.

Use when: You’re open to either option.

🚀 Creating a Trade-Only Listing

Step 1: Access Shift Marketplace

1. Navigate to Apps → Shift Marketplace
2. Click List a Shift button
3. You’ll see the listing creation form

Step 2: Select Your Shift

1. Choose the shift you want to trade from your assigned shifts
2. Only future shifts that are assigned to you will be available
3. Review shift details (date, time, location, duration)

Step 3: Choose Listing Type

1. Select Trade Only as the listing type
2. This ensures only employees willing to trade can apply
3. The form will update to show trade-specific options

Step 4: Add Trade Details

1. Preferred Trade Dates: Specify date ranges when you’d prefer to receive a shift (optional)
2. Preferred Shift Times: Indicate preferred times for the trade (optional)
3. Location Preferences: Select locations where you’re willing to work the traded shift
4. Notes: Add details about why you’re trading and any special requirements

Step 5: Review and Submit

1. Review all information
2. Verify the shift details are correct
3. Ensure trade preferences are clear
4. Click Create Listing

💡 Tip: Be specific in your notes about what you’re looking for in a trade. This helps potential trade partners understand your needs.

🔍 Finding Trade-Only Listings

Browsing Available Trades

1. Go to Shift Marketplace → Listings
2. Use the Listing Type filter
3. Select Trade Only to see only trade listings
4. Browse available shifts that need trades

Viewing Listing Details

Click on any trade-only listing to see:

• Shift details (date, time, location, duration)
• Listing owner information
• Trade preferences and notes
• Current application status
• Apply button (if you want to trade)

📝 Applying for a Trade-Only Listing

Step 1: Review the Listing

1. Click on a trade-only listing that interests you
2. Review the shift details carefully
3. Check the owner’s trade preferences
4. Ensure you have a shift to offer in return

Step 2: Select Your Shift to Trade

1. Click Apply on the listing
2. You’ll see a list of your available shifts
3. Select which shift you’re offering in exchange
4. Review the trade details:
   • Their shift: [Date, Time, Location]
   • Your shift: [Date, Time, Location]

Step 3: Add Application Notes

1. Provide context about why you want this trade
2. Confirm you understand the trade terms
3. Add any relevant information
4. Click Submit Application

Step 4: Wait for Response

• The listing owner will receive a notification
• They can accept, reject, or wait for other applications
• You’ll be notified when they respond

✅ Managing Your Trade Listings

Viewing Your Listings

1. Go to Shift Marketplace → My Listings
2. See all your active listings
3. Trade-only listings will show “Trade Only” badge

Managing Applications

When others apply to your trade-only listing:

1. Go to your listing details page
2. View the Applications section
3. See all applications with:
   • Applicant name
   • Shift they’re offering
   • Application notes
   • Application status

Accepting a Trade Application

1. Review the application and offered shift
2. Ensure the trade meets your needs
3. Click Accept on the application
4. Confirm the trade details
5. The trade is completed automatically:
   • Your shift is transferred to them
   • Their shift is transferred to you
   • Both schedules are updated
   • Other pending applications are automatically rejected

Rejecting an Application

1. Click Reject on the application
2. Optionally add a reason
3. The applicant will be notified
4. Your listing remains open for other applications

📊 Managing Your Trade Applications

Viewing Your Applications

1. Go to Shift Marketplace → My Applications
2. See all applications you’ve submitted
3. Filter by status: Pending, Accepted, Rejected, Withdrawn

Application Status

• Pending: Waiting for listing owner to respond
• Accepted: Trade was approved and completed
• Rejected: Listing owner declined your application
• Withdrawn: You cancelled your application

Withdrawing an Application

If you no longer want to trade:

1. Go to My Applications
2. Find your pending application
3. Click Withdraw
4. Confirm withdrawal
5. The listing owner is notified

Note: You can only withdraw pending applications. Accepted trades cannot be reversed.

🔄 Trade Workflow

Complete Trade Process

What Happens When Trade is Accepted

1. Automatic Transfer: Both shifts are automatically swapped
2. Schedule Updates: Both employees’ schedules are updated immediately
3. Notifications: Both parties receive confirmation notifications
4. Other Applications: Any other pending applications are automatically rejected
5. Listing Status: The listing is marked as “Completed” and closed

✅ Success Indicators

You’ll know your trade was successful when:

• ✅ You receive a confirmation notification
• ✅ Your schedule shows the new shift
• ✅ The old shift is removed from your schedule
• ✅ Both parties’ schedules are updated
• ✅ Listing status changes to “Completed”

🔧 Common Issues & Solutions

Issue: “No shifts available to trade”

Symptoms: You can’t find shifts to offer when applying
Solution: Ensure you have assigned shifts that don’t conflict with the requested trade dates
Prevention: Review your schedule before applying for trades

Issue: “Application was rejected”

Symptoms: Your trade application shows “Rejected” status
Solution: The listing owner chose a different trade partner. Try applying to other listings
Prevention: Apply early and provide clear, compelling trade offers

Issue: “Can’t withdraw accepted trade”

Symptoms: You want to cancel but trade is already accepted
Solution: Accepted trades cannot be reversed. Contact your manager if there’s an emergency
Prevention: Review trade details carefully before accepting

Issue: “Multiple applications on my listing”

Symptoms: Several people applied to your trade listing
Solution: Review all applications and accept the one that best meets your needs
Prevention: Be specific in your listing notes about trade preferences

💡 Pro Tips

• Be Specific: Clearly describe what you’re looking for in trade notes
• Apply Early: The first good application often gets accepted
• Offer Good Trades: Offer shifts that are desirable to increase acceptance chances
• Check Regularly: Monitor your applications and listings for responses
• Communicate: Consider reaching out directly if you know potential trade partners
• Be Flexible: Sometimes adjusting your trade preferences helps find matches

📚 Related Topics

• Shift Swapping: General guide to shift swapping
• Posting Shifts: How to post pickup-only shifts
• Picking Up Shifts: How to claim available shifts
• Shift Marketplace Applications: Detailed guide to managing applications

❓ Need More Help?

• Can’t find Shift Marketplace? Check that the app is enabled for your business
• No shifts to list? You need assigned shifts to create listings
• Trade not working? Verify both employees have compatible shifts and qualifications
• Questions about applications? See the Shift Marketplace Applications guide for detailed information

This guide covers trade-only listings. For information about pickup listings or general marketplace usage, see the related guides.