Question for hosts

Are you putting tracking on your return packages??

I was just wondering if this is why some people are asking for more than 5 Forever stamps now?

Because the last packages that arrived at my house where people used metered postage were for $1.65 and $1.85. They weren't super thin packages, either. So seems like the 5 stamps should be no problem and give a little wiggle room for some people using heavier LTCs, etc. unless their LTCs are total bricks.

I'm going to my post office today to check MY post office's rates. (Seems like different places treat these packages differently). 5 stamps have always been more than sufficient for me.

I've been wondering this too. I weigh my packages before I send them out, and if they on their own are heavy enough that some thicker cards in the return package might put the total weight over 3 oz., then I will add a 6th stamp. But 5 stamps is still sufficient to send packages up to 3 oz., which is the vast majority of LTC swaps.

ETA: Though I've also noticed an increase in the amount of micro-managing from a couple of swap hosts. "Your package must be in a chartreuse-coloured mailer (not lime green; lime green mailers will be returned unopened!), the cards inside must be bundled into 3 equal stacks, each wrapped with 2 strips of APPLEWOOD-SMOKED bacon. Don't make your host angry by sending inferior bacon!"

I exaggerate, of course, but it's gotten ridiculous. I've participated in hundreds of swaps, hosted my share as well, over the last four and a half years; I think I know what I'm doing. And some hosts will give exact specifications about how things must be packaged and taped, while acknowledging that they cannot, in fact, be bothered to place tape under the stamps when they return mail. Every accommodation made for them, but they can't return that favour. It's obnoxious. There are now 2 hosts whose swaps I avoid (regardless of how much I might be interested in the subject matter) for this reason.

I don't add tracking. I figured people ask for six just in case. I don't ask for a certain amount, just whatever people feel is sufficient. I might weigh them or I might just put on all the stamps, unless it's obviously too much. Then again, it's been a little while since I hosted.

As a host, I don't put tracking on my return packages. I try to make sure that all of the cards that I send back are in a ziploc with a return address on it so that if the package opens, the cards will eventually find their way home (hopefully!).

I use a 6x9 padded envelope and put $2.32 on my packages. Unless the swap has >20 cards or is a special swap with heavier cards, that amount is always sufficient. I weigh my envelopes if they look questionable.

FF, for the swaps where the host is asking for more than 5 stamps, are there are lot of cards involved, or will the cards be heavy? Otherwise, I don't understand it.

Can you even buy tracking using stamps?

If someone asked for tracking, I would oblige them, but they would be required to pay the tracking fee.

Here's a simplified version of the new USPS pricing, if anyone's interested. For most people using the typical prepared padded envelopes, the $2.32 fee applies, if the package weighs less than 4 oz.

Here's a simplified version of the new USPS pricing, if anyone's interested. For most people using the typical prepared padded envelopes, the $2.32 fee applies, if the package weighs less than 4 oz.

It actually applies only up to 3 oz. Once you hit 3.1 oz., it goes at the 4 oz. rate ($2.50). The Post Office loves to round up. :-P

Oops, you're right, BAC--thanks for clarifying! :^)

Though I've also noticed an increase in the amount of micro-managing from a couple of swap hosts. "Your package must be in a chartreuse-coloured mailer (not lime green; lime green mailers will be returned unopened!), the cards inside must be bundled into 3 equal stacks, each wrapped with 2 strips of APPLEWOOD-SMOKED bacon. Don't make your host angry by sending inferior bacon!"

I know what you mean, BAC. I ignore those detailed special instructions and wrap my cards in Oscar Mayer bologna. It's a lot cheaper than that fancy applewood-smoked bacon and leaves less of a scent behind.

I know what you mean, BAC. I ignore those detailed special instructions and wrap my cards in Oscar Mayer bologna.

Sorry, Rocklun, you're now banned from all of my swaps!

I know what you mean, BAC. I ignore those detailed special instructions and wrap my cards in Oscar Mayer bologna.

Sorry, Rocklun, you're now banned from all of my swaps!

See? Angry host. ;-)

I must apologize, Aiphid. Tell you what: I'll wrap your cards in Mother Goose liverwurst! Then your cats will have a special treat, too!! ;^)

You all are way too much today!!

Yep. You can track anything if you go to the po and get a tracking number for it. There's little forms to fill out.

if you go to the po ... There's little forms to fill out.

Ugh, so much work :)

Tracking using stamps

Well, maybe it wasn't tracking.... it was some kind of barcode that says $0.00, and the people used stamps. Maybe a post office thing.

I just noticed it on 2 packages and wondered if it was tracking.

Anyway, I have only ever had ONE package need more than 5 stamps, and it was one sent to me, and her cards were very thick, which was still fine on the return. One of her cards didn't add enough to make a difference. I sent a few trackers with 35 cards in them..... still 5 stamps.

Anyway, I am not trying to be a cheap skate, I promise. If a host wants 6 stamps because there has been issues, I consider it a tip if it isn't needed. I know hosting can be stressful, since packages have been stolen from front porches, etc. But there's only so much we can do... I have just had several people ask me shipping questions, and I think it has more to do with our inconsistencies as hosts, than with post office rates. In my humble opinion...

As far as packaging, I try to be flexible as a host. I answer whatever questions people have. I don't get picky about tape, etc. Other than making it non-reusable by gluing the flap down....(which has happened) I just lead by example. If people see how I return their package, they might get the idea. I have even made new packages and spent my own money a few times to help people. I'm ok with that. A few have used non-standard ltc practices, maybe because they just didn't see the instructions, and so I just make them a gift of a new mailer, and encourage them to keep playing.
I do tend to get ADD if instructions are too complex.... haha!

If you have applied stamps to a package and then take it into the post office to verify that you have applied sufficient postage, then they will apply the tracker number sticker. The $0.00 sticker indicates that you did not purchase any postage at the P.O.

Ahhh... thanks for that excellent response, DD ! :)

The $0.00 sticker indicates that you did not purchase any postage at the P.O.

I've always wondered about that sticker, too!!

Im very glad for boxers like you who take the time to send back envelopes with corrections! Thats how I learned how to do it properly, I did a swap and its was my first, and the host was so awesome and sent me back my envelope "showing" the corrections I needed to make :) Now I know what Im doing and are more confident in sending out my swaps :)

I exaggerate, of course, but it's gotten ridiculous. I've participated in hundreds of swaps, hosted my share as well, over the last four and a half years; I think I know what I'm doing. And some hosts will give exact specifications about how things must be packaged and taped, while acknowledging that they cannot, in fact, be bothered to place tape under the stamps when they return mail. Every accommodation made for them, but they can't return that favour. It's obnoxious. There are now 2 hosts whose swaps I avoid (regardless of how much I might be interested in the subject matter) for this reason.

Agree completely. It's equally obnoxious when someone joins your tracker and then complains about the subject matter or asks for your tracker requirements to be changed to suit their needs. I stay away from either.

{ETA: Though I've also noticed an increase in the amount of micro-managing from a couple of swap hosts. "Your package must be in a chartreuse-coloured mailer (not lime green; lime green mailers will be returned unopened!), the cards inside must be bundled into 3 equal stacks, each wrapped with 2 strips of APPLEWOOD-SMOKED bacon. Don't make your host angry by sending inferior bacon}}

I agree....some of the swap leaders have taken it to an extreme. Quite honestly I am super busy between taking care of my home and kids and taking care of two sick parents, and working, and going through a divorce...etc....

If you want my cards in your swap....they will show up in a taped up padded envelope...I'll probably send a few extra cards as a thank you for hosting. There will be return stamps in the package. Anything beyond that I probably don't have time for. However...my cards I believe are worth it. So you can take them or send them back. But if I'm not late and I've sent postage and you send them back to me...you should probably count on never receiving a card from me again. My life is hard enough...I refuse to let this hobby become something I can't enjoy. :)

And as a side note.....I prefer to put more work into my cards...than my envelopes....just a thought.

Anybody who wants to return Seattle Bound's cards "return to sender" without opening them can send them to me instead. Sure, you'll need to pay postage to change the destination, but I will MORE than reimburse you for your troubles!

I get the feeling that some hosts are just trying to be helpful with the long lists of instructions. I do what I always do and haven't had a problem. Maybe they think new people won't know what to do, so they list all the 'rules' to avoid questions. Anyway, that's how I take it, but I understand where you're coming from. The first time I saw someone list out so much stuff, I almost didn't join. But when I decided it was general guidelines for people who don't know, I'm fine with it.

I'll still join..but I will send it out the way I always have because quite honestly thats literally as much time as I have...and thats if I'm driving, taping up the envelope, grocery shopping, and dispensing medication all at the same time.

Honestly I'm not trying to be difficult and they may not be either. I put ALOT ALOT ALOT of work into my cards. If you want them...I'll get them there in time with adequate postage...if not Aiphid will gladly take them, so would Miss C...

I love making LTC's and I will continue to do so in as non stressful of a manner as possible...but the moment a person makes it stressful for me I would have to bow out of that swap. I love art...and I'm going to make sure it stays that way.

I boo-booed and joined a complicated swap. Never again. Im kind of LTC swap traumatized. Just a little.

Now I know.

{I boo-booed and joined a complicated swap. Never again. Im kind of LTC swap traumatized. Just a little.}}

Okay see....if you traumatize me....don't plan on ever getting another card from me. Just saying. After I put all that effort in....

Hmmm. Kinda dying to know what happened Crosscresent.

OK... I went to the post office today, and I am now enlightened and I think I understand why some hosts are asking for more postage now. And honestly... I DO agree with them.

I took an LTC package I had just received in the mail to the PO today and she said... $2.68. Yep, that would be 7 Forever stamps. This is because this package was extra thick and extra heavy. Somehow it squeaked through with $2.55 postage on it. It got lucky.

I KNOW people don't want to have a complicated list of things to remember when they are sending an LTC package. SO it is easier just to ask for extra postage, and not have to worry about whether something has 2 layers of tape, is over 3/4" thick, has thick cards, heavy cards, bacon or ham wrapped cards.... But now I understand WHY some hosts are having issues with insufficient postage, because it almost happened to me. I want people to be able to make WHATEVER kind of cards they want in MY trackers. This is why I limit mine to 20 or less cards.

My rules are going to be: put sufficient postage on your envelope. I would put at least 5 on, 6 if heavy and take it to the post office if it is a thick brick. If you can't afford the postage, perhaps you should limit how many trackers you join.

Send me 5 Forever stamps inside the bubble mailer. 6 would be appreciated if it is heavy. I will take all packages to Post office and cover anything over 5. If I get a lot that 5 isn't enough, I will raise my plea to 6. If you use a regular mailer that is your prerogative, but I don't think they are as sturdy.

You already have the link for postage that someone gave us today. That is very helpful. Tape that on your LTC stuff.

Here is the reasoning I think there is so much confusion:

MOST post offices... including MINE consider MOST bubble mailers to be PARCELS. I'm not screaming, just emphasizing. LOL.

Parcel rates are higher. It is also EASIER to deal with multiple people in a tracker, some of which may want to send thicker, heavier cards, to not have to worry about thickness.

Flat rates are cheaper. If you can manage to make your package less than 3/4 inch all the way through, and you want to risk my sorting post office in Tampa to agree that a bubble mailer is NOT a parcel.... put whatever postage you want on your package, or use a regular mailer, not a bubble mailer. (again risk a torn envelope) It might or might not arrive at my house. To be safe, put at least 5 Forever stamps on, and if it is THICK and HEAVY, put 6 on. To be extra safe, weigh your package and send it Parcel rate, or take it to the post office.

International Senders: I will have different rules for you. DON'T send Bubble Mailers. Parcel rates are too expensive for you. Send regular 6x 9 mailers, and keep them under 3/4" inch thick. Whatever you have to do to partition them so they are under 3/4 is key. Postage will run you up to $6 from Europe and maybe $4 from Canada. With a bubble mailer it's more like $10.

I don't want to put all this stuff on my Tracker page. I don't want rules on taping and thickness on the trackers I host. I'm willing to follow other host's requirements, but I understand those that don't want to send to certain hosts, and that is their choice.

So, just to make it easy, I am just going to ask you to figure out your own postage to send to me... USUALLY 5 stamps is enough.
and Please send me 5 Forever stamps, unless you have a super heavy package, then send me 6.

The End.

Postage I totally understand my post office is super picky. It's always between 5 and 8 stamps for me. It's more.... If you don't like my envelope or you put on additional rules I honestly just don't have the time. I don't mean that to be offensive it's simply the truth for my life at the moment. But I love LtC's and I'm not planning on going anywhere :).so keep listing those swaps everyone!