[quote=Gypsy & Me;2583119]I don't consider my post to be in anyway rude at all. I also don't have an attitude. I was expressing a concern over some issues I thought could be a possibility... I don't see how that can be considered rude to then voice them and hope for a reply. You're response however was slightly rude towards me because you didn't like what I had to say.

By no means am I saying there are ALOT of members out to screw YTers, but I've been around long enough to see a fair share of things go wrong and someone be left out of pocket or emotionally hurt.

It wasn't a dilemma about the extra shipping costs, it was a question that I'm sure someone participating in this might well of asked? Would it of been such an issue if I had of said, I'm interested but if this happens then what happens? I don't believe it would be.

I'm perfectly "chilled out", I just marely asked questions that you clearly didn't like and got no replies outright other than a backlashing. :confused:[/quot


I have no ISSUE with any legitamate questions...your reply was such that I was avoiding answering them...LOL Like I said...it's still in the "talking" stages......and Admin is fully aware of what's going on....why did we need to respond to them....I don't get what your point was to that.....

Nothing has been decided completely...that's the reason for this whole thread...to discuss all ANGLES of this idea.....

And YOUR ??'s will be considered as well before anything is set in stone.

But like I said....how many people have really NOT fulfilled their obligation once signed up?? How many times did ADMIN actually have to get involved when a gift wasn't sent?? NOT so many times that it should give pause to people before signing up..

Everyone is going to be FULLY aware that everything is gently used....before even participating...and that they should put something of equal value back in the box before sending it on!

I was NOT rude when responding to your post....and "whatever"...that you dont' have any attitude....There's ONE in every crowd!

Are you going to have some way of sending these out to people who have the same size dog? Like, someone gets the box that has a 7 pound dog...will it be another 7 pound dog that it is sent to? If that isn't worked out, it could be that the recipient can't use anything because they are either too big or too small. Sorry if this has already been answered. It's just the first question that popped into my head when reading about this. I think it would be the perfect idea if all yorkies were the same size and measurements.

Surely she means 2 foot by 2 foot by 2 foot and not 2 inches. You could not fit too much in a box 2"X2"X2" so I am pretty sure she means feet. In that case, it would be higher, not lower than the size you mention. But I could be wrong.....

Oh! Dorkie me!:p LOL! Me & #'s don't mix!

[quote=FlDebra;2582864]Not to nix a new inventive idea or anything .... but why doesn't everyone just list all of their used things on the For Sale forums. You will get money for what you sell, and can turn around and buy what others post. If everyone would do this over the next month, there could be a very nice selection of things there in no time. Then we would only be paying postage once for things someone wants.

Conceivably if something went in the box that no one was needing, dozens of people could be paying postage over and over to send that item around the country.
It might be a neat idea for the big Meet-Up. Everyone could get one ticket for each item donated, and then get to pick an item for every ticket they have. I have seen that type of thing done for kid's sporting equipment before. Worked like a charm!


Loving it. You get to see items that way too.
That is a great idea

Here's a link to the post office that gives prices for box sizes. Postage Price Calculator You have to give a zip code to get the exact amount, but you can get an estimate. If I were to mail a 2 foot square 5 pound box from my zip code to my zip code, it would be $31.00, not priority. What am I doing wrong?

Gypsy & Me -- I think you are asking VERY logical questions in a very nice manner. Nothing rude at all! Admin did ask some questions, and since no one answered, it did sort of look like their questions got overlooked.

All -- I see this as a very cute idea that would work nicely if it was just for clothes or just for toys or just for items with a similar value and all of our pets were the same size. I think it will be very difficult to manage. I think the potential to be stuck with a high postage fee and only get a box filled with nothing a person can use is very high!

If people really just want to get rid of things, watch how fast low priced or free items move on the Yorkie Products for Sale Forum. If it is the "treasure chest" idea....well I think there will be a few that wind up with a treasure and a bunch that don't. Maybe I am being pessimistic. I was really thinking about doing it at the beginning because it was a cute original idea, then I thought of options (just as Admin mentioned in one of their posts), but, the more I think it through, I think I have decided to stick with the already sanctioned Gift Exchange and Sale Forums.

Wabbit -- But if the project goes forward, I hope everyone winds up with a "treasure" and we have lots of happy Yorkies with their rehomed items! See, even if people ask questions, even if they decide not to participate, they can still hope for the best for those that do. No reason to "hop" all over anyone for having natural questions about a project that is just in the idea formation stage.

Nancy, I'm messing around on the postal service website too. Mailing a 5lb box from Manhattan, KS to Rush Center, KS (180 miles), I'm getting these results:

Priority Large(12"x12"x6")flat rate box- $13.95
Priority Regular(11"x8.5"x5.5") flat rate box- $10.35

USPS has two Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes (the boxes are FREE) for $9.85 anywhere in the United States. The packages can weigh up to 70 lbs. One measures 14" x 12" x 3 1/2" and the other measures 11" x 8 1/2" x 5 1/2". There is a 20 lb. weight limit for international use -- I'm not sure if it means that the Flat Rate of $9.85 applies or not.

I would like to see the questions that have been posed regarding the "what if's" answered. I understand that this is the planning phase, but generally the planning phase is where questions are asked and answered. I think that Vicky (Gypsy and Me) brought up some very valid points. I am an "old timer" around here and have participated in at least 7 or 8 gift exchanges and have been involved in some of the "replacement" boxes that had to be sent because members failed to meet their obligations. It hasn't happened that many times, but even once is one time too many. Feelings were hurt and members were banned.

Having all of the questions answered openly and having a contingency plan in place with the blessing of Admin would be necessary in order to head off problems.

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
FlDebra, that was a wonderful post!

Ok, maybe the size makes a difference. I was putting in a 2 foot square box, 24inches by 24 inches by 24 inches. I was thinking of a bigger treasure chest. :D I guess it's the pirate in me.

Sounds like USPS one rate the way to go, wish I'd know about that before.

I appreciate your thoughtful response and understand your reasons for preferring the Treasure Chest idea over the sales forums. I do think you have a creative mind and hope the best for your idea.

Instead of a whole separate forum for large free items, why not just offer them on the regular For Sale Forum for postage only.

The flat rate packages most are talking about are Priority. Many times Priority is nearly as cheap or cheaper than regular, especially if you have anything heavy going in to the flat rate boxes. But if the box is light, regular Priority postage is almost always cheaper than the Flat Rate box. I usually weigh and decide which way is best.

You really do have to play devil's advocate when planning a project like this. Most people who think of these ideas are good hearted folks who would never short change another. But, keep in mind that there will be some who just don't get the Golden Rule. There have been people who get a gift in the Gift Exchange here and never send one -- that is why only those who have donated can participate. That way if someone does stiff another, Admin can go cover it. There have also been a few (just a few) cases where someone sends a gift with an obvious lack of quality, cost, and thought. There are more that overspend like crazy and put their hearts into it. But the negative does happen, and it is normal for someone to raise those questions. You do have to think of all the "what ifs" whether they seem likely or we would ever stoop that low or not.

I think you are approaching this in a good way. Asking for input, looking at putting a list of rules into effect, and remaining flexible. I wish you well on your "Treasure Chest" project. It may work so well, that we all beg to sign on eventually! :)

I think it sounds like a great idea! Gucci has a lot of things he doesn't use any longer... or just doesn't really care for.

We'd do it!!

I should take this as my sign to get off of the computer and go to bed. :rolleyes: I noticed in your first post that you entered the 2'x2'x2' dimensions but I didn't have that option on my screen so I just went on and didn't think twice. Silly me, I guess 24"x24" is bigger than 12"x12" so I should of used the 'large package' tab. lol

After entering things correctly, a 2 foot square box weighing 5 lbs would cost $45.00 to travel 180 miles in Kansas.

The way to save money is definitely going to be by limiting the size and keeping everything in a large flat rate box.

I didn't realize I was "hopping" all over anyone....

but I can't answer ALL the questions.....so that's where other's "input" really does help...

Obviously we don't want anyone hurt or make them feel this was a waste of money......

And some very good pts have been made about sex/clothing size etc...and it will take awhile to figure out all the details....


If anyone feels that I have behaved RUDELY...then I apologize...that wasn't my intent....

I did feel some comments seemed hostile.....

It seems like everything I try to get involved with..on yt...is turning into a huge mistake...

Good luck to all....and to the GUGE if it happens...

Perhaps it is time to regroup and start looking at the questions that are being asked as genuine need to know..... and not someone trying to discredit what you are doing.

I understand you might not have all the answers - yet - but perhaps if you started a "list of questions" and put together a panel of members to come up with viable solutions, then the tone of this thread would remain positive.

I have been involved in a couple of really neat programs (not YT) that required individuals to be honest and continue the fun. It became problematic when one individual did not follow the rules - perhaps they didn't understand or perhaps they didn't care, the results were the same. People were disappointed because there wasn't a contengency plan in place with someone to continue the process. If this happened with your idea, then not only do YT members get hurt, but YT's reputation is hurt as well.

Very well said....You will need to direct all questions to QUICKSILVER this has been her "baby"...I was just trying to support it...

I"m out...but hope it works out.....it is a great idea.

These ARE good questions, and I have been thinking about them!

All feedback is good. I'm a computer programmer, and when you are building new things, you need people who are enthusiastic and build on the idea, and you need people who think "defensively" about potential problems.

Wabbit is right that this IS in the talking stages and might not even happen. It seems pretty workable, so I'm hopeful, but it's not like it will be in place tomorrow. :D

The first person will only put things IN the box. However, they will receive it when the last person in the chain sends it on, AND if we have multiple chains, they may be in line on another chain!

I hope that the primary idea behind this is generosity, not the idea of being fairly compensated. I think when people take stuff out of the box, it would be nice to take pictures of their dogs using it. So the main joy will be that you can see your stuff making another dog across the country happy. If you happen to find stuff in the box you like, great.

Just like with Gift Exchange, you might spend $100 and weeks shopping for your SB, while the person who has you takes 2 days to shop and spends the minimum $20. Similarly, someone who just got a new dog might need a bunch of things, so they might take many things out of the box, but put just a few in. We need givers AND takers. I think this would be things for YOUR yorkies, or MAYBE a friends yorkie, but it would be poor form to take something and sell it.

I think the rules would be you always have to put at least one thing in the box (and post what it is), and you can take as much out of the box as you want, as long as there are, say, five items left.

I think if there's nothing you like in the box, you put your stuff in and send it along. Hopefully on the next round, you'll get something special! If you aren't happy, you can drop out, no hard feelings.

Once I've verified the shipping will work, I will send a proposal to admin about how I see it working. I have thought about different issues, like what if someone doesn't send the box along, or people take longer than allowed to send it on or whatever. At that point, hopefully admin can vet the idea further and we can set it up. Or admin might decide it won't work for one reason or another, no harm done.

Also, while we can't assume that a GUGE will be the same way, it IS a really encouraging sign that everyone has gotten a gift in 15 GEs(!) and it's actually a good sign that the gifts have gotten very lavish, because it shows that people are giving a little more than they expect to get each time. If people were joining GEs just to get stuff, you'd see it go in the opposite direction, with gifts getting cheaper and cheaper. It says a lot about the community that such basic GE rules have gotten such a great response.

So if the requirements are a little stricter here in terms of time spent on the boards and posts, I think it's likely that the same spirit of generosity would shine through.

All the questions are very valid ...I'm don't know how but maybe we could make it a virtual treasure chest then the only shipping would be for an item you want and whoever gets it could be responsible for the postage...again though not sure how it would work but maybe someone else has an idea
:)

That would be totally cool -- if the pics could be listed in a common photo album like Photobucket and when it's your turn you go shopping and pick out what you want, add photos of the items you are going to contribute and the person who owns the items that were chosen could ship. Neat twist..... Just think of the suspense, longiing, gazing and even some good hearted "lusting" over the items that were in the Treasure Chest... Everyone could participate and the turnaround would be quicker. There could be Treasure Seekers every few days rather than every few weeks AND the concept that QuickSilver came up with is still in place.

I think that's a great idea for larger items like carriers. I'm attached to the idea of a treasure box, particularly for clothes, because I know a big reason I have lots of "extras" for Thor is that stuff I ordered online didn't fit quite right, or Thor didn't like wearing it. So I think it would be nice to actually get the clothes and rummage. :)

I was just talking with Mercury..(quicksilver)....here's another idea....she wanted me to share....(yah I know I said I was out...but I really love this idea...and I'm going to stay...positive and all)

The ones that receive the box should be REQUIRED to post pictures of what they TAKE and what they ADD....that way....it will feel like things are being kept track of....and everyone will see what has been put into the box...

I just think that would give us pics...of the recipients with their items....and the ones that donated them would LOVE that......and then others can see what was put into the box.....

I like the "virtual treasurebox idea too".....maybe that could be used for LARGE items....like purse carriers....things like that...I have 3-4 of those myself that I don't use...maybe someone else could really use them...

One question...who is paying for shipping? The ones that have the item or the one that wants it?
And how will that be managed....will they send money...or did I get the concept wrong?

Not to mention the fact that my girls LOVE getting gifts...boxes...whatever...and I really think that all those that can't afford to join the GE would really like to get a box their way...and get something that doesn't cost them a fortune...and share with others too.....I'm attatched to this idea too Merc!

With a Virtual Treasure Chest, the person who possesses the item would pay the shipping costs. Assuming that each member would contribute similar items to the Treasure Chest they were shopping from then if everyone paid the shipping when their item was selected, eventually it would even out. If someone was getting slammed with having to ship, that would mean that you should shop for their stuff 'cause it must be good! :lol tears.

You would only contribute those items you feel comfortable shipping and in return you would get to shop for items of similar value.

yah I can see how that might be fun for larger items....but I wouldn't wanna put alot of small things in it...cuz if alot of different people wanted one or two items then it could end up costing alot! lol

I was one. And I think some need to relax if they do not share other's opinions. Geesh, drama.

If I may make a suggestion... let's try to have comments only on about the subject at hand, the GUGE. Let's assume that any hard words were the result of misunderstandings and move on. Again, I welcome all feedback, because if we do this, it's good to think it through as much as possible before we start.

Dont say "some" ...just say "WABBIT"..if you must continue the drama...

this subject is open for all suggestions....questions...concerns...etc..regardi ng the Gently used GE....

I'm not going to get caught up in anymore "confrontational" posts with you gals....

Do you have something meaningful to contribute Breeze? Are you interested in the Guge? Do you have some suggestions...??
Or are you simply here to call me out...in this thread too? I'm just curious...

Because we'd really like this to STAY positive...I already said my peace earlier....and apologized to whoever got offended...but I don't remember you in that discussion....

Oops, I just realized that I missed like two pages of posts!

Thanks, everyone, for checking out the shipping charges. It sounds like a smaller box is the way to go. I must admit I think like a pirate too - I want the box to be big!

I feel like I've shipped large things for less than $20, but I usually use UPS, not USPS. I'm going to try to put a test treasure box together and check the weight.