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How do I join a swap? E-mail the hostess directly. Be sure to include your first name, e-mail address and the name of the swap.
Write down the details, including the number, deadline, and any special instruction (specific set, card fronts vs. trading cards, etc).
Save all e-mails between you and the hostess until you have received your swap back.
How many do I make? The hostess will specify and amount "+1".
For example:
10+1 means you will send 11 copies of the SAME card to the hostess (it is ok to switch color schemes if you run out of a color). She will keep one for her efforts and send you 10 new cards back.
All+1 means the hostess is not sure yet how many people will participate in the swap, and will update with a final count within a reasonable time frame.
Ideally the hostess will plan the swap so that no one gets their own cards back, so be sure to make one for yourself!
When do I send my cards in? When the hostess gives the date, she will specify whether it is a POSTMARK DEADLINE (the last day you can take your cards to the post office) or a DUE DATE (the last day she will accept cards in her hand). When using a due date, be sure to allow enough time for the cards to arrive.
It is very important to mail your items ON TIME or even EARLY. It gets to be a nightmare waiting past the deadline, hoping that they all will arrive tomorrow. OK...maybe tomorrow they will be here. Well... I'll just wait one more day. Get the message? The swappers who do send their stuff on time email wanting to know if they've been returned yet. They have needs and plans for them, and it's not fair for them to wait for cards not sent in on time.
What is demonstrator quality? It's just a reminder to send in something you are proud of. Don't send in something with fingerprints, for example, or the image upside-down on the background. And make sure your image is stamped clearly and completely
Many (though not all) hostesses require at least 2 layers of cardstock, and many are looking for accessories. Check with the hostess for specific requirements.
Card fronts should also be standard quarter-sheet card sizes to fit our envelopes available in the catalog.
People join swaps not only for ideas for themselves, but as a selling tool. A customer is more likely to buy a stamp set if they can see different samples made with it. Likewise, if they see cards with ribbon, for example, they'll buy ribbon.
Another thing to keep in mind: Please make your cards normal card front size. MANY people send packages (ie sandwich-sized baggies and 5x7 envelopes) that just fit the regular size cards in there. If you make an odd shaped card, it might not fit that size. As lovely as odd shaped cards are, we have to think about what others are sending their stuff in, and you don't want your card bent or smashed because it didn't fit right.
What do I put on the backs of my cards? The very least you should include is your name and e-mail address in case someone has a question about a technique or accessory. Recipes are appreciated, especially to identify some of the newer sets. In addition, how-to tips for some techniques are also appreciated.
Hostesses will generally specify whether they require a recipe. Pattern your recipes after those in the back of the catalog.
How do I package my cards for mailing? Protect your cards in a plastic baggie labeled with your name and address, the name of the swap and the number of cards sent in.
Choose your envelope carefully -- you don't want to stuff your cards into an envelope that is too small, but at the same time, you don't want your too-large envelope flopping all over, either.
Many hostesses have more than one swap going on at a time, so it is helpful to them if you write the name of the swap under the return address of the envelope. How will I get my cards back? When sending your cards, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) with the same postage as it took to send to the hostess. Do NOT put your stamps on your return envelopes. Let the hostess do
that. If your return envelope is in poor condition from it being bent or
going through a little abuse at the PO, the hostess should provide another envelope.
Again, choose your envelope carefully -- you don't want the hostess to stuff your cards into an envelope that is too small, but at the same time, you don't want your too-large envelope flopping all over, either.
Use real stamps, as most post offices won't accept a metered strip that is not printed on the spot. If you choose to use a whole bunch of little stamps, put them in a clear envy or baggy with your return label. PLEASE. Otherwise, stamps float all over from people walking by, and sticking to the back of things they shouldn't have been stuck to.
Include an extra .23 stamp secured to your baggie in case your return envelope is heavier than your original one. But don't just slip it in loose; it's too easy to lose. Instead, tape it to your baggie. When sending Priority return postage, include enough extra postage to raise to the next weight level.
DO NOT use the hostess' address as the return address on the return envelope. If you don't include enough postage, the hostess needs to be able to send it back postage due.
What if I won't be able to send my cards in on time? First off, don't sign up for a swap unless you can commit to completing it.
At the same time, hostesses understand that sometimes things happen that can prevent a swapper from completing a swap. In those cases, let the hostess know ASAP, in case it is necessary to find a replacement.
DO NOT just drop off the face of the earth at the deadline, never to be heard from again. It is so frustrating for a hostess to wait for cards that aren't even on the way. If you are dropping, please tell the hostess. We all over commit ourselves and change our minds. She should understand.
Keep in mind that if people drop out at the last minute, it increases the chances that remaining players will get back their own cards. Don't blame this on the hostess.
If you do send your cards late or do not follow the hostess' instructions, do not be offended when the hostess sends them back. The hostess has an obligation to the other swappers who did follow the instructions and sent cards in on time.
What is the most important thing I can do? Keep in touch with your hostess. Let her know ASAP if something is going on that will affect your ability to follow through with your swap.
Let her know when you send your swap in so she can be watching for it. Also let her know when you get your completed swap back.
And for an extra added touch, make your hostess another card or something to thank her for hosting the swap (especially the bigger ones that take more time to work with). It takes quite a long time to sort everything, so a little something extra is nice.
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