Swap Survey 2

Topic Table of Contents:

Post 1: Swap Survey - Survey guidelines - List of Incomplete Swaps
Post 2: FAQ’s - Tips to Remember - Newbie Swap Information
Post 3 and beyond: Swap Survey Entries - Newbie Questions and Answers.

If you have a question that you would like to see added to the FAQ’s, please let me know.
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Swap Survey

Copy and paste this survey after completing any swap. Brag on a good partner, or remind partners of an incomplete swap.



Partner Name:
Swap Name:
Did your partner keep in communication with you?:
Were rules of the swap adhered to?:



NOTE: if you need to post an incomplete swap to the board, but do not want your name listed as the partner, Send the survey to me via personal message. I'll add the name to the list, along with swap (so they know who to contact) but I will not publicly post your name.

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Survey Guidelines:

*Hosts, when preparing partners for your swaps, please check this board and be conscientious of the partners you pair up.
*When completing this survey, try to be nice. If you had an unpleasant experience, contact your partner to allow them to rectify the situation before flaming them on this board.
*If your partner does not complete your swap you may use this swap survey to record your experience. Please don’t bash these people publicly, as you may never know a reason a person hasn't kept in touch. Just be aware of who is listed here before confirming your partner for the next swap you attempt.
*If you’ve sent out your swap and have not heard from your partner, please allow them time to receive the package and contact you before filling out this survey. Rule of thumb: 2 weeks if posting in your country, 3-4 weeks if posting internationally. This also applies to items that you are waiting to receive. Sometimes things get lost in the mail.
*Sometimes people are unable to complete their swaps for legitimate reasons. If you find yourself on this list, please contact your partner and request to set things right. If you and your partner can both agree on a satisfactory way complete the swap, your name will be removed from this list.
*If your partner is listed below, but has made things right with you, please comment, or send a personal message to me so that I can remove her name from the list.

Note: Since this survey is new, we will begin accepting surveys from swaps completed in August, 2010. Previous swaps and experiences do not apply. If you are aware of an incomplete swap, do not comment on them unless you personally swapped with them.

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Incomplete Swaps

DIYER4LIFE
-Tiny Swap/Sugarlishes
-Spooky Swap/Sugarlishes
-Steampunk(Victorian)/Interstellar Supernatural
Lola Ebola
-Newbie Swap/ Nora C.
OhMyStars
-Vet V Newbie/Essex Debs
-Matching Set Swap/Ruby W.
SyntheticStars
-Newbie Swap/Ruby W. (possible connection problems?)
-Newbie Swap/Bryony (possible connection problems?)
Cloudgirl1986
-Kawaii Lunch Swap/Ruby W.
-Wizard of OZ Swap/Jeanette W.
-ATC round 16/Essex Debbs
Sharon B.
-Thrift Shop Swap/Bryony (contact made / pending receipt)
DevilPuppy
-Newbie Swap/Kiddo
Riley
-Vet v Newbie/ Essex Debbs
-Plushie Swap/Heather C.
-Scarf Swap/ Dropthetacos


Read this first before joining in on a swap!
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FAQ’s:

*What do I make for my first swap? 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.
*What are the rules of the swap? 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!
*I am new to crafting; how can I be sure my items are good enough? 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. =)
*What happens if something goes wrong and I can't make the post out date? Don't worry! Life happens!! 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.
*I'm worried that I'm posting to another country and I don't know how long it will take to arrive! 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.
*I have my package ready; do I put in anything else? 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.
*I have received my partner's parcel! What do I do now? 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 www.flicker.com – www.photobucket.com – or http://www.tinypic.com each site will guide you to embedding a picture to the message boards. Then, if you like, fill out the Swap Survey!

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Tips to remember:

*Always keep in communication with your partner. 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!
*Before sending out a package, contact your partner to let them know you are ready to ship. Allow them 3 or 4 days to respond. If you hear nothing from them, DON'T SHIP OUT!
*Keep aware of how many swaps you have decided to join. 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!


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


http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/make-your-own-swap-log-pages
http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/make-your-own-swap-log-pages/versions/1

*Be considerate of your partner.
-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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New to swapping?
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.

http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/board/creative/swap_shop/4913-newbie-vs-vet-swap-new-again