I can't seem to find anything with swap guidelines (there used to be one around here somewhere a long time ago) This is something I wrote up for a swap we did at another site. Maybe we can add some things add some things to make it relevant for here.

I'm typing with a baby on my lap atmso please excuse any typos ;)

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okay, here is just a little something to explain how swaps work for anyone who is unfamiliar with swaps or hasn't participated in one before

How does a swap work ?

For a general/regular swap each participant makes up an ISO (in search of) list. You may also include a list of items they have available to send out if you wish. When the swap closes, you look over the iso lists and choose several people (hopefully) that you can send a package to. You then pm the swap coordinator your choices and how many packages you would like to send out. The coordinator matches everyone up. You probably won't be sending to and receiving from the same person. The coordinator makes sure that if you are sending packages to 2 people that you are getting packages from 2 people in return. She posts the match-ups and you get your package ready, send it out and stalk your mail carrier until your package comes.

For a reverse swap, you post what you have available to swap, listing what you have in packages amounting to a predetermined value. When the swap is closed to sign ups, you then pm the coordinator telling her what packages you would like to receive. The coordinator again will make the match ups (again, you won't be sending to and receiving from the same person necessarily)

there are also other swaps such as a feel good swap, or craft swap and those have somewhat different rules.

(maybe someone else come add some guidelines for those)

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Here are some guidelines I saw posted at another site. I think they're really good so I'm including them too


1. Be a quick swapper. Try to get your swaps sent as soon as possible.

2. List your stuff as it is. If its in great shape say so, If it has a rip or is in sad shape say so.

3. PM/email or post on the board that you have sent and/or recieved your swap.

4. Its always nice to get a "Thank You" for a swap!!!

5. If you are having trouble with the person you are swapping with, first off email or private message them, next contact this forum's moderator & if there is still an issue after the first two steps we will contact the board administrator & see what they feel we should do.

6. If you have recieved a swap from someone & for some reason you can not hold up your end of the bargain & get their swap out to them... ie: house fire, sick kid, flood, a financial situation or you just can't scrape up the change for postage... tell your recipient. Explain your predicament & ask for some extra time.

7. Be a generous swapper!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

8. Patience

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there is also usually a minimum number of posts and length of time you should be a member before joining. (I think it's usually a member for 6 months and maybe 100 posts ? ) Also, no unresolved negative feedback.

It's also nice to leave positive feedback if you've had a good swap experience or negative if someone completely flakes out and the situation doesn't get resolved (so that the same thing doesn't happen to someone else)

I know I'm probably forgetting a few things so please post anything I've forgot.

:)

a few more things...

Making your ISO (in search of)

When making your iso list, try to make it as long as you can. The longer your list is, the more likely it is that someone will have enough stuff to send you a package.

Try not to be too specific if possible. If you list very specific items, you may be less likely to be picked. Some people don't mind sitting out if no one has exactly what they're looking for and that's okay.

Try to vary your iso list a bit if you can. If you have the same (or almost the same) list through several swaps, you may be harder to match up.

If you wouldn't mind getting a surprise, say so. Maybe include your favorite color, scent and some things you like/dislike. Surprise mail can be fun :D

As You're looking over everyone's ISO list

If you have something that you think another mama may like, but it isn't on her iso, pm her. It never hurts to ask. It may be something she would love but just hadn't thought to list.

When making up your package

Only send things that you would be happy to receive. I always try and think "Would I be happy if I got this in my swap package ?" or "Would I be happy if I received something in this condition ?" If the answer is no, don't send it.

Personally, I love swaps because it's a chance to brighten another mama's day, get some fun mail :D and find a new home for stuff I no longer need or use.


I know there were a few more things, but they escape me right now. I'll try and add them later