Subeta Food Swap!

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Subeta Food Swap!

#1 :: January 4th, 2012 @ 9:37 PM

Tongue Wagger

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Hello Subetans! Let me welcome you to the first annual Subeta run food swap! After missing out on a food swap in another board, I have been craving to get in on one! The easiest solution was to make and manage my own, and Subeta is the perfect place to host this kind of event.

Sign up Deadline: March 1st

Send By Deadline: April 1st

How do I join?

To join send me an Smail requesting to get your name put onto our members list. Also include if you're "international" or "in country only" shipping. If you choose the second option, then you MUST supply me with your country name. Take the time to review the FAQ and rules, make sure you can really commit to the project both financially and time-wise. This is a fun event but don't just grab any ol' thing in the grocery store to ship off, give it some real thought.
I request that when you sign up you include your state/providence and country (nothing more!) for the list. This will prevent me from assigning (for example) two Californians together.
I also suggest you join our ping group by clicking HERE! The group will be pinged for updates on rules, deadlines, and other event-related material.

F.A.Q.

What is a food swap?
Essentially, it is its title! You make up a package of local staples and personal favorites of food/snacks and package them up. You'll get matched with a partner. The two of you will exchange your packages via mail.

How does it work?
Sign up by the deadline and shop using the guideline above and helpful guide below. At the sign up deadline I will assign partners using Elfster randomizer. I will post the paired partners and ping the food swap group. At this time it is up to you, the members, to contact your partner privately to swap address' in enough time to mail them on the send deadline date.
ALLERGIES: When you are partnered up, remember to let them know if you have anything you can not eat.
Packages are to be shipped by the send deadline, not arrived. Give shipping its appropriate time to work.

"International" or "in country" shipping?
If you'd like to ship internationally, chose the "international" option. If you're only willing to ship within your own country (US to US, UK to UK, etc.) due to shipping prices or otherwise, chose "in country" shipping.

How Much is Shipping?
It varies from location to location but USPS provides a handy shipping calculator right here! Most members on the list have chosen to provide a state/providence for us. Here is a zip code finder list and this will help you get a general idea of shipping costs within your own country or outside of. For the zip code finder, it needs a city. Just try using the capital, this will get you the general idea of the cost but not an exact.

How do I know what is legal to send?
If you live in the US, call the CBP (1-877-227-5511) and press 3 for information about this. It's an automated list and it's quite long but worth a listen. At the end is two numbers to call if you're still unsure about foods. For other countries I am not sure so. I would suggest calling the USPS or other shipping service and saying you need to know shipping customs in your country and they'll send you to the right place. : )
Plumeriamilk has given me a wonderful list about sending to the USA in English! Click here!

Can I send a non-food item?
This is a food swap but it's about getting fun, neat things from other countries or states. As long as it isn't prejudice and opinionated (IE: about religion, sexuality, etc.) Then it should be fine to include a fun little thing. It will probably make your partner smile or laugh and will be appreciated. Of course, it is to be sent with food items, of course.
Recipes are a great food related thing to send!

What if I get ripped off?
There is nothing I or Subeta can do for this. This is a fun event and I would hope no one would take advantage but can do nothing to assure it. This is a faith run system and I have yet to see it be abused.

Do I have to post my address/personal info?
Yes and no. You are more than welcome to let your partner sign your Subeta UN/other nickname to the package if that makes you more comfortable. You will, however, have to share your address with your partner. This can be done over SMail in complete privacy.
Please know that names are kept on record at the office/on your mailbox for delivery and sometimes a package can be refused for not being on the name list. Generally, though, only last names are kept on record. If you'd prefer to use your UN as a first name with your last name or just use your last name that would be fine. : )

Can I get paired up with [insert name]?
Sorry, but no. It ruins the point and FUN of the event to get paired up with someone you know/are friends with. I'm using a randomizer to assign everyone. The only changes after that will be if two same locations got paired together.

What if we have an odd number?
I will prepare a second package to swap with two people. Everyone will get a swap partner, don't worry. : )

I joined but since then my financial situation has changed, what do I do?
Send me an Smail to remove your name from our list. Please try to give the swap two weeks notice for this kind of event.
Note: If the shipping is what's getting you, feel free to switch to in country shipping for a cheaper price.

Rules

1. Must be 18 (eighteen) or older to enter. I apologize to our younger Subeta users who may have held interest. This is more of a liability thing.

2. Be considerate, please don't be the person to ruin this game for everyone. As previously stated, this is a faith based system and taking advantage of that would ruin it for the rest of us. Along with simply not sending anything, I ask you not to be stingy. It would be very disheartening to really work on a package and get one with uninspired items picked up at the grocery store or one with just two items inside.

3. The rules are subject to change at any time as I see fit. As this event progress' and grows, I may need to change and add to these rules. I hold the right to do so.

4. Must spend a minimum of 25$ USD dollar or other currency equivalent. No one wants to be ripped off and I find anything less just won't get you very far.

This is NOT a rule, but I'm putting it here so everyone will read it. I HIGHLY suggest getting a tracking number on your package. It only costs a few cents extra and gives one a great sense of peace of mind. This, however, is NOT a rule and you are NOT obligated to do so.

Helpful Guide

DO send: local staples, items only available near/in your area, snacks and/or treats you enjoy (even if they aren't particularly location based,) fun or funky foods, things you think others wouldn't have tried before, homemade goodies.

DON'T send: Perishable foods that would go bad in the shipping time you selected, anything against shipping laws and regulations, thoughtless gifts, something your partner has said they are allergic to/can't eat.

Other Helpful Hints!

Try checking your local dollar store for shipping supplies. One can usually acquire a box for free just checking their house, asking friends, or storage units/grocery stores. Shipping grade brown paper is available by the roll for 1$ in my local dollar store, along with 1$ for two rolls of tape. : ) Peanuts are also their if you're sending anything that needs to be handled gently! Remember, write "fragile" on your package if it had glass inside and you want it to be handled tendered. Though, try to also package it safely, as the "fragile" stamp can only help you so much.

International Members
- Arizona, USA
- New Hampshire, USA
User not found (1): Alania - Texas, USA
- Massachusetts, USA
- Delaware, USA
- Northrhine-Westfalia, Germany
- North Carolina, USA
- France, Europe
- Michigan, USA
- Queensland, Australia
- Pennsylvania, USA
- Nebraska, USA
- New Jersey, USA
- Maryland, USA
- Idaho, USA

In Country
North Carolina, USA
User not found (1): Aicha - New York, USA
- Texas, USA
- Illinois, USA

Last Edit by: shippo162 3/03/12 - 10:57:04 pm

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#2 :: January 4th, 2012 @ 9:58 PM

is a Mirage

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@shippo162
What a great idea! I was thinking the same idea for send out dates. April 1st would be a great send out date, considering two months is plenty of time to gather stuff. Should there be a spending limit on this?

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#3 :: January 4th, 2012 @ 10:04 PM

The Plushie Collector

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This would be lot's of fun. Sign me up. I'd like to an International exchange. I'm from Delaware, US.

My thoughts on spending: maybe talk it over with your partner about how much you want to spend and agree on a total to spend.

Last Edit by: Margarita 1/04/12 - 10:16:32 pm

#4 :: January 4th, 2012 @ 11:21 PM

is a Sun-Worshipper

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Ah what the hey, it's been a while since I've done a swap. I'll toss you an Smail with my info~

#5 :: January 4th, 2012 @ 11:24 PM

Has a Massive Family

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THanks for the ping, I had completely forgotten about this. Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to join due to lack of funds, lol. I wish everyone a great time though! Perhaps if you do this next year I will be able to join

#6 :: January 4th, 2012 @ 11:28 PM

is a DANCING QUEEN

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I hope we get more sign ups..... I am looking forward to it......... whom ever i get is gonna get some goodies from our Farmer's Market

As for a deadline goes....... maybe send them out March 1st??? That way we might out more sign ups, and it might be easier for people to save?

Last Edit by: User not found (1): Alania 1/04/12 - 11:31:51 pm

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#7 :: January 5th, 2012 @ 12:15 AM

is a Sun-Worshipper

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@shippo162 This sounds like it would be a fun thing to do! I would like to try international as long as the shipping isn't too expensive! If it is, then I'll stick with someone from the US. Do you think you could post an estimate on the board, just to be sure? And April 1st sounds like a good deadline.

Also one of the things I suggest you should mention on the rules about food allergies. If you or your partner have food allergies it, needs to be addressed. The person will have to check ingredients carefully to make sure doesn't contain something your partner is allergic to. The bold print on the back of packages aren't always reliable, especially if its uncommon food based allergies. I have certain food allergies , so that's why I brought it up. I'll ping my groups :#laurs #lbe They might be interested!

Last Edit by: User not found (1): EnvysLoveSlave 1/05/12 - 1:41:35 am

#8 :: January 5th, 2012 @ 12:46 AM

is a Sun-Worshipper

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What what what ? How do I sign up then ?

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#9 :: January 5th, 2012 @ 5:26 AM

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sign me up please

I'd like International exchange, and I'm from Germany /Europe.

@EnvysLoveSlave thanks for the ping!

#10 :: January 5th, 2012 @ 7:18 AM

is fashionable

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@ Hihi I'm an ASP member - sorry I thought I /had/ signed up before.
I'll send you a smail now - I'd prefer a date on or after March 15 so I have the most money to spend :C

#11 :: January 5th, 2012 @ 8:48 AM

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@shippo162
Thank you, so much!! I am very excited about this. An April deadline sounds awesome (provided you keep bugging and pinging us, because I'm quite forgetful!)

@Michaeleen might be interested in this

#12 :: January 5th, 2012 @ 10:05 AM

is ZOMBIE LONG TIME

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@ im having the worst problem deciding. i live in noware Mi. we shop in walmart. i can't think of anything that walmart has that reginal or quant. lol

#13 :: January 5th, 2012 @ 12:32 PM

Tongue Wagger

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In my last board that was mentioned and I said I wasn't sure. I don't like restricting people.. Maybe a minimum? Then if you want to go over feel free, but at least you know a mild value of what you're getting back? : ) I can add this to our discussion section. How does 20 USD sound?

@

Please sign up properly. I'm being a real stickler for this, it's sort of my "prove you read the rules" thing. People are going to be sinking real money into this project and I just want to take a precaution like that. Sorry. : )

I do and don't like that idea. I think perhaps posting a suggested minimum would be better. This would stop someone from feeling obligation to spend more than they could really afford if their partner says they're willing to pay fifty dollars on product or something. THe price will also not include shipping. : )

@

Shucks, that's okay! Thanks for the reply. : ) If you join the ping group, it'll pull you to next years board when I call it or you can just keep an eye out as it will be pinged a few times this year, too.

@alania

Me too! : D I am thinking more along the lines of April 1st for send off simply because this board had slowed so much. It's picking up again, though! /fingers crossed. x3

@envysloveslave

Ah, good idea. I'll post the USPS shipping calculator and how to properly use it. It isn't perfect but it will help people decide weither they can afford international or not, or what they can afford to ship in general.

I hadn't thought about allergies! Since I was planning to partner everyone up late in the game it wouldn't allow that. I think I will partner everyone up after the sign up date so they have time to get address' and allergy information. : ) And I will add it to our list!

@

Via Smail, it's under the bolded section that says "How Do I Join?" :'D Sorry, I'm a stickler for this for a reason.

@

Please sign up properly. Sorry, but like I told the others this rule is important to me. It proves you read the rules and with a project that requires real life money, time, and energy like this I am just assuring all our members can handle such a responsibility.

@aicha

That's alright! c: I'm glad my double ping was more helpful than annoying!

I love getting input! With allergies suddenly brought up, I'm thinking of assigning partners in March and letting everyone send in April. How does that sound for you? : )

@

Haha. xD I can do that! Join the ping group, it'll really help. That way I can ping one group to say stuff like "deadlines! Deadlines!" xD

@

Noware? >3< I feel like this is a joke as my brain reads it "nowhere" xDD

I'm sure if you did a little online searching you could find a farmers market or some neat staples. You could also search online for anything special in your area as far as food goes. : )

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#14 :: January 5th, 2012 @ 12:36 PM

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@Aturnia
You don't have any little country stores? Maybe? That sell homemade goodies?

@shippo162
Food allergies and stuff -- right! Dunno if it's relevant, but I'm a vegetarian.

Last Edit by: Evolution 1/05/12 - 12:37:12 pm

#15 :: January 5th, 2012 @ 1:02 PM

Tongue Wagger

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I would say that could be a problem.. But most meat items don't send well, anyways. x__x Jerky or other items, however, might be. You could always let your partner know when you get assigned to them. This could make their job difficult, though, as lots of jams, desserts, and candies are made with gelatin.

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#16 :: January 5th, 2012 @ 1:10 PM

Is Melody's Little Helper

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I am interested! Thanks for the ping~

@
I have a similar problem as I live in the middle of nowhere and can't think of anything REALLY special. But I'm going to join the ping group anyways and once the deadline gets closer I will decide if I want to join or not

I like this idea!

#17 :: January 5th, 2012 @ 1:52 PM

is fashionable

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@ That would be fantastic. I could go international if needed as well at that time.

#18 :: January 5th, 2012 @ 2:22 PM

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This is a wonderful idea! I'm excited, haha

#19 :: January 5th, 2012 @ 3:30 PM

Tongue Wagger

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That's great! Homemade stuff that won't go bad is always good and if there's any kind of farmers market or something near you that would also be interesting. : ) It doesn't always have to be special, just things you love and think others might enjoy. Sometimes certain chips or candies are local even if you think they aren't. like horseradish Pringles. x__x My aunt brought them home and I'd never seen them before.

Still, that gives you plenty of time to think it over and keep your eyes peeled for interesting food. : )

@aicha

Good. : ) I'll wait a bit longer before posting the actual dates just incase.

@

Thanks for joining! I am also looking forward to this so much! : DD

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#20 :: January 5th, 2012 @ 3:43 PM

is a DANCING QUEEN

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@ ooooohhhhhhh it has picked up

yay! I now April 1st would work really well for me personally

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#21 :: January 5th, 2012 @ 3:46 PM

Tongue Wagger

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@alania

Awesome. : ) I am going to hold off just a bit longer before posting the date. Still I'm getting so excited! >3< I am hoping to get more out of the USA members, though.

I see quite a few people in the ping group who haven't joined. I am going to ping the group in the future to to remind everyone of the dates, though. o3o

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#22 :: January 5th, 2012 @ 7:16 PM

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I already messaged you but :'D I thought I'd post here as well. I'm extremely excited.
April 1st sounds like an acceptable send-off date. By then I'll know what my financial situation is like, since April is my final month of classes before summer... However, will I need to tell you my financial situation before the send-off date or the sign-up date?

I have to commend you for this wonderful idea x] it sounds like a lot of fun! I just hope everyone here on Subeta keeps it fun for everyone else... But I have extreme faith in our community.

#23 :: January 5th, 2012 @ 8:35 PM

Tongue Wagger

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That's okay! I am also super excited! Today while I was grocery shopping I was bouncing about excitedly thinking about this. x3

I'd like everyone to know by the sign up date since I'll be pairing people up at that point so everyone can shop around their partners allergies/other needs. (After all, it would suck to get some homemade jam and be allergic to it.) That, and if I have to re-partner it would possibly require me shopping for an extra person (if it makes it an odd number) or having me end up doing too much shopping (if it makes it even.)

However, if you think you can and wind up really not being able to just say so within two weeks before the send off.

Thank you! o3o Me, too. I am so excited for this reason. <3

#foodswap

I've decided to finally set the sign up and send by dates. : ) This is your final chance to protest to these dates.
Also, keep trying to get people interested! I'm hoping to get at least one more person. Staying and chatting keeps this board on the front page which also helps. : )

A few of you in the ping group haven't actually signed up for the swap. I know a few of you joined to keep an eye on the group until closer to the deadline to decide how you are financially, but if you are not one of those people and you haven't sent me an Smail then you should check the list for your name.

Last Edit by: shippo162 1/11/12 - 2:51:31 pm

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#24 :: January 11th, 2012 @ 3:07 PM

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Thanks for the update! Hopefully we can find some more people to get involved! I should know what my financial situation is like before the end of March. :]

#25 :: January 11th, 2012 @ 3:13 PM

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@shippo162
yes, thanks for the update! I'd love to keep chatting and keep this bumped up to get people interested.

#26 :: January 11th, 2012 @ 3:17 PM

Tongue Wagger

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That's great! : )

@

Also great! >3<

I figured 12 people is a good amount for our first year, but if we can gain more interest then we should definitely try!

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#27 :: January 11th, 2012 @ 3:22 PM

is a Sun-Worshipper

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the dates sound good to me!

and I've already been plotting about what to send~

#28 :: January 11th, 2012 @ 6:03 PM

is ZOMBIE LONG TIME

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i feel for the person who gets me. i hope they like fudge or icecream becouse aparently we are famous in our neck of the woods for our homemade stuff!

#29 :: January 11th, 2012 @ 6:30 PM

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@ Didnt know if you knew but Aicha has been frozen, thought you might want to take them off of the list

#30 :: January 11th, 2012 @ 7:48 PM

The Plushie Collector

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The deadline dates are fine with me

#31 :: January 11th, 2012 @ 9:12 PM

Tongue Wagger

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Me too >:3 Fufufu. Just hope no one is allergic to it. xD

@

Mm. I just hope it doesn't melt too badly. xD

@

Great. : )

@upbeat

Dang. O__O I guess I'll have to.

What a bummer. :c

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#32 :: January 11th, 2012 @ 9:34 PM

is a Sun-Worshipper

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Maybe it would be a good idea to include a 'Food Allergies' thing for when you sign up? Just in case : <
People who have already signed up could always send the additional information.

I wouldn't want to give anyone something they couldn't have.

#33 :: January 11th, 2012 @ 9:46 PM

Tongue Wagger

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That would probably have been a good idea. I think I put a note in there about partners sharing that information on the sign up deadline, though. Since it would be crazy to shop around everyone's allergies and no one is being partnered until then. : )

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#34 :: January 12th, 2012 @ 5:11 PM

is ZOMBIE LONG TIME

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@ shes back and unfroze
Wow, how lucky. You stumbled on a Raffle Ticket while making this post!

Last Edit by: Aturnia 1/12/12 - 5:12:05 pm

#35 :: January 12th, 2012 @ 9:02 PM

Tongue Wagger

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Oh good! Thank you for letting me know. : )

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#36 :: January 15th, 2012 @ 4:12 AM