After reading this thread:
It appears the thread was deleted.
And the comments left, I thought it would be interesting and informative to define what is considered an equitable trade.
What do you consider an equitable trade?
Value for value?
Numbers for numbers?
Seeds for plants?
Plants for seeds?
Rarity for quantity?
Quantity for rarity?
Postage for postage? (as in, is it an equitable trade if someone spends ten dollars in postage and the other 2 dollars etc).
How do you handle it?
X
This message was edited Mar 26, 2008 8:19 PM
Equitable Trading
I think a good rule is don't trade anything you wouldn't want to receive ( size wise). I have done trades were i send large plants and someone sends me a tiny seedling. i think it is always good to know what it is your trading and to discuss the size. That way no one is disappointed.
i am new to trading, and sometimes the etiquette is hard. you dont want to seem greedy or get taken advantage of, either. i think a fair trade is one that both parties feels good about. different people have different ideas about what is equitable. if someone really wants a particular item, especially if it is rare or expensive, they other party will most likely offer a greater number of the cheaper/more common item. however, i have traded with some great folks for some daylilies that dont care how much their dls are worth, they trade fan for fan. that was great for me, because i am new to dls and didnt have a lot of the more expensive ones. anyway, that is my newbie opinion. :)
tracie
I have been pleasantly surprised by the generosity of DGers in trades...on rare occasions I've been disappointed by size, quantity, or the way something was packed. So I would agree with TT77 in that specifics in communications are a good thing to avoid disappointment and upset feelings. I, for one, learn with each trade I do. As time passes you do repeat trades with some DGers. Some of the particulars I've found are good to cover ahead of time are:
1) How plant/seeds are being shipped i.e. priority vs 1st etc.
2) Approx. how many seeds will be included in the trade
3) Size/quantity of plants, bulbs, tubers being sent.
4) If someone agrees to trade plant for seeds (doesn't hurt to ask - esp. if it's someone you know) - it's a good idea to offer some postage to cover their added expense.
5) Expect that unless you know the other DGer (i.e. a friend) that most seem to prefer seed for seed and plant for plant.
6) Rareness of the plant does make a difference - take into consideration what you're offering (type and amt) in trade.
7) Please make sure to have adequate postage - and IF a plant, have box marked perishable. Sadly, we're all not blessed with postal carriers that are careful where a box is left i.e. full blazing sun.
8) Make sure the box you're shipping in is sturdy enough to survive handling by USPS...sad but true.
I think being considerate and taking the care with the plant/seeds - sending them the way you would want to receive them is the key. I, for one, don't feel like it HAS to be to the penny fair - too many DGers have paid it forward - I like to continue that theme when I can.
I really don't trade too much anymore and when I do trade it's for a plant that I REALLY want. Sometimes the plant is expensive or hard to come by so I will be sure to offer in exchange something of equal value. I also tend to trade with people that I have traded with in the past. I request my trader send their package the same way I send mine (priority only) how they wrap is up to them. I'm very careful and after years of trading I do have skill in putting a box together. I do send out a lot of plants for postage and all I ask is for postage up front.
I'm a new trader but don't really worry about the specifics. I figure if I agree to something and am not happy then it is my own fault. If I spent more than the other person in shipping costs I figure I will get it in return from some other generous person. I usually don't keep track of the shipping costs either. Plant karma.
X, the link up there went to show all the forums.
I don't trade too much anymore, but, I think that the plants should be healthy and not something that (doesn't like your area or house, etc..) because that means the plant is most likely dying. It bothers me when I get things like that and I like to be up front too, if they are just rooted cuttings, say so, because if you don't then I expect a fully rooted plant and then the newly rooted cutting dies, then I find myself not wanting to trade at all.. Then again, this happens when you order things on line too, and I feel the same way, not too good.
Honesty and communications will really help to understand what you are getting. I've only done concrete frogs for postage and some seeds, some don't send anything back and some do, so, I don't know what to say about that. If they agree to do postage, they should send postage.
Overall, Be fair to each other and usually you will both be happy with your trades.
Now that I am older and wiser, I think that if you can't propagate something don't admit that you have it. I had a certain plant, I did propagate it - but whatever I did I can't seem to do it again. I sent a cutting and it died (they knew it would be an unrooted cutting). I tried at home - and failed. Twice. I even tried layering. I used root-hormone. Maybe I didn't use the same root hormone I did a couple of years ago when it worked. I can't remember.
Morally speaking, I think I should just tell them that rooting this thing is just not working. Can I send them something else? No, I can't send one of the rooted cuttings. They are about 5 feet tall now.
Don't ask me what this thing is. I'm not going to admit I have it anymore, because I can't propagate it and therefore can't share it. So now I just won't admit I have it.
lol... that just happened to me.. I tried about 50 cuttings of Aristolochia gigantea and not one took...luckily I had 5 plants and I just sent her one of them and 2 A. elegance 1 year old seedlings.
As long as you say that you will try to root the cuttings and they know that and agree to that. I said that i would mail one of my plants if I couldn't root them.. so I did, in fact it was just Monday that they went out.. I had been trying since Oct or Nov of last year..lol They are not easy.
Now you got to tell us what plant it was... I promise not to ask for a cutting or a rooted cutting..
LOL A....I just dmailed her the same thing!!! Curiousity is killling me!!!
Oh, I hope she tells us.. There's alot of things that root for me that do it on their own, but, the ones I try really hard with, I may as well give up after the first try, but I keep on trying.
I think I'm at the bottom of the DG food chain when it comes to skill with rooting hardwood cuttings...it's very, very sad.
If a trader makes an offer and specifies what he/she wants and what he/she is willing to trade for, it should be left up to persons interested in trading with them to decide whether or not to trade. Even if the trade appears one-sided to other readers, one never knows who might just be waiting for that particular plant being offered and have an excess of the one being wanted.
I have in the past had a party who had no interest either way actually have the gall to post a derogatory message to the effect that they did not think the trade was fair. If a person has something personal to say to me, I would much prefer that they send me a D-mail rather than posting it. (That way I have the opportunity to tell them it is none of their business without ruining the possibilities of a trade.)
I thought this was extremely rude and thought they were very much out of place to do this.
Most trading involves an element of bartering, offers and counteroffers. If someone dmails and says, for example I'll trade you this for that. If you feel that your part is more valuable then you can always counter offer with a request for more of something that they have or that they pay postage. Then it is incumbant upon the original offerer to accept or decline. And it is always acceptable for either to decline. Like was said above communication is the key to a successful trade.
Anne
I agree with pieohmy. Trading to me is just fun.
I hope I never disappoint someone, but on my end it is just kind of like Christmas to receive a plant and fun to know one of my plants is off somewhere making someone happy.
Life too short to take it too seriously.
Nope, I'm not going to tell. Sorry.
But I will tell this one: I'm going to be experimenting with rooting some other unusual things this summer: Red S...oh, gosh, I almost said it.
Nope, I've learned. You guys hear about it when I've rooted it. Not before.
I bet there are DGers who will even try to figure out what Red S is...you're a bunch of plant addicts, the whole lot of you! Me included!
LOL yes, we are an addictive bunch. Hubby even teased me of it this AM.
Good point about the propogation of the plant to share. Mostly I like to deal with plants. I have so many seeds (and the addictive nature in me signed up for the Seed RR - so more are on their way) As it is, I have every window sill filled iwth started trays/greenhouses.
Red S???? Hmmm - makes me think! :-)
Well, I did finally find a book that told me how to propagate Red S. I have to chop it up. Eek!
As another newbie, I have no idea what has value & what doesn't. I am never the one to initiate a trade because i have no idea what is equitable. If someone suggests a trade I just tell them what I have & hope it will do! Everyone has been very kind thus far. Being honest is a must! I am up-front about size of seedlings. I have never felt taken advantage of because people are sending me what I am looking for....
This is the guideline I use (not saying it's right - just one I use). IF I can find it on a regular basis at the big box stores - it's a more common plant.
Brightstar - CHOP it? ugh!! And umm, yes...my name is Chantell and I IS a plant addict!!
Hi Everyone!
I like to think I am a fair person, but that doesn't mean I will be "fair" by anothers standards. I gree that the trade should be kept fun and enjoyable above all else, and I enjoy giving.. tis better to give than receive... and some day that plant you get from "Sally Sue" or "Jimmy James" will be oh so nice and big and pretty, and hopefully you will have forgotten about the trade being lopsided.
I do agree that honesty and communication are key!!
Thanks,
Becky
I'm fairly new to trading so I don't have a large collection of plants/seeds to trade yet. So usually, I just send what was asked. I so much appreciate all the generous DGarderner who have sent extras. Those are always nice and wonderful surprise. As far as the packing, I am just terrible. Some of the plants packings I received look like they were done by professionals. I am slightly embarassed by the way I sent, but I just do the best that I can. It's the way I've always shipped to some of my friends and their plants have always been fine, so I guess I never really thought much about the packing. I do try to make conscious effort to pack better.
Anyway, I am just addicted to this website. I LOVE it. I don't have many gardening friends that like the same stuff that I do, so this is website is just so nice. The resources here are wonderful. Thanks ya'll!
One way I've found to let people know what you're offering is to attach a picture of it.
If size is an issue, I usually use a ruler or a soda can for scale.
Communication is the key to a good trade.
People here are pretty generous when it comes to trades; I can't tell you how many extras I've gotten along with the plants I traded for.
Just my two cents,
Marsha.
This is a good thread to help newbies and refresh the oldies lol.
I try and send as much as possible because (selfish i know) it makes me feel good to think of someone being really happy with alot of plants from me, LOL.
Sometimes this isnt possible though. It all depends on the growing season and what ate what over the season.
As far as what I want, I'll trade plants for seeds. Unless I specifically say in a trade I want a plant or a rooted cutting, I'm good with anything.
I haven't had a bad trade yet on DG and I'm truly thankful for it!
As far as packing plants.
As long as they arrive in the best possible condition I dont care how they're packed.
I try to trim all my plants and remove all the soil and pack the roots in wet paper towels wrapped in plastic.
It helps save on shipping (a big issue here) and I think the plants probably do better not having to worry about all those stressed out limbs and leaves.
I always try and leave DG note making sure people email me if they are not happy with what Ive sent.
I'd hate to cheat someone or make them feel like they can't complain about a possible poor trade on my part.
Even if you get cheated on occasion there's always another DGer to trade with that will be more than generous with their plants.
It all works out in the end!
To all stingy traders, just remember, the farther you cast your seed the better chance it has to grow.
If you get stingy with your bulbs and then a mole eats them up... you won't have anyone to help you replace them. ;-)
Just my opinion. :-)
-Jocie.
I agree. I've only had 2 bad trades on dg and I figure what goes around comes around and just forget about it. In my 1/2 century of gardening those 2 were the only ones ever, so I know for a fact that 99.9% of gardeners are the kindest generous-est, honest people on the planet.
I just started as a member last year and began trading when asked. I have yet to get a fringe tree that I had asked for but that is ok.. I've hopefully made a few people happy in trades I sent them and yes I'm sure I've spent more than them but I am a pretty giving person and really enjoy making someones day or bringing a little happiness to their lives. I am after all "a Plant Freak" and I enjoy anything to do with plants. I've been really depressed this winter and now that spring is here I am having trouble waiting till the weather is warm enough to get all my planting done.. I'm sure all know what I'm talking about. I enjoy the unknown of some of the seeds I've received in trades and can't wait till I see what they become. I encourage anyone interested in trading to trade/swap/share. It's fun!!!
Oh & PS... I have had alot of traders that sent more than enough for me and I plan to share with family & friends.. We have alot of good traders! Thank you to all who have traded with me.. You make my day!
Happy Planting Everyone!!
Tricia
Good question Zinnia.
If it were something like marigolds I'd say no more than 30 unless you were aware of less seeds before you sent your trade.
Alot more if they're poppies.
Thats a hard question to answer lol, some plants put off less seed than others, even if they aren't rare.
Zinnia,
I would say what you would think would be an adequate amount to get started. That would be fair. I think we're all pretty honest and will do what we "can do". The lord will provide. And "giving" to me is a gift in itself. And yes if you have an abundant yield give more.. why not.. I will. This is just my opinion..
Tricia
PS... I've bought every kind of zinnia seed I could find.. I love zinnia's also..
This message was edited Apr 4, 2008 5:00 PM
Zinnialover, just to make sure there are no misunderstandings, when you make an offer for a trade you can specify how many of the seeds you will send. Like "about a teaspoonful" or "15".
One thing I do is to share from a packet that someone has sent me. After awhile, the original amount is decreased quite a bit. So, if I offer it as a trade, I have to remember to go back and see how many is left.
I think I heard somewhere that the magic number should be 35. As other members have said, sometimes that ISN'T what you would aim for - as in the case of poppies. Poppies would be "a pinch" or "several pinches" or "whatever."
So I would not offer the diminished seedpack as a trade item probably, but throw it in as a "treat" along with real trade items, and mark the number of seeds on it - as in "half a pinch of seeds" or "12 seeds", for example, so the person getting it won't use it as a trade item and have people thinking he is stingey.
I also make sure the person knows it is a "short-changed" seedpack, just an extra treat for him.
I send the amount I would like to receive myself. On rare or heavily requested items I always say that there will only be a few as lots of other people also want the item and I want as many as possible that ask to have a chance at it. Also if its an easy to save seed that is very productive usually I send quite a few and suggest if its more than needed to share the xtras. On items where only a few will be sent I usually send some xtras of things I have plenty of as a bonus.
It seems that the number would be different for perennials and annuals also . One might want a whole bed of one annual but 20 of one perennial seems a bit much .
Then the germination factor is something to be considerer, I just discovered too many winter sown foxglove I must have been crazy that day there are about 30 babies crowded into a milk jug.
Hmmmm......sounds like Plant Trading material to me, gardengus!
What would be considered a fair trade when trading cuttings for plants or rooted cuttings for plants? I want to make sure I do this right.
Thank you for the guidence, Kathy
Kathy - in that case I'd probably ask the other DGer what they thought fair. If your cuttings are rarer (is that a word? LOL) and their plants/rooted cuttings more common...seems to me that would off set itself...just MHO
I used generous-est so rarer has to be legal!! And I agree. Difficult and hard to germinate propagate etc are why a plant is rare. If they were easy to grow or prop. we'd all have them.
thank you thank you
Kathy
guspuppy, if they don't ROFL too hard at the offer, then it is a respectable trade.
One of my first trades embarrassed me when I received my part. I had sent a seedling and gotten a nice plant. I didn't know that I should have specified the size. The recipient seemed pleased enough, but I really felt badly.
Since I have done several trades, I have come to realize that it isn't the size that matters, it is getting something that you wanted and couldn't find or afford. So I no longer feel badly about my first trade as it was a very expensive little seedling if bought in a nursery.
I have loved reading about someone wanting something that I had plenty of to share, then offering it to them for postage. Price was not an issue as I had plenty and the party desiring the plants were excited.
I have also received peonies, and seeds from people for postage or even just free for the asking.
That is what I love about DG. You can have as much fun surprising someone as you get to have in being surprised by something as simple as a division of a plant or seeds.
I think as long as you are clear with what you offer the recipient will be happy. If you have concerns about being fair, just remember that DG brought about the opportunity for us to meet and exchange and that is what is really fair. Actually it is better than fair!!
So, bottom line for me is trade and trade or give and give and if someone surprises you with something let out a whoop of joy!!
Charlene
Another good thing is that Uncle doesn't make us pay taxes, because it's bartering, not selling. :p
Although I think that if they could figure out how to, they would..."I owe the IRS how many cuttings?!?"
It's tax time, and I think I have taxes on the brain...now trying to get back to thinking about planting, mulching, raking, and all that other good stuff. Oh, and of course, trading! :D