Proposed swaps I will be posting in Feb. and Mar. are listed here.
These are not exact dates, which might change based on my energy availability, stuff like if I'm in too many swaps right now, etc. Because I help host swaps for 2-3 groups and I host a pile of public swaps (not in groups) it's a constant juggle.
This year I have a weight requirement on swaps. I didn't have one in 2020-2023 (and didn't host much before 2019, actually, so I wouldn't have needed it.) In 2024, it's time.
The weight rule is being specified because of issues with previous year's swaps weighing much less than the swap required.
If you agree to a swap, please make sure your item meets or exceeds requirements.
In previous years, I would specify a 1 ounce swap, but other swappers would receive maybe .3oz (including the envelope.)
This is just an error sometimes! You can often fix this by just messaging a person and asking questions, before launching into demands and accusations. For example, "Hey, I got this swap. The requirements were near 1 ounce but it came with .5oz. Could you send the other .5oz please?" as opposed to "I got the swap and the requirements clearly say it's supposed to be 1 ounce. You didn't even send HALF of that. I'm rating you low. Apparently you can't be bothered to check." (Y'all, chill out. It isn't that serious. If it doesn't work out with the other user, just message the host. We're here for a reason?)
I had one swap where someone messaged because my envelope only weighed ~.6oz. I weigh them before they leave, but it looks like my scale needed to be replaced. I got a digital scale, not a postage scale, after that. A postage scale is fairly* accurate for how many ounces something is, used for mailing, like I'd done for the Etsy + Ebay shops until 2020. No problem! But a digital scale can calculate grams and portions of an ounce, being much more accurate. A resend was easy. No big deal.
To avoid this whole thing, swaps that are 1 ounce/1 stamp swaps that are 'random items' may specify a 'finished weight.' That way one person doesn't send 1oz and get .4oz back. It also keeps users from sending messages like "This swap was 8oz but I got 7! The envelope weighed an ounce!" That's why I write things like, *when fully packed* you should be paying the 8oz postage amount. The expectations are up-front for everyone. No confusion and less chances of accidentally upsetting someone.
For example, it'll say that 1 stamp = 1 ounce maximum, but the minimum is .85oz when the envelope is sealed. Everyone pays the expected 1 stamp price and doesn't get too little in return.
Swaps where a specific item is listed, such as my ATC or art swaps, they generally cost 1 stamp but of course, one ATC + notecard (NC) will not weigh the same as the next. It is unreasonable to have a weight requirement on that type of swap.
I've been trying to see what 'structure' of a post helps people more, answering questions before someone message, readability, etc. For example, I still get comments on individual swaps when those might not ever be seen... because SB does NOT alert us if anything is posted. If they did, I could knock down the spammer comments all over SB.
I will attempt to keep to a 'new' format when posting swaps. Swaps posted already might not have this format since I set them up in December. I'll try to 'go back' and edit them to fit but I might not catch them all.
I'm hoping this format will organise info better and make it easier for everyone to join, including new people, people with anxiety over "getting swaps right," etc. Swaps are supposed to try to include as many people as possible to increase participation and fun! Meeting new people that aren't 'exactly like me' just makes the world bigger beyond the screen. You can always message me if you need help.
The following is an example from a swap this month:
TITLE (1 Stamp - PINK!) / usual stuff like dates and usa/intl.
INTRO:
Hello, everyone!
My swaps are changing for 2024, so please read the details. (This note will probably remain until March.)
Please do not comment on any swaps. SB does NOT alert hosts. Message us directly!
SWAP + SWAPPER REQUIREMENTS:
Must have 10+ type 2 swaps, no 1s/non-sends in past 6 months. <--- You MUST adhere to these. I will drop you from the swap otherwise. I check before assigning partners. You must also have a filled-out profile, which should be known when signing up for SB.
This is a 1-stamp swap, meaning you fill an envelope as close to the 1oz, 1stamp limit as possible and send it out. The envelope and contents must weigh a minimum of .85oz. Less than that does not fill swap requirements.
PARTNERS + REGION:
There are 2 partners. Region is USA.
SWAP INFORMATION:
This flat envelope's theme is PINK! Anything in any pink range is fine. Please send 5 items, minimum. Make sure you also include something with your user name and swap name on it.
An item may be something like - Washi sample, 18" or longer (~45cm) - 3-4 stickers 1cm/.5" across. - Small cards or ribbon samples, at least 12" long please.
Again, get as close to 1oz while still using only 1 stamp as you can. MINIMUM is .85oz on a digital scale. Try to keep everything pink-dominant. The envelope does not have to be pink. Decoration is encouraged but not a requirement.
Please NO candy or food items! Also, no garbage like wrappers, small paper scraps, or stained/damaged items. Nothing that smells like cigarette smoke may be sent out. Thank you for understanding!
SENDERS' CHOICE OR PROFILE-BASED:
Swap items are sender's choice but profile checking is encouraged. For example, someone who hates Valentine's Day (USA) may not be okay with getting V-Day related items. Someone who is Christian may not be okay with getting certain items.
This is supposed to be fun! Let's make sure that everyone respects each other. <3
OTHER INFO:
Other colour swaps will come up. There is 1 per month.
Please send me a PM if there are questions.
Large Color Swaps are also done MarieWilliams810.
My mail keeps getting returned! It says "Address Not Found" or RTS (Return to Sender.)
USPS is strange. I've gotten Xmas cards returned with "address not found" or "address does not exist" labels on them. I still have to re-mail them. I'm... bad at cards and stuff.
When this happens, just message your partner. Tell them what, specifically, the envelope says and type in the address written on the envelope. Take a photo of the envelope, which is time-stamped. If you're feeling unsure, e-mail that photo to yourself with what it is in the subject line (SB: Returned Mail from UserName.) That e-mail can always be forwarded to your partner later.
Check the address on the envelope against the address the user listed.
Sometimes people move, especially with apartments, and forget to update the SB address. Sending a message promptly confirms the correct address and shows a time stamp on contact.
Sometimes, the machines that read handwriting will read your writing the wrong way. Red or pink ink or any ink that too closely matches the envelope colour is a bigger risk of misreading. Sometimes, it's a handwriting issue. I like using an address label maker (the kind that prints one at a time) because my joints suck but it took me time to afford one. Otherwise, I would write the address in all caps and put a piece of clear packing tape over it, so if there was water damage, the label would survive at least.
Sometimes, mail IS at the correct address! And... why it doesn't arrive... is a mystery. Who knows. If you or someone you know works for USPS, clue me in.
The cure seems to be the ZIP+4. Writing to the address with the ZIP code alone will get it sent back. Writing with ZIP+4 will arrive. Why? I don't know. Seriously no idea. It just works.
If your partner puts their address at 90210+1234, it is a good idea to write exactly that. Do not write 90210 and leave off the last 4 digits. It may not arrive. That +4 is there for a reason.
