Tap Trade - Local Item Swapping & Bartering App

Tap Trade is a mobile bartering platform that lets users swap unwanted items for things they actually want. The app connects people within their local community to trade clothing, electronics, furniture, collectibles, and more.

The core challenge was building a seamless trade-matching experience that felt intuitive, not transactional. Users needed to post items quickly, discover relevant swaps nearby, and communicate securely before meeting up in person.

Smart Matching Algorithm: Recommends ideal trade partners based on item categories, user preferences, and proximity

Real-Time Messaging: Powered by Socket.io so traders can negotiate, finalize details, and coordinate meet-ups without leaving the app

Location-Based Discovery: Google Maps API surfaces nearby trades and suggests safe public exchange points

Profile Personalization: Avatar collections and interest-based category selection during onboarding

Phone Verification: Secure phone number verification flow for account trust between traders

The backend runs on PostgreSQL for relational trade data, handling item listings, user profiles, match scoring, and transaction history. Redux manages client-side state across the trading flow, keeping the UI responsive as users browse, filter, and negotiate simultaneously.

Built with Flutter for cross-platform deployment on both Android and iOS from a single codebase. Socket.io handles all real-time communication channels. Google Maps API powers the location layer for proximity-based matching and meet-up coordination.

The app is live on Google Play under the Business category, rated for all audiences, with 100+ downloads and a growing community of active traders. Recent updates include faster phone verification, a new avatar collection, improved interest category selection, and performance optimizations.

Tap Trade turns clutter into value. No money changes hands. Just people trading smarter and living with less waste.