Swap Guide / End Survey

<font color="blue"><B> Swap FAQ’s and Tips to remember
</b></font color>
<i>Read this first before joining in on a swap!</i>
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<u><b><font color="red">FAQ’s: </font color></b></u>

<b>*What do I make for my first swap?</b> The items you make for your swap depend on the rules set up by the swap host. Usually there is a certain theme to a swap, and a specific number of items to be made. Sometimes the host allows partners to decide the rules. If you are unsure, PM the host or your partner for details. They will be more than happy to assist you.
<b>*What are the rules of the swap?</b> The general rule to all swaps is to always keep in contact with your partner. Otherwise, rules are specified by the host of the swap. These rules range from the number of items to make, the theme, the size of the items and the send out date. Some swaps utilize a specific crafting medium, while others are as open as your imagination. Your host will specify when necessary. If you’re still unsure, just ask!
<b>*I am new to crafting; how can I be sure my items are good enough?</b> Thankfully CO+K members are not snooty crafters. Most of us enjoy anything made by hand and with love. If you try your best and put your heart into it, your items will be good enough. =)
<b>*What happens if something goes wrong and I can't make the post out date?</b> <font color="blue">Don't worry! Life happens!!</font color> This usually happens to the best of us! Simply contact your partner and let them know what’s going on. Keep in contact until you are able to send out. Most swappers are very understanding and will wait as long as you need.
<b>*I'm worried that I'm posting to another country and I don't know how long it will take to arrive!</b> Sometimes packages arrive in 3-4 weeks, other times they get held up in customs. Be prepared to wait up to 6 weeks for items shipped to the Middle East. Also, carefully read your customs declaration form and be sure to be as specific as possible. Don’t include things like seeds, or chemicals, or other items that may be considered hazardous or agricultural. Ask your post office for details if you are unsure.
<b>*I have my package ready; do I put in anything else?</b> Sure! This is the fun part of the swap. Most everyone likes to receive additional items such as stickers, or sweets. Even a nice note makes a swap partner swoon. If you’d like, include things that may be relative to the swap, or to your partner’s interests. You don’t have to go overboard, and it is certainly not expected, but you can add a little something if you like.
<b>*I have received my partner's parcel! What do I do now?</b> Contact her. You may do so by updating the swap thread or by sending a PM to your partner. Be sure to contact her right away and let her know how happy you are. If you are able, post to the swap thread pictures of what you received. Other swap members would love to be excited with you. You can upload your pictures to a picture hosting site such as <a href="http://www.flicker.com">www.flicker.com</a> – <a href="http://www.photobucket.com">www.photobucket.com</a> – or <a href="http://www.tinypic.com">http://www.tinypic.com</a> each site will guide you to embedding a picture to the message boards. Then, if you like, fill out the <font color="red">Swap Survey!</font color>

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<b><font color="red"><u>Tips to remember:</u></font color></b>

<b>*Always keep in communication with your partner.</b> Don’t assume that your partner isn’t as busy as you are! None of us can afford to have our time wasted by partners who don’t keep in contact!
<b>*Before sending out a package, contact your partner to let them know you are ready to ship.</b> Allow them 3 or 4 days to respond. If you hear nothing from them, DON'T SHIP OUT!
<b>*Keep aware of how many swaps you have decided to join.</b> Make a written record of the swaps and include: shipping deadlines, swap rules, and your partner’s name. Don’t join a swap and forget about it!

<center><i>-Here are a few ideas for helping you to keep organized, from two of our own veteran swappers,</i> Sugarlishes <i>and</i> Creativemind.</center>

<a href="http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/make-your-own-swap-log-pages">http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/make-your-own-swap-log-pages</a>
<a href="http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/make-your-own-swap-log-pages/versions/1">http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/make-your-own-swap-log-pages/versions/1</a>

<b>*Be considerate of your partner.</b>
-take your time and do your best work.
-if the items you receive from your partner do not meet your standard, please consider your partner’s skill level before commenting on the quality. Take in consideration that your comments can be either uplifting or heart breaking. Try not to hurt feelings. You don’t want to be the reason someone never crafts again.
-If there is a problem with a swap, or your partner, please send them a personal message to resolve the situation. Try not to clutter the swap boards with negativity. It could cause new members to not join in.

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<font color="red"><B>New to swapping?</b></font color>
If you haven't done a swap before, check out the Newbie Vs Vet swap! This is the perfect way to get your feet wet and put an end to your swap anxiety.
<a href="http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/board/creative/swap_shop/4415-newbie-vs-vet-swap-new" >http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/board/creative/swap_shop/4415-newbie-vs-vet-swap-new</a>

Partner Name:
Zina

Swap Name:
Plushie Swap, Round 1

Did your partner keep in communication with you?:
Yes

Were rules of the swap adhered to? (send out date, number of items, etc):yes/no explain
Yes. I received the appropriate number of items. Shipping was timely, and communication was Ace! Great Partner!

Partner Name: Nora C.
Swap Name: Spooky Swap
Did your partner keep in communication with you?: yes!

Were rules of the swap adhered to? (send out date, number of items, etc):yes/no explain yes, yes, yes, Shipped them on the same day and we both received on the same day! Excelent Partner to have!

Just moving back to the top of the boards...

Don't forget to do an end survey if you've completed a swap recently!

Partner Name:Angel Eve
Swap Name:Spooky Swap
Did your partner keep in communication with you?:Yep!
Were rules of the swap adhered to? (send out date, number of items, etc):yes/no explain
Yep! I had never received from someone in Canada(we did a 3-way swap), so I didn't realize how long it would take, but according to everyone else, it was timely. She made me a TON of stuff, really cool, well made, and I can tell she put a lot of love into them, too. Fab partner to have.

Partner Name:Cloudgurl1986
Swap Name:Tiny Swap round 2
Did your partner keep in communication with you?:Yes! She contacted me several times, and even though I was going slowly, because of family issues that had arisen, she was totally cool through it all.
Were rules of the swap adhered to? (send out date, number of items, etc):yes/no explain
Yes! We sent out within 3 or so days of each other, and she made the exact number of items required, and they were all sweet, cute, well thought out, and she put effort into them.

Swap Survey
Partner Name: Jeanette W.
Swap Name: Newbie Swap
Were rules of the swap adhered to?: Yes!
She kept in touch, sent out on time, complete number of items, they were ALL beautiful!... she is a WONDERFUL Swap Partner!

I am very lucky to have had the good fortune to swap with her and would do so again anytime!

Partner Name: Nora C
Swap Name: Inchies swap
Did your partner keep in communication with you?: Yes, She sent me a message whenever anything happened
Were rules of the swap adhered to? (send out date, number of items, etc):yes/no explain
Yes, She sent me a lovely swap and sent out quickly

Partner Name: Jeanette W.
Swap Name: Art Swap
Did your partner keep in communication with you?: Yep
Were rules of the swap adhered to? (send out date, number of items, etc):yes/no explain
Yes, She sent me some adorable pieces and sent out quickly (way before me :S) She's a Good Partner

Partner Name: Jeanette W
Swap Name: Spooky swap
Did your partner keep in communication with you?: Yes, very good with communicating with me
Were rules of the swap adhered to? (send out date, number of items, etc):yes/no explain
Yes, i felt so spoiled with this swap. She made a little more then the required number of items. She even sent out a little earlyer then the required date. An excellent partner to have, i would love to send her a package for swapping now. ( It was a 3 way swap between me,her, and sparrowfae)

Partner Name: Lo
Swap Name: Plushie swap round 1
Did your partner keep in communication with you?: Yes she did.
Were rules of the swap adhered to? (send out date, number of items, etc):yes/no explain
Every thing followed the swap guildlines. She sent out on time, even though i sent out late. She made the right number of items and everything. I think next time the size requirements should be made clearer in the swap rules though. Otherwise an extremely good partner to swap with.

Thanks everyone for helping to get this thread started! Sounds like so far everyone has had fabulous partners!

Partner Name: Beatr!ce
Swap Name: ATC Challenge
Did your partner keep in communication with you?: Yes, when it started...but now i havnt heard/recieved anything.
Were rules of the swap adhered to? (send out date, number of items, etc):
I did a personal swap with her a few months ago. We were sending 25 ATCs to eachother. We sent addresses and a few messages to eachother. But when the time came to send, i sent mine & told her. But never heard from her again or recieved anything. That was 4 months ago. Ive sent a few messeges, but i dont think she comes on anymore. :/ Lost 25 atcs and $3 post. Oh well. Ill change this if she ever comes back. Or someone knows where she went.

Darkashhurts, I had the same thing with Beatrice in the animal swap. I lost more money in it. But I don't want the good to cover over the bad ones! I really had allot of good swap on cok, So don't to think too much about it.... but it really sucks if this happens!