The Real Purpose Behind the Handshake Symbol

This isn’t just a nice design.

It’s a movement.


Cities like Pembroke, Ontario have started painting these symbols in specific spots outside public buildings — like police stations — to designate safe zones for online transactions .


Why this matters:

These areas are often monitored by security cameras

They're located in well-lit, high-visibility locations

They offer a neutral, public place for buyers and sellers to meet

Police may be nearby — giving peace of mind

The idea is simple but powerful:


Meet here.

Stay safe.

Make the deal without fear. 


🧠 How the Handshake Symbol Works

If you see the handshake symbol painted on a parking space…


Here’s what it stands for:


Designated spot for online exchanges

No guessing where to meet

Often near law enforcement buildings

Adds layer of reassurance

Public location with foot traffic

Reduces risk of scams or threats

Clearly marked area

Helps both parties feel at ease

Encourages face-to-face interaction

With less anxiety


These spaces aren’t reserved forever — just for short visits.

Buyer and seller can park side-by-side, hand over cash and goods, and go their separate ways… all under the watchful eye of a nearby station.


📍 Where Are These Spaces Located?

While Pembroke, Ontario leads the way — placing them near the local OPP station — the trend is slowly spreading.


Some cities are now marking:


Mall parking lots

Public libraries

City hall grounds

Fire station lots

Community centers

These are all places where:


There's regular activity

Surveillance is common

Safety feels guaranteed

And as online buying and selling continue to grow (thanks, Facebook Marketplace), so does the need for safe meetup spots .


Because while most transactions go smoothly…


Some don’t.


And when you’re handing over cash for a used stroller or picking up a vintage lamp from a stranger…


You deserve to feel safe.


👀 Why This Matters – Especially for First-Time Sellers and Buyers

Meeting strangers for online deals can be intimidating — especially if you're a woman, a senior, or new to local trade.


The handshake symbol helps by:


Providing a clear, recognizable meeting point

Reducing uncertainty about location safety

Giving both buyer and seller confidence

Discouraging shady behavior due to visibility

Even better?

There’s usually signage explaining what the symbol means — so no confusion.


🛡️ My Personal Experience – Why I Wish I’d Known About This Sooner

A few months ago, I bought an antique lamp online — after weeks of searching and negotiating.


We agreed to meet in a mall parking lot.

It was public.

It was well-lit.


But still…

I felt uneasy.

I kept checking my phone.

I made sure my car doors were locked.


And when I finally handed over the money and got the lamp?


I breathed a sigh of relief.


Now, knowing there are handshake-painted spaces designed specifically for this kind of exchange?


I would’ve chosen that over any random lot in a heartbeat.


Because sometimes, the difference between a stressful meetup and a smooth one…


Is just a symbol on the ground.


🗺️ Final Thoughts: A Small Symbol That Speaks Volumes

We live in a digital world — but many of us still love buying and selling locally.


And when we do?


We deserve to feel safe doing it. 


The handshake symbol is more than paint on pavement.


It’s a promise.

A signal.

A quiet assurance that the place you’re standing in has been thoughtfully designed for trust and transparency .


So next time you see that symbol in a parking space…


Don’t drive past it.


Park right inside it.


Because sometimes, the safest deal doesn’t come from a background check…


It comes from a handshake painted on concrete .


And once you understand what it means?


You’ll start looking for it every time you make a local pickup or drop-off.