Blythe♥Swap

Discussion 32 posts |  Only members can post. Join?

About Blythe♥Swap

This is a group for the members of the monthly Blythe swaps to post pictures of their swap packages. Check out our Twitter!

Blythe Swap FAQ

What do I need to do to join this group?
You should join this flickr group, and join the Swap Til You Drop group on BK. In order to participate in these swaps, you should be a member of both groups.

How can I join the swaps?
You can join our Flickr group at anytime. When a new swap is beginning the swap admins(Elizabeth or Anne) will post a thread that will have info about the swap and a link to the sign-up form. We also post to the Swap Group thread on BK. You will have about 4-7days to sign-up and be a part of the swap.

When is the next swap?
We have swaps monthly! Sign-up will close at midnight Pacific time on the 6th of each month, partners will be assigned and handed out via FM on the 7th of each month, and swap items must be mailed out by the first day of the following month. There may be exceptions or changes due to holidays or other big events, but these will be announced.

What happens if I want to join a swap that has already started?
Because of the way that partners are paired up, if you miss a swap sign-up deadline you will have to wait and catch the next swap.

Can I have a partner in the same country as me?
Yes! When you send in your sign-up info just check the box that says you want a partner in the same country. If for some reason one is not available, an admin will contact you and see if you'd still like to swap internationally.

Who comes up with the swap themes?
Usually themes are suggested by the admin according to the closest holiday. There will be a period of time for theme suggestions, and if multiple themes are suggested, there will be a poll to determine the swap theme.

If I'm on the mailing list what will I be emailed?
We do not sell or give your email away. It will be used only to inform you of upcoming swaps and your partner info.

How can I get my email on the mailing list?
There will be a spot on each swap sign-up sheet to add your e-mail address if you'd like to be on the mailing list. If you're not in a current swap but would like to be added to the list, feel free to FM a group administrator.

Do I have to buy everything that I send?
No. You can send new handmade items as well. It is not a good idea to send used items, though this can be handled between partners if the items are in like-new condition.

What should I send to my partner?
You should send items that fit in with the theme of the swap and with your partner's taste. The items should be about 90% Blythe related, the other 10% could be a little something for your partner. You should be sending at least one Blythe (full) outfit or dress.

Examples of good things to send: a dress or other clothing for Blythe handmade by you or someone else, accessories for Blythe, cute decorative stickers, candy, a photograph of Blythe (print or Polaroid) that you took, Re-ment, Sugarmag, etc.

Examples of things you should not send: worn or torn clothing you want to get rid of, clothing that does not fit Blythe, something pornographic in nature, a print or photograph of a Blythe that was not taken by you, sundries for dolls not in 1/6 scale, perishable food items, etc.

What is the dollar value that I should send?
Most swaps have a suggested value of $20. If you want to go higher or lower then this should be discussed between partners. Whatever you and your partner agree upon will be the value of the swap.

If I am sending home-made items how do I figure out the value?
The value of what you are sending should be market value. For example, if you were sending a homemade hat, the value of the hat is how much you would sell it for.

What do I do if I signed up for a swap and now I have to drop out?
Please let a swap admin know ASAP. If you have already been given a partner then we will try to work out a solution between you and your partner. Most likely your partner will be assigned to a swap angel.

What happens if I don't get a package/my partner flakes on me?
We hope that this doesn't happen, but if it does, let the Admins know and you will be assigned to a swap angel.

What is a swap angel?
Occasionally when a swap is going on, a swap participant just drops out of contact and doesn't send their swap partner anything. A Swap Angel is someone who steps up to volunteer to make or get something for the person who got flaked on. Usually this person doesn't get anything in return so they are called a swap angel.

How can I become a Swap Angel?
When you sign up for a swap there will be a box to check to sign up. You are only committing to be a swap angel for that swap, though you can sign up later to be an angel for other swaps as well.

What do I do when I get my package?
First you should send a thank-you to your partner. There should be a thread in the discussion area asking if you've received your package, you can post here. Finally take pictures of your goodies and post them in the group pool.

Should I do anything after I've sent my package?
Yes, Let the admin and your partner know, and be sure to send your DC number to the swap administrator if you're swapping U.S. to U.S.

How do you know that I sent my package?
For packages sent within the U.S., you must use "delivery confirmation" (DC#) or package tracking of some sort when you mail your package. Send the tracking number to the Swap Admins so that they can record it. The DC number is your proof that you actually mailed your package. If your package is lost in the mail or your partner disappears without reporting that they received, you won't be banned if you provided a valid DC to the admins. The DC number is for your protection!

If you are mailing to another country, you are not required to purchase a tracking number. However, you must keep the receipt you get for shipping the item. The receipt should have information about where the package is going. Be prepared to scan this receipt and send it to the swap admins if your package doesn't arrive. This is for your own protection!

I sent my partner a lot of things, but I only received things lower in value. What should I do?
If you see a very notable difference in what you received then please talk to the swap admins. They will help you to work out the problem so that everyone is happy. It may just be a misunderstanding.

The Nitty Gritty
* We will be screening everyone just to make sure that you have some Blythe related pictures in your flickr photostream or some posts on BK. This is to help ensure that we don't have any potential flakers, as its so unfair when someone puts together a lovely swap package and gets nothing in return. If you are new to the Blythe world, please contact one of us and just let us know that maybe you haven't received your first Blythe, your camera is broken, you're shy on the forum or whatever. We'll probably make an exception.

* If you flake, you're done. No exceptions. If you send a bunch of unrelated stuff or clearly used stuff or just plain junk, you're also probably done. As just mentioned, its not fair to flake on someone who puts together a lovely package, so we're going to stand firm on this one.

* You are allowed one "grace" late send out. You must alert the swap admins and your partner that you will be sending late. After that, if you are late again you will be banned from the swaps. We do understand if something major comes up and you can't send on time and that is why there is a grace period. Habitual lateness is not acceptable. If you have a "warning" due to a late sent out, after three on-time send outs, we will erase the warning.

* A DC# is required for all US-US swap packages. For international packages an receipt must be kept and ready to be scanned if need be.

* If we decide not to let you in the swap for one of the above reasons, we will contact you to let you know why you haven't received a partner.


My question isn't here, what do I do?
Send the swap admins (Elizabeth or Anne) a message. We'll help you out! :D