Very Interesting! Gently Used Gift Exchange

[Wabbit]

[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. [/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!

[Connie]

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.

[FlDebra]

Originally Posted by mimimomo

USPS. The size of that box is pretty big: 13.5L*11.5H*3W & it says for domestic & international use. 2*2*2 would be significantly lower...I think.

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.....

[mimimomo]

Originally Posted by FlDebra

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! LOL! Me & #'s don't mix!

[Jemma]

[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

[Nancy1999]

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?

[FlDebra]

Originally Posted by Gypsy & Me

Donations to YT and then running it from YT would actively involve YT. Would people then hold YT responsible if something goes wrong? Would they ask for compensation/donation back if they if they donated to YT purely to take part but then didn't get something?

What happens if a member receives the box and there is NOTHING in the box that they want, like or need? Do they then just ship it back out again? Do they still add something? Does the box get shipped back to them at some point and HOPEFULLY there will be something in there that they would like? Who pays for the extra shipping costs for that member?

How do you determine it to be fair? Say in the box there is a couple of nice items of clothing and a few cheap toys... someone takes the clothing and adds a couple of other cheap toys in... then the sends the box on, the next person gets some cheap toys maybe adds some nice things but then pays $10 or whatever for maybe something that was worth $5 and "used".

Admin actually responded to this thread... I guess their post was just overlooked...

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.

[juliaw04]

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

[chattiesmom]

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.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by FlDebra

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.

FlDebra, that was a wonderful post!

Originally Posted by juliaw04

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

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. I guess it's the pirate in me.

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

[FlDebra]

Originally Posted by QuickSilver

This is a good point. Here are what I see as the benefits of a treasure box: ........................

.....I'm wondering if we could get a FreeCycle forum for larger items like carriers: people show photos, and if someone wants it, they pay to have it shipped to them.

....I agree we definitely wouldn't do priority mail. I think we would do the slowest shipping rate, 5-9 business days..

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!

[annamalyssa]

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!!

[juliaw04]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

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. 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 should take this as my sign to get off of the computer and go to bed. 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.

[Wabbit]

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...

[chattiesmom]

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.