I talked before about trading, but today I want to
talk about swaping. Sounds similar right? And yeah in a way it is, but swapping
is a little bit different. This post will explain the differences and also the
benefits to swapping.
A swap is an exchange; much like a trade but it is generally
done in a controlled group, many times with a theme. This is done through many websites, but
also done directly between individuals in the form of box or surprise swaps.
Swaps are done including everything from used items, to new
items, or things you make for your partner. You may find used clothing swaps, surprise book swaps, food
from home. The possibilities are endless.
The idea behind the swap is that for the most part, though there
are exceptions to the rule, swaps are done as surprise packages. I give you my
box of size 6-9 month boys clothing for your box of 9-12, or my box paperbacks
for yours. Many times you can create a wish list of sorts for example in a book
swap you may list genres you love as well as those you hate, maybe even include
a few of the book titles you really want to read.
Swaps can cost more then trades, because many times you are
trading new items. This is of course not always the case, there are many used
swaps. Make sure you check out the swap rules before partaking those that do
require new items often have a minimum value.
I do not swap nearly as often as I trade but when I have it
has been a very enjoyable experience. It is a bit harder with me overseas to
find people willing to swap or trade, but I do find people. It is a bit harder
with swaps, since people do not have a guarantee of what they will get in
return as one would in a trade where shipping is built in to the value of what
you receive.
I have had a few fun swaps, one just came today. It was a
Children’s Christmas box gift swap. Minimum value 10 dollars. People could send
more if they chose, but you should only expect a value of 10 not including
shipping. We got a 8 year old
girl, we got her one of those sets to braid designs and beads into your hair,
a pair of leggings and some German treats. Teenie in turn got a hand crocheted
doll, 3 crocheted balls and a wooden car. Again we listed ideas and suggestions
but the swap partner had discretion of what ultimately to send. I am totally thrilled. I love the items
and teenie loves them. I am a sucker for handmade kids toys but they are often
very costly and out of our price range, swapping allows me to get such items
for my son.
Another example, one that I could not do from overseas, but
partook in when I went home was a paperback book swap. We each sent the other
person a flat rate box of paperback books. Perhaps not the best idea as mine
are still sitting at my moms since I ran out of luggage room, but hey live and
learn right.
Swaps can be a lot of fun; I know Sonya over at Home cooking with Sonya does tons of food box swaps with people all over the world that allows
here to try all kinds of new foods and flavors. Again there is so much out
there that you should always be able to find a swap that fits your needs.
As with trading I prefer to use established websites in
which a host moderates the swap.
Is swapping something you have done or would be willing to
try? Do you like surprises in the mail?
No comments:
Post a Comment