I would love to swap,but have a problem

you know, i kind of have the same problem. my packages even get ripped open and searched whenever i send them out, because im from the middle east! did you know that some of my stuff didnt even end up making it to michelle g??? they confiscated it!

hopefully nothing happens to the alice swap; i sent to great britain, so it might be different.

ive been able, since then, to come up with a few lovely swap ideas that would fit into an envelope and not get confiscated, lol. ;)

if you want to get into swapping but have this problem, just be sure to let your swap buddy know ahead of time--hey, this is the approximate size/weight im sending, blah blah. i do it pretty much every time.

dont worry about it sounding awkward. ive even talked about spending limits for some things.

good luck, and happy swapping!!!!

xoxo, me

Yeah, international swapping is expensive. I sent a package once that was over $20. That is why I haven't swapped in a while. My husband band me. LOL

Just talk to your partner before you make anything. And y'all can decide on the size of the things you make.

International is expensive, since we are out of the army I am unable to send out since we dont have a steady income yet. Husband almost came after me when he found out the package I sent to Rhibi (Austraila) cost over 40 bucks! o.o' But like rachie and tara say, just explain to your partner what is up and go from there.

Oh my word that is ridiculoous!!! I'm sorry to hear that you lot have had bad experiences - I can't really say much because I have never done a swap - I'd like to though but I'm rubbish at making stuff I might do though if I find something interesting...

I can't believe the silly prices of overseas shipping!!!!!

thats so sad Keep a check out on the inchies swap that Essex Debs ran. Its on its second round now but I'm sure if she gets requests she'll run another round. That was such a cheap swap as you are only sending out 9 inch square pieces of fabric (which you stitch/stick your own design/pic on). It was a lovely inexpensive swap so I would recommend that one if she does another round.

Vi- the ATC that Creativemind runs is good too, it's once a month and it's only 9 little cards so they fit into an envelope! International shipping is nutty, I can't figure out why...not like they hurry up with the stuff! URG
And I would say when you sign up for a swap add that to "I'm in" note~That way everyone has a heads up and knows that it will be only be in a certain envelope, smaller crafts etc, etc. Do you guys have a packaging that is a set price? We have ones that are called "priority mail" any thing that you can fit in the box/envelope cost only that set price!

Don't worry Vi someone will swap with you!!!!!!!

Those flat rate boxes do not work for me, -LIES LIES THEY TELL- it has to be a certain amount of weight for it to be one set price. I once mailed out one ring to Italy in a flat ship rate box in hopes it will be 4.95 but I was still charged 15 bucks for it and to make matters worse it got lost in transit and my customer never recieved it, I offered to make and send her another one but she decline but was nice enough to leave positive feedback on my etsy.

^agrees i usually use bubble wrap envelopes and they are more reasonable to ship when i started swapping i was unemployed and thats how i did it and it worked well

Hi Guys -one of the reasons I set up inchie swap was to have small light weight packages and I try to swap people locally so this may work for you.
Inchies can also be made from paper and don't have to be padded or fabric.You can also reuse paper/packaging as they are so small.They fit in a standard letter form if that suits.
So let me know if you'd like to take part.
I have to confess I always go for a lightweight paper filled package if it is an international swap.I've also found that you should check out what works best for your postal system.Boxes are good in US but padded envelopes are far more economical across borders .My magic postie is always helpful to.
Customs is always a worry and since we handmake things i go for the easy option even if not always my first choice.Have just swapped a button decoration for a ribbon trim on a package going to Mexico.

This is why i only ship to people in my same country. It's too expensive for me also, & i'm also unemployed atm.
It makes me sad b/c i want to swap to other countries too.
I feel your pain.

Shipping overseas can get pricey, but DAMN Sug, that's a LOT!! I have sent overseas and the most I have spent was close to 7 bucks. When crafting I keep in mind the weight of what I'm shipping and surprisingly it doesn't limit me from shipping some cool stuff. I use the bubble mailers too or a yellow mailer and wrap my stuff in bubble wrap. The only time I ship in a box is if there is something that shouldn't get smashed which is not often.

Thank you for understanding,you guys are great!It took me a hole day to get myself to start this topic,but now that all of you talked about it,it seem like not as big of a problem.
I figured I will send those bubble wrapped envelopes too,so there is much space to stuff it with craftiness! And I will keep at mind to craft stuff with lighter weight as Creative said.

They explained to me that If I want a package in a box,I have to buy a box at the post office that costs 5 euros,then they will measure my package and add that price,then I have to pay for it to be referenced(but they wont send it out any other way) and then I must pay plus for it to be sent by air mail...argh its so complicated.
And it added to my frustration that I speak hungarian,and Im a minority here,so people in post offices and places like that speak serbian.I speak and understand the language,but not as fast and clear as it was the language Im speaking.So it was really confusing and I had to ask every question two times,to be sure that I understand everything.It was embarassing and funny at the same time.

I would love to send you something in a small envelope, just one item to receive from you would be amazing!

Michelle I would love to do that!