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Vending Machine Prize Swap- Newbies Welcome

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Vending Machine Prize Swap- Newbies Welcome
Swap Coordinator:Alaindrea (contact)
Swap categories: Challenges  Accessories  Ephemera 
Number of people in swap:19
Location:Regional - US only
Type:Type 3: Package or craft
Last day to signup/drop:July 27, 2009
Date items must be sent by:August 3, 2009
Number of swap partners:1
Description:

Everyone has vending machines that vend plastic capsules and other prizes nearby. For this swap you will go buy a few (3+) items from various local vending machines and mail them to 1 partner. Suggested Price limit: $2 before shipping.

  1. If the item comes in a capsule or egg, please send it in the capsule. Please leave stickers (and the like) in the sleeve. Bounce balls are OK, even though they don't come in a wrapper of any kind. Do not send "old" (re-gifted) prizes, and please don't get everything from the same machine.

  2. NO FOOD/DRINK VENDS (M&M's, bubblegum, jawbreakers etc) (these aren't usually wrapped, and might melt, etc...) (IF someone else wants to do a vended food swap, feel free.)

  3. Sender's Choice on all items. (people are limited by what is available in their area.)

  4. Newbies welcome with a filled out profile. If you aren't new, please have a 4.6 with a log in the last week, and no "1" ratings in the last 3 months.

Other thoughts: it might be fun to send a picture of the machines you bought from with this swap, but this isn't required. If you want, you may send a photobooth photo of yourself to your partner, but this isn't required because it would go over the spending limit. Don't forget to include a note with your username and the name of the swap, so that you can be rated. I should be able to angel if anyone flakes.

Photo by upso. Photo obtained under a creative commons license.

Discussion

Alaindrea 07/22/2009 #

I was just informed that this is very similar to another swap. I have messaged the other host.

bleh 07/22/2009 #

I think the other one is international.

How would we package this? would a bubble envie be enough? I worry that the capsule will get crushed and might rip the packaging.

Alaindrea 07/23/2009 #

I think I personally will use a small box. I am also worried that capsules will get crushed, and I can think of so many things to make from them...

I spoke with the other host and she said it was no problem. ^_^

The other swap is international and can be found at http://www.swap-bot.com/swap/show/41229 for anyone who would like to join both.

Alaindrea 07/26/2009 #

The turn out for this one looks great! I will likely run another one of these next month. :) Thanks to everyone who has joined!

melanieyunk 07/27/2009 #

I'm so excited to have an excuse to buy those wonderful toys! Looking forward to this swap!

Corky2828 07/27/2009 #

Awesome swap idea! I can't wait to search for different machines with neat toys. :)

Kakeys 07/27/2009 #

HANDS SWELL. AM NOT SCREAMING. 8-)

POST OFFICE PROCEDURE FOR HAND CANCEL ITEMS: USE A BRIGHT COLOR MARKER, ON A PADDED ENVELOPE. ONE MUST PRINT CLEARLY, HAND CANCEL IN BLOCK LETTERSRIGHT BEFORE THE POSTAGE STAMP. HAND CANCEL MUST BE PRINTED BOTTOM LEFT HAND SIDE AS WELL. I ALWAYS USE DARK COLOR FOR ADDRESS, SO HAND CANCEL STANDS OUT. ONE MAY WRITE IT IN MORE PLACES TO BE SAFER. ADDRESS SUGGESTION: PUT ONE INSIDE 'EGG' AND ALSO TAPE ONE TO 'EGG' SO IT WON'T GET 'LAID' IN THE DEAD LETTER OFFICE, 20 YEARS FROM DATE OF MAILING. 8-)

Kakeys 07/27/2009 #

ANOTHER CHEAP MAILING TUBE: WHY NOT USE A CLEAR , PLASTIC PILL BOTTLE. WASHED WELL WITH LABELS TAKEN OFF. A COTTON BALL ON TOP AND BOTTOM WOULD LOOK 'CUTE'. JUST BE SURE TO USE A LOT OF TAPE.
THE OPAQUE BOTTLES WILL HIDE THE 'TOY' AND KEEP THE SURPRISE. JUST CHECK WITH POST OFFICE, BUT I DOUBT THERE WILL BE ANY PROBLEMS. THEY ARE LISTED ONLINE, JUST ASK.

Kakeys 07/27/2009 #

ONE ALSO MAY MAKE A MAILING TUBE FROM CARDBOARD. ENDS PUSHED INTO TUBE, TAPED WELL. OR TUBE ENDS FOLDED DOWN FLAT, STAPLED AND TAPED.

Kakeys 07/27/2009 #

CONTACT POST OFFICE FOR THIS ONE:

A MAGAZINE I READ, FORGET WHICH ONE, HAS A MONTHLY CONTEST OF WEIRDEST OBJECTS EVER MAILED.

ITEMS WERE SENT VIA MAIL, WITHOUT ANY WRAPPING WHATSOEVER. EXAMPLE: AN OLD DIAL TELEPHONE. OBJECTS WERE TAPED, SO NOTHING COULD FALL OFF. POSTAGE AND MAILING ADDRESS WERE SIMPLY PLACED ON TOP. ONE MAY PAY A "SMALL FEE " FOR 'WEIRD' SHAPE BUT IT WOULD BE A LOT CHEAPER THAN USING A BOX AND PAYING THE FLAT RATE FEE.

Alaindrea 07/27/2009 #

@melaineyunk and @Corky2828 I think I have something from most of the nearby machines, so I wanted to see what others had. >:)

Alaindrea 07/27/2009 #

Interesting Idea, @Kakeys . I will be sure to check the USPS site for regulations. I know that you are right about tubes being mailable, because blueprints are frequently mailed in tubes. I do know that no bar codes can be visible on the outside of the package.

Corky2828 07/27/2009 #

I think I'm just going to use a small box to make sure none of the capsules break.

j2fabfunk 07/28/2009 #

I had fun at the vending machine today :) what a fun swap and my first :) thanks for allowing newbies.

Alaindrea 07/28/2009 #

@j2fabfunk

No problem, You're welcome.

I wasn't a newbie that long ago, and we aren't exactly trading high dollar items ;)

KimberCow27 08/ 1/2009 #

You know, I went to Fry's Electronics today to get a new hard drive for my computer and I passed a HUGE selection of quarter machines!

Just a tip for those who happen to live near one. Hope you like extras, partner!!

Alaindrea 08/ 2/2009 #

Neat, ty kimbercow

Alaindrea 08/10/2009 #

If you want to do it again, I've set up another one! http://www.swap-bot.com/swap/show/42923

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