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Re: LTC tracker hosting
Board: LTC: Trades and Trackers
Reply to: #833029 by FloridaFour
Mar 1, 2014 4:32am
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How ever many you put in there I put back on there. :) then I drop them in a mail box at the post office.
Re: LTC tracker hosting
Board: LTC: Trades and Trackers
Reply to: #833118 by Seattle Bound
Mar 1, 2014 10:58am
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{Hmmm. Kinda dying to know what happened crosscresent}}

There are just different types of trackers for different people. I like laid back trackers. Im simple minded. :)

~cc
Re: LTC tracker hosting
Board: LTC: Trades and Trackers
Reply to: #833033 by BfloAnonChick
Mar 2, 2014 10:24pm
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I had one host send me a nasty message because I used a 4x6 mailer and not a 5x7. There was only 12 cards and they fit fine. Also, for the 4th ounce all you need is a 5 cent stamp. Why do some hosts want an extra 40+ cents!?

I've hosted a few swaps and know how hard it can be to remove stickers and tape 10-15 envelopes. But that's what I agree to when I post the tracker! As the host I'm saving $5 in postage so a few minutes extra work is a fair trade.
Re: LTC tracker hosting
Board: LTC: Trades and Trackers
Reply to: #833471 by RIclimber
Mar 2, 2014 10:53pm
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As I host a swap and someone is short it is on them. It is return to sender anyway, and they can pick up that .40 cents when it returns to them.
I have had a couple people not send any postage at all. I let it slide one or two times but then I will remind themafter the third time to send postage.
My biggest pet peave with envelopes is the tape happy people who over tape and make it difficult to open the envelope!
Re: LTC tracker hosting
Board: LTC: Trades and Trackers
Reply to: #833143 by FloridaFour
Mar 3, 2014 6:18am
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oh let me in on the venting...
I was in the logbook swap and my box went "missing." I just have to laugh. It all began with my mistake-- wrong address. all those handmade logbooks -- magic mini fold logbooks! I'm just laughing. I'm over it. Fortunately this was easy to let go of. Don't get me started about people at work! LOL
Re: LTC tracker hosting
Board: LTC: Trades and Trackers
Reply to: #833471 by RIclimber
Mar 3, 2014 6:21am
Thread (disabled) Board
I had one host send me a nasty message because I used a 4x6 mailer and not a 5x7. There was only 12 cards and they fit fine.

As a host, I've always managed to fit all of the return cards in whatever type of mailer people have sent me. People who use small mailers run the risk of having their cards squished or bent if there are a lot of thick cards in a swap, but that's not the host's responsibility.

Also, for the 4th ounce all you need is a 5 cent stamp. Why do some hosts want an extra 40+ cents!?

I assume that they're trying to make it easier for people, because a lot of people don't buy 5-cent stamps. Since I keep a variety of stamps around, I usually send the exact amount of postage rather than wasting money. 40 cents here and 40 cents there really adds up.
Re: LTC tracker hosting
Board: LTC: Trades and Trackers
Reply to: #833491 by aMAZEing adventure frog
Mar 3, 2014 6:22am
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OH NO!!! I would cry and cry if my logbooks went missing. It took me 2 weeks of solid work to do them all, and I surely would not do them over. HUGGIES!!!
Re: LTC tracker hosting
Board: LTC: Trades and Trackers
Reply to: #833472 by Green Jeans
Mar 3, 2014 6:27am
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over tape and make it difficult to open the envelope!

This is when I just use scissors to slice the tape and open. I hosted a lot, and I just keep scissors with me and slice away. Unless people use visible tabs for me to open the tape, I don't go looking for the invisible tape seam.

I have received 2 bubble mailers in the mail that were OPEN because they only taped the flap down and didn't wrap it around. So I always wrap the tape around, but leave a little folded flap.

I sent one personal trade in regular envelope and didn't tape it... because who tapes envelopes? Yep, it was torn open and lost most of the cards. Now I tape them.
Re: LTC tracker hosting
Board: LTC: Trades and Trackers
Reply to: #833498 by FloridaFour
Mar 3, 2014 6:39am
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I sent one personal trade in regular envelope and didn't tape it... because who tapes envelopes? Yep, it was torn open and lost most of the cards. Now I tape them.

That stinks. :^(

Even for personal trades in a regular envelope, I started putting my cards in a small baggie with my address label. I figure it can't hurt.
Re: LTC tracker hosting
Board: LTC: Trades and Trackers
Reply to: #833033 by BfloAnonChick
Mar 3, 2014 12:50pm
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I just looked at the mailing rules for the first swap I was in 2 years ago, and a new one active now.
If this had been on the swap back then, I would have thought it was 'too hard' and never joined! I'm not saying the extra info is bad, and I'm sure it is helpful to some, but there is a point where it hits overwhelming and I just skip the swap.

2012:
Please mail in a reusable mailer. Please include 5 first class stamps for return postage. Put your address in both places on the envelope and put our address on a removable label over the "To" address so we can just peel it off when we are ready to return the mailer to you.

Looks easy. Now to find the Youtube video to learn how to make the mailer

2014:
MAILING ENVELOPE: Please use a reusable, pre-addressed 6x9 inch bubble mailer envelope. Use clear packing tape over the paper strip on the envelope flap. Seal the envelope closed with clear packing tape. YOUR mailing address should be written in the center and in the upper left corner of the envelope. Write MY mailing address on a white index card and tape it in the center of the envelope over your address.

Note: Please cover the entire front half of your envelope with ONE layer of clear tape so when I pull it off (preferably from the backside), my address label, the cancelled postage and every TRACKING STICKER also comes off!

NEW 2014 POSTAL RATES AND PACKAGING GUIDELINES:
For padded bags ("cushion mailers")

1. The thickness is less than ¾ inch. It should fit through a cut out slot template measuring ¾ inch x 12 inches.

2. The height and length dimensions of the padded bag do not exceed 12 inches.
Use a standard size 6 inch x 9 inch padded bag only. Non-standard shapes require additional charges.

3. The contents should be "flat-size," uniformly thick, evenly distributed, without lumps. No rubber banded bundles.

4. The contents should not "shift" inside the padded bag.

5. The padded bag must be flexible. Do not include cardboard. Do not write "DO NO BEND" on the padded bag. Only use one layer of tape. If the padded bag is too rigid, it will be classified as a box and "package" charges will apply.

Do not include thick or hard embellishments on your LTCs. Extra postage on your mailer will not cover the added postage required for ALL the participant's envelopes if your cards change the character of their envelopes. (ie. Shrink Art plastic, metal coins, buttons, or decorative scrapbooking items.)

RETURN POSTAGE: Enclose 5 Forever stamps and One five cent stamp for return First Class postage. (up to 4 oz. maximum)

Avoid using APC labels! If you selected "envelopes" for your padded bag, the machine will not issue the correct postage amount label. Padded bags are "flat parcels"; not large envelopes. If in doubt, take the padded mailer to the post office. Ask about guidelines for padded mailer bags and ways to best package and mail them. It's a learning experience.

Do not use a business postage meter. I cannot use business postage meter labels for return postage.

Do not send previously used postage stamps on strips of packaging tape or plastic. If the post office thinks the stamps look like they were previously used, they will reject the mailer and require new postage.

The host cannot accept postage due mailers. Mailers will be returned unopened.

ADHD kicks in around the 3rd guideline...
Re: LTC tracker hosting
Board: LTC: Trades and Trackers
Reply to: #833567 by RIclimber
Mar 3, 2014 1:11pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Some people really like having everything spelled out for them. I'm usually a "just get them to me and make sure I can get them back to you" kind of host, but sometimes I end up getting a LOT of questions about the "right" way of going about that :)

Plus, that host probably avoids a lot of the hassles that I sometimes have to put up with!
Is this one 10 foot piece of tape wrapped around and around the mailer? How do I open this? Which piece is supposed to come off? I hope I don't ruin it!

Enclose 5 Forever stamps and One five cent stamp for return First Class postage. (up to 4 oz. maximum)

Isn't that the "package" rate?
Re: LTC tracker hosting
Board: LTC: Trades and Trackers
Reply to: #833567 by RIclimber
Mar 3, 2014 1:30pm
Thread (disabled) Board
I looked at this closely, and I'm confused:

Note: Please cover the entire front half of your envelope with ONE layer of clear tape so when I pull it off (preferably from the backside), my address label, the cancelled postage and every TRACKING STICKER also comes off!

5. The padded bag must be flexible. Do not include cardboard. Do not write "DO NO BEND" on the padded bag. Only use one layer of tape.

If the host is pulling off the tape from the front of the envelope, shouldn't there be another, permanent layer of tape underneath it to protect the envelope? If so, wouldn't the envelope need TWO layers of tape?

I think I know what the host is trying to say, but I can definitely see why an LTC newbie would be confused.
Re: LTC tracker hosting
Board: LTC: Trades and Trackers
Reply to: #833572 by Aiphid
Mar 3, 2014 1:38pm
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Most places will charge the package rate of $2.50. And one extra 5 cent stamp to guarantee at least 4oz is worth it.

Is this one 10 foot piece of tape wrapped around and around the mailer? How do I open this? Which piece is supposed to come off? I hope I don't ruin it!

1 Slice tape at flap. 2 slice around address label and remove. 3 Swap cards and re-tape closed. 4 Let owner deal with the mess!
Re: LTC tracker hosting
Board: LTC: Trades and Trackers
Reply to: #833578 by RIclimber
Mar 3, 2014 2:49pm
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Most places will charge the package rate of $2.50.

If you meet all the requirements for large envelope, you can force them to give you that rate.

However, that doesn't guarantee that someone down the line who doesn't understand the rules won't slap on a postage due sticker. Heck, I've seen PO metered mail that's come postage due, which should be against the law (if it isn't already).
Re: LTC tracker hosting
Board: LTC: Trades and Trackers
Reply to: #833590 by Aiphid
Mar 3, 2014 3:14pm
Thread (disabled) Board
However, that doesn't guarantee that someone down the line who doesn't understand the rules won't slap on a postage due sticker. Heck, I've seen PO metered mail that's come postage due, which should be against the law (if it isn't already).

I've had this happen to me a couple of times. Super irritating! If you (the postal worker) weigh my package and place the postal sticker on it...how on earth are you going to send it back to me postage due. Grrr....
I went in and asked and they really didn't seem to care...they said...it must have been weighed wrong...ummm...I send a lot of money at the post office, I'm helping you to stay open...you should have had to eat that 10 cents that YOU missed up on weighing it.
Re: LTC tracker hosting
Board: LTC: Trades and Trackers
Reply to: #833567 by RIclimber
Mar 3, 2014 3:17pm
Thread (disabled) Board
ADHD kicks in around the 3rd guideline...

Ahhhh....now I know my problem. Okay all.....blame it on my add. If you want my cards you have a max of three allowable guidelines to give me.... hahahaha
Re: LTC tracker hosting
Board: LTC: Trades and Trackers
Reply to: #833567 by RIclimber
Mar 3, 2014 3:23pm
Thread (disabled) Board
there is a point where it hits overwhelming and I just skip the swap

And that's fine. The person hosting isn't doing anything wrong, so if you don't want to join a swap with a lot of instructions, don't do it. There are constantly new swaps added, so there are plenty to choose from. There are people who appreciate having detailed instructions instead of trying to figure things out on their own, and the host has the right to make things easier for themselves. If I really want to join a swap, I'll make sure to follow all of the rules for that swap.

Maybe: Not every swap is for every swapper?
Re: LTC tracker hosting
Board: LTC: Trades and Trackers
Reply to: #833599 by Aiphid
Mar 3, 2014 3:30pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Maybe: Not every swap is for every swapper?

This is true. I know what I have time for. I don't blame swap leaders at all.
Re: LTC tracker hosting
Board: LTC: Trades and Trackers
Reply to: #833567 by RIclimber
Mar 3, 2014 3:41pm
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Then vs now:

Wow.

Just. . .wow.

And thank you all for treating me so kindly and gently when I switched from the land of postals (no internal postage required) to LTC's and literally just forgot a couple times- I now realize I could have been banned for life!!!

~tigger with her tail between her teeth
Re: LTC tracker hosting
Board: LTC: Trades and Trackers
Reply to: #833567 by RIclimber
Mar 4, 2014 6:55am
Thread (disabled) Board
Why shouldn't one write Do Not Bend? I don't understand
Re: LTC tracker hosting
Board: LTC: Trades and Trackers
Reply to: #833688 by Sunia
Mar 4, 2014 7:53am
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Because for certain mail classes (envelopes and large envelopes), writing "Do Not Bend" incurs a surcharge because the item is nonmachinable. This does not, in fact, apply to LTC and postal bubble mailers, which should be sent at package rates. Just because one post office somewhere lets someone get away with sending at large envelope rates does not mean that a) it is correct, or that b) it will arrive safely. A mailpiece can be checked for correct postage at any point along its journey, and may be sent back or marked postage due accordingly.

Moreover, the instructions on that tracker (for "flat" or large envelope rates) are inconsistent with the postage being requested of participants (package rate).
Re: LTC tracker hosting
Board: LTC: Trades and Trackers
Reply to: #833695 by BfloAnonChick
Mar 4, 2014 1:24pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Moreover, the instructions on that tracker (for "flat" or large envelope rates) are inconsistent with the postage being requested of participants (package rate).

Agree, agree! And glad to have someone confirm what I've been thinking.

Also, I find the suggestion by some hosts to spread the LTCs out inside the bubble mailer to be inconsistent and unnecessary. If sent at package rate,($2.32 and up) it is unnecessary to make the package flat. I hosted 3 swaps in January and February and received a lot of packages where folks had gone to a lot of trouble to make the package flat yet it was still sent at package rate. I just pop my cards into a ziplock bag inside of the bubble mailer.
Re: LTC tracker hosting
Board: LTC: Trades and Trackers
Reply to: #833695 by BfloAnonChick
Mar 4, 2014 2:03pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Never imagined that writing Do Not Bend could change the price. I didn't actually think it would be treated much differently with or without the words. Thanks for the explanation.

What a pain the postal rules have become!
Re: LTC tracker hosting
Board: LTC: Trades and Trackers
Reply to: #833759 by Sunia
Mar 4, 2014 2:29pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Never imagined that writing Do Not Bend could change the price. I didn't actually think it would be treated much differently with or without the words.

Not that it makes any difference, mind you. Every "do not bend", "non-machinable", and "hand-sort only" envelope that I've received lately has been run through the automated system.