Newbie Questions About Swaps

United States domestic mail through USPS costs about $5.60 for the small flat rate envelopes, which I recommend using. International flat rate mail ranges from $17-$25 for the small FR envelopes. The lower prices are for Canada and Mexico, while higher prices go anywhere else like Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe.

Usually if a swap does not specify what you send, you ask your partner what their item preferences are. Some people like hair accessories, others like jewelry, and some like trinkets and curios, so it all depends.

In most swaps, you do send handmade items. However, in destash and tea swaps, you typically send things you bought from a store. Most swaps specify which items can and cannot be handmade.

To become a veteran swapper, you typically have to meet these criteria: 3+ completed swaps including the Newbie vs. Vet swap, 100+ board posts, and you should be a reliable swap partner (meaning you stay in contact regularly during swaps, and you update on the swap thread if you need extra time, have to ship out late or early, etc).

If you flake out on swaps, as in you stop communicating with your partner, don't send out, and stop posting on the boards, you might temporarily lose your veteran status or be barred from participating in other swaps. You can also be barred from swaps if you're rude to someone by calling them names, trying to embarrass them, or talk down about their crafting abilities. Generally CO+K swappers, especially vets, are very helpful and constructive when people need crafting advice. Sadly though, we have had a couple vets act inappropriately and they have been disallowed by swap hosts to join.

A lot of the vets are 18-25 and have reliable transportation to get to the post offices to mail out packages, which is important, but if you don't drive or you're too young to drive, you're generally fine if you have a reliable friend or parent help you make it to the post on time.

Hope all that helps

Thanks! I don't think I'm quite ready to participate yet, I'll just wait a little longer until I have a job so I can buy supplies more often and take my things to the post office.

Can I add a question about swaps, what is classed as a small item, etc..... Sometimes I see this on swap boards (for instance 3 small items, 1 large)
Thanks
L x

Generally a small item will be something like earrings, a bracelet or simple hair clip, but it depends on the swap. Generally it's the size and / or amount of effort that classifies an item. A medium item would be an elaborate hair clip, small purse / pouch, necklace, etc. A large item would be a tote bag, shirt, etc.

Thank you for the info Rawr Rawr
Lauren c
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