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*Farmgirl Barter™:  Swapping/barter subject that needs to be addressed  |
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Fiddlehead Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
4562 Posts
Diane
Waupaca
WI
USA
4562 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 03 2010 : 05:20:55 AM
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I totally agree with Lin. I have had lots of wonderful experiences with my swaps. It just makes me feel good to give a little something of myself. I also love getting my little surprises, even if it is only a note. I have met so many wonderful women through my swaps. The only thing that makes you wonder is when the recipient does not respond that she received it. Mostly because I worry that something is wrong or it was lost in the mail etc...a quick e-mail or a post here is greatly appreciated. I also recommend not doing too many swaps at a time. One or two is a good number. Sometimes life gets in the way of our enthusiasm.
Age only matters if you are wine or cheese.
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922 |
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kittykill
True Blue Farmgirl
608 Posts
Pam
Portland
or
USA
608 Posts |
Posted - Jun 03 2010 : 07:02:32 AM
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Hi everyone-I am really new to the forum but have been swapping on other sites for years. I'm not sure if it's been discussed but here are some ideas I've learned from other swaps. I'm not sure how it could be done here-maybe a few people stepping up as swap moderators to help the process and answer questions so that the swaps guidelines are somewhat the same all the way around. If someone does flake, then they have to sit out for another swap. Are there swap angels in case someone gets flaked on?
I am really looking forward to swapping/bartering here and meeting more people. I'm also a total newbie so I don't want to step on any toes. |
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Lin
True Blue Farmgirl
807 Posts
Lin
Sioux City
IA
USA
807 Posts |
Posted - Jun 03 2010 : 4:30:08 PM
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I agree, Diane, I also worry if someone doesn't acknowledge receipt of a swap. A quick email or post eliminates the worry!! Most of the time it's just been "life got crazy" and we can all relate to that.
Pam, welcome!! I believe the way they do MJF swaps is that whoever initiates the swap is the moderator and they establish and post the guidelines, sign up date, mail date, etc and follow through from beginning to end. If a person doesn't follow through with the swap, contact is attempted and if unsuccessful, a new partner is assigned. Seems to work well. Thanks for you input. I love the swaps and have had a great amount of fun. A few problems occur when negative attitudes arise, but most of the time everyone is appreciative and understanding of "curves in the road". Hugs and Smiles, Lin
"Our beautiful earth is worth saving"!! |
Edited by - Lin on Jun 03 2010 4:32:05 PM |
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kittykill
True Blue Farmgirl
608 Posts
Pam
Portland
or
USA
608 Posts |
Posted - Jun 03 2010 : 5:35:56 PM
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| Thanks for the welcome! I am looking forward to swapping. I think no matter where or what you sometimes run into bad attitudy judy. LOL! |
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Lin
True Blue Farmgirl
807 Posts
Lin
Sioux City
IA
USA
807 Posts |
Posted - Jun 03 2010 : 6:08:39 PM
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I agree, Pam and so good to address it and move forward!! So glad you're joining us!! The gals are awesome! Hugs, Lin
"Our beautiful earth is worth saving"!! |
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girlfriday
True Blue Farmgirl
50 Posts
Jessica
Dallas
TX
USA
50 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2010 : 3:31:51 PM
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I once had an enormously big forum called Punkymoms. It was structured very much like this with a main forum, local chapters, etc. One thing that helped with our swaps and barters...we had certain boards that people could only see after "X" amount of posts. And even then they were a surprise! People hit a few hundred posts and suddenly these new things appeared! This gave us a while to be able to trust them and know that they were in it for the long haul. We never really had another problem with a swap.
Proud Farmgirl Sister #1727! |
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Lin
True Blue Farmgirl
807 Posts
Lin
Sioux City
IA
USA
807 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2010 : 9:23:40 PM
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Hmmmmmmm, that's interesting, Jessica! I just so want this to be the Forum that it was initially set up to be and that is friends, love and kindness. Maybe I'm "on the wrong page" but I still hope that the friendships will continue to blossom and eventually the "attitudes" will tire of "less than perfection" and stop joining swaps. Maybe we will have to do something like you suggested, but maybe by addressing the problems occassionally will smooth out the road again and allow it to "iron itself out". Thanks Jessica.......we'll check back later! Hugs Lin
"Our beautiful earth is worth saving"!! |
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blackantsnpeonys
True Blue Farmgirl
151 Posts
Denise
Hinckley
Illinois
USA
151 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2010 : 10:52:04 AM
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Very Well Said!
quote:
Originally posted by EastTXFarmgirl
I am posting this, not to point fingers or to outcast anyone but rather, hoping that as a group we can find a solution to an ever growing issue. I have been on the forum about a year now and in that year I have participated in many swaps and barters. I must say I have been very pleased with all the transactions I have been involved in. And I hope that the ones I have swapped/bartered with will say the same about me. The issue is that many of you have not been so fortunate. I read over and over where some of you have been left holding the bag. I recently hosted the Christmas Apron Swap and I am still getting emails from many of you stating that you have sent your apron and not heard from your partner since and your emails have gone unanswered. Or that you are getting multiple excuses for not receiving a return. I have read the posting of many ladies that are losing faith in the whole swap/barter system. Farm life was built on bartering. This is not a new concept. I grew up on a farm and remember the neighbors swapping this for that or your time for mine. A shake of the hand or a word was as concrete as any contract. When we sign up for a swap or barter we are giving our word that we will complete that task and expect that our partner will do the same. Unfortunately, there are some signing up that are not following through. Everyone needs to do an internal check prior to joining in a swap or barter. Ask yourself will I be able to complete this task or will my return barter be equal in value to what I am getting? If you see that you will not be able to complete your end there is no shame in saying I think I will have to wait. The shame comes when a partner is left in the dark. I have had to drop out of a swap because of circumstances but I made sure that I informed the group and the hostess. What can we do about this growing issue of inconsiderate actions? I bring this question to all of you.
Begin each morning with a song in your heart.
Appreciate the little things, for they are not really that little. |
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OneCraftyBugger
True Blue Farmgirl
626 Posts
R
USA
626 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2010 : 5:40:10 PM
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I must say I have been left holding the bag quite a bit lately. However, I am not yet ready to give up because I have had some really great swap experiences and I absolutely love the woman I have met through swapping.
Previously I have had my swap item ready when the swap closed and partners where posted. I would send my item out right away and MANY times not receive a swap item in return. What I have learned from this is to: contact my partner, wait for a response, and request my partner notify me when they are ready to ship so that we can ship our items at the same time. Not only does it make the chances of receiving an item better, but I find it to be alot more fun because we both look out for our swap items at the same time. Also, It might be a good idea to have swap alternates, or those who would like two partners could be assigned one to begin with, and then be paired up with someone who never heard from their partner? I also think there is A LOT less accountability when we are not partnered with those we are sending to. With this said, I do not want to insult anyone, I recognize how much work it is to organize and over see one of these swaps; therefore, these are only suggestions and not criticisms.
Oh happy day! Farmgirl sister #1485
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheFeltedGnome
http://bellasaysitsso.blogspot.com/
http://theswappingcrafter.blogspot.com/ |
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Sarahpauline
True Blue Farmgirl
672 Posts
sarah
Ringgold
GA
USA
672 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2010 : 8:19:23 PM
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I havent really participated in swaps, though I did just send a box of scrubs that I promised send someone here nearly a year ago. I wont go into the reasons I didnt get it sent when I was supposed to, and I intended it as a gift, just as I intended to send Claudia some iris bulbs last fall, I didnt get to it, and then it got too late. But I digress...
I think to criticize someones handiwork is hateful. If you are concerned that your skill may be higher than perhaps someone elses may then dont swap, buy something. We are all here because we are trying to learn, I would be terrified to send something I sewed now, and I have been sewing for years.
I think we need to just send things to the organizer with postage enclosed and allow her to distribute the items to the partners. That solves all the problems right from the start. If you didnt send, you dont get. Unless its just a gift.
fat people are harder to kidnap.
www.SarahPauline.com
www.AbraxasBaroque.com
www.whimsyscents.com
www.etsy.com/shop/daltonfabrics |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2010 : 8:32:23 PM
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It is very disheartening when there is so much work and thought put into a swap item and you never get something in return like you are supposed to in a swap. There were 2 recent swaps that this happened to me. Very disappointing to say the least. Especially when I was so looking forward to getting these 2 particular swap items. Both handmade too. So I am a little burned on swaps at the moment. But other than these 2 all the other swaps have been great.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
Edited by - kristin sherrill on Jul 06 2010 8:33:04 PM |
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BusyBeeMary
True Blue Farmgirl
178 Posts
Mary
Nampa
Idaho
178 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2012 : 7:29:06 PM
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Hi Ladies, Im fairly new, have participated in a few swaps and have been very happy to make farmgirl connections.... never ever thought someone would sign up for a swap and not Honor their part of the swap ..... Until the christmas apron swap. I was so sad because I put a lot of work into the apron I made my swap partner and was so looking foward to the same consideration. I still would like to believe that the person did not intentionally RIP ME OFF.... its just a apron. Its just the integrity of the sisterhood and the members that is at stake if this is allowed to continue... without correspondence. at least tell someone you can't do a swap if you can't do it.Its simple.
Id still like to believe that someday somehow Ill get a apron in the mail. It just bummed me out during christmas. the time of giving. I Totally understand things happening.... but to tell someone they sent it, and then never hear a word again or get the item. Really? It is the zero communication that gets frustrating like carol said ....sad.
To Live a Full life one must LOVE MANY THINGS- Vincent Van Gogh
Mary Fitzpatrick
#3232
http//www.Thepurplecrazylady.blogspot.com
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ruthie218
True Blue Farmgirl
1454 Posts
Ruthie Ann
Indiana
USA
1454 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2012 : 7:44:51 PM
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| Im new here and love the swaps. What I have found out that most the farm sisters have followed though. Please if you have me or have had me in a swap or barter and get nothing. Please let me know so I can fix it. I have a note book with all my swaps and barter due out for the month. When go out date is when mailed then wite date and write con. #. This keeps me on top of things. |
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Heather B
True Blue Farmgirl
562 Posts
Heather
Longmont
Colorado
USA
562 Posts |
Posted - Jan 02 2012 : 07:56:39 AM
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Mary, I agree with the communication part. Many times I have swapped and heard not a peep as to if the person got the swap or sent a swap. I know the swap mamas do their best to spell it out but I think we all need to remember communication whether it is good or bad news is important. Sometimes things come up and life gets in the way, we all understand this, but it is much easier for us too understand when someone sends us a short note saying something. Hearing nothing is frustrating.
Ruth Ann, I love your idea of keeping a record sheet/book of swaps and barters with instructions. I see many people doing MANY swaps and can see how things could get lost. Great Idea!
Happy Swapping! 
Heather
http://homesteadincity.blogspot.com/
http://littlehouseonthebumper.blogspot.com/ (My "glamper" page)
"Only your real friends tell you when your face is dirty"
Farm Girl Sister #662 |
Edited by - Heather B on Jan 02 2012 07:57:38 AM |
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tammyc
True Blue Farmgirl
698 Posts
Tammy
Danville
California
USA
698 Posts |
Posted - Jan 02 2012 : 6:37:42 PM
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First of all, kudos to you Virginia for addressing this hot topic. After reading all ten pages, I guess I will jump in and put in my two cents worth! I am a fairly new (4-5 months) member, and have participated in 3 or 4 barters and 4 or 5 swaps to date. I was only burned once on a barter, and have learned my lesson with regard to bartering. My other barters were fabulous!!! All my swaps have been wonderful experiences with the most charming, lovely women ever! I feel like I have made many great friends for life...so I have been more than lucky in my swaps. I have never checked anyone's "background" when I was partnered, and it has all worked out beautifully. Speaking for myself, I am sure that alot of us newbies put in as much if not more effort than some that have been doing this for years. Why would someone sign up for too many swaps...I have no idea...I certainly know what I can and cannot commit to! That said, I am now hosting my first swap (vintage valentine swap). As the swap hostess, I signed up for this with the full intention of making sure everyone gets their vintage valentines. I love vintage cards, and plan on sending one to everyone in my swap...because I want to, certainly not because I expect them in return. I also have a great feeling about everyone who has signed up for my swap, and don't expect any problems. I would NEVER take on this responsibility without knowing that I fully could devote my time and enthusiasm to it. So ladies who joined my swap, I thank you and promise you will not be disappointed! I am also participating in the teacup swap, and have a lovely partner who made contact with me immediately. The gals who have written that they have not received as much as they gave....well that is just plain lack of class and common courtesy. I don't care if I spend $100.00 and get back $10.00, that is not the purpose of the swap...it came from someone's heart! I guess I have always been lucky and received wonderful, generous, heartfelt gifts :) I hope my swap partners feel the same! I also am well aware that what I ship is usually going to cost $10-15. That's just a fact, it's not going to change, and if you can't pay the shipping, don't swap.
I am also not super sympathetic to the whole "life got in the way" situation. All of us have a life, and barring a truly horrific circumstance, I believe everyone can take 5 minutes to shoot off an email! Being a little late is quite different from dropping off the face of the earth, or worse, lying and saying you mailed something when you didn't. I personally don't have a problem with some kind of list or something showing those repeat offenders. If you are not planning on being an offender, you shouldn't worry about a list. This may sound harsh, but to me it's just common courtesy. Plain and simple, if you can't follow through, don't sign up!
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vera-ellen
Farmgirl in Training
41 Posts
Vera-Ellen
new albany
indiana
USA
41 Posts |
Posted - Jan 03 2012 : 8:02:28 PM
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I agree with all that has been said. I have been involved in several other swaps from the internet and have been burned horribly. I didn't take any of it personal, but did want other people who trusted in the person/s to know how they treat 'sisters'. I don't know the answer to that and the 'mother' who has to handle all the sad promises broken should be given an award of some kind.
I do know that there always seems to be one person who burns all her bridges and a lot of people get burned before it is taken to heart that there is an untrustworthy person on the list. AT the time that this happened on a qulting list I was on, a lot of people were hurt, a lot of money was taken and who knows how many other lists or people she did this to. You WANT to trust and believe the people you meet through the internet, but without face-to-face communication and a real 'feeling' through other types of interaction, you just never truly 'know', you can only 'hope' your trust isn't taken for granted and proved to be given to the wrong person. I continue to trust knowing that it may not be recipercated. I hope no one is offended by what I have written or takes any of this personally, as I am new to the swaps on barters on this list and hope whoever has received what I have sent out, are happy with what they have received. I look forward to receiving my swaps and barters and plan to be a good 'sister'. I know how it feels not to be treated that way!
Hugs,
Vera-Ellen sister #1477
luv2handsew |
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longbeachfox
True Blue Farmgirl
322 Posts
Mary
Long Beach
WA
USA
322 Posts |
Posted - Jan 04 2012 : 1:21:51 PM
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It has been interesting to read the posts on this subject. I don't know if this will help you, but I keep a little journal for my trades. I am enclosing a page for you to see. I put what I am trading, the person's name and address and usually what they are looking for (to remind me :>)), when I mail it, I attach the receipt and when I receive the package from the other end, I list what I was sent. At that point, I usually try to send them a thank you via email or mail. You will note the circle on top with the check. That is my indication that all was completed. I can glance through my book quickly to see if I have traded before and if the the trade was completed. Like most of you...I have had some with no checks :>(( I think what disturbs me the most is if they write to you and say they are still working on it, etc. and it never comes. I have to say, however, I did have one person say this, but she kept me posted and did send me the neatest little quilt...very neat. She did, however...keep me posted. I always heard from her. With others, who have not completed, it is usually a case of no communication after the initial trade emails. This is a sticky subject, yet one that needs to be talked about for sure. Hugs, Mary PS...to all of you I have traded with...it really is so much fun!
Farmgirl # 2532
With God...Nothing Is Impossible!
http://foxontherunarts.blogspot.com
www.etsy.com/shop/longbeachfox
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BusyBeeMary
True Blue Farmgirl
178 Posts
Mary
Nampa
Idaho
178 Posts |
Posted - Jan 04 2012 : 8:51:30 PM
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such a great idea, I do track swaps, but not as organized as yours... this is a better system. All I can say, is if another swap occures and I get picked the partner that bailed and did not communicate with me, I will as the swap organizer for a new partner. Love your swap journal idea for sure.
To Live a Full life one must LOVE MANY THINGS- Vincent Van Gogh
Mary Fitzpatrick
#3232
http//www.Thepurplecrazylady.blogspot.com
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beekeepersgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1423 Posts
Luanne
Cresco
PA
USA
1423 Posts |
Posted - Jan 05 2012 : 05:31:27 AM
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For any of you girls that are computer savvy, I set myself up with an Excel spreadsheet with columns for what was bartered for, when it was sent, what I received, name & address of the barter/swap partner, e-mail address, etc. That way it is all on one page and I hilight the completed ones so I can tell at a quick glance what ones are not yet done.
Hope this helps!
Luanne
beekeepersgirl #691
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
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beekeepersgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1423 Posts
Luanne
Cresco
PA
USA
1423 Posts |
Posted - Jul 03 2012 : 12:46:09 PM
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I'm posting again to this forum as a remind for all of us who participate in barters and swaps. I have participated in 6 barters/swaps since January, and have not received the promised items from 3 of them.
Please everyone, if you sign up for a barter or swap and for some reason can't fulfill your commitment, at least take the time to e-mail your swap or barter partner and let them know. It isn't fair to just leave someone hanging that has in all good faith sent their items to you.
I know we all get busy and things happen. I was recently late sending out a swap, but e-mailed my swap partner several times explaining that I was out of state on a family emergency and would send my swap as soon as possible. I sent the swap items as soon as I could and e-mailed my swap partner one last time letting her know it was on its way and asking her to confirm when she received it.
Thanks for letting me vent!
Luanne
beekeepersgirl #691
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
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Simple Living
True Blue Farmgirl
1427 Posts
Joan
Staten Island
NY
USA
1427 Posts |
Posted - Jul 03 2012 : 1:01:13 PM
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Luanne, you had a good reason for being late...don't you dare feel bad! You wouldn't let your farmgirl sister's down on purpose. You are not like that :)
A Friend is Someone who Reaches for your Hand, But Touches your Heart!
Farmgirl #3842 |
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darlenelovesart
True Blue Farmgirl
8066 Posts
darlene
Loleta
California
USA
8066 Posts |
Posted - Jul 03 2012 : 2:33:55 PM
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This sounds really good to me let me know where I can help.
I have been fortunate to have had good swaps and have really enjoyed them and I agree if you have a problem and can't just email the host or the person your swapping with and let them know. I am sure they will work with you...These sisters here are really wonderfully caring sisters, God Bless them all for trying...I misplaced an address of a person I was swapping with so just e mailed the host for the address. At least she knows there was problem and you are trying to fix it.
I love this site and the sisters who are on it. Thank you all.
hugs
darlene
I have learned that to have a good friend is the purest of all God's gifts, for it is a love that has no exchange of payment.
by Frances Farmer |
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Wauka Mountain Mama
True Blue Farmgirl
239 Posts
Fran
Fairburn
Ga
USA
239 Posts |
Posted - Jul 03 2012 : 2:51:20 PM
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Personally, I've never been burned on a swap. I have two ladies I had started a barter with who never sent me their addresses so I couldn't send mine so they just sorta dead-ended. Iam alright with that, people get busy & stuff happens.
The sad truth however is Iam currently super behind on two swaps. I've kept in touch with both parties & they've been understanding but I feel really guilty about it. I've completed both projects as of this weekend but I have absoultly no money to mail them out. I've been having to cover extra summertime daycare for my son, who has PDD/NOS as well as Type 1 Diabeties and his health care needs are the main reason why Iam always behind on swaps which need time to put together. Honestly, I joined this group & the swaps so I could have something for myself & I really needed the distraction, but I have been thinking about giving up the swaps seeing as how I can't meet the deadlines. :(
I can't speak for every member of the forum, but sometimes things just happen & people can't do the things they really want to & in that case thats just as sad as not getting a return on a swap. I've been sewing sence I was two years old, I need to sew, its an issue of comfort as well as fuction, but theres still weeks where I never get to do it. So, I just wanted to say that if anyone ever gets me in a swap just trust in the fact that I will get the item to you as soon as I can. :)
Live simply. So that others may simply live.
http://waukamountainmama.blogspot.com/ |
Edited by - Wauka Mountain Mama on Jul 03 2012 2:53:01 PM |
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darlenelovesart
True Blue Farmgirl
8066 Posts
darlene
Loleta
California
USA
8066 Posts |
Posted - Jul 03 2012 : 6:54:39 PM
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Hi Robin,
I agree that on the SS swaps it would be nice to have a separate thread because sometimes the person doesn't give very much info to be able to know what to get them, so you are hands are tied when you try to get them something.
Last year I was in a swap and my computer did go down for quite awhile so I wasn't able to get all the addresses, I did go to the Library once a week and use their computers but I still missed the email with the addresses but I tried to keep up with sending the swap back everytime I was sent one because the addresses were on the envelopes. I think I missed one because there wasn't a return address on it. so sorry I missed that one...but I really try to get the swap back on time.
darlene
I have learned that to have a good friend is the purest of all God's gifts, for it is a love that has no exchange of payment.
by Frances Farmer |
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gramadinah
True Blue Farmgirl
3557 Posts
Diana
Orofino
ID
USA
3557 Posts |
Posted - Jul 03 2012 : 7:55:10 PM
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I have sent swaps with delivery confirmation so I know that the package got there but never hear from that the person about getting it.I don't think what I have sent has been that bad And I know that things get busy but a quick note on that thread is just good manners. I have gotten away from swaps and tried this one again but will think about them and probably will not sign up for more.
Diana
Farmgirl Sister #273 |
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*Farmgirl Barter™: Swapping/barter subject that needs to be addressed |
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Swapping/barter subject that needs to be addressed
