I have read the Trading Primer, but I still am unclear about a few things. I've seen that most swaps require that the participants include labels.
(1) By "labels" are you referring to, Return Address labels, or do you mean Plant ID labels (markers)?
(2a) If the above answer is Return Address Labels, then can someone please explain why the return address labels are preferred to simply self-addressing the enclosed (SASBE) envelope? I think I'm missing something here.
(2b) What does it mean if the swap says to "include a SASE and labels?" (this is counter-inutitive to me - if I'm including a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope then what are the labels for?)
(3) Does anyone still use Business sized envelopes or are Bubble envelopes always expected?
(4) If using Bubble envelopes, then please tell me what your preferred dimensions are.
Thank you in advance for your answers! They should prevent me from annoying anyone whom I may do business with in the future. (smile)
Cross Post: Newbie Questions
Cross Post (for all of the others who have been wondering this same thing):
Okay, someone just d-mailed me with the million dollar answer that has been evading me. ***The return address label is included in lieu of a second bubble envelope, thereby re-using the original envelope.***
wrightie ~
Welcome to DG. You will find that people here are very nice and helpful. Let me see if I can answer your questions.
1. The labels being referred to in the seed swap directions are self-addresed labels, not plant markers.
2a. Enclosing a self-addressed label not "labels" plural, (as you indicated above) with your swap goodies enables the swap hostess to "re-use" your original bubble envelope placing the label you provide. This way you only send one bubble envelope, not two. The 'ole saying "waste not, want not" applies here. :-)
2b. This is a really good question. Unfortunately, I do not have an answer for you............it certainly doesn't make sense to include a SASE and label. ????? Can anyone else help me out here?
3. As a general rule of thumb, bubble envelopes are preferred, not expected. I know that I personally don't trust the USPS not to crush and/or mutilate my seeds in a regular envelope - - - no one likes receiving ground up seeds. :( In an individual trade situation, you could use a business envelope and wrap your seeds well in bubble wrap if you prefer, but in a swap the hostess will certainly appreciate the bubble envelope and not have to individually wrap the seeds. BE's are a nice time saver.
4. As for size, a nice 8.5 x 11 or 10 x 12 will work nicely. Remember that often people send extra goodies and gifts to share with everyone and you certainly wouldn't want to miss out on that as a result of your BE being too small. :)
I hope this will help you get starting, just jump in and have fun!
Belinda
Methinks that the Trading Primer could use some updating! It's important that new people understand that SASE's aren't necessarily the norm anymore, but extra return address labels and loose postage are. I wish I had known this before recently sending a precariously-folded padded envelope inside a larger envelope along with all of my packets...
Thanks for the answers and D-Mails everyone.
We all live and learn each day, wrightie - - - - I too made the same mistake last year when I first started. You are most welcome for the answers, glad to help!
Have a nice evening,
Belinda