SWAP FAQ

What's a swap?

An agreed exchange between two people to mail products and goods they
no longer want to the other. Usually the exchange is of products of
comparable price and condition, although these details are usually
worked out between the two "swappers" via email. Occasionally someone
will buy a product to swap for something they want from the other
person, especially if it is not available in the other person's area,
etc. although exchanges such as these are to be worked out between the
exchanging parties.

What items are acceptable for swapping?

Most people trade makeup and skin care items that just didn't work for
them in exchange for items they could possibly use. Brushes and tools
(that have been cleaned and sanitized) are also frequently exchanged,
as are fragrances and makeup cases. Occasionally clothing and fashion
related books are also put up for swap.

Generally speaking, swaps are used but in good condition and the
condition of the items have been clearly stated. As a rule, gently
used items are preferred.  Those used more than that should be
included to even out a swap or swapped for comparable items.

Can I sell my swap items too?

In general, this is rather frowned upon.

Many in alt.fashion consider this distasteful, but others like having
the option to buy an item rather than swap. Generally this practice is
not encouraged, and particularly concerning samples and gift with
purchases that are normally considered "freebies" to you.

If you do decide to attach a price tag to something,
it is important to consider you are selling a *used* item that would
otherwise be of no use to you, so price accordingly. Ideally, to
preserve the the "spirit of swapping", it would be preferred if
attaching a monetary value to an item only be a last resort if there
was no other trade able to be worked out and within the confines of
private email.

One practice that has seen a very negative response is selling entire
lists of products for a given amount, with no option to swap. (ie, "I
will sell everything listed for $100. No swaps please.") The idea of
swap lists is not for financial profit or online "garage sales".


How long is an acceptable amount of time to wait for a swap to arrive?

Longer than two weeks within your own country has generally been
accepted as procrastination on the swapper's part. Allow extra time
for out-of-country transactions.  It might take a month or more to
receive a package ground mail.  It is not unusual to send such
packages air mail to reduce the amount of time significantly. If your
package does not arrive in that amount of time, e-mail the
other swapper to ask if there was a delay in mailing before you report
her/him.

If for any reason you are delayed in sending your swap, it is polite
to inform the other party via email.Expedience is always appreciated,
as is a confirmation (via email) of receipt of the swap.

What is the best way to mail a package within the United States?

USPS has Priority mail for $3 or $4 depending upon size and or weight
-this is usually only pennies more than paarcel post and generally far
quicker.

What is the best way to mail a package going out of my country?

Packages going through customs require special attention.  Be sure and
pack items individually and securely as rough handling is sometimes a
problem.  Also,for faster delivery, air-mail is suggested.. and
insuring is a good idea as well.   Some swappers suggest priority mail
and registering it as well for further security.

For international swaps going outside the United States it is
recommended one use USPS Global Priority Mail. A small air pack to
Europe (10 x 6) $3.75;  to the Pacific Rim $4.95 - not by weight but
by their packaging. ....no trouble fitting 3 nail polishes in the
small pack.  Makes international swapping from the US more appealing.

How do I let people know about my swap list?

Through the swap pages or alt.fashion newsgroup (with mention of "swap
list" in the header of some kind.) There is talk of perhaps starting
an alt.cosmetics.swap group but in the meantime these are the avenues
of advertising items you want to trade.

Can I send my swap list to others privately in email?

Sending unsolicited email lists of swap items to members of
alt.fashion is generally frowned upon. Ask the party if you can send
them lists in this manner. Some like it, others hate it. If you have
swapped previously with a person it is more likely you will get a
favorable response, but it is considered polite to ask first if they
enjoy receiving these lists.


How often may I post my swap list to alt.fashion?

It is considered in poor taste to post the same swap list or revisions
of the same within a seven day period.

My swap never came and the swapper isn't responding to the situation
in email. What do I do?

Don't give up!  Send another letter with a copy to the swap police
restating the swap agreement and your concern that there is no
response to your emails.

Also there is a helpful article to be found at:
http://mikki.beautybuzz.com/tbb0198.html#article2

Who are the swap police?

Susan Gravitz, sgravitz@worldnet.att.net

A very helpful mediator who keeps records on all good
and bad swapper reports.  In the case of a swap no-show, Susan is
there to receive your report and to contact the other party to inform
about possible damage to their record.

What information can I get from the swap police?

You can find out if a potential swapper has a "clean" record of
swapping as well as any comments made about them.   Names are
confidential when reporting good or bad information.

My swap got lost in the mail and now it looks like I'm a bad swapper.
What do I do?

An ounce of prevention might be your answer.  Perhaps in the future
you might insure your package and send it out as a registered so that
your items are trackable (documentation that one mailed off the
package and the other person received it). In the meantime, return the
items you received on your end of the swap.

Where are the swap pages?

Mikki's Swap Page
http://mikki.beautybuzz.com/swap/

http://www.makeupswap.com/

***anyone know of any other swap pages? Please email them to me
at xxxx@mindspringNOSPAM.com and please remove the NOSPAM
before replying. Or just post them here.

Where can I find more information on safe swapping?

A very helpful source is:
http://mikki.beautybuzz.com/swap/safeswap/index.html

Very special thanks and credit to those who contributed their
knowledge to
the writing of this FAQ including
(the NOSPAM is included to keep the spambots from picking up their
addresses
for unsolicited email from being posted in USENET)
katsuy@my-dejanewsNOSPAM.com
jenna@ceiNOSPAM.net
rjudith@javanetNOSPAM.com
anissel@mail1.sas.upennNOSPAM.edu