I'm doing the LTC tracker where you send a SASE in and recieve cards back; it is such a kind and thoughtful tracker, and I am thankful for the kind offer.
The email asks for an envelope to be sent that is a bubble mailer but self addressed and all ready to mail. How do I send a self addressed pre stamped bubble envelope??? I know it is to protect the cards but how!?!?! |:P
Because from my understanding, it is to mail back too...

You'll want to write your name and address in both the sender and receiver spots. After doing that, completely tape the envelope with packing tape. This allows you to rip off postage and an address and reuse the envelope. When you're ready to send it, put another piece of tape with a corner folded down for easy removal over the area where the postage will go. Also, close the envelope the same way, with a corner folded down so it can be opened and resealed.

HERE is an explanation how to do the envelope.

But I use postage labels *bites lip*
So i should stick stamps on paper that she can peel of over stamps? WHA?

I know how to tape, but I don't get how we send with stamps already.

Yes, I know, I know how to tape it. I don't get how it is supposed to be pre stamped already!!!

Just throw 4 or 5 stamps (or however many the swap host calls for) in the envelope.

You put un cancelled stamps or $$ inside the envelope.

I don't get how it is supposed to be pre stamped already!!!

You can put stamps/postage inside the envelope, OR I recently saw someone layer it like this (read from the bottom up):

Postage to go to other person
Tape that can be ripped off
Piece of paper (big enough to completely cover postage underneath)
Postage to come back to you
Tape that can be ripped off
Envelope

Does that make sense?

:P
Ok...

Umm...I think. I'll probably use that. Thanks.

I would seriously recommend just putting the return postage (stamps or money) inside the envelope for the other person to put on/purchase.

The thing about layering stamps on top of stamps on the outside of an envelope is that if you're not very careful, one or another layer of stamps ends up with tape over top of them, and in the States, this invalidates them completely and gets your mailpiece sent back to you. (Not sure what the law is up there in Canada.) I once got an LTC mailer sent back to me from a swap that was postage-due because the sender had affixed the stamps before taping up the end, and just a bit (half an inch!) of tape was overlapping the stamps. They're not kidding around.

I think I'll just put it inside. Don't want to owe..its hard enough to get my hands on American stamps as it is...

I've done a couple of LTC Trackers now and haven't received the set back yet, but this discussion brings up the question in my mind about the stamps affixed to your "covered envelope".

Does the person sending back the cards ALSO affix the enclosed stamps onto a removable piece of tape, or do they put the stamps onto your covered envelope? I think the latter would make it hard to remove those stamps in order to reuse the "reusable" envelope.

AB

I do it, when I host, and some other swap leaders do as well, but not everybody. It is very appreciated when they do, however!

(For the record, yes you can get the stamps off anyway, but it's a pain in the rear.) :-)

I'm in this same tracker, I think.

I'm going to put fresh (return) stamps on the envelope, cover that area of the envelope with an index card, then take the envelope to the post office and have them put their stamp thingie on top of the index card. The recipient will remove the card, and my return postage will be revealed beneath.

Same treatment for the address area (my address underneath the one I'm sending to).

I hope someone will speak up if I've got this wrong.

I like the index card idea. Ah, well. I'll figure out something.

How is the aforementioned index card attached on top of the stamps? I can't visualize this working so well.

AB

The index card is covered with tape (such that it can be removed), then postage put on top of that. :)

How is the aforementioned index card attached on top of the stamps? I can't visualize this working so well.

Packing tape. I leave a small triangle of the index card untaped at one corner and marked with a small X. The recipient can grab that corner and yank off the index card and the tape to reveal whatever is beneath (stamps or return address).

The index cards are unlined and cut down a bit to fit the areas. I have an abundance of unlined index cards left over from a recent logbook-making frenzy.